Debates of Feb. 7th, 2007

This is page numbers 697 - 724 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 5th 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 health .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Condolences To The Family Of Mr. Vince Steen

Mental Health Week

Notice Of Budget Address

Tribute To Former Nunakput Member Mr. Vince Steen

Important Decisions For Northern Leadership

Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Athletic Achievements Of Hay River Residents

All-weather Access Road To Diamond Mines

All-weather Access Road To Tlicho Communities

Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Fostering Constructive Working Relationships

Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Closure Of Weather Centres By Nav Canada

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Closure Of Flight Information Centres In Yellowknife

All-weather Tuktoyaktuk-inuvik Road Access

State Of Disrepair At Stanton Territorial Hospital

All-weather Road Access To Tlicho Communities

Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement

Written Question 38-15(5): Inuvik-tuktoyaktuk Ice Road

Written Question 39-15(5): Inuvik-tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road

Item 8: Returns To Written Questions

Return To Written Question 12-15(5): Impact Of Federal Budget Reductions On Ngo And Government Sectors

Return To Written Question 13-15(5): Leakage Of Resource Royalties In The North

Return To Written Question 14-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital 2002 Operational Review - Status Of Recommendations

Return To Written Question 15-15(5): Territorial Residential Schools Interagency Committee

Return To Written Question 16-15(5): GNWT Funding For Literacy Programs

Return To Written Question 17-15(5): Sale Of Public Housing Initiative

Return To Written Question 19-15(5): GNWT Analysis Of Alternative North's Mackenzie Gas Project Assessment

Return To Written Question 20-15(5): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy

Return To Written Question 21-15(5): WCB Chronic Pain Policy

Return To Written Question 22-15(5): Affordable Housing Plans

Return To Written Question 23-15(5): Direct Appointments, Transfer And Casual Hires

Return To Written Question 24-15(5): Chronic Pain Claimants

Return To Written Question 25-15(5): Job Application Acknowledgement Notice

Return To Written Question 26-15(5): Consultation On The Chronic Pain Policy

Return To Written Question 28-15(5): WCB Chronic Pain Policy

Return To Written Question 30-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Return To Written Question 31-15(5): Airport Runway Extensions

Return To Written Question 32-15(5): Photo Identification Cards

Return To Written Question 33-15(5): Yellowknife Airport Runway Extension

Return To Written Question 34-15(5): Non-custodial Fathers' Visitation Rights

Return To Written Question 35-15(5): Two-rate Zone Structure

Return To Written Question 36-15(5): Constitutional Discussion With People Of The Nwt

Return To Written Question 37-15(5): GNWT Medical Health Travel Assistance Program

Petition 4-15(5): Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre Labour Dispute

Bill 18:

An Act To Amend The Education ActBill 19:

An Act To Amend The Archives Act

Tabled Document 82-15(5): Federal Revenues From Natural Resource Exploitation In The North, By Category 1992-93 To 2005-06

Tabled Document 83-15(5): Examples Of Floor Plans Used In Affordable Housing Initiative Construction

Tabled Document 84-15(5): Cost Comparisons For Single Thermal Zone And Community Rates/services In The Sahtu Communities

Provisional Rule Changes To Implement Designated Budget Days

Bill 21: Appropriation Act, 2007-2008

Bill 22: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2006-2007

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Honourable Brendan Bell , Mr. Braden , Honourable Paul Delorey , Honourable Charles Dent , Mrs. Groenewegen , Honourable Joe Handley , Mr. Hawkins , Honourable David Krutko , Mr. Lafferty , Ms. Lee , Hon. Michael McLeod , Mr. McLeod, Hon. Kevin Menicoche , Mr. Miltenberger , Mr. Pokiak , Mr. Ramsay , Honourable Floyd Roland , Mr. Villeneuve

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---Prayer

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 697

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the continuation of the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity to belatedly, but most sincerely, offer my personal best wishes to each and every one of you for a happy and healthy new year. Although we have not met formally for several months, I know that you all continue to work diligently in committees, Cabinet and in your constituencies.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Vince Steen on Saturday, February 3rd, in Inuvik. Mr. Steen was a former Member of this Assembly and esteemed colleague to many of us. I would like to take this opportunity to extend personal condolences and from those of this House to his family and his community. A Member of the Assembly from 1995 to 2003, Vince worked tirelessly for the people of Nunakput, and as a Member of the Executive Council for all residents of the Northwest Territories. Our thoughts during this difficult time are with his family, his wife, Betty Elias, and their children.

At this time, I would like to ask that all Members rise and observe a moment of silence to honour Mr. Steen.

---Moment of Silence

Thank you, colleagues. You may be seated. As we enter this budget session, I would like to acknowledge, on behalf of the Legislative Assembly, the efforts of our standing committees, Cabinet, government and Assembly staff on contributing to our budget development process. I would also like to acknowledge the residents of the Northwest Territories who participated in the pre-budget consultation that took place throughout the North last year. By expressing your views and concerns, you have also aided in this important process.

I look forward to a very productive session, to lively debate on issues that are important to all residents of the Northwest Territories and to discussions that lead to positive, informed decisions. I ask only that you conduct yourself within the rules that you have set down and continue to respect the dignity of the House and all of its Members.

It is now my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads, "Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly the passage of the Appropriation Act, 2007-2008 and Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2006-2007 during the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Anthony W. J. Whitford, Commissioner."

Thank you, colleagues. Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. The honourable Deputy Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Minister's Statement 58-15(5): Condolences To The Family Of Mr. Vince Steen

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 697

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we observe the passing of Mr. Vince Steen, a former Member of the 13th and 14th Legislative Assemblies and a dear colleague to many of us in this House. We extend our deepest condolences and those of the Government of the Northwest Territories to Mr. Steen's family; his partner Betty, sons Warren and Waylon, and daughters Tina, Shannon and Meeka, and to his many friends, and offer them our thoughts and prayers.

