Debates of Oct. 17th, 2017

This is page numbers 1 – 42 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd 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 ceo .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Commissioner's Opening Address

North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Strategic Renewal

Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk Highway

Mid-Term Review Outcomes And Next Steps

Family Violence In The Northwest Territories

Family Violence Awareness Week

Small Business Week

Mactung Mine Liabilities And Clean-Up

Mental Health Services And Awareness

Sahtu Regional Health Centre

Small Business Week

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Blanket Exercises And Reconciliation

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Motion To Receive Committee Report 1-18(3) And Move Into Committee Of The Whole

Committee Report 2-18(3): Report On The Review Of The 2015-2016 Public Accounts Of The Government Of The Northwest Territories

Motion That Committee Report 2-18(3) Be Deemed Read And Printed In Hansard In Its Entirety

Motion To Receive Committee Report 2-18(3) And Move Into Committee Of The Whole

Cultural Awareness Training For Educators

Funding For Family Violence Shelters

Closure And Reclamation Of Mines

Mental Health Treatment Options

Small Business Tax Rates

Sahtu Regional Health Centre

Temporary General Identification Cards

Small Businesses Funding

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Emergency Protection Orders

Dental Therapists

Tabled Document 4-18(3): Interim Public Accounts Of The Government Of The Northwest Territories For The Year Ended March 31, 2017

Tabled Document 8-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 875-18(2): Lands Integrated Risk Based Strategic Plan

Tabled Document 10-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 880-18(2): Centralization Of Long-Term Care Facilities

Tabled Document 12-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 899-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Tabled Document 16-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 909-18(2): Northwest Territories Geological Survey Strategy

Tabled Document 17-18(3): Hearing About The Realities Of Intimate Partner Violence In The Northwest Territories From Frontline Service Providers: Final Report - Rural And Northern Community Response To Intimate Partner Violence

Tabled Document 18-18(3): Statutory Declaration Of The Member For Monfwi

Revocation Of Appointment Of The Honourable Louis Sebert To The Executive Council

Appointment Of Conflict Of Interest Commissioner

Appointment Of The Equal Pay Commissioner

Extended Adjournment Of The House To February 7, 2018

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy , Mr. Beaulieu , Mr. Blake , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Ms. Green , Hon. Jackson Lafferty , Hon. Bob McLeod , Hon. Robert McLeod , Mr. McNeely , Hon. Alfred Moses , Mr. Nadli , Mr. Nakimayak , Mr. O'Reilly , Hon. Wally Schumann , Hon. Louis Sebert , Mr. Simpson , Mr. Testart , Mr. Thompson , Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 1:31 p.m.

---Singing of O Canada

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Margaret M. Thom, is prepared to enter the Chamber to open the Third Session of the 18th Legislative Assembly?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Commissioner's Opening Address

Commissioner's Opening Address

Commissioner Of The Northwest Territories (Hon. Margaret M. Thom)

Please be seated. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Premier , Ministers and Members, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to welcome you to the third session of the 18th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

This session comes at approximately the halfway point in the life of the 18th Assembly and follows the recent review and adoption of the revised Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019. Yours is the first Legislative Assembly to have formally adopted a mandate to clearly set out its plan for achieving the priorities you have selected on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories.

I commend and congratulate you for this new step in improved transparency and accountability and for your continued commitment to better serving the people of the Northwest Territories. The revised mandate adopted at the end of the Second Session of the Legislative Assembly on October 4, 2017, includes changes proposed by both Cabinet and the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning and discussed among all Members in Caucus meetings.

These changes take into account both the progress made on mandate commitments over the first half of this Legislative Assembly, as well as new challenges and opportunities that have arisen since the mandate was first adopted in March 2016. With your revised mandate, the 18th Legislative Assembly now has a strong and clear plan for advancing its shared priorities during the remainder of its term. In its revised mandate, your government has renewed its commitment to grow, diversify, and modernize the NWT economy so that territorial residents have the jobs and opportunities that they need support themselves and their families.

The knowledge economy will become an increasingly important part of the NWT economy in the future, and your government has made a commitment to foster and develop this sector. Actions to support the knowledge economy will include supporting the development and growth of post-secondary institutions and programs available in the NWT.

Your government will also support the feasibility of creating a Northern Centre for Excellence to promote and support research, innovation, and use of traditional Indigenous knowledge. Supporting local food production is another area for economic growth that will also help reduce Northerners' cost of living and promote health.

In partnership with other organizations, your government will support the creation of a central repository to research, store, and share knowledge and best practices for Northern farming and greenhouse technology. Recognizing that resource development will continue to be an important foundation of the NWT economy, your government will also ensure high-quality geoscience knowledge is available to support exploration and discovery, and will increase public awareness about how NWT renewable and non-renewable resources can be developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Northerners expect jobs and opportunities in small communities in every region, not just in Yellowknife or regional centres. That is why your government has made a commitment to enhance job creation programs in small communities, build community capacity, and support new economic opportunities.

The new Rural and Remote Communities Committee established to bring together Cabinet Ministers and small community MLAs will be an important source of ideas and advice for helping the residents of the NWT's smallest communities.

NWT residents expect their government to provide them with good, accessible opportunities for education from the earliest ages so they have the tools and learning they need to achieve their hopes and aspirations. That is why your government has renewed its commitment in its revised mandate to continue investing in quality early childhood development and supporting the JK to grade 12 system.

Your government has also renewed its commitment to expanding opportunities for post-secondary education, trades-oriented learning, and northern educational institutions. Its commitments include developing legislation to outline a quality assurance system to support the recognition of post-secondary institutions and completing the Foundational Review of Aurora College.

Through Aurora College and other educational partners, your government has also committed to develop and promote post-secondary programs designed to meet needs in high-demand occupations identified in the Labour Market Forecast and Needs Assessment (2016).

Cost of living has a direct impact on Northerners' quality of life and opportunities for economic growth, and that is why your government has renewed its commitment to focus on cost drivers that directly affect families in its revised mandate.

Addressing the urgent need for affordable housing is a particular priority for your government, and it is making a new commitment to reduce the number of households in core housing need in the NWT by 250 households per year for the next three years. As part of this, your government will create a comprehensive and fully costed plan to reduce core need, develop housing programs and services to deliver households from core need, and ensure that they reflect community values and priorities.

Your government will also address the shortage of market housing in tax-based communities through collaboration with stakeholders, including the private sector, other governments, and third-party organizations. The high cost of energy is another burden on Northerners, and your government is committed to increasing the production and transmission of renewable and alternative energy.

Your government will implement a new NWT Energy Strategy that will include renewable and alternative energy solutions and actions to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets and a 10-year strategy for investing federal and other funding.

Your government will also continue to develop and advance initiatives to displace diesel generation, including Taltson expansion and the Inuvik High Point Wind Project, as well as other hydro, wind, solar, and biomass projects.

