Debates of March 13th, 2020

This is page numbers 709 - 738 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was going .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Rendez-vous de la Francophonie

Government of the Northwest Territories Regional Office in Behchoko

Corrections Act Implementation

COVID-19 and Spring Break

Support for Shorter Sitting

Dredging in Hay River

Eulogy for Betty Mason

Mineral Resources

Made-in-the-North Arts Curriculum

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

COVID-19 and School Closures

COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

COVID-19 and Community Planning.

Arts Curriculum Advisor

COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

COVID-19 Response Plans

COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

COVID-19 and Public Housing Evictions

COVID-19 and Plans for Safety of Seniors

COVID-19 and Border Control in the Northwest Territories

Bill 3:

An Act to Amend the Public Highways Act

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Tabled Document 43-19(2) Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2020-2021 - Deletion of $10,000,000 Not Previously Authorized from Department of Infrastructure, Capital Investment Expenditures, Asset Management

Recorded Vote

Concurrence Motion - Tabled Document 43-19(2): Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2020-2021

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Mr. Blake , Mr. Bonnetrouge , Ms. Cleveland , Ms. Chinna , Ms. Cochrane , Ms Green, Mr. Jacobson , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Lafferty , Ms. Martselos , Ms. Nokleby , Mr. Norn , Mr. O'Reilly , Ms. Semmler , Mr. R.J. Simpson , Mr. Rocky Simpson , Ms. Thom, Mr. Thompson , Ms. Wawzonek

The House met at 10:00 a.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 709

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Colleagues, pursuant to Motion 6-19(2), I hereby give notice that I will recall this House to sit on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. After consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I am satisfied that the public interest requires that the House meet earlier than the scheduled resumption of the House on March 24, 2020.

In light of the growing concern surrounding COVID-19, I believe it is in the public interest for Members of this House to consider and adopt an interim appropriation bill to approve routine government expenditures for the first three months of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Sessions of the Legislative Assembly require the support of substantial Cabinet and public service resources and the suspension of our current sitting will free up these resources to focus on preparing for and responding to the potential spread of COVID-19 to the Northwest Territories.

Colleagues, the adoption of an interim budget is normal in the fiscal year following an election. The consideration and adoption of an interim appropriation bill will provide the spending authority for government departments and agencies to continue normal operations during the first quarter. This will not preclude further consideration of the main estimates that are currently before this House. Consideration of those estimates will resume when the Legislative Assembly reconvenes in May. Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Minister's Statement 37-19(2): Rendez-vous de la Francophonie

Ministers' Statements

Page 709

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Monsieur le President, I am proud to celebrate the francophone community of the Northwest Territories during the 22 nd Annual Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. This nationwide

initiative, held every March, is an opportunity for Canada's 9.5 million French speakers to promote the French language and celebrate the many ways it is expressed throughout the country.

The Rendez-vous encourages us to celebrate the strength in our diversity and cooperatively address the challenges we face as a territory. This year's theme of "Au centre d'un changement" is especially relevant as we begin the work to achieve the priorities of the 19 th Legislative Assembly. It is a welcome reminder to embrace a spirit of unity aimed at improving the quality of life for all of our residents.

Monsieur le President, this government is committed to providing our French-speaking residents with quality public services and communications. That is why we launched our first annual Francophone Community Satisfaction Survey earlier this month. The survey, available on the Department of Education, Culture and Employment's website until March 31, 2020, will help us to determine the francophone community's level of awareness of the GNWT's French-language communications and how satisfied they are with those services.

We are partnering with francophone organizations in areas like immigration. During Francophone Immigration Week in 2019, the Government of the Northwest Territories launched the Welcome to the NWT resource book for newcomers at an event hosted by the Northwest Territories' francophone immigration network. This guide was designed to help attract, settle, and ensure the retention of foreign nationals to the Northwest Territories and connect newcomers with the services and resources they need to settle comfortably into their new home communities.

We continue to support and engage with College nordique francophone. College nordique francophone plays a significant role in ensuring diversity in the postsecondary education system, offering language courses and a variety of post-secondary education diploma programs in cooperation with southern institutions. To support this important work, we recently signed a new three-year contribution agreement with College nordique francophone that will begin in the new fiscal year.

Monsieur le President, our diverse French population contributes a cultural richness to our communities, not only through language, but through dance, art, food, film, music, ideas, love for the land, and, above all, a passion for interconnectedness and cultural exchange. I am grateful for the gifts we continue to receive from the members of our vibrant and growing francophone population. Let us continue to work together to celebrate our diversity and to strengthen the social, cultural, and economic landscape of the Northwest Territories. Merci, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 37-19(2): Rendez-vous de la Francophonie

Ministers' Statements

Page 709

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Monfwi .

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Government of the Northwest Territories Regional Office in Behchoko

Members' Statements

Page 709

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Today, on behalf of Behchoko, I am going to be talking about some of the emotions about the Behchoko. There are more houses. There is a huge population in the community of the Behchoko. It is one of the largest native communities in the Northwest Territories. I am talking about the regional office. I will be talking about the regional office. I will ask questions, Mr. Speaker. [Translation ends]

[Microphone turned off] ...town in the Northwest Territories. It is the territory's largest Indigenous community. It is the centre of one of the most dynamic and vibrant regions in the territory. Yet, Mr. Speaker, the territorial government has no regional offices in Behchoko. It maintains regional offices in Inuvik, Norman Wells, Hay River, Fort Simpson, and Fort Smith, two of which actually have fewer population than Behchoko. Meanwhile, the Behchoko regional office is located in Yellowknife.

This is a disservice to the people of the Tlicho region. They observe Norman Wells and Fort Simpson, and wonder why they don't have the same access or decision-making powers, programs, employment, and career development as those communities that enjoy it by virtue of their regional government offices.

Mr. Speaker, the regional delivery model brings government closer to the people. It makes programs, policies, and services more culturally sensitive. The regional delivery model builds public buy-ins and makes communities more self-reliant. It has been 17 years since the Tlicho agreement was signed, making the Tlicho Nation one of the most progressive self-governing Indigenous nations in the world. It is time that this territorial government is recognized by giving the Tlicho a regional government presence to match. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Masi.