Vince was admired as a man who was able to live a traditional lifestyle while maintaining an important political career, locally and territorially.

In his community life in Tuktoyaktuk, he served as mayor, justice of the peace and coroner. Vince also served as chief of the Inuvialuit Land Administration Committee for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, vice-president of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, chairman of the NWT Game Council, a board member of Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation, a board member of Tuktoyaktuk Hunters' and Trappers' Committee and a member of the federal Fisheries and Oceans Advisory Committee on Whales and Whaling.

Mr. Speaker, we will remember Vince as a man of integrity, honour and commitment; a man not afraid to speak his mind, who offered practical solutions for change and who always considered the impact of his and our government's actions on people in the communities. Vince was a man who wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives. We believe he achieved his goal. His family, his friends and his community should be very proud of him. He will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 58-15(5): Condolences To The Family Of Mr. Vince Steen

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 697

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Roland .

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Minister's Statement 59-15(5): Mental Health Week

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 697

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the week of February 4 to 10 as Mental Health Week. "Finding your Balance" is this year's theme in the NWT.

Today, I would like to speak about the importance of good mental health for every person, family and community within the NWT, and the valuable contributions made to

mental health by our Health and Social Services Authorities and non-government organizations.

As many as one in five northerners will struggle with mental illness. Most of us know someone who is directly affected by addictions, mental health, or family violence issues. We all feel the many demands in our daily lives, but as northerners we have a particular appreciation for maintaining a healthy balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Mental Health Week is an opportunity for each of us to take note of our coping skills and supports that help us deal with stress in our lives.

The Department of Health and Social Services has made it a priority to increase supports where people need them: in the communities. Some of the department's enhancements within the mental health field include:

• the Community Counselling Program, part of the mental health and addictions core services within our integrated service delivery model. Since 2003, the program has focused on the prevention and treatment of mental health issues, addictions and family violence problems at the community level. This week, the department is pleased to host, here in Yellowknife, the second annual conference for workers in this program;

• the FRIENDS for Life Resiliency Training Program. This program has been launched in 11 communities across the NWT, and children are receiving tools they can use to assist in maintaining a healthy balance for life. Group leaders are trained to help children develop methods to cope with stress and anxiety before they develop mental health problems such as depression;

• training for community wellness workers through a partnership with Keyano College in Alberta since 2003-04. Students work in their home communities and participate in 10 one-week university-level modules at Aurora College in Yellowknife between September and March;

• the Youth Net Program is a mental health promotion program for youth, lead and delivered by young people in schools and youth settings. Youth Net provides a safe place where youth can begin to talk about mental health stresses and connect with a youth-friendly support system;

• Open Minds is an anti-stigma program that will be launched this spring. People living with mental illness will share their personal stories with youth for enlightenment and information; and

• mental health workers are preparing for the national Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, CASP, conference in Yellowknife this coming October. This conference will bring together health professionals, volunteers, educators and many others in the mental health field who work to help prevent suicide.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have partnerships with non-government organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Northwest Territories division, who work closely with us in sharing information and promoting Mental Health Week.

The Canadian Mental Health Association operates the NWT Helpline that has been in existence for more than a decade. Anonymous, trained volunteers answer a countless number of calls 365 days a year on where residents can turn to for help in their community.

In closing, I would encourage everyone here to take a moment to understand how mental health issues affect the lives of northerners, and appreciate those working to improve and protect our well-being. I commend those who find balance for themselves, their families and their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 59-15(5): Mental Health Week

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 698

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Roland .

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Minister's Statement 60-15(5): Notice Of Budget Address

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 698

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the budget address on Thursday, February 8, 2007. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 60-15(5): Notice Of Budget Address

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 698

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Ministers' statements. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Pokiak .

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Tribute To Former Nunakput Member Mr. Vince Steen

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 698

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A very prominent and distinguished individual from Tuktoyaktuk died peacefully, after suffering a long battle with cancer, on Saturday, February 3, 2007. He was a dedicated father, businessman and, more importantly, a distinguished politician. I am speaking of none other than the late Mr. Vince Steen.

Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues from the 13th and 14th Assemblies knew Mr. Steen very well. Mr. Steen represented his constituents well in the 13th and 14th Assemblies. During the 14th Assembly, he held the portfolios of Public Works and Transportation.

Mr. Speaker, prior to becoming MLA, Mr. Steen served as hamlet councillor and mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, sat on the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation, hunters' and trappers' committee and was a justice of the peace. These are just a few of his accomplishments since becoming a politician.

Mr. Speaker, after the election of the 15th Assembly, Mr. Steen returned to Tuk to retire. However, being the individual and politician that he was, he ran and was elected to sit as hamlet councillor and board member for the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation and hunters' and trappers' committee until his recent death.

Mr. Steen was a dedicated husband to his wife, Betty, his children Tina, Warren, Shannon, Waylon and Meeka. Mr. Steen loved being out on the land during his breaks, which really wasn't long enough to enjoy because as a politician the well-being of the constituents were foremost in his mind as he represented the people of Nunakput.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, on behalf of my family and constituents, I would like to send condolences to the family of the late Mr. Vince Steen. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and her children during this time of sorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Tribute To Former Nunakput Member Mr. Vince Steen

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 699

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. McLeod.

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Important Decisions For Northern Leadership

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 699

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to extend condolences to all those across the NWT who have lost loved ones in the past year. Our prayers are with you.

Mr. Speaker, the leadership of the Northwest Territories is at an important time in our history. Decisions we make, Mr. Speaker, within the next few years will affect future generations, our children, our grandchildren. Decisions we make, Mr. Speaker, are like trying to find a resource revenue sharing deal to negotiate. We have to negotiate with Ottawa for our own wealth.