Your government has also renewed its commitment to making childcare available and affordable, including creating an action plan for a phased-in approach. It has committed to support the creation of new child care spaces and programs in all communities and to ensure the sustainability of existing early childhood development programs.

Your government's revised mandate includes a new commitment to support communities in crisis by providing appropriate responses to suicide, including forming a crisis response network and providing specialized trauma-informed training and critical incident stress debriefing training. It will build surge capacity so there is coverage for team members and use the expertise of the crisis response network to promote enhanced suicide intervention activities.

To continue its work to reduce poverty, your government will work collaboratively by funding community-based partners and convening meetings of stakeholders. It will collect and report annually on indicators for assessing performance in reducing poverty and will ensure continuous quality improvement in the administration of the Anti-Poverty Fund.

Your government has also made new commitments in its revised mandate to implement a territorial 911 program and to develop and implement the policy, program, and legislative regimes to support the legalization of cannabis in the NWT.

Your government's revised mandate renews its commitment to improve governance in the NWT by improving accountability, transparency, and collaboration. That includes recognition of the need for improved communications between Cabinet and Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly and a revised commitment to ensure early, regular, and open consultation by Cabinet with Regular Members and committees of the Legislative Assembly.

The revised mandate continues your government's commitment to collaborating and fostering government-to-government relationships with Aboriginal governments. It continues to be committed to advancing, finalizing, and implementing land, resources, and self-government agreements and to building stronger relationships with community governments and stakeholders.

The revised mandate also continues your government's commitment to supporting initiatives to increase the number of women running for elected office in the NWT. Taken together, the commitments set out in the Revised Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019, provides a clear plan and road map for achieving the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly in the areas of economy; environment and climate change; education, training and youth development; cost of living; community wellness and safety; and governance.

I wish you well in your efforts and look forward to the progress that you will make on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories. During this session, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be introducing the following bills for consideration by the House:

• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2017-2018;

• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2017-2018; and

• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2018-2019.

The government considers these bills essential to the good conduct of government business and, as such, I recommend their passage. As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I now declare open the third session of the 18th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Mahsi Cho, Quanani, Koana, merci beaucoup, thank you.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Commissioner's Opening Address

Commissioner's Opening Address

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

On behalf of all Members of this House, I would like to thank Commissioner Thom for opening the third session of the 18th Legislative Assembly. I would also like to thank Mrs. Alphonsine McNeely from Fort Good Hope for leading us in prayer, and I thank Katie Schauerte from Yellowknife for her beautiful rendition of the national anthem.

Colleagues, earlier today, Mr. Fred Carmichael was inducted into the Order of the Northwest Territories for his work in business. Mr. Carmichael was the first Aboriginal person from Canada's Arctic region to receive a commercial pilot's license and during his 60-year career in aviation he has proved himself to be a valuable mentor, teacher, entrepreneur, and a business leader. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Carl Michael on his many achievements and an inductee into the Order of the Northwest Territories.

---Applause

Colleagues, this Chamber is and will continue to be a place for lively debate, powerful questions, and meaningful answers. However, this Chamber is also a place of great honour and respect. It is a great honour that we have been elected by our people to represent them here. Masi. Respect for institution and for each other, for our constituents, and all of the people of the Northwest Territories. Our actions and our words can carry great meaning and have lasting effects. We must choose them wisely. Masi. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Minister of Justice .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 1-18(3): North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

Ministers' Statements

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week an unprecedented package of 70 letters from inmates at the North Slave Correctional Complex were addressed and delivered to myself and several MLAs.

These letters outlined common themes that focus on issues surrounding programming at the facility, as they work to make positive changes in their lives. Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that these concerns from inmates are not being taken lightly. I have directed the department to respond to each of these letters without delay. In fact, last week, the warden of the facility has started to have direct conversations with the inmates regarding these concerns.

We have a well-established process within each of our correctional facilities for inmates to raise concerns and report back on how they can be addressed. I can confirm many of the issues they have raised in these letters have not been brought forward through the inmate advisory committee meetings. This does not mean that the inmates' concerns raised in these letters are being discounted. As I have said, we will be communicating with inmates to ensure that they know how they can access programs, as well as how they can continue to prepare to reintegrate back in their community.

Mr. Speaker, within our correctional facilities, programs have been created to allow offenders to help address the root causes that lead an individual to criminal behaviour. Programs are delivered in a way that recognize the importance of culture, and take into consideration the short time that most territorial inmates are incarcerated.

We have not reduced programs available at the NSCC. In the past three years, we have seen 330 inmates access or enrol in educational programs at NSCC. Since April 2014 to today, 278 inmates have completed a variety of programs, including sex offender programs and the new modular programs to address violence prevention, dubstance sbuse management and respectful relationships. In addition to these core and educational programs, 11 other programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous and the John Howard Society workbook series, are offered.

An adult literacy basic education program is also available for those needing this support. For others who may be a few courses away from their high school diploma, teaching staff will work with them to work towards obtaining required credits. This includes access to the regular high school curriculum. A traditional counsellor continues to offer cultural programs within the facility, while the larger yard security issues are being addressed. This restriction of use of one outdoor area is time limited. It is expected to be re-opened by the end of the year, once necessary security upgrades are in place.

Members are aware that we have challenges in the North delivering programming to inmates due to the average sentence of less than three months. For most, it can seem like they just get started and then their sentence is complete and they are released. Since I have been Minister of Justice , new modular units of programming were created, taking into consideration the sentences of our territorial inmates. For example, with the support of trained probation officers, work to address violence prevention, respectful relationships, and substance abuse management is able to continue in the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I am ready to work with any Member who needs more information in order to assist their constituents' concerns. These inmates need to know they are not left without resources. I commend them as they try to better themselves, and I am committed to ensuring they know how to access the tools that are in place to allow that to happen. Staff in our corrections services are dedicated to providing the safe and secure custody of inmates, and supporting the successful reintegration of inmates upon their release. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue this work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 1-18(3): North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Kam Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 1-18(3): North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

Ministers' Statements

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh , that Minister's Statement 1-18(3) delivered by the honourable Louis Sebert regarding North Slave Correctional Centre inmate concerns be moved into the Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 1-18(3): North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 1-18(3): North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

Ministers' Statements

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 1-18(3): North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

The motion is carried. Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Northwest Territories Housing Corporation .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 2-18(3): Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Strategic Renewal

Ministers' Statements

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on the progress of the Strategic Renewal that is being undertaken by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. The Housing Engagement Survey was used to identify what is working, what needs improvement, and what is missing for housing programs. Each policy and program is currently being revised in consideration of these needs, as well as ensuring that programs meet the mandate commitments, are effective in meeting their objectives and are appropriate and efficient through considering alternative design and delivery approaches.

Action on Strategic Renewal is already under way. As one fellow Member of the Legislative Assembly has stated, "We are starting to pick the low-hanging fruit." One key issue we heard was the need to improve customer service. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This is especially true when providing a critical support, such as housing, often to the most vulnerable in society. In response, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is now providing customer service training. All program, finance, and technical staff, senior management, and our Local Housing Organizations partners will have access to this training on an annual basis.