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Government of the Northwest Territories Regional Office in Behchoko

Members' Statements

Page 709

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Corrections Act Implementation

Members' Statements

Page 709

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In the last of the week of statements on justice issues, I want to reflect on the journey of developing the new Corrections Act. This was a journey I took with the Standing Committee on Social Development last year. Mr. Speaker, the committee was dismayed by the bill presented. It didn't reflect the many changes in approach and practice since the original Corrections Act came into force more than 40 years ago. It didn't compare well to new legislation in other jurisdictions such as Nunavut, which provided for more rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders.

As well, the bill didn't reflect changes in case law around solitary confinement or provide for procedural fairness with the complaints process. Last but not least, too many issues that are rights-based were relegated to regulations and policies rather than being found in the bill itself.

I reached out to subject-matter experts, and we benefited from the advice from the BC Civil Liberties Association; the former Director General of Corrections for Canada; the Canadian Bar Association, NWT Chapter; the former ED of the John Howard Society; and the Information and Privacy Commissioner. With all this analysis, we were able to refocus the bill away from administration of corrections and make it more inmate-centric, so to speak. We looked at how we take care of inmates when they are in one of our correctional centres and how we can assist them in turning their lives around so there is hope for a better future.

It was really beneficial that the Minister of Justice in the last Assembly and his staff worked so well together with the standing committee and our staff to accomplish very extensive and useful changes to the bill. The new NWT Corrections Act is equivalent to corrections acts anywhere in the country. This process demonstrated the strengths of consensus government. I used to say to people while this was going on that this was the bill that kept me up at night. After waiting 43 years for it to be thoroughly overhauled, we needed to do a really good job so that it would last another 43 years.

While I was initially doubtful that could be done, it was done. I am very proud of the result. I will have questions for the Minister of Justice on the next step, implementation of the act. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Corrections Act Implementation

Members' Statements

Page 710

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you Member for Yellowknife Centre . Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

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COVID-19 and Spring Break

Members' Statements

Page 710

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased. Yesterday, we brought up the COVID-19. I am pleased this government is working so hard to get this pandemic for the people across the territories sorted out on a plan to go forward. I want to know this plan for our schools, Mr. Speaker, and our small communities. Yesterday, Ontario announced the unprecedented decision to shut down their schools for two weeks after their spring break to try to slow the spread of the virus.

I believe the Minster of ECE should be doing the same here, Mr. Speaker, across our territory. In every district, give the local DEAs the authority to shut our schools down for the teachers. Everybody has a timeline when their spring break ends. The day it ends, it should be shut down for two weeks for self-isolation, because we know all the teachers in Nunakput where I represent, Inuvik, all the Beaufort-Delta, took off that day south. This will give our teachers who travelled south a chance to get back to our communities, self-isolate for a two weeks' extended period, with pay.

I also want to know if the school staff will be making sure that their school staff is paid regardless if they are self-isolating or not.

Today, I am asking the Minister of ECE : is he planning to extend spring break across the territory, say, Yellowknife, South Slave, Nunakput, Mackenzie Delta, the day that they come back, two weeks after they get back in the community to self-isolate and shut down our schools for the safety of our kids? Because, in the communities, we don't have access to medical like they do down south, Mr. Speaker. Make sure the Minister of education gives our local DEAs the authority to do that and let it be their choice in the matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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COVID-19 and Spring Break

Members' Statements

Page 710

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you Member for Nunakput . Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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COVID-19 and Spring Break

Members' Statements

Page 710

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think my colleague and I sat down and wrote our Member's statements together. Spring break is a time for families and teachers to escape the cold, dark weather for a couple of weeks. The spring break in my community started March 6 th ; therefore, everyone should start returning from their vacations from all over Canada and the rest of the countries by next weekend. This has people concerned. In other provinces, they are taking precautions by way of closing down schools for an additional two weeks after the spring break to reduce the possible spread of the virus.

Mr. Speaker, we have to remember there is no vaccine for this virus. There are people who are healthy and will risk being sick and do not mind taking the chance, but what happens, Mr. Speaker, to those who are immunocompromised, like our elders, our babies, and those with chronic diseases? Inuvik is the hub for all travel back to the smaller communities, and, therefore, we need to have a plan for when everyone returns to the Beaufort-Delta. In light of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, my community is worried about what will happen if the families and teachers return with no plan.

We also have no relief healthcare staff in Inuvik, and, therefore, if we get hit with the virus in my community or one of the smaller outlying communities in the Beaufort-Delta, they will deplete the staff in my community. We need to have a plan. We need to have the resources to protect the people in my community and the rest of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister of ECE . Thank you.

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COVID-19 and Spring Break

Members' Statements

Page 710

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes . Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Support for Shorter Sitting

Members' Statements

Page 710

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to rise in support of your decision to end this session early and pass an interim appropriation bill. I had a number of concerns about taking up the department of health's time, and all of the senior management, in questioning them over their budget while they have much better things to do.

I just wanted to speak briefly on this COVID-19 thing. I think the main priorities here are continuity of government and protecting our most vulnerable people, Mr. Speaker. I would like to commend all of the departments on the work they are doing, even without a confirmed case in the NWT as of yet. I've seen departmental response plans, and I have seen people really kick into action, just the power of what government can do. I think it's important here to reassure citizens that it's a matter of preparation, not panic.

I would like to in advance just provide some of my suggestions to Ministers that I will continue to press them, even without the House sitting. I think we must protect our most vulnerable. If we have a full-blown pandemic in the Northwest Territories, I would like to see the Housing Corporation stop evicting people. I think the idea that we would put people in self-isolation and then evict them is inhumane. I would like to see the Power Corporation stop throttling power on people who are self-isolating, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to see our homeless and most vulnerable provided housing if they have to self-isolate. I would like to see those in corrections make sure that they can be protected in this.

Mr. Speaker, during this time, even though this Assembly is not sitting, I want to assure the public that all MLAs will be in contact with government and that we will be continuing to have open communication with all of our citizens. Most importantly, this is about making sure that our healthcare system is prepared and not overwhelmed, and so I would like to in advance thank all of our healthcare workers, who are already overworked. Things are going to be harder for them, but I know that we are all there behind them, all of our healthcare workers, and so I just want to thank everyone in advance. Let's get through this together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Support for Shorter Sitting

Members' Statements

Page 710

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Members' statements. Member for Hay River South .