Mr. Speaker, as I speak, $30,000 will leave the Northwest Territories. The leadership has been trying to advance this and it will only work, Mr. Speaker, if everyone gets on board. We should take offence to something being taken out of our neighbour's yard, Mr. Speaker. If I had $100 for every time I heard the Prime Minister quoted as saying the North should be the primary beneficiaries of our own wealth, I would be a wealthy man right now and I wouldn't need a resource revenue sharing deal.

Mr. Speaker, we have decisions like management of the caribou population across the Northwest Territories. For generations the caribou has taken care of our families; they've fed us and clothed us and now it's our turn to return the favour. We have to do this, Mr. Speaker, so our children and grandchildren won't have to be raised on pork chops.

Mr. Speaker, at the recent summit in Inuvik, they came up with some recommendations and we look forward to seeing these recommendations being put into action. Mr. Speaker, we have many important decisions that we have to make as a 15th Assembly, not only as a 15th Assembly but as a leadership of the Northwest Territories. We have to make these decisions wisely and with the best interest of the future generations in mind.

This will go a long way, Mr. Speaker, towards addressing the legacy of not only this Assembly but the entire leadership across the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

----Applause

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Important Decisions For Northern Leadership

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 699

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 699

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of this House are well aware that Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre has been closed since the fall due to the ongoing labour dispute. However, it is my understanding that the government has continued to make payments to the tune of just over a half a million dollars since the dispute began on October 23rd. Under the terms of their agreement, the GNWT shells out $1.89 million annually for this service. As of today, there has been no service provided at this facility. That's 107 days, Mr. Speaker.

Aside from the fact that this represents a clear waste of public funds by continuing the payments for a service that they cannot provide, the government may, in fact, be providing a disincentive for the society to move quickly towards a settlement for their workers. I hope the government will take lessons from this situation, Mr. Speaker, when they consider negotiating future contracts. Perhaps we should include provisions requiring contractors to pay back money when services are not rendered as promised; better yet, allowing the government to suspend payments when services are disrupted for periods of time.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister later today. Thank you.

---Applause

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Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 699

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Athletic Achievements Of Hay River Residents

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 699

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on this the first day back in the Assembly, I would like to title my Member's statement bragging rights for Hay River. We have had a number of outstanding accomplishments on the part of athletes just recently. I will go into more detail perhaps in the future.

Amy MacDonald, an outstanding biathlete, has just had some very successful races. The Monique Delorey Gagnier rink is off to the Scott Tournament of Hearts in Lethbridge.

I would particularly today like to highlight the success of Brendan Green. Most of you have probably heard a little bit about what happened at the world championship races in Val Martello, Italy, just a few days ago. Following the individual races, Brendan was a part of the Canadian team that ran an astonishing race. They were overjoyed to be on the podium, and proudly accepted the bronze medal for Canada. We were only a fraction of a second away from the silver. Every member of the four-man team had to come up with a near perfect performance to make the podium finish possible. All came through without picking up any shooting penalties.

In the anchor position, Hay River's Brendan Green had a major role to play in the success of the Canadian team. Brendan earned the honour of anchor after having the most consistent placings for the team in the three individual events.

A lot can happen in the final leg of a relay event when the teams are close. Nerves of steel are needed to cope with the excitement and intense pressure that develops. That was certainly the situation that Brendan faced when the handoff to him took place. At this point, Germany had a commanding lead of several minutes, but Canada was still

in medal contention at fourth place with five or six teams bunched together within a minute or so of each other. To reach the podium, Brendan had to overtake Poland or Austria, but several other strong teams including the powerful Norwegian and Russian teams were close behind and in position to overtake him if he lost his focus for only a minute.

Mr. Speaker, Brendan managed to overtake all but the Germans who had developed an insurmountable lead. Outshooting the Norwegian who had to take a penalty loop, Brendan managed to lead the range with clean targets and a slim seven-second lead. It came down to a skiing sprint to the finish, and seven-tenths of a second was all that separated the two as they crossed the finish line with Norwegians pulling ahead to snatch the silver. However, the Canadians could accept the bronze with pride, knowing that they had given one of the great skiing nations a run for their money.

Mr. Speaker, on the subject of bragging rights, I also -- in case my grandchildren ever read Hansard and wonder what their grandmother was doing -- I just want to say that I am a proud grandmother now of Grayson James Groenewegen and Julianne Elizabeth Groenewegen all since the last time we were here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Athletic Achievements Of Hay River Residents

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 700

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha , Mr. Miltenberger .

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All-weather Access Road To Diamond Mines

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 700

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we know that the winters are warming as is our climate. We know that, over the years, the ice road season has shrunk and as the diamond mines develop, the issue of resupply is a constant problem. Mr. Speaker, the issue I would like to talk about today briefly is the all-weather road access up to the mines.

In the mid-'90s, after I first got elected, I attended some meetings with the Tlicho people and some of the people from Hay River to talk about the viability of a road to supply the mines. This road would be a multi-purpose road. It will be through the Tlicho region, connecting all of the communities in the Tlicho at the same time and continue north to resupply the mines.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is time to revisit that suggestion and that concept. I think there is tremendous merit to that. It would ease the tremendous amount of traffic on the over-used portions of Highway No. 3. It would allow a direct route across the river, down the highway, up north to the mines. It would connect all of the communities in the Tlicho, which is long overdue.