Members of the Legislative Assembly identified, and the survey confirmed, financial challenges as an obstacle for homeowners and many residents. In response, we have made changes to address the cost of living. Households earning under $60,000 per year will no longer be required to make a co-payment for repair programs.

We are launching a Fuel Tank Replacement initiative. The initiative will assist homeowners to cover the cost of replacing above-ground fuel tanks that do not meet current standards or are in poor condition, through a one-time forgivable loan. We have made policy improvements to allow family members to take over the forgivable loans of their parents or siblings who have either passed or need to move to access long-term medical care. This change will help ensure the continuality of community housing, avoid family hardship, and decrease vacant housing.

We will be addressing affordability in market communities through two approaches. One will be expanding financial partnerships with non-government organizations to provide rental payment assistance and housing stability support within a Housing First model. We will also re-launch the rent supplement program, which will contain stronger supports and be streamlined to ensure better access.

Mr. Speaker, the cost of living is often felt hardest by our aging population. It is critical to provide support for seniors to continue living independently in their home communities. As such, seniors will now be able to access a new repair program specifically designed to extend the longevity and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This funding can be accessed on top of our Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancements program. We will also be completing a senior housing planning study over the next few months in order to define demand and urgency as well as to identify design features desired to meet seniors' needs for a new home.

We also need to promote wellness and healthy choices. We want to retain our young people in our communities and build our knowledge base, so we need common sense solutions to support students in public housing. Students can now go away to school for four years without having to worry that they will lose their unit or have to fulfill a residency requirement upon their return to their community.

All of these initiatives begin today, and we will continue this work in the near future. In the coming months, a new program will be finalized which will support tenants in purchasing their homes that they live in. Creating pathways from public housing to homeownership was a prominent theme throughout the survey. There are public housing tenants that have the capacity to own and maintain their own home, but there is no market in their communities. This initiative will provide a homeownership option for residents who may not be able to access traditional lending sources.

We now have a Community Housing Support initiative that partners with local and Indigenous governments to implement innovative and community-driven housing projects and, to further support, we are creating individual Community Housing Plans.

Mr. Speaker, corporate change is a long and challenging process. This change began with the previous governments, which set the stage for renewal by stabilizing and rationalizing the operations of the Housing Corporation through improved systems and rigorous financial accountability. Now, we must build upon this progress to become even more responsive to our residents.

We are leaving no stone unturned in our actions. A variety of options are being considered, including new programs, educational components, pilot projects, research into challenging issues, and policy improvements. We are planning focused, fiscally responsible investments in the short-term, while striving for adequate, affordable, and suitable housing for all residents in the long term.

Mr. Speaker, I have been driving the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation hard to make these necessary changes and I am pleased to see the progress made so far. We still have much more to do, and I am excited to lead them on that progress over the next two years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 2-18(3): Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Strategic Renewal

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 3-18(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk Highway

Ministers' Statements

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, more than 50 years ago Prime Minister John Diefenbaker announced his goal to connect Canada coast to coast to coast.

The success of this project can only be attributed to the dedicated crews who have put in long days and nights during some of the coldest and darkest times of winter. Their dedication has allowed the project to proceed as planned. Before I get into the details of the official opening, I'd first like to reflect on the immense benefits the project has already brought to the Beaufort Delta region.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the project up to 600 people have been employed, and 74 per cent of that total have been residents of the Northwest Territories, with an estimated 10 per cent of the people employed being women. Not only were we committed to hiring locally, we also trained local. Roughly 185 people have received training and educational opportunities throughout the project, such as wildlife monitoring and heavy equipment operation. These training opportunities underscore our government's commitment toward developing a strong northern workforce.

In total, there have been over 136,000 person days of employment since the start of construction, 98,000 of which were NWT residents. This does not include employees who have worked for 41 subcontractors, of which 83 per cent were awarded to northern companies. While construction of the highway has already benefited the region's economy, this is only the beginning, Mr. Speaker. Through the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, our government is working to position residents and businesses in the Beaufort Delta region to capitalize on economic opportunities from year-round road access.

The new highway will make exploration of oil and gas more feasible. In fact, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is currently seeking federal funding to study the possibility of developing gas fields along the new route. From a tourism perspective, this new connection to the Arctic Ocean will attract visitors interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Beaufort Delta.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is already planning to promote this spectacular experience, and is working with the community of Tuktoyaktuk on a proposed tourism-focused celebration of the opening of the highway during the summer of 2018, as well as to identify and fund tourism products and infrastructure needed to meet the increased demand and opportunity that more visitors will bring.

Mr. Speaker, the opening celebrations this fall will be of national significance, as we mark the first time Canada will be connected by highway from coast to coast to coast. Significantly, the project has been designated as one of four Canada 150 signature infrastructure projects by the federal government. As we approach the official opening on November 15th, the Department of Infrastructure is working closely with the Town of Inuvik and the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, other GNWT departments, and the federal government to prepare for this historic day.

A multi-stakeholder committee has been meeting on a monthly basis to organize and prepare for the official opening of the highway. Celebrations will start with the opening ceremonies and a ribbon cutting, followed by a reception in Inuvik. Those activities will be followed by a historic symbolic drive along the new highway to opening ceremonies, fireworks, and a feast in Tuktoyaktuk. Our government is also proud to support a local documentary that will be screened at the opening celebrations. The film focuses on the history of the former ice road and the importance of the new all-season road.

These celebrations in Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk will ensure maximum participation from both communities. A separate ceremony will take place in the summer of 2018 to celebrate the tourism opportunities the road will provide.

Mr. Speaker, expanding our transportation system will help us connect residents to new social and employment opportunities, stabilize the cost of living in the territory, increase our resiliency and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and provide better access to natural resources. We hope everyone will join us on November 15th in celebrating this national infrastructure achievement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 3-18(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk Highway

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Mid-Term Review Outcomes And Next Steps

Members' Statements

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in 1997, the Legislative Assembly held a mid-term review, and it wasn't until every single Member who was involved in that process finally left office 18 years later that another mid-term review was held. I don't think that was a coincidence. This Assembly held a mid-term review 12 days ago, and I have a feeling that, until all 19 of us are gone, there won't be another. Regardless, the review is now behind us.

Mr. Sebert received a vote of non-confidence, and we must decide how to move forward. In the system of government based on political parties, a non-confidence vote means that the opposition gets to kick the government out of power. However, we are a consensus government. Cabinet is not a ruling party, and the Regular Members are not the opposition. We are all MLAs with specific roles working together to try to improve the lives of our residents.

One of the roles of Regular Members is to ensure that the Ministers are doing their job. In my opinion, a non-confidence vote highlights our failure to do that. Holding one performance review and then removing a Minister does not fulfill our obligation to ensure good governance, in my opinion.