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Dredging in Hay River

Members' Statements

Page 710

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With permission from the Member for Hay River North , I am going to use a good part of a previous statement he made on dredging.

Mr. Speaker, the build-up of sediments in the Port of Hay River has reached a critical level. The federal government used to dredge the waterways around Hay River and at points in the Mackenzie River. That program ended in the early 1990s, and virtually nothing has been done since. The result is that tugs are dragging barges through silt, boats are being damaged, and sport and commercial fishermen are finding it unsafe. I am aware that dredging is the federal government's responsibility as that has been the answer that previous Ministers have provided over and over again.

Regardless of whose responsibility it is, it is in our backyard, so, as far as I am concerned, it's our problem and we have to do something about it.

Mr. Speaker, safe marine operating conditions are vital to maintaining and growing the South Slave economy. The Port of Hay River is the largest inland port in Western Canada. It is home to a Canadian Coast Guard base, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and our own marine transportation service. It is part of the reason that the Town of Hay River exists, so it's shocking that we have let this condition worsen each year.

Our priorities contain a bold vision for the NWT's economy, which includes the fishing industry. The problem is that, if the fishermen cannot get to the fish because the port is too shallow and unsafe, then we do not have an industry. It's as simple as that. Hay River has also a growing tourist industry with amazing potential. With our southern proximity and access, the town could be a destination for recreational boaters and sport fishers, and, in fact, there are businesses making investments in the market right now. Mr. Speaker, without action on dredging, that opportunity will be lost.

The vitality of our shipping industry and the cost of goods up the Mackenzie are also directly and negatively impacted by our lack of action. This problem has consequences beyond Hay River. As each year passes and the sediment builds, the risk of flooding grows greater. From what I could tell, the previous government did little more than provide a weak argument to the federal government to dredge the harbour, which has gotten us nowhere. I urge this government to address the dredging issue during the term of this Assembly. What we need is more action and less finger-pointing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Dredging in Hay River

Members' Statements

Page 710

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South . Members' statements. Item 9, returns to oral questions. Okay, colleagues, I will go back to Members' statements, but please put up your hand so that we mark you down. We will carry on with the Member for Thebacha .

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Eulogy for Betty Mason

Members' Statements

Page 711

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry because I thought I had to be last because part of my Member's statement is a eulogy. Okay. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight the Wood Buffalo National Park today. This park was established 98 years ago to protect the declining number of wood bison. It is approximately 45,000 square kilometres and is the largest park in Canada and the second-largest park in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. According to the UNESCO website, "UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences and culture. UNESCO's programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development

Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015." UNESCO has approximately 1,100 heritage sites worldwide, with 20 being in Canada, one of which is the Wood Buffalo National Park.

Mr. Speaker, Fort Smith is called "the gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park." Every year, tourists arrive to visit this park. Numbers of visitors have increased over the years, from approximately 1,600 to 3,900 in 2019.

The Wood Buffalo National Park offers a variety of experiences to tourists, including:

a Dark Sky Festival that takes place every August; in 2013 the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated the Wood Buffalo National Park as the world's largest dark-sky preserve;

two wetland sites that are considered of international significance, one of which is the nesting grounds of the whooping crane and the other being the Peace-Athabasca Delta. Both provide important wetlands for migrating and nesting fowl;

snake pits that offer viewers to see garter snakes migrate from wintering caves;

hiking trails that offer a variety of unique landscapes;

off-the-grid camping experiences; and

salt plains created by ancient seas.

Mr. Speaker, this heritage site is accessible through Fort Smith and is a hidden gem and could easily be promoted as an incredible tourist destination for the NWT. I encourage everyone to check out this wonderful park at some point in their travels, either in Fort Smith or anywhere in the Northwest Territories. Furthermore, I would like to wish all of the staff at the Wood Buffalo National Park office a great weekend and for all of my constituents of Fort Smith to have an enjoyable weekend at the Wood Buffalo Frolics Festival. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to finish my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted.

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Eulogy for Betty Mason

Members' Statements

Page 711

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, the town of Fort Smith is saddened by the passing of Mrs. Betty Mason. Betty was well known for the years she worked at the town hall, including when my husband Peter was mayor. Betty was a huge presence in the community, and, after retiring from the town office, she worked at Kaeser's Stores, where everyone was greeted with a smile and a laugh. Betty was well known for her great sense of humour, and everyone was a target of teasing, no matter who you were.

Betty was loved by all and will be sadly missed by her St. John's Anglican Church family and the town of Fort Smith. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to her daughter, Linda, and her grandson, Carson, and all of her extended Fort Smith family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Eulogy for Betty Mason

Members' Statements

Page 711

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha . Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Mineral Resources

Members' Statements

Page 711

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. The review of the Mineral Resources Act involved a four-and-a-half-hour clause-by-clause review and six hours in Committee of the Whole. To say it was contentious would be a huge understatement.

The Mineral Resources Act is not about promoting mining. It's about setting up a system for mineral rights management. The bill was supposed to be about trying to balance a complex set of rights and interests. Significant improvements included notice to Indigenous governments of mining claims and exploration work. There may be requirements for benefit agreements with Indigenous governments before a mine can go under production. Regular MLAs worked very hard to get some further improvements, but many were rejected.

The bill failed to recognize the legitimate interests of community governments in protecting their lands and infrastructure. There is no precision or clarity when it comes to public benefits, as there are no triggers or details on those benefits. The ill-defined zones are bad public policy and likely to create a race to the bottom, where different regions are incentivized to lower standards to try to attract investment.

There is virtually unfettered discretion for the Minister and Cabinet over the development of regulations. Regulations will cover very significant areas of public interest, including royalties, the definition of work to keep rights in good standing, map staking, and more.

There have been at least two public presentations on the next steps of the Mineral Resources Act; one of the Geoscience Forum in November of 2019 and another at an event sponsored by Alternatives North in late January 2020. Regular MLAs have yet to receive a briefing from the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment on this topic.