I believe we, as the territorial government, should be sitting down with the Tlicho Government as well as the diamond mines to talk about this. I don't believe this is far fetched. I believe it is a very real, doable issue. As you look towards the 16th Assembly and how we are going to open the North and how we are going to deal, anticipate and adapt to climate change like the shrinking ice road season, this is one way to do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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All-weather Access Road To Diamond Mines

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 700

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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All-weather Access Road To Tlicho Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 700

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, every time there is a road built to the outlying communities, it is pretty hard to really look at it. We are saying that we want to work together regarding the winter road. Can they build a road on the land? We are talking about an all-weather access road. Later on, I would direct the question to the Transportation Minister . (Translation ends)

...fully depend on aircraft which, of course, is very expensive as you know, Mr. Speaker.

In recent years, the winter road season has been getting shorter and shorter as global warming continues. It is foreseeable that one day we will not be able to build a winter road at all. We need to begin planning for the possibility now, Mr. Speaker.

The Tlicho Government, as my colleague indicated, supports a realignment of the current winter road to a more direct multi-land-based wealth. This new road could eventually be converted to an all-weather highway with construction of a few bridges along the way, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this road is a critical link to the three isolated communities in the Tlicho region. New highways are not built overnight, Mr. Speaker. We must start planning and working now in partnership with the Tlicho Government and the federal government to ensure that these communities will continue to have road access in the near future. I will have questions for the Department of Transportation Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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All-weather Access Road To Tlicho Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 700

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 700

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We passed a very important motion in this Assembly last October, Mr. Speaker. It directed the Premier , as the key member of our Assembly, to bring back an agreement-in-principle to this Assembly and to the people of Northwest Territories on devolution and resource revenue sharing between Canada and the aboriginal governments of the NWT. Mr. Speaker, we were motivated by a sense of urgency because as the diamond mines continue to reap their rich harvest and the Norman Wells oilfield pumps its mammoth field, we are seeing roughly $750,000 a day leave the NWT and flow directly to Ottawa.

With more mines built and the potential Mackenzie Valley pipeline coming on stream, that could mean some $3.5 million a day, Mr. Speaker.

Since our motion of just four months ago, there has been a considerable shift in the political landscape here in the NWT because with the regrettable collapse of the

Aboriginal Summit in December, the players have changed and so too have my expectations of achieving this agreement-in-principle, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the difficulties of maintaining consensus among organizations. Goodness knows, we have our issues and our difficulties here in this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, so I do not want my concern to be taken as a criticism of the aboriginal governments, but a recognition that without their voices the collective will of the NWT can't be fully heard at the negotiating table.

Mr. Speaker, earlier in my statement I spoke of urgency. We also face uncertainty as yet another federal election is possible at any time. We know that our own election is due here in the fall. Each change of leadership, of course, adds yet more time to this already urgent timetable.

Mr. Speaker, these issues must remain at the very top of our legislative priority list. It is time that we turn our vision into reality. The question remains still, how do we do this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Fostering Constructive Working Relationships

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I would like to start off by wishing everybody a Happy New Year this first time we're sitting in the House since 2006. Mr. Speaker, it's good to see that my colleagues are all back and in good spirits, I see. I'm looking forward to working with them over the next two months during this fifth sitting of the 15th Assembly.

Recently, Mr. Speaker, some circumstances in my family dynamics have changed and I have to reorganize my priorities somewhat. Between my work here and these new changes in my life, I see that there will be many new challenges for me. I look forward with excitement and encouragement toward having more direct input into the future for my kids and their kids, a future which we all have an opportunity in this House to lay the groundwork for in a political sense. Now that I have a bigger workload on the personal side, I have to really attend to that side of the equation more seriously, as we all do I'm sure.

That being said, Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate my dedication to my Tu Nedhe constituents towards building better working relationships with all levels of government, with industry in our Akaitcho Territory and the NWT, and especially building relationships amongst ourselves; that being the most challenging and compromising not to mention the most difficult to talk about, especially at the community level.

Mr. Speaker, many new issues have arisen since our last sitting that are going to require decisions made here that will have territorial-wide ramifications in areas such as wildlife, especially caribou management, energy, the environment and resource development, just to name a few. These should be at the top of this 15th Assembly's priority list over the next eight months. I'm confident that we can find some northern solutions to many of these very important decisions that will have to be very well thought out before actions can be taken.

All these in conjunction with many other personal concerns in areas of housing, health, justice and seniors will be brought to the attention of this government for more consideration and hopefully some timely resolution so that people can actually see and touch some changes before the end of this 15th Assembly.

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Fostering Constructive Working Relationships

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Mr. Villeneuve , your time for Member's statements has expired.

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Fostering Constructive Working Relationships

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Fostering Constructive Working Relationships

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? You may conclude your statement, Mr. Villeneuve .

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Fostering Constructive Working Relationships

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I am proud to say that even after three years of constant dialogue and many mind-numbing sessions on many of these ongoing issues, I'm still optimistic that we can at least reach one or two very significant milestones that we, as northerners, can all be proud of this 15th Assembly for. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Fostering Constructive Working Relationships

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr Villeneuve. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 701

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, before I get into my statement, would like to express my condolences and send my prayers to the families of Vince Steen, our former colleague and someone I really enjoyed working with, as well as the families of Laura Lennie, mother of our colleague, Norman Yakeleya , and a lady who was highly respected and very wise, as well as the families of Danny Gordon of Aklavik, a father of another well-known leader, Evelyn Storr.

Mr. Speaker, the Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre on the Hay River Reserve has been a vital part of the alcohol and drug treatment and healing program in the North for many years. However, over the last number of months, the doors to the centre have been closed and the workers of the centre have been locked out. Mr. Speaker, I must say this has been going on too long and it just has to end.

Mr. Speaker, this has been especially difficult for the workers. Some of them were in Yellowknife in mid-January and I was happy to accept their invitation to meet with them. We have also been receiving a lot of e-mails and correspondence from constituents, for me anyway, in and out of Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I must say I am more optimistic now about the dispute and possibility of that resolving than before, because we know that both parties are back at the table talking. As is the case with any labour dispute, there is always hope as long as the parties are talking.