I am not letting the Minister off the hook, however. It is an honour and a great responsibility to hold his position, and we should not be satisfied with anything less than maximum effort on his part, and the non-confidence vote shows that we aren't.

So the question is: will replacing Minister Sebert with one of the current Regular Members improve government more than working with the Minister to improve his performance? History indicates that a removal motion can deepen the tension between Cabinet and Regular Members and undermine future prospects for consensus. Taking that into account along with the considerable challenge of taking over a department halfway through a term, I believe we are better off using the tools available to try and improve the Minister's performance, which so far in this Assembly, we haven't done.

The Premier will meet with Regular Members at our request to discuss any issues we may have with the Minister. In past Assemblies, the Premier would take these criticisms and work with the Minister to address them, and it was effective. Say what you will about our Premier , but I have been told by many constituents that Premier McLeod was the best deputy minister they have ever worked under. He knows how to manage people, and he knows how to get results, so let us utilize that. If Minister Sebert retains his position, the next few months will be a major test for him.

If there is no improvement in his performance when this House meets again in February, then I'll be leading the charge to remove him. Until then, let's do our job and make government work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Mid-Term Review Outcomes And Next Steps

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Violence In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, today marks the start of Family Violence Awareness Week across the NWT. This year's theme is Healthy Relationships and Healthy Communities. Teaching healthy relationships between men and women, and fostering respect for women, through public programs and traditional values learned from our elders can help curb family violence in the NWT, and I encourage everyone to play their part. Together, we can bring an end to family violence.

Mr. Speaker, this is a matter of critical importance and urgency. Families are the basic unit of our society, and the relationships between grandparents, men and women, and children form the fabric of our communities. When people ask for help, this government must ensure that programs and services are available.

Here in the NWT, we have the second-highest rate of police-reported family violence and intimate partner violence in the country. NWT women, our fellow citizens, are victimized at a rate seven times the national average. This violence can take many forms. There is physical harm, but abuse can also be emotional or psychological, or take the form of threats or isolating victims from resources, friends, and opportunities. In the wider community, lateral violence such as intimidation, gossip, and bullying also takes a toll.

It is clear that we are all affected by family violence, but, Mr. Speaker, Indigenous people are affected the most. The family bonds that I spoke of earlier were broken by the residential school system. Our parents and grandparents suffered abuse there, and we were not taught the traditional values, the love and respect, that is vital to our traditions.While Canada's overall crime rate is going down, the incarceration of Indigenous people is increasing; a population that represents roughly 4 per cent of the national population represents 36 per cent of women and 25 per cent of men held in custody.

First Nations people, marginalized after years of colonization and cultural oppression, are more likely to experience violence, including family violence.

Now, what can we do? Mr. Speaker, this week I must also speak from my own personal experience, as I have done in this House before. The society we live in has strict ideals for what it means to be a man. Men are proud; they want to do things for themselves, and reaching out for help is rare. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Violence In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The society we live in has strict ideals for what it means to be a man. Men are proud; they want to do things for themselves, and reaching out for help is rare. However, in my own personal wellness, and I share this because I believe men need help, I must tell you that admission is truly the first step towards that help. I must tell you that there are people who care. There are resources out there. Get the help you need. I went through the Domestic Violence Treatment Option and the A New Day Program, and I continue counselling in my journey of healing and wellness.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the many people who have helped me, and I encourage both men and women to seek help if they are experiencing violence in their families. It can be done, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Violence In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Violence Awareness Week

Members' Statements

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, along with my colleague, Mr. Nadli , I am drawing attention today to the fact that this is Family Violence Awareness Week, and I am going to take this opportunity to raise awareness of a recent report on this issue.

Two Aurora College researchers interviewed 56 frontline service providers across the NWT to document the needs and service gaps of women experiencing violence from their intimate partners. What they discovered is that there are three social processes that contribute to our shocking rate of violence against women. First, women put up with violence because they feel locked in by a lack of housing and poverty and, as a result of these two factors, a fear that their children will be apprehended. This is especially true in small communities.

Second, women shut up about violence because society is not speaking out effectively about violence in intimate relationships. Forces such as historic trauma, the normalization of violence, gossip, and community and family retribution together keep women quiet. The third social process is described as "getting on with life," meaning that because of the lack of resources to make change, getting on with life is a way of coping. Of course, there are women with the courage to tell their story to police, shelter workers, and victim services, and they overcome these barriers to make changes for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, there is more that the GNWT can do to help keep women safe. It is time to finalize the standards for family violence shelters and to provide permanent stable funding that will allow the shelters to meet these standards. It is time to establish family violence shelters in the Deh Cho and Sahtu so that safety is available and close to hand in those regions. It is time to establish a death review committee that will review intimate partner deaths and discover patterns that may aid in prevention.

Most of all, Mr. Speaker, we have to push back against the idea that intimate partner violence is normal and that there is nothing we can do about it. Violence against women in the NWT occurs at many times the national average. It has been at that rate for years. It is time to make investments to make sure that women are safe in their homes and their communities. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Violence Awareness Week

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Small Business Week

Members' Statements

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, this week is Small Business Week, a time to celebrate and thank northern small and medium-sized businesses for their enormous contributions to our territorial economy. They invest in our communities; bring new ideas, products, and services; and foster the economic opportunities that create long-lasting careers and economic growth. This is no more evident than in my riding of Kam Lake, the hub of our territory's small businesses.

Since its humble beginnings until the present day, small businesses are everywhere you turn throughout Kam Lake; so much so that I would state that my riding acts as an economic indicator on the growth of our entire territory. When Kam Lake prospers, so does the rest of the North.

Mr. Speaker, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce is holding their 71st Annual Business Award Gala, a long-standing event that demonstrates the strength of our economy and acknowledges the contributions of our hard-working business sector. I applaud the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce for keeping this tradition going strong for 70 years and continuously advocating for small businesses in Kam Lake and around the North.

Some of the great Kam Lake businesses nominated this year are Arctic Farmer Nursery, Ron's Auto Services Limited, Weatherby Trucking, Polar Tech Recreation, All West Glass, Bassett Petroleum, and Paul Brothers NEXTreme. I congratulate all of them for these well-deserved accolades and wish them the best of luck.

The roots of any stable economy, Mr. Speaker, are its small businesses. Nationally, they make up 98 per cent of all business operations in Canada, employ over 70 per cent of the total labour force in the private sector, and contribute more than 30 per cent to our gross domestic product. This week, the federal government has lowered the small business tax, a measure that I have been advocating for since I first took office, and it is something that is in our mandate that we are going to do to give back to our business community. Mr. Speaker, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce agrees with me, and I tabled their letter calling for a more competitive tax system last year.