Clearly, there is a lot of work to be done to begin to implement to Mineral Resources Act. Ontario took about 10 years to fully implement its new legislation with a suite of regulations and policy. What I'm looking for from the Minister, and the public deserves, including the mining industry, is a clear plan. Everyone needs clear timelines and opportunities for public engagement in the development of numerous sets of regulations that will be required to implement the Mineral Resources Act. I'll have questions later today for the Premier on the next steps for the Mineral Resources Act. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Mineral Resources

Members' Statements

Page 711

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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Made-in-the-North Arts Curriculum

Members' Statements

Page 711

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I spoke about mental health triage for our children. Today, I would like to focus on how we can help grow resilient children. Adolescence is a challenging time. Teens' bodies are changing as their minds are expanding. In addition to school and home pressures, teens are expected to travel the rocky roads of self-discovery and self-expression as they prepare for life after high school.

We do have NGOs like the YWCA, Rainbow Coalition of the NWT, FOXY/Smash, Northern Youth, community governments, and local sports associations working hard with volunteers to offer leadership, self-esteem, and physical activity programming for youth. As we grow our mental healthcare supports and processes, we also need to continue to evolve how we are helping youth build their resiliency toolbox.

Mr. Speaker, art has always been a part of my life. Art is a powerful connector. It connects people to one another, land, and culture. Art therapy can be used as a complement to traditional mental health treatment, where the aim is to manage behaviour, process feelings, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase self-esteem. Studies show that creating art stimulates the release of dopamine, the chemical released when we do something pleasurable and literally makes us feel happier.

We live in a unique part of the world, Mr. Speaker. Our arts and crafts are celebrated by locals and foreigners alike, and our need for cultural resurgence throughout our society is prevalent. NWT schools currently follow Saskatchewan's arts curriculum for grades one through nine, and Alberta's for grades 10 through 12. The Saskatchewan curriculum was last updated in 2011,

whereas the Alberta arts curriculum was last updated in 2015.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for a made-in-the-North arts curriculum that allows us to continue building mental health supports and self-discovery tools for our youth. A made-in-the-North arts curriculum would celebrate cultural resurgence through Northern art, promote self-discovery, and help us continue to evolve the way we work at building healthy communities. It would also enable us to tap into the network of talented northern artists that already live and create here.

Today, I would like to hear from the Minister of ECE about the work that the department is doing to support the arts, and whether or not they are prepared to entertain a made-in-the-North arts curriculum. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Made-in-the-North Arts Curriculum

Members' Statements

Page 711

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 711

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Kam Lake residents seven-year-old Prudence Kalnay-Watson and her mother Sarah. Prudence is here on her day off and her first day of March Break to learn about consensus government. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 711

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 711

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my constituent Sophia Lagenais(ph) for being a Page in the Assembly during this sitting, and I would like to thank all the Pages for the work they've done for us. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 711

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 711

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I rise to welcome my Pages from Sachs Harbour, Tony and Rylan. Thank you for doing a good job here this week. I really enjoyed having them in the House, here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 711

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput . If we have missed anyone in the gallery, I'd like to welcome you all to the Chamber. It's always great to have an audience with us today, and thank you to all the Pages for all the work you've done over the last week. A lot of help you've been for the Members, and we really appreciate it. Thank you. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nunakput .

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise again in regard to COVID-19, and the concerns that I have for my constituents in Nunakput and across the Beaufort-Delta, and across the territory. Will the Minister be giving direction to the district education authorities to shut down two weeks after the kids are back from their spring break? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government is following the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer, and the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer is not to shut down the schools. I don't even have the authority to shut down the schools. I can't tell the DEAs or the DECs to shut down the schools. Legislatively, it's just not in my toolbox. The DEAs and DECs do have the authority, though, to close schools temporarily for public safety issues, so if they believe that there is a public safety issue, then they have that ability, but it's not being recommended at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

That's not what I want to hear. We have [inaudible] like they do in the South, here. We have to make a stand in regard to this COVID-19. People are worried; people are panicked. The thing is, I'm not trying to put people into a panic, but I'm just making sure that, when the teachers are coming back from the South, or anybody coming back from the South for spring break, if the DEA says, okay, we're going to shut down the school for two weeks after, making sure that the teachers get paid and the Minister supports the local DEAs on that call.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

It doesn't matter if I support them or not. They have the right to do that. I just want to let everyone know that this is a very serious concern. I take this very seriously, as do all the Cabinet Ministers. This has been our lives for the last little while, now. This is what we're focused on, is making preparations for this. There are a lot of concerns about blanket closures of schools. It can't be overstated, the types of socioeconomic impacts that closing a school can have on a community. There are childcare concerns. It would mean people would have to stay home from work.

Some of those people might be healthcare workers, and they might not be able to go in and do the work that they need to, right now. So there are a lot of factors to consider, and I don't want to say that schools will be open forever. There are situations where they could be closed, but that is not my call to make. We are relying on the advice of the chief public health officer.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Well, I'm making a stand right now. As MLA for Nunakput, I am going to be talking to my local DEAs and requesting them to shut down the school for two weeks for the self-isolation when the people come back from the South, to self-isolate. Will the Minister commit today that there will be no harm in pay, or anything? Will the Minister support this? Thank you.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I can't overreach my legislative authority. Education is delivered by the education councils. That's one of the reasons why I'm looking at reforming the Education Act so that, perhaps, if this happens again, I would be able to stand up here and say I have the authority to do some of these things that the Member is asking.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Nunakput .

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I didn't get the answer I wanted. Will the Minister support the local DEAs on their decision that they make? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Like I said, we are relying on the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer. If the DEA makes decisions in line with that advice, then I would fully support it. If not, we'd have to look at it on a case-by-case basis. This is not something I can just stand up here and say, "yes" or "no." There are a lot of variables here. This is not a black-and-white situation. My number one concern is the safety, not just of the children, but of the community, because it's not necessarily the children who are affected by COVID-19; it's the elders in the community.