This hasn't been the case for a long time and I feel that we are close to, and I am hoping that we are close to, some kind of resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I also believe that both the union and the Nats'ejee K'eh board have the best interests of the workers in mind as well as the need to provide the

programming. There is no question this is a very difficult issue. It involves a lot of jurisdictions even though it involves a union that is a union for the government but it is not really a government program. There are a lot of layers and authorities and jurisdictions. Having said that, I think it is in the interest of all of us that this centre gets reopened and the programs be provided. Most of all, my sympathies go out to the workers who are really just wanting to get back to work. I would like to urge all the parties to keep talking until they resolve this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 702

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Closure Of Weather Centres By Nav Canada

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 702

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I start my statement, I, too, would like to pass on my deepest condolences to my colleague Mr. Yakeleya who recently lost his mother, Ms. Laura Lennie. My prayers are with him; also to the family of former Member Mr. Vince Steen.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to address a very disturbing decision made by NAV Canada to close the weather centres in Norman Wells and in Yellowknife. As I understand it, northern pilots will now have to rely on information which is relayed to a base in North Bay, Ontario, some 3,000 kilometres away, to get much needed weather information. The North, as we all know, is very reliant on air travel to access our people, our communities and our resources. In fact, air travel is actually fundamental to our transportation needs throughout our entire territory.

The decision to close the weather centres here is absurd. We do not have a well-developed highway system like most of the rest of southern Canada. Air travel here is a necessity, a way of life. A safe environment for our pilots and the travelling public to operate in is a must.

I was very concerned that recent news articles would suggest that the decision by NAV Canada to pull out of Yellowknife and Norman Wells was because of a dispute they were having with the Department of Transportation over leasing space at the Yellowknife Airport. Is that worth losing our vital weather service? What exactly is the real story in all of this? The reality is that the Yellowknife Airport is amongst the 10 busiest airports in this country. Last year it had 66,137 takeoffs and landings. Pilots servicing our constituents need and require detailed, up-to-the-minute weather forecasts.

Mr. Speaker, there have been recent tragedies in the Northwest Territories that may have, in fact, been weather related. As a government, we can just not afford to discount or erode the safety of the travelling public any longer. These weather centres need to be reopened immediately. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation in this regard. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

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Closure Of Weather Centres By Nav Canada

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 702

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 183-15(5): Amount Of Resource Wealth Losses

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 702

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Lafferty on October 25, 2006, regarding the amount of resource wealth losses.

During the question, Mr. Lafferty asked for just a rough figure on how much the GNWT has spent on devolution and resource revenue sharing negotiations with the federal government over the past few decades.

Mr. Speaker, accurate numbers are difficult to report as negotiations have involved different governments and departments in different ways, and the true costs include both direct and indirect costs.

But since the Member is interested in rough numbers, I can advise that in the late '80s and early '90s, the GNWT was involved in the Northern Accord negotiations at a probable cost of one to two million dollars a year. Through the mid-'90s, the GNWT was spending approximately $600,000 annually on similar devolution-type negotiations, and since 2002 four GNWT departments have been allocated a combined total of $2 million annually for what today we refer to as devolution and resource revenue sharing negotiations. These costs include contributions to regional aboriginal organizations to assist with their participation in the negotiations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Further Return To Question 183-15(5): Amount Of Resource Wealth Losses

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 702

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 702

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize a constituent of mine, Ms. Faye Duval, in the audience today. She's also a graduate from the Community Wellness Program that goes on. So welcome to the House.

---Applause

I'd also like to welcome friends of mine from our other territory, John and Janet Hodgson. They were former residents of Hay River and Yellowknife. John is now the executive director to Kivalliq Inuit Association. Welcome to the House.

---Applause

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Boot Lake , Mr. Roland .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 702

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a pleasure to recognize a group of people in the gallery who promote healthy living through prevention and public education. These dedicated people are the most recent graduates of our Community Wellness Worker Certificate Program. I understand in the gallery we have Alice Zoe-Chocolate of Behchoko; Cecelia Deneyoua, Faye Duval,

Angus McKay of Hay River; Rick Alexander, Debra Buggins, Diane Hrstic and Patrick Kotok of Yellowknife; Shirley Elias of Ulukhaktok; and Darla Rabesca of Whati.

I'm also pleased to recognize an important partner of the Department of Health and Social Services, the president of the NWT division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kathryn Youngblut. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Alice Zoe, Darla, they're in the gallery. I just want to thank them. They're teaching, they're in the wellness program and I just want to thank them.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Pokiak .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time I'd like to recognize Shirley Elias from Ulukhaktok, who just recently took the Community Wellness Worker Program. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Mr. Dent .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize a constituent among the community wellness workers, Diane Hrstic.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a couple of people. First of all, a constituent, Mr. Mark Bogan, an advocate for the rights of fathers in family court situations. I see him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to join the Minister of Health in recognizing Kathryn Youngblut, the president of the Canadian Mental Health Association here in the NWT. I had the pleasure of serving on that board with her and she is a tireless volunteer there.

As well in the gallery is Ms. Lydia Bardak, another advocate on the social front here in the Northwest Territories, especially for that of the homeless people, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize three members from Nahendeh, Ms. Mary Neyelle, Ms. Grace Williams and also Laureen Donaldson. She's the young individual that made our beautiful coasters that are in front of us. I'd like to say thanks.