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of Small Business Week, I want to call on this government to give our businesses a nice present and cut the small business tax, in line with what the federal government has done, so that we can ensure competitive rates and future prosperity for our business community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Small Business Week

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Mactung Mine Liabilities And Clean-Up

Members' Statements

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. In August, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued a request for proposals to clean up the former North American Tungsten Company's Mactung property. This government purchased the property for $2.5 million under special warrant in the summer of 2015 after the company went belly-up and left its mess for the taxpayers. A partial clean-up contract for Mactung was issued for $87,455, but I am told that I can't see the details because they are protected as third-party business under ATIPP legislation. The request for proposals details a list of abandoned junk, waste fuel and barrels, chemicals, tent frames, and the like.

It is unclear to me whether the government knew the environmental state of the property before buying it. At my urging, the Lands and ENR departments performed a site assessment in the summer of 2016, even though the bulk of the property is on the Yukon side of the border. Presumably, the contract to clean up the site came about as a result of that GNWT reconnaissance. The Yukon Government had inspected the site in June 2015 and found it out of compliance with its mining land user authorization. A non-compliance letter was written to GNWT about Mactung on February 4, 2016.

Last year, I asked the ITI Minister what work is under way to sell this property and was told that ITI is working with the geological survey on "expending geological knowledge of the property." In a May reply to my oral question last February, the ITI Minister said, "The decision to proceed with marketing is related to the insolvency which linked the business asset of Mactung to securities for environmental liabilities of the Cantung Project." Our government accepted a promissory note for financial security on the Cantung mine.

We bought the Mactung property without the consent of the Legislature, with no clear idea of its environmental state. We are now spending public money to do the cleanup the company should have done and cannot even unload it because it is wrapped up in the Cantung insolvency. What a mess.

So what about the future? Can we at least learn yet another lesson from this latest contaminated site on the public purse? Will we ensure that fully cost guaranteed and unencumbered financial security is a requirement for future mining and exploration projects? I will have questions for the Minister later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Mactung Mine Liabilities And Clean-Up

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Mental Health Services And Awareness

Members' Statements

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of increased incidents of suicide in my riding, I would like to take the opportunity to address the importance of mental health awareness.

Mr. Speaker, in my riding and throughout the NWT, we have some amazing counsellors in our health systems and have beneficial services for those affected by mental health or mental illness, but what is evidently lacking is awareness in the communities. In my riding, between the months of January and September, there have been six suicides and at least 34 attempted suicides that I am aware of. Six suicides in 10 months is unheard of in the past, and this truth is devastating; suicide should not be a regular occurrence.

According to Stats Canada, the national average for death by intentional self-harm in 2013 was 11.5 per 100,000 population, while for the NWT, it was 17.8 for 100,000 population. There were only eight reported deaths by suicide that year. I can surely say those numbers have increased for the year of 2017.

Mr. Speaker, it has been unfortunate these suicides affect the entire community and not just those immediately related to the victim. What we need is more education and awareness of mental illness. I would like to see the community capacity built for dealing with mental illness, and there needs to be more local training. Members of communities require the education of telltale signs of mental illness, including depression and anxiety which can lead to suicide. There also needs to be training on how to aid someone who is contemplating suicide. This training would provide more accessible services and limited reliance on so many outside services.

Mr. Speaker, mental illness is most often very easily overlooked and coming forward upon experiencing depression and anxiety requires a lot of courage. Many people who deal with depression suffer silently. We need to educate our community members about the help that they have. We need to really let our constituents know that they are in safe spaces and can bring forth their ailments and know that they will get the support they need. There have been many cases where an individual will book an appointment with the counsellors but end up not attending.

It is necessary to look at what is stopping those seeking counselling from going on in their scheduled appointments. I will have questions for the Minister of Health at a later time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Mental Health Services And Awareness

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Sahtu Regional Health Centre

Members' Statements

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Sahtu Regional Health Center is a building that is very near completion and transitioning the ownership. Mr. Speaker, the building will provide sound economics through staff housing, growth in population, employment positions, examples of GNWT Department of Education Culture and Employment Skills 4 Success vision, readiness for career positions in the health and social services sector.

Above all, Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu residents will see improved healthcare. Long-term clients will now be brought back closer to their loved ones through the combination of this building. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Sahtu Regional Health Centre

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Small Business Week

Members' Statements

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like my colleague, the Member from Kam Lake , I want to acknowledge that it is Small Business Week. This is a time to celebrate entrepreneurs and to focus on the importance of small business in the northern economy.

Mr. Speaker, both my parents were independent businesspeople, and they instilled the entrepreneurial spirit in me. They taught me that hard work equals reward. Not only monetary reward, other rewards can be even more valuable, like the chance to pursue an idea and see it grow from nothing to something; the reward of being your own boss and decision-maker; the reward of flexibility, and the freedom that it provides; the reward of inspiring others, helping them step into the risky world of business. That is the gift my parents gave to me.

I am a small business owner myself, Mr. Speaker, and I am excited that staff from my company will be part of this week's Small Business Week Conference hosted by the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, the program and exciting line-up of panelists at the conference shows an important fact about our economy: it is no longer all about resource development. With world-class resources, mining is and will remain a critical backbone of our economy. But, Mr. Speaker, a healthy economy needs to provide opportunities of many different kinds, and many of them will be represented at the conference this week.

I have spoken frequently in this Chamber about the important growth of our tourism sector. Tourism has been growing by leaps and bounds, in all seasons, across the NWT. Agriculture is another growing success story. I have visited the Northern Farm Training Institute and the Polar Eggs plant in Hay River, and I am very encouraged by the huge potential of this sector. Our film and television industry is another bright spot. Many projects, including two feature films, are among the achievements driven by a dedicated and growing group of northern media professionals.

This week's conference will tackle such diverse subjects as online marketing, encouraging Indigenous entrepreneurship, and the role of marketing and promotion in business success. It is an exciting conference with something for business people in all areas. Mr. Speaker, this week's small business conference embodies the importance of our mandate commitment to support a diversified economy. It also demonstrates how exciting it can be to build on ideas and creativity, the very foundation of entrepreneurship. Mr.

Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce and all the conference participants for their ongoing support of small business. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Small Business Week

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Members' Statements

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Scientific American reports this week that the fight over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is back. For many in the North, though, Mr. Speaker, that fight never went away. A couple of years ago, the international newspaper the Guardian brought the Alaska Refuge to the world's attention in a long feature article. What might have seemed like new information to the southerners has been a part of Indigenous life in the Arctic for generations upon generations. Whether living in northern Canada or in Alaska, Northerners are no strangers to far-and-away lawmakers trying to impose their will on the Arctic.

The refuge itself covers 19.6 million acres across north-eastern Alaska. It is a sacred place, home to wonderfully unique northern ecosystems. A nature reserve that receives no more than 300 human visitors per year while the surrounding region is also home to the Gwich'in, residents of both the U.S. and Canada. The most recent American attempt to open 1.5 million acres of coastal plain within the refuge to drill is extremely troubling.