I think that, as a government, the discussions we've had, we are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of the residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 198-19(2): COVID-19 and School Closures

Oral Questions

Page 712

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to continue on some of the questions for the Minister of ECE . I just want to know if the department of education has reached out to the Beaufort Delta Education Council and the DEAs or their staff to have a plan for next week when the teachers start returning, and the families. It's not just teachers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a meeting today, I believe at 1:30. The deputy minister and the departmental staff are going to be having a meeting with all of the superintendents, including those from the Beaufort-Delta. There has been contact over the past few days, as well. Those conversations are happening. I'm making sure they're happening.

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Can the Minister also tell me how the department will ensure, if the schools aren't closed, that the most vulnerable are kept safe? For example, we have a lot of elders who work in our school. We have a high number of people who have chronic illnesses, students and staff. What the plan is for them, as well, if they're working in the school?

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

That is what is being worked on as we speak. Those are the kinds of plans that we're putting in place. There were protocols in place for the H1N1 outbreak years back. Those are being updated. I know the elders are especially vulnerable. I can't speak for the Chief Public Health Officer, and I'm not going to give medical advice, but I would imagine he would want elders to stay away from places where they could contract this virus.

All of the work is being done. This has been a very fast-moving situation, and nothing is off the table right now. Looking forward, I'm willing to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure safety.

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

The question that I also have is: will the Minister work with the department of health to make sure that there is somebody in each of the communities who can educate the DEAs? Because the DEAs are regular people in the community. If they are having to have the power to do this, to make this decisions, or our regional council, they need to have some one-on-one time with a health professional who can actually give them the education to make the call. I would like to see if the two Ministers will commit to having that conversation with our DEAs in the regional board.

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

The superintendents work with the DEAs and the DECs, and we have been working closely with them to get that information out so that they can disseminate it. The deputy ministers are meeting on a daily basis regarding this, and they are taking advice from the Chief Public Health Officer, and they are disseminating that advice through the proper channels. I can't commit health staff to do one-on-one work with all the DEAs because I'm not sure what the health staff are up to, but I can talk to my Cabinet colleague. Getting information to the people who need that information is a priority.

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you. That's not really a commitment to me. I just feel that there needs to be somebody. I know the Beaufort Delta Education Council can set up teleconferences if they had somebody there where the local DEAs or the regional chairs could sit and ask those questions, because they may have more questions than the information being provided. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I appreciate that suggestion, and it's always good to have information, so I will commit to work with my colleague to see if we can have a more direct line with the DEA so that they have that information. Because, like I said, they do have the authority to close schools, and so we want to make sure that they are exercising their authority with the best possible information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 199-19(2): COVID-19 and Department of Education, Culture and Employment Planning

Oral Questions

Page 712

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 712

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned in my statement, I have questions for the Minister of Justice about the implementation of the new Corrections Act. In August of last year, the 18 th Assembly passed the new Corrections Act, and I'm proud to say it incorporates the best practices for how offenders are treated while they're incarcerated as well as how they will be re-integrated into their communities. Can the Minister tell me when this act will be implemented? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 712

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre . Minister of Justice .

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 712

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The full act is expected to be implemented in the winter of 2021, but there's a phased approached taking place, and some of the corrections regulations will be online, I anticipate as early as this spring. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 712

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you to the Minister for that. I'm going to dig a little deeper into the details. Can the Minister tell us what progress has been made so far on preparing for implementation?

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 713

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

The Department of Justice has been working on quite a bit of policy change. There have been policy documents getting developed, and, as they're doing that, they are also developing training to go along with that, and curriculum for the various staff members and levels of staff who will be required to implement all of the new programs and policies and procedures within the act. In addition to that, there are some operating guidelines. There are new reporting relationships being developed, and all of that work, again, is occurring at present. It's ongoing.

Again, that's where I say the regulations are expected to come into play in spring of 2020, so in the next few months, and how that rolls out will then depend on the development of the policies and the training.

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 713

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the additional detail from the Minister. The Minister did mention new policies and regulations. Has the Minister considered bringing those new policies and regulations to standing committee for review?

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 713

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

I do know that this act was one that had significant input from the entire House and was better for it. I'm not opposed to bringing things forward to the relevant committee, and I will certainly endeavour to provide an update to the committee as to the exact state of which policies and where things are at. I can't see why we wouldn't engage in that sort of a briefing; I just don't know what timeline it will take place in the current circumstances.

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 713

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 713

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's willingness to share that information when the time is right. My last question is about how information about the new legislation will be shared with the public as well as with all those who are most directly involved now. Thank you.

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 713

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

I acknowledge that is a good question. I do not have an answer for the Member right now. I will get an answer. It's important to have an answer. The new Corrections Act, really, is one that is a flagship for the North, for the Department of Justice. It's a piece of legislation that we are proud of, and I will look for opportunities and develop opportunities to make sure that we are sharing that with the public and showing the public the good work that is happening at the Department of Justice in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 200-19(2): Corrections Act Implementation Timeline

Oral Questions

Page 713

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

Oral Questions

Page 713

Steve Norn

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I am not going to say too much today, but I just want to say really quickly, about this COVID-19 issue we are dealing with, if anything, history has taught us that we should always make sure that we control how our people traffic is being regulated and make sure that we contain this sort of thing because, again, history has taught us that, if we ignore it, it could be very costly in terms of lives. I don't want to see that. I would rather see our government be proactive on this, so I had a quick question for the Minister of Health and Social Services .

I am kind of concerned about the small communities. Does the Minister have any backup nurses in case the current nurses are unable to work? Marsi cho.

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

Oral Questions

Page 713

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to take this opportunity to talk about this coronavirus, the COVID-19, and I want to advise the following. The health and social services system has been preparing for a potential NWT outbreak since early February, based on emerging information from the World Health Organization and the federal government. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer has developed guidelines for Northwest Territories health professionals and has issued regular alerts so that the health and social services workforce is being kept informed.

Clinical resources will continue to be developed to reflect the latest advice from the international and national infectious disease experts, with guidance from the Chief Public Health Officer and staff, and is being provided to the frontline daily.

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority held a first staff information session last week, where the Chief Public Health Officer presented on the coronavirus. The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has also been retraining staff on the use of personal protection equipment, hand hygiene, proper hand-washing techniques, and have provided education sheets on the COVID-19 over the last four weeks.