As well, I'll recognize a friend, Ms. Tawna Brown. Thank you.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, with great pleasure, would like to acknowledge Kathryn Youngblut. She's quite active in our community, so every recognition she gets she certainly deserves; Lydia Bardak, and one of our Pages today, Mr. Michael Malakoe. He was our youth parliamentarian for Yellowknife Centre and he was sitting behind me a moment ago. I saw him looking at my chair. That being said, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Mr. Paul Andrew, originally from Tulita, here with CBC North in Yellowknife. Welcome to the House.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Deh Cho , Mr. McLeod.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you. I, too, wanted to congratulate the grads. I was able to take

part in the ceremonies last night for the tail end of it anyway. I wanted to recognize a number of people: Debra Buggins, Angus McKay, also Cecile Deneyoua, who used to live in Fort Providence and now lives in Hay River, and a couple of classmates or people I went to Akaitcho Hall with, Lorraine and Grace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the House. Always a pleasure to have an audience here. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 703

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Health and Social Services and it's in follow-up to my statement, or part of my statement, about Nats'ejee K'eh labour dispute. I'm wondering if the Minister can give us an update on where the talks are at, as much as he can reveal. Thank you.

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Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 703

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services , Mr. Roland .

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Return To Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Members are aware, discussions are ongoing and meetings are happening, so that's been a good sign. As well, there was a press release issued by the union that they had a number of positive meetings. So things are moving along and hopefully we can make an announcement during our session here, bringing conclusion to the process that started a number of months ago. Thank you.

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Return To Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Ms. Lee .

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Supplementary To Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I've had a number of discussions on the progress of this issue with the Minister, but I must admit that I haven't had a chance to talk to him about it in the last couple of days. I did read that press release, but at that press release you indicated that they were going to plan for about two days of talks. So are they still talking now? As long as they're talking I think we have a good chance of arriving at negotiated settlement. Is there anything further on where they are, whether they are still talking, do they still plan on talking, or has that two days passed? If it has passed, then are there any more plans to reschedule? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the meetings, as I'm aware, were scheduled and ongoing. We're hopeful that if they're close to coming to conclusion that they will continue on. That's the latest that we have. Things are moving ahead. Discussions are happening. Beyond getting into more detail, I think we'll leave it at that and know that things have turned around and there are some good and healthy discussions happening and I think they've agreed to the majority of issues they were discussing. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 262-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions this afternoon will be for the Premier and they relate to the statement that I made earlier today on devolution and resource revenue sharing.

Mr. Speaker, this House had asked the Premier to come back to us with an agreement-in-principle on resource revenue sharing and devolution before the next federal budget. Mr. Speaker, we understand that the federal government is now looking potentially at a late-March budget day. My question is, is it realistic, Mr. Speaker? Is it realistic to expect that an AIP on resource revenue sharing and devolution could be delivered to the Northwest Territories by that time next month? Thank you.

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Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since we last met in this Chamber, I've had several meetings with aboriginal leaders going back to early December. At that meeting there was agreement by the majority of aboriginal leaders, regional aboriginal leaders in the Territories, that it was possible to work toward -- and they would work with us -- toward an agreement-in-principle by the end of March 2007. Mr. Speaker, that's a week or so, or 10 days or so after the federal budget and realistically the federal government has indicated to us that it's not likely they could come to a resource revenue sharing deal in advance of the federal budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the sense that I'm getting then is that we should not expect an agreement-in-principle on those topics to be at hand. Are we still continuing to negotiate, Mr. Speaker? Is the NWT and Canada still continuing to negotiate with this new situation that the Aboriginal Summit is no longer at the table? I had always anticipated that these were a three-party negotiation and I'm wondering just what stage or what status do they have right now, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To be clear to the Member and to Members, we are working toward an agreement-in-principle by the end of March. That's our goal and that is the goal of the majority of aboriginal leaders. The federal government, the Minister of DIAND has indicated that he will work toward that as long as it's doable. He wanted to talk more with his negotiators, as well.

Mr. Speaker, yes, we are continuing to negotiate. We are negotiating on issues that are bilateral with the federal government. Those are ongoing. The last session was a week or so ago and are planned again for later this month or early March and working toward that date we have set.

Mr. Speaker, that's a target we're moving toward, so there's no binding contract saying we're going to achieve it. We're going to work toward that.

Mr. Speaker, the decision by the aboriginal leaders to dismantle the Aboriginal Summit was their decision and not ours. The summit is their secretariat, if I can call it that. They were frustrated by the lack of progress being made through that vehicle and are working very closely with us on the target of March 31st.

Mr. Speaker, as we speak, there are workshops going on as they asked for us to explain more clearly to the aboriginal people in the communities what devolution in particular means and how it might impact on their claims. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 704

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again respecting the difficulties that organizations have from time to time at staying on the same page, this government and the federal government I know have made substantial investments into these processes, including the Aboriginal Summit and the Intergovernmental Forum. I'm wondering to what extent we are being asked, or are we going to continue to support or assist or enable the aboriginal organizations and governments to be at these negotiations and to be a full part of them, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We certainly want to give the aboriginal leaders the ability, the capacity to be able to participate in negotiations toward devolution and resource revenue sharing. A decision has been made to allocate the money that we would normally contribute to the Aboriginal Summit to each of the regional groups on a proportionate basis that they have agreed to. We are in the process of doing that right now. Each region will be funded separately for negotiations. Mr. Speaker, they will work together and are of the same mind with regard to devolution. That is those who are working with us.

Not all of them are working with us on this, Mr. Speaker, because they have other priorities. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Final supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I respect that we are continuing to keep negotiations going and, indeed, I support that and I want them to keep going. That's my concern and my question is, what's at risk here? As discussions and agreements continue and we put deals together, what is at risk by virtue of some of the aboriginal governments not participating or not being as fully engaged as everyone else, Mr. Speaker?

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Supplementary To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, as I said, some aboriginal leaders have different priorities. They want to finish their negotiations for a land agreement or a land claims agreement. We respect that and we're not going to try to force them to change their priorities. Mr. Speaker, those who want to participate with us, of course, will be able to take advantage of the benefits that may come with a successful agreement and we do appreciate the support from them.