Mr. Speaker, Gwich'in on both sides of the border between our two countries are afraid right now. They are afraid that their rights will not be respected and that the regions lands and animals, especially the Porcupine caribou herd, will be hurt beyond repair and beyond compensation if the changes pushed by the current American administration go ahead. As northern Indigenous people, the Gwich'in are spiritually and physically linked to the caribou. In recent years, we have seen the Bathurst, Bluenose, and Barren Ground herds decline dramatically. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Members' Statements

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

The World Wildlife Fund calls the decline of the Arctic caribou one of Canada's greatest wildlife concerns, and we have not seen sufficient herd recovery nor GNWT action to show that caribou will truly be protected. Human activity posed a credible and severe danger to the Porcupine caribou. That herd is now dependent on us as human beings and as Northerners to protect the Arctic refuge and ensure their survival.

Mr. Speaker, it is not just an American problem. It affects the people of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik, and Inuvik, as well as Gwich'in living in the Yukon, all who rely heavily on this herd for subsistence and to continue their traditions. Their voices must be heard and, as leaders in this House, we must amplify those voices for the global stage. The threat of the Arctic refuge is as real today as it has been on the first day. It was made a refuge in perpetuity for a reason. We must act now. The present American administration has gained renewed strength to push to drill.

As a territory, we need Canada's support to be heard in its decision making. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions later today.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Blanket Exercises And Reconciliation

Members' Statements

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples issued its report. One of its key findings and subsequent recommendations was that education on Indigenous history be recognized as essential to reconciliation.

That is still true, Mr. Speaker, and we still have a long way to go. I recently learned about an educational program that grew out of the findings of the Royal Commission, and it is one I would like to see more in the Northwest Territories communities. In the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, participants join in an interactive crash course on 500 years of Indigenous history.

The exercise integrates physical movement, walking over blankets that represent traditional lands, with reading and role-playing to personally engage participants with the ongoing history of European colonization. Program designers also highlight the importance of working with local Indigenous groups to deliver the program and the need to engage with and learn from local elders.

Earlier this year, a blanket exercise session took place here in Yellowknife, with non-Indigenous participants reporting a profound change in their perspectives, Mr. Speaker. One told CBC, "Reconciliation is not something that just happens. The government doesn't create a reconciliation portfolio and then it's done. It's something that we as individuals and communities and collectively," Mr. Speaker, "our countries have to be willing to do."

My questions today will be for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to explore how this exercise might be integrated into both teacher training and the territorial curriculum. However, Mr. Speaker, there is value in this exercise for every Northerner, and those in public service, including this Legislative Assembly, could surely benefit, as well. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Blanket Exercises And Reconciliation

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 5, reports of standing and special committees. Member for Frame Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures is pleased to provide its Report on the Review of the Chief Electoral Officer's Report on the Administration of the 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, and the White Paper on the Independence and Accountability of Election Administration in the Northwest Territories.

Introduction

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Northwest Territories issued three reports, tabled by the Speaker on May 31, 2016, February 28, 2017, and June 1, 2017. These reports contain 107 recommendations for changes related to election administration, including many legislative amendments. The first report, the only one required of the CEO under the act, is entitled "Modernizing Election Administration in the Northwest Territories." It stems from the conduct of the 2015 general election and sets the theme for all three reports.

It is the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures' responsibility to review the reports and make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly. Because the CEO's two reports and the White Paper are closely related, the committee opted to carry out a coordinated and comprehensive review. The committee now offers its findings and recommendations as a platform for a coordinated response from the Legislative Assembly.

The committee notified former candidates, interested stakeholders, and media prior to the publicly advertised hearings with the Chief Electoral Officer in Yellowknife on September 9, 2016, and June 12, 2017. Public submissions were also received from Norman Snowshoe and David Wasylciw (personally, and as chair of OpenNWT). Additional submissions were sought following the tabling of the White Paper from stakeholders and via the committee's website. The committee thanks the CEO and her staff, and all who provided their comments and attended the hearings.

Review of the Chief Electoral Officer's Report on the Administration of the 2015 General Election

The CEO's report, "Modernizing Election Administration in the Northwest Territories," includes 42 recommendations to amend the Elections and Plebiscites Act

(the act), and one recommendation to repeal the act and replace it with a new one.

The Committee notes that the current act is relatively modern, having come into force in 2007 with the addition of provisions for plebiscites. The act has been strengthened by each assembly since that time, assisted by many thoughtful recommendations from previous CEOs and the public. While prescriptive where necessary, the act is broadly enabling and flexible, allowing the CEO great latitude in conducting elections and managing Elections NWT.

Committee members believe that many of the amendments proposed by the CEO will further improve the act, and represent by far the most efficient means of regulating and adapting the territory's electoral process to current needs.

Another very significant change was proposed by OpenNWT at the committee's first public hearing a year ago, to move to a ranked system of voting for candidates. Such a system would ensure that to win, a candidate must have the support of the majority of voters. It is currently possible for a candidate to win despite a significant majority voting for others. By contrast, ranked voting can result in a candidate with fewer first choice votes than another to win the election based on strong second choice support. However, requiring voters to rank their preferences also necessitates a more elaborate balloting and vote-counting system.

Ranked voting is not widely used in Canada, but there are notable examples: the federal Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party use it to elect their leaders, and the City of London, Ontario, has adopted ranked voting for its 2018 civic election. To date, ranked voting has received very little attention in the Northwest Territories. At minimum, such a fundamental change should be widely and publicly debated prior to a decision being made to adopt this system in the NWT. The necessary public discussion has not taken place.

CEO Term of Office

The CEO's first recommendation is to approximately double the length of the term of office, which at four years matches the shortest of any province or territory. While there are advantages to a longer term, the committee notes that the CEO may be reappointed, and the term extended up to six months after its expiry. The four-year term is also consistent with those of all other statutory officers of the Assembly except the Information and Privacy Commissioner, whose term is five years. The committee is satisfied that the four-year term and options for continuity are sufficient.

Elector eligibility and residency requirements

Only the three northern territories have a 12-month residency requirement for citizens to qualify to vote. In seven provinces the requirement is six months, and less in all others. The CEO recommends adopting a residency requirement of six consecutive months. The committee received no public comment on this recommendation, and notes that previous CEOs suggested an even shorter, three-month residency requirement to enable as many residents as possible to vote. Committee members support the six-month compromise, which is in line with most of the provinces.

Recommendation 1

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to establish an elector residency requirement of six consecutive months on or before polling day.

Polling day and alternate polling day

The CEO recommends a Saturday polling day to remove barriers to elector attendance, address security issues at polls located in schools, and expand the pool of returning officers and poll workers. Similar advice was given by the previous CEO after the 2011 election. However, no Canadian jurisdictions have weekend elections so there is no evidence of its potential impact. Members fear that a weekend election might either discourage traditional pursuits on the land or reduce voter turnout in small communities where turnout is typically very high.