Presently, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority have scheduled weekly all-Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority staff calls to provide information. Should the frequency of these calls needs to be increased, that will be done. I do want to talk a little bit more about the process, if that is okay; I think this is important, and I just want to go further into detail. I apologize to the House.

The swab testing kit for coronavirus is a standard nasopharyngeal swab. The swab resembles a large Q-tip, that is used to swab the back of your throat. This is a standard item stocked in all of our facilities. I have been assured that the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services has also been delivering more swabs to all of the staffed health centres. Once a test is taken, it is sent to the provincial lab in Alberta, with a three-to-seven-day turnaround time for results, depending on your location.

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority wants to ensure that all of their testing for COVID-19 are being directed to individuals who meet the screening criteria. The criteria for screening includes people returning from outside the Northwest Territories who develop symptoms after 14 days of recent travel. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

So, if residents have travelled and are developing symptoms, they are being asked to self-isolate, contact their local health centre or the public health unit for information on how to coordinate testing, and also refer to the department's frequently asked questions posted on the website along with the attached information sheets on self-monitoring and self-isolation for more information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

Steve Norn

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thanks for that detailed response. It's important. I think we had to get that aired out for the public and let them know and be aware. I did not get a response back, though, from the Minister. Is there a backup plan to have medical staff and nurses for our nursing stations in the territories?

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Yes, there is a backup plan.

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

Steve Norn

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I heard the Minister mention a little bit about the testing and, forgive me, is it nasopharyngeal swabs? I hope I got the pronunciation correct. I am going to ask the Minister now: will a new influx of testing, will that strain our resources to do that? Because we should expect an influx of testing now, so, if we could get the Minister to respond. Marsi cho.

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

In my long

summary here, I think I did say in there that, yes, we are increasing supplies to the health centres and to the communities.

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

Steve Norn

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi. I have one final question, again about the small communities. If there is anybody who wants to be tested in the small communities, what is the process for that? Marsi cho.

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

There is information on the website about what the process is, but the process is you call the 1-800 number or the number that is provided closest to your health centre and you will get a call back on the process for an assessment. Once you get the assessment, then the department will respond from there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 201-19(2): COVID-19 and Community Planning.

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Page 713

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

Oral Questions

Page 713

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought you said Frame Lake. Thank you for that. My questions today are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . My first question today is: did Education, Culture and Employment recently hire an arts curriculum advisor? Thank you.

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 713

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 713

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Yes, Mr. Speaker, ECE recently hired a new arts education, trades and career, and technology studies coordinator to fill a position that had been previously filled, so it's not a new position.

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 713

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

When I look at the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, I see an entire division dedicated to kids' sport and recreation. I am not saying that we do not need that at all and I, in fact, do not want that to go away, because I feel that children's activity and especially physical activity is very important as a preventative mental health support system. However, when I look at the department of education, I do not see an equally robust arts division, and so can the Minister confirm how many employees are dedicated toward youth arts curriculum development for the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 713

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

We have the one position that I just mentioned that is specifically dedicated to that. However, we do have hundreds of teachers in the territory, many of whom teach art courses.

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 713

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Would the Minister be willing to work with those hundreds of arts teachers he just mentioned across the territory and the person who fills the arts curriculum role within the department of education along with people from different regions in order to develop a made-in-the-North arts curriculum that includes both cultural resurgence and art therapy initiatives, as well?

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 713

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Right now, our curriculum, many parts of our curriculum are, I wouldn't say outdated, but it's time for them to be renewed, and so that type of work is happening right now. We're looking across at different provinces to see what they're doing, because Alberta has gone through a change, Saskatchewan has changed, BC, and so we're looking at all of this. I think the Member has a great point that, if we can incorporate northern art and those types of things into our curriculum, that would be great. So I will definitely look into this.

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 713

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 714

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the Minister's willingness to look into this. My final question today is in regard to the CALM courses that northern students currently complete in grade 10, and CALM traditionally is where students can work on resumes and they get their volunteer hours, but we hear frequently from northern youth that they need more than that in order to get themselves ready for real life. They want budgeting classes, and they want to know how to do their taxes, and they would like to know how to do business development training.

A lot of people in the North do go out and start their own businesses. So would the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment also be willing to look at the CALM curriculum so that it includes more real-life experience and education for our northern youth? Thank you.

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 714

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

That is something we're looking at. CALM has been around since I was in high school, and, frankly, there has always been talk that it could be done better, and I've heard that very recently, as well. So, for decades now, there have been desires to make it more relevant and, with our proposed pathways to education that the department is looking at, there are proposals to change what we now know as CALM, which is a three-credit course, to a series of one-credit courses, including financial literacy, 10 and 12; mental health and healthy relationships, 10; adult and child development.

In addition, the current one-credit career and program plan completed in grade 9 is being replaced by a suite of career and transition plan courses to be taught in each year of high school, for a total of four credits, and these courses are meant to guide and support students in figuring out their future goals. So there are changes coming down the pipe to make it more relevant and address the very issues that the Member is speaking of. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 202-19(2): Arts Curriculum Advisor

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Page 714

The Chair

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . Mr. Speaker, I just checked the coronavirus special webpage on the Department of Health and Social Services website, and the last update there is yesterday at 9:08 a.m. That's more than 24 hours that it's been without an update. Can the Minister tell us what the plans are to actually update this webpage? Look, our residents, they want timely information. We want to make sure that we instil a sense of public confidence and that we have regular updates. What are the plans to update this webpage? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just reached out to my department and I have been recently informed that the website hasn't been updated since yesterday, and we are working on that and we will have something ASAP. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that. Can the Minister tell us, though, what is going to be the regular

schedule for updates? Is it going to be once a day? Is it going to be more than once a day? If the situation starts to change, what will be the

schedule for updating the webpage and getting timely information out to our residents?