Mr. Speaker, what's at risk? I think the main thing at risk here is the ability for northerners, aboriginal or non-aboriginal, to make our own decisions regarding our territory. Mr. Speaker, it's very possible that if we are not successful with devolution and resource revenue sharing as a package, that we will achieve resource revenue sharing through another avenue. That is working with the provinces and other territories on the fiscal imbalance task. We could, and I'm optimistic that we will, get the same sort of share of resource revenues in the Northwest Territories as do provinces. That was the recommendation from the O'Brien report and it's possible for it to be achieved that way.

Mr. Speaker, my concern with going that route alone is that it does not include the aboriginal governments. It doesn't include the aboriginal self-governments in the equation, and that would be the second choice, in my view. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Question 263-15(5): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Negotiations

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

(Translation) ...that access winter road. I spoke on it about the road to Whati, Wekweeti, and it's very important. Right now we're talking about the all-weather access road. (Translation ends)

What has the Department of Transportation done so far to date to plan and secure funding for an alternate route through the Tlicho communities that could eventually be converted to all-weather road? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation , Mr. Menicoche .

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Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the Member's question, the Tlicho road access improvements are continuing to be something this government has been looking at. We have done the Tlicho corridors options study, which was completed last year. It does provide a basis for more detailed engineering and environmental scoping studies to be completed this year. Our government is consistent that any new roads, as well, the cost is usually borne by the federal government, as it will be in this case, and we continue to press the matter with the federal government, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty .

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Supplementary To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

...transportation again about, like, how is the department involving Tlicho Government and the affected communities, Whati, Gameti, and Wekweeti, in the planning stages for the proposed realignment? Mahsi.

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Supplementary To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Mr. Menicoche .

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Further Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 705

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Our government does provide winter road access to the Tlicho communities on a yearly basis in order to provide materials and supplies for those

communities. In fact, in the last couple years we've added Gameti to that

section as well. But in terms of the Tlicho corridors options study, Mr. Speaker, we did receive some money from the federal government to actually get into the engineering and environmental scoping studies to be conducted this year. That's when we're talking, the Member had asked about the realignment and this is the actual engineering realignment study that's going to be conducted this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty .

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Supplementary To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

...the department's, their planning on this new initiative. I'd like to ask again to the Minister, is the department, in their planning initiative, going to include the realignment all-weather road connecting to Tlicho communities and on route to the mining industries? Mahsi.

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Supplementary To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Mr. Menicoche .

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Further Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to an all-season or all-weather road going through the Tlicho area and into the Slave Geological Province, that is something that is under discussion with the joint venture study that is currently going on as well. The department continues to look at the engineering study. That is the first thing we are going to have to do, is do our realignment. Having access into the Slave Geological Province for the mines is another issue we have been working with the joint venture on addressing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Final supplementary, Mr. Lafferty .

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Supplementary To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Minister is, when can we expect the construction completion of this winter road realignment? Mahsi.

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Supplementary To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Mr. Menicoche .

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Further Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I can't give a definite answer, but what I can say is that there is some very positive news with the funding from the federal government in getting money for the engineering scope and study for the Tlicho realignment. Once that is done, it looks like it might be up to $1 million. Once that is done, we will look at the realignment of the winter road and, in the long run, an all-weather road. It will be part of that plan, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Question 264-15(5): All-weather Road Access In Tlicho Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, in my Member's statement, I rose with concerns about the contract that Nats'ejee K'eh has with the territorial government, so my questions are directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services . Can the Minister advise whether it is typical for funding to continue for service contracts with agencies such as the Nats'ejee K'eh when services are disrupted for an extended period of time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services , Mr. Roland .

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that contract is held with the Deh Cho Health and Social Services with the society and each authority would follow the outline of the particular contract. There would be provisions in there for dealing with a lack of meeting the commitment. There are also avenues of working it out. In this particular case, that hasn't been acted on. As we know, we are proceeding down a path hopefully to a successful conclusion on it. Thank you.

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Supplementary To Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement, I pointed it out that it was over half a million dollars that we have been paying Nats'ejee K'eh to carry on this contract that they have not been providing. Now whether it is in good faith or scandalous or anything, that is not the issue here today. The fact is we have been paying them for no service. So I think personally that is wrong. Mr. Speaker, the Minister said that there should be provisions or there are provisions in the contract.

As Minister of Health and Social Services , will he communicate this concern to the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board and ask them to recoup the money that has been lost that we have paid for services we do not receive? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Roland .

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 706

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is using some numbers out there that I can't confirm at this point. The fact is we still own the facility itself and we have to continue to operate it. We are not going to mothball it and shut it down, because we know if we do that in the wintertime, it would just cost us more to bring it back up to speed again. So the cost of that facility remains the same whether we have clients going there or not, so that is an issue that has to be looked at. We have had our discussions with the department and the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority.

But at this point, because of where we find ourselves in discussions, I am not willing to enter into the fray and hopefully we will see a successful conclusion and

have clients going back into that facility very soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Supplementary To Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can appreciate that the Minister doesn't want to get into the discussion of the numbers because he doesn't have them before him, but I will tell him how I arrived at them. I took $1.89 million and I worked out what 107 days cost out of 365 days. The point I am getting at is, even if the centre is empty that is, no one is receiving treatment, but it is available to accept people for treatment. That is a reasonable way we should be paying it, because we pay them to be prepared to accept folks into their service contract. But do you know what, Mr. Speaker? They can't provide services.

So we are paying for a service that doesn't exist. That is where my concern is. Mr. Speaker, that is how I got over $550,000 if we want to work it down to nuts and bolts. Mr. Speaker, my question still stands. Would the Minister look into this concern to see if we can recuperate this half a million dollars or more? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Roland .