Members are nevertheless convinced that our current Monday polling day is not ideal, due in part to reduced weekend media attention and the reluctance of candidates to campaign vigorously on Sundays. Eight other provinces and territories have polling days on other weekdays. British Columbia, Manitoba and Newfoundland/Labrador have Tuesday polls, and Members feel this option is the best fit with the rhythm of life in the Northwest Territories.

Since 2007, when the timing of federal elections was nominally fixed, two of three elections have been held in October (with the other in May). In the event of overlap of the normal, fixed territorial election period with the federal election, the act requires that the territorial election "must be the third Monday in November of that year." This was the case for the 2015 election. The CEO points to weather-related complications and recommends a spring or summer alternative.

The committee agrees that winter weather posed challenges for candidates' campaigns as well, and that late November is not a suitable alternative. One option is to move the alternate date forward somewhat, as was suggested during our public hearing.

Another option is to hold our territorial election on a fixed date regardless of the date of a federal election. In 2015, the federal election was held on October 19th and the NWT's followed on November 23 instead of the first Monday in October, which would have resulted in holding the territorial election on October 5th. In retrospect, this earlier date would have been preferable despite the overlapping campaign periods; November weather proved too disruptive, as noted by the CEO on page 65 of her report.

Recommendation 2

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to set the first Tuesday in October as polling day, and that the November alternative polling day be eliminated.

Register and list of electors

The CEO pointed out that in some communities there is a substantial difference between the voting-age population and the number of registered voters. The greatest discrepancies are in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Behchoko. The committee agrees with the CEO's Recommendation 10 to codify current practices and improve maintenance of a permanent list of electors. It may also be beneficial to extend the deadline for revisions of the list, as was suggested during our public hearing. This would provide more time for electors to register in advance, and for names to be struck from the list if they are no longer eligible to vote in the NWT.

The act currently provides that the list of electors may only include certain personal information, including the elector's full name, address, telephone number, gender, birth date, and date of NWT residence. The act also strictly limits how an elector's birth date and gender information may be used. The CEO recommends that the act be amended to permit Elections NWT to collect electors' email addresses as well.

The committee agrees that collection of electors' email addresses is potentially a useful tool in improving the list of electors, but cautions that internet service and use of email vary considerably from community to community. The use of electors' email addresses should be restricted under

section 54(5) of the act, ensuring that they cannot be provided to candidates or used for general distribution of information. Committee members also note that sections 54(2)(

d) and 54(5) refer to use of an elector's gender as a means of identification. This practice is no longer necessary or appropriate, and the committee recommends that references to identification by gender be removed from the act.

The CEO also recommended changing the act to further restrict inspection of the list of electors containing only names and addresses. This was the subject of much committee discussion. Inspection of the preliminary list of electors is a feature of almost all Canadian election legislation, ensuring some public scrutiny of the very basis of electing representatives. This measure is a safeguard of election integrity. In 2011, our previous CEO recommended that

section 65 be amended to include authority for the CEO to communicate the contents of the list of electors by the best possible means. This change was not made, as our predecessor committee was content with the existing provision. It is also significant that the Local Authorities Election Act requires that the list of voters be posted in five conspicuous places in the electoral district at least 30 days before the vote. These local voters' lists are essentially components of the NWT's list of electors. It does not make sense that the list of electors is fully confidential at one level and fully public at another.

The committee recommends that public access to the list be maintained at the territorial level.

Recommendation 3

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended per Recommendation 10 of the CEO Report on the Administration of the 2015 Territorial General Election, to reflect current practices of maintaining a permanent list of electors; and that the act be amended to remove references to identification of electors by gender.

Campaigning and third-party advertising

The CEO recommends amending the act to limit third-party advertising, as is done in most Canadian jurisdictions and echoing the advice of the previous CEO. Typically, regulation involves a spending limit, registration, and post-campaign reporting. Currently, third parties may advertise their support for or opposition to a candidate or candidates, or public policies, with no spending limit and no requirement to report to the CEO or the public.

This has not been a significant problem in our elections, but our system is wide open to influence by people, corporations or organizations with ample resources and a political mission. The committee agrees that proactive change is necessary. We emphasize that the goal is to ensure fair elections, not to impede political discourse or freedom of expression.

Recommendation 4

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to limit and regulate third-party election advertising related to candidates and/or policy.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to hand over to the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre . Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Absentee ballots, electronic voting, expanded voting in the Office of the Returning Officer, and location of polls

Timeliness of mail-in ballots has been an issue in every election of this millennium, despite the low number of total ballots involved. However, use of absentee ballots has increased; 244 were requested for the 2015 election. Ballots were available for one month, but after allowing for return time the window is effectively shorter. Of 146 absentee ballots received by Elections NWT, 35 (or 24 per cent) arrived too late to be counted. While absent electors have some responsibility for timeliness, mailing times are not entirely within their control.

The CEO recommended amending the act to permit electronic voting and greater use of technology to manage and report the vote. The committee Chair and CEO witnessed Prince Edward Island's use of electronic voting for a plebiscite in 2016. The province's chief electoral officer reported that the vote was well-conducted and accurate, but also flagged significant risks in a detailed audit report tabled in the legislature. The associated Independent Technical Panel on Voting Integrity recommended that use of online and telephone voting for federal or provincial elections should be limited to absentee voters for "the immediate foreseeable future."

The Gwichya Gwich'in Band in Tsiigehtchic initiated electronic voting in a 2015 referendum to replace proxy voting and as an option for all electors, along with mail-in ballots and traditional polling stations. The system allowed for telephone voting and online voting. The method enabled greater participation by electors living away from the community. Following this successful trial run, the band is considering use of the technology for future council elections.

Electronic voting represents an opportunity to improve the timeliness of votes from absent electors, should they wish to cast their ballots electronically instead of on paper. It is important, however, that electors have the option of using a paper ballot or voting electronically. In the committee's opinion, technological change may most benefit the absentee ballot system and reduce the need for some special voting opportunities, which have not all been particularly effective. For those who choose a paper absentee ballot, Elections NWT should consider use of prepaid courier services or express mail.

The committee supports amending the act to allow for the option of electronic voting for absentee ballots in the NWT when a reliable, practical system can be tested and implemented.

Extending the opportunity to vote in the Office of the Returning Officer from the close of the nomination and withdrawal period till the second day before polling day may also reduce the need for absentee ballots and special voting opportunities. Allowing voting from the close of the nomination and withdrawal period to election day certainly makes it more convenient for residents to vote, particularly those who work at remote mining camps. However, this convenience comes with a risk that early voters will be less informed than those who cast their ballots after campaigning is complete.

Early voting may also be an advantage to incumbents who have been in the public eye due to their service in the legislature over the previous four or more years.

The committee therefore urges caution with respect to extending early voting opportunities too much. It may be wise to set a date that allows all candidates a chance to publicize the key elements of their campaigns before early voting begins. Additionally, the committee agrees with a public submission that in districts with public transit, polls should be easily accessible from a transit route. Polls should also be easily accessible on foot, clearly identified, and visible from a reasonable distance.