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

We don't have a

schedule now, but the website will be updated as required. So, if there is pertinent information that needs to be put out there, we will have it updated, but we will work on a schedule.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that. Can I just make a suggestion that the

schedule itself actually be posted to the website, so our residents know when it's going to be regularly updated and whether it's once a day? I hope it's a little more often than that. Look, I was looking at a Johns Hopkins University website that shows coronavirus around the world. It's updated regularly, live. I want to get a commitment out of the Minister that the

schedule for updating is actually going to be put onto the website itself so that our residents know what the frequency of the updates is going to be.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

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Page 714

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

I think that's an excellent idea from the Member, and that is something we will have a look at, to make sure that the residents of the Northwest Territories know when things will be updated to the website.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

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Page 714

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

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Page 714

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. I hope that she more than just looks at it; that she actually directs her staff to do this. I would like to know from the Minister whether there are any changes from the last posting to the website, which shows zero cases of coronavirus in the Northwest Territories and 54 persons being tested. Is there an update that the Minister can provide us right now? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

As of now, there is no update. We still have no cases in the Northwest Territories, positive, from our results of any coronavirus here in the Northwest Territories. I would also like to let the Members know that we will have a briefing with our Chief Medical Health Officer after we're done session today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

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Page 714

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi .

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

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Page 714

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I did have questions for the Premier , so if you could put me back on the list. Masi.

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Question 203-19(2): COVID-19 and the Timeliness of Updates

Oral Questions

Page 714

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

Oral Questions

Page 714

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Finance regarding the coronavirus. My first question is: have all departments completed response plans?

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

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Page 714

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Minister of Finance .

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

Oral Questions

Page 714

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, all departments have been acting on emergency preparedness now for some time, and there are response plans being developed by every department. Business plans are being looked at by every department to plan for the contingencies, and I believe the next meeting of all deputy ministers, in fact, is this Monday to determine whether or not they need to run any special scenarios in anticipation of the change in situation. I hope that answers the Member's question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

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Page 714

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

If the coronavirus gets to a more serious stage and we have confirmed cases, can the Minister of human resources speak to steps that will be taken in regard to remote work, to make sure that continuity of government occurs and those who can work from home, because they're in isolation, are able to?

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

Oral Questions

Page 714

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Yes. This is a whole-of-government approach that is being taken right now. All of the departments are involved, multiple Ministers are involved, multiple deputy heads are involved, and I certainly can assure the Member and the public that various scenarios have been run, starting firstly with the health Department and their staff, but also including all the other staff and the essential services that are provided throughout the communities. They're considering the fact that we have to fly people into communities to provide those services.

Everything from power and housing, straight down to corrections, all departments are aware of these important situations. They are planning for current situations, but also should there, in fact, be a need to change and to amplify what's being done, that is being looked at by human resources, as I say, in part, but also by all of the other departments in lead and also the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs who are engaged at the community level and who are taking a lead in terms of emergency preparedness.

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

Oral Questions

Page 714

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

I want to just emphasize that I believe the most important thing is that the Chief Public Health Officer is the key lead here, and we should clearly be following the best advice of medical professionals. I was hoping that the Minister of Finance could speak to steps that are taken to ensure that our government is not hosting large events and any of the steps based on the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer to limit the, kind of, contact and transmission throughout the GNWT, because our staff do travel often.

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

Oral Questions

Page 714

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Yes, our Chief Public Health Officer does have significant authority and has been very much involved with Cabinet and with all of the government in terms of identifying potential events to which she would want to exercise her authority to cancel an event, and she is doing so in a way that is responsive and continuously responsive as the situation has unfolded with COVID.

Notices have gone out to communities. Notices have gone out to Indigenous governments in order to bring their information in to the public health officer and to the GNWT so that all of these different parts can be working together. Notices continue to flow between levels of government and will continue to do so in response to the public health authority, who continues to meet with the Chief Public Health Officer.

I certainly can say that, as I think has been the message here this morning, there is a lot happening, but all of those parts are communicating, and there's a lot happening in the background and a lot of information that is flowing between all of these different levels of government from our Chief Public Health Officer, who has remained very much engaged at this level, but also on the national level.

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Question 204-19(2): COVID-19 Response Plans

Oral Questions

Page 714

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South .

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

Oral Questions

Page 714

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This question is for the Minister of Health . Can the Minister confirm; just a second here. I'll back up a step. In the South Slave, and in, I guess, the territory, we continue to have air traffic and vehicle traffic coming in and going. Is there a plan in place to address and monitor this situation during this virus issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

Oral Questions

Page 714

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

Oral Questions

Page 715

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our department, we are working with what we have. We will enhance messaging. We are all very busy, all of our departments, and I take this opportunity to just commend the staff and the department for all of the hard work that they have been doing. Yes, our department is looking at some of the traffic control and what does that mean. Again, we have our Chief Medical Officer here with us this afternoon to explain what's going on in terms of flights and travelling and how does that impact the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

Oral Questions

Page 715

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Earlier, the Minister of ECE said he didn't have the authority to direct some matters. I am asking, I guess, myself and the people in the NWT, we're looking to this government to take leadership in developing the plans to keep people safe, remove fear, and make sure that any untrue information is taken out of the equation. Can the Minister of Health confirm the chain of command within her department or the government as we deal with COVID-19?

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

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Page 715

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Our Chief Public Health Officer has her own jurisdiction, and there is nothing that the Minister can override. She makes the final call on all decisions when it comes to anything that affects the residents of the Northwest Territories.

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

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Page 715

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

She has the authority on anything; it's pretty well anything to do with health, but we have other issues, like flights coming and going. We have traffic on the road. There are other areas that we have control over, as well. Is that correct?

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

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Page 715

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

At this point in time, that would be the decision of the Department of Infrastructure. If the department of health declares a health emergency or if, through the Emergency Measures Act, a state of emergency is declared, both of those processes do allow for extraordinary measures to do such activities as close the highways or to protect public health and safety. As the Member is aware, COVID-19 is being monitored on a daily basis, and any decisions to close air or highways would be done in full consultation with the impacted Government of the Northwest Territories departments.

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Question 205-19(2): COVID-19 and Air Transportation Control

Oral Questions

Page 715

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

Oral Questions

Page 715

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

It's been a long week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Out in Kam Lake, we have a lot of businesses that are asking a lot of questions about the coronavirus and how this may impact their businesses. I am wondering if the Minister of Finance can speak to whether or not the government plans to help support businesses that may feel hardship during this time. Thank you.