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated, we have had discussions with the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority around the contract itself. At this point, we are not prepared to enter into further discussions, especially in this arena and this juncture in the discussions that are happening, to further inflame things. At this point, I am not prepared to do that. As we get back into the work and people are going back through there, we will re-evaluate the situation. In fact, that contract comes up due again at the end of this fiscal year. Thank you.

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Supplementary To Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I find it a difficult challenge here, because I don't find this responsible spending. We are paying for a service that we can't access. Why would the infrastructure there, the society, et cetera, want to settle this dispute? Because they are being paid as business as normal. That really puts the union in a difficult position, that we continue to pay management and the organization but they can't provide the service. That seems like a horrible situation that we have forced them in. So, Mr. Speaker, yes, we need to pay the heat and power bills, sure.

We don't want it to crumble, but the fact is I would like to hear the Minister clearly say today that he will investigate this problem about reaching back into their contract to see if we can recuperate some of this half a million dollars because it is not going to where it was intended. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Roland .

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated, we have had discussions with the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority who holds the contract with the society. Regarding the contract itself, I am not going to state and get into the particulars at this point. The fact is we have had our discussions around the contract itself and about the provision of services. I will have to leave it at that at this point. Thank you.

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Question 265-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services , the Honourable Floyd Roland , with respect to some issues dealing with the treatment of some of our seniors in some of our major health centres here in the NWT. We all realize every day or every week here in the NWT, we are losing an elder in some form or fashion. Many are irreversible illnesses, terminal illnesses that we just can't help, and I can sympathize with that.

In my community of Deninu Kue with a population of 550, I have 95 seniors, half of which are over 65 and I am sure we are going to have many more that are going to be moving on or passing on in the upcoming years. Since our last sitting, Mr. Speaker, since November, our community has seen four elders that have passed away in the last three months. Two of these, Mr. Speaker, were due to pneumonia which they caught in the hospital.

They went in there for some treatment for some cancer issues and some operations issues, but then when they made it through their operations, they were wheeled back to their rooms and they ended up catching pneumonia and subsequently dying because of pneumonia. I don't think that should happen, Mr. Speaker. These are the people that I am standing up here and speaking for. Families have expressed concern as to why these...I had some people go to visit an elder in that hospital in Hay River and they couldn't even take their coats off in the room with the elder, Mr. Speaker. What does that tell you?

These elders are just freezing after an operation. I want to know what the Minister can do to maybe help these people, maybe put in space heaters, put in an elders' ward. Are there any options that he could consider that would alleviate complications in pneumonia? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Roland .

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 707

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of any particular cases of needing space heaters in rooms in different facilities across the North. If there are particular situations that the Member would like to discuss, I would be happy to sit down with him to go over those issues and raise them with the department. We work with the health authorities across the Territories for delivery of the service and continue to work with them to make sure that we can

supply a satisfactory level of service for the clients that do use our facilities. Unfortunately, there are times when even though we do intervene in a sense of the medical side of the equation to try to help folks, a lot of times the disease has caught on and it is a matter of management at that point. In particular, with that case there, I am not familiar with it. I would be happy to sit down with the Member to get more details. Thank you.

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Villeneuve .

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Supplementary To Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These are just a couple of examples that have been brought to my attention just from my constituency, Mr. Speaker, but I am sure there are many out there. In the Stanton Hospital, I know of a few elders who have passed along because of just catching pneumonia in the hospital, Mr. Speaker. Is there any consideration at the hospital? An elder goes through an operation and they are as frail as a newborn baby, which they have a whole ward for, Mr. Speaker. You can walk into that ward and it is very nice and heated. You walk into any elder's home in any community; it is very hot in there.

But if you go in the hospital room in the ward where the elders are with the general other patients, it is pretty cool. Some of these elders are pretty frail. I just want to know if there is any consideration that this hospital could have a separate seniors' ward to alleviate any complications such as pneumonia for...

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Supplementary To Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . I will allow the Minister to respond.

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again, we would have to look at it case by case. We know our facilities are run by central heating plants and other systems. We look at the temperatures, of course. One of the things we challenge our authorities is to run as efficiently and effectively as possible but it is not to the detriment of patients, so we would have to look at the details of these cases that the Member is raising here. Again, as I said, I would be glad to sit down with him to go over the details and specifics of this and try to deal with them that way. Thank you.

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Short supplementary, Mr. Villeneuve .

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Supplementary To Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that the hospitals do have a budget, just like everybody else, but you can't really connect the two. I understand that, Mr. Speaker. I am sure the Minister knows that too, that they are not directly related, but I think there is some correlation there, Mr. Speaker. Even in the summertime when you walk into the hospitals -- I know the doctors and nurses are always very busy -- the air conditioning is cranked right up. It is very cool in there. I know I go through the Hay River hospital also a lot of times. In the wards, it is really cool.

You can't take off your winter coat in there without catching a shiver. Can the Department of Health and Social Services look at some better options to accommodate, to make sure that if these elders want extra heat, they are going to get the extra heat, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Mr. Roland .

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels For Elders In Health Care Facilities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 708

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I have stated, we will work with the different authorities of these particular issues that have been raised in our facilities. I would be glad to sit down with the Member and discuss these facilities. I am sure that, throughout the facilities, if things are raised with the staff in those facilities, we are able to try and accommodate patients. We also have to look at the safety of the patient themselves and some of the material that is in those facilities.

When you are in a hospital room, there is also a lot of equipment there that you are not wanting to put other heating elements beside because that can cause other problems probably more serious. So I am happy to sit down with the Member to try to get some specifics on this to see what we can try and address. Thank you.

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Question 266-15(5): Service Levels F