Recommendation 5

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to:

• Allow for the option of electronic voting for absentee ballots;

• To provide an elector who has requested an absentee ballot to cancel his or her application in favour of an ordinary ballot on polling day; and,

• To extend the period for voting in the Office of the Returning Officer.

Candidate banking and a discretionary period for financial reporting

The committee agrees with the CEO that the requirement for every candidate to establish an account at a bank or other institution for monetary campaign contributions may be a barrier to potential candidates who live in small communities lacking these services.

However, the CEO also informed the committee that financial reporting is the source of the most problems for candidates in meeting the requirements of the act. Candidates/official agents must provide financial reports to the CEO within 60 days of polling day. The requirement for candidates to file statements from a bank or other approved institution has only been in place for one election. It is the result of an amendment passed by the 17th Assembly in an effort to improve candidates' financial reporting.

Results in the 2015 election were not encouraging: only 31 of 60 candidate/official agents filed their financial reports on time, a remarkable decline from 2011 when 41 of 47 reports were timely and complete. The current CEO informed committee members that in 2015 many reports were initially incomplete, resulting in substantial expense and effort to ensure compliance with the act. The committee also heard several times that financial reporting instructions and forms could be improved by Elections NWT and we believe this will decrease the amount of time required for processing and ensuring compliance. None of these changes require legislative amendments.

The CEO also proposes amendments to the act to allow latitude for the CEO to grant extensions to elected candidates who miss the deadline for financial reports and must apply to the Supreme Court of the NWT for an order allowing an authorized excuse. The act currently requires compliance with these provisions before an elected candidate can sit in the legislature, a relatively strict measure that may also penalize the electorate of the district in question. For unelected candidates, the act already enables the CEO to extend the filing deadline.

While the committee agrees with the CEO's proposed amendments, discussed above and set out in Recommendations 33, 35 and 37 of her report on the 2015 election, they do not fully solve the problem of late and incomplete financial reporting. Election campaigns solicit money from trusting members of the public and there must be thorough and transparent accounting of these funds.

Recommendation 6

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to replace the requirement for candidates to file statements from a bank or other financial institution with a practical, reliable requirement that ensures accountability and transparency; and

That the act be amended to provide the CEO with discretion to extend elected candidates' deadline for filing accurate and complete financial statements for up to 15 calendar days.

Campaign expenses, candidate contributions, and reimbursement of candidates

Most Canadian provinces reimburse election expenses of political parties or candidates, or both. All but Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut and the NWT reimburse part of a candidate's election expenses. Reimbursement from the public purse is based on the candidate receiving a certain percentage of the vote.

This aspect of campaign financing was addressed by the former CEO David Brock in his Auxiliary Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the 2011 election. However, he made no recommendation to adopt a system of reimbursing a portion of candidates' campaign expenses.

The average campaign in 2015 cost about $8,000, down from almost $10,000 in 2007. However, there is great range in 2015 campaign spending from the $1,897 average for Mackenzie Delta candidates to the $19,945 average in Yellowknife Centre. The cost of campaigning in the NWT may deter potential candidates from running for election. This opinion was expressed in OpenNWT's submission to the committee, supporting partial reimbursement: "Financing of elections this way…would increase the viability of campaigning for those who would not normally consider putting their name forward.

In line with the 18th Assembly's mandate commitment to improve access to elections for women, this would improve the ability of those candidates that might not have access to personal funds to enter NWT politics."

At the same time, there has been no great public outcry to subsidize the cost of campaigning in the NWT, and no hard evidence that the cost is a significant barrier to candidacy. This report may serve to begin public discussion of the issue, but it is premature to recommend that public funds be spent in this manner.

Elections NWT mandate

The CEO recommends expanding the mandate of Elections NWT to include the administration of the Local Authorities Elections Act, currently the responsibility of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. The CEO suggests that consolidating responsibility for all elections under Elections NWT would be fiscally efficient, build capacity, and improve the list of electors. Similar systems are used in about half of Canada's provinces and territories, where electoral management bodies administer smaller electoral events as well as general elections.

The NWT's Local Authorities Elections Act applies to municipal councils and District Education Authorities, including those in charter communities and authorities subject to the Tlicho Community Government Act. On the advice of Cabinet, the Commissioner appoints a member of the public service as Chief Municipal Electoral Officer. The appointments, along with two deputies, have been MACA employees who also advise communities on governance and serve other functions.

After the 2003 election, CEO David Hamilton recommended a review of potential benefits of Elections NWT administering the Local Authorities Elections Act.

In 2005, the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommended "that a review be undertaken to consider the efficiencies and sharing of resources that could occur with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer assuming the administrative responsibility for elections of community governments under the Local Authorities Election Act." Preliminary research was done; CEO Saundra Arberry commented in 2007 that "much groundwork will be required" and "implementation will require…a transfer of resources and additional personnel" as well as legislative amendments.

During the course of the Committee's review of the current CEO's report, advice was received from the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs that dialogue with her department, the NWT Association of Communities, and all community governments should precede any further interest in a consolidation of election responsibilities. Similar advice was received from the NWTAC. The committee cannot consider expansion of Elections NWT's mandate in the absence of appropriate research and evaluation of options.

Recommendation 7

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the CEO consult with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, the NWT Association of Communities, and a broad range of community government representatives with respect to consolidation of responsibilities for the administration of general and local elections; and; that the results of this research, when complete, be included in the CEO's subsequent report to the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to turn the reading of the report over to my colleague from Nahendeh. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Member for Nahendeh .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Housekeeping recommendations

The committee agrees with a number of recommendations made by the CEO for the sake of efficiency and clarity of processes. These include such matters as voting compartments, materials, multi-district polling officers, multi-district ballots, advance polls by community, and various others.

Recommendation 8

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended in accord with Recommendations 2, 10, 13, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, and 38 in the CEO Report on the Administration of the 2015 Territorial General Election.

Mr. Wasylciw suggested that nomination packages for candidates should be available for review before the writ is dropped. This would allow potential candidates to study the packages and identify questions or concerns before the election period begins. The committee agrees. The act does not establish when nomination forms are to be released. Forms are updated from time to time, as they were in 2015. It does not appear that a change of the act is necessary for Elections NWT to implement this.

In addition, the committee agrees with several of Mr. Wasylciw's housekeeping recommendations:

1. Eliminate duplication of information required in forms for financial reporting by candidates/official agents;

2. Investigate the possibility of issuing electronic tax receipts for campaign contributions;

3. Restore the categorization of campaign expenses used on financial information forms in previous elections;

4. Information for residents sworn in at the polls should be entered into the digital record system so it is immediately available, rather than on paper;

5. There must be opportunity for candidates or their designates to scrutinize the count of all ballots, including advance polls;

6. Elections NWT should consider providing open sessions for potential candidates and/or official agents in between elections to provide general information about the process and inform them about changes to the act; and

7. Elections NWT should