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

Oral Questions

Page 715

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Minister of Finance .

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

Oral Questions

Page 715

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Department of Finance began running models on potential impacts of the coronavirus already some time ago. We continue to update those models as the situation progresses, and we are also, of course, in contact with our partners in the federal government. The federal government has already announced funding coming through to all provinces and territories to support the incurring of expenses, but also to support the impacts, such as impacts to small businesses and to individuals.

In short, a simple answer is yes. We are well aware that there is going to be potential impacts on small businesses and sole proprietors, as well as individual employees of those businesses. I don't have the plans to roll out right now, but just simply to assure that looking into that has been happening already for some time, and we will continue to do that as things develop. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

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Page 715

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

In regard to communicating that information, once it is available, to business owners, how does the Department of Finance plan to get that information out?

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

Oral Questions

Page 715

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

It's already been a commitment that has been made on my behalf as the Minister of Finance to do a much better job of communicating and sharing information. There are, of course, multiple channels, whether it's a website, whether it's email blasts, whether it's media releases. Certainly, if there are going to be, or when there may be, announcements that support small businesses and industry across the Northwest Territories, I am going to make sure that we marshal all of those opportunities and that we communicate effectively, clearly, and promptly to the people and the businesses in the Northwest Territories.

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

Oral Questions

Page 715

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

In regard to the $1 billion that the federal government has committed in order to support provinces and territories through expenses incurred by the coronavirus, would those funds come to the GNWT first, and then be distributed from the government to people on the ground?

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

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Page 715

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

It's difficult to make commitments on the part of money that is coming from a different government, but I can say that my understanding at this point is that the full panoply of options coming out of the federal government will come in different avenues. There are likely to be some direct supports to our health sector, and then, also, other supports that are going to go through the business sector. To the extent that they come through the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories is going to ensure that we are acting promptly and swiftly to make sure that we are supporting those who need support during this time.

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Question 206-19(2): COVID-19 and Support for Small Business

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Page 715

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Member for Monfwi .

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

Oral Questions

Page 715

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. I have to juggle around with my questions here. [Translation] At this time, I would like to ask a question regarding the interpreters. I wanted to ask one of the Ministers regarding the interpreters. [Translation ends]

I would like to ask questions on the language interpreters' training. I did ask that question a while back ago; now I want to follow up again. Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to know, point blank, who is responsible for providing language interpreter training here in the Northwest Territories. Masi.

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

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Page 715

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

Oral Questions

Page 715

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister responsible for the Official Languages Act, I can say that our department, ECE, I don't believe we are legislatively required to provide language

interpretation training, but we have taken it upon ourselves to work towards that goal. Right now, there is a lack of Indigenous language speakers in the territory, as the Member knows. It makes it difficult to train interpreters when there are not enough people who speak the language to pick from. There are a number of things happening right now. A lot of those are helping us work towards training enough language speakers so that we can begin to better train language interpreters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

Oral Questions

Page 715

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

[Translation] When we are speaking in our language, without the interpreters, if we don't use our language, we will lose our language. I would like to ask the Minister at this time [Translation ends] [microphone turned off] ...partnerships in the past over the years, even through the Language Bureau back in 1990s, what is the responsibility of Indigenous governments or organizations on the language interpreter training? I understand that there are set allocated funds to these groups. Are there set targets on an annual basis, five-year, 10-year plan, to produce these qualified interpreters from the region?

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

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Page 715

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I don't believe there are target numbers. It's a difficult area to create those sort of metrics for. There is money that flows through ECE directly to Indigenous governments, and they are free to do what they wish with it. They use it for language training, all sorts of different events. We don't have control over what targets they might set. We do have our action plan to help revitalize languages. In that, we lay out a number of steps we want to take to help get to that point.

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

Oral Questions

Page 715

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

The Minister alluded to an action plan. Obviously, I would like to see that plan of action from ECE, more specifically on interpreter training that is available to us. On another note, I talk about short-term, long-term goals of this ECE department with respect to working with the Indigenous governments' organizations. Question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment : I understand that there is a five-year language plan. What is the status on this plan?

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

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Page 715

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I can get back to the Member with more specifics on that. I actually have the second half of my languages briefing scheduled for next week. I know that we are partway through that plan. It was only a few years ago that the department really put together this division and created this NWT Indigenous languages framework and action plan because we recognized the need for concrete action. There are languages that, within 10 years, could just be not spoken anymore unless we take some serious action.

There are a number of things that have been done. We have scholarships for students who wish to learn languages. We have a mentor-apprentice program to help partner people together with fluent speakers to help them gain fluency. We are looking at additional programs that we might be able to develop. We have a partnership with the University of Victoria, which has a long history and a lot of experience in developing language programs, to help us get to that next step, as well. We support language programs in communities. I know in Inuvik, there is the Gwich'in immersion program.

There are immersion programs in Fort Providence. There are immersion programs in the Tlicho area. There are multiple things going on around the territory.

This is one part of the department. There are some people who say that culture should be its own department; Language and culture should be its own department because it is very important. I want to assure the Member that it is an area I am focusing on. I think it's vital to the success of the territory as a whole. Language is the foundation of culture. I am fully committed to doing whatever we can to help revitalize it.

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

Oral Questions

Page 716

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi .

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

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Page 716

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. I am glad the Minister is recognizing the importance of language and cultural preservation. It should be. I fully support a stand-alone department. My final question, basically, is: we do have interpreters here in our booths, as you know, with so many years of experience. Most of them are on the verge of retirement. I would like to know if there is a plan in place, either now or if the department is working on one, that can be provided to me. In the next five years, next 10 years, how is that going to look? We have valuable services here. They are going to be retiring sooner than later.

We need to be ready for that for the community. Is there a plan in place, or is the department working on that, as well? Masi.

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Question 207-19(2): Succession Planning for Interpreters Training

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Page 716

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

There is a plan. There is an action plan. I can get the Member more information. Just to let you know, the department is very supportive of this. In the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the GNWT provided $20.4 million for Indigenous language education initiatives, and 5.9 of that was federally funded. The vast majority of that comes from the territorial government. A quarter of the funding was distributed directly to regional Indigenous governments for language revitalization initiatives; $9 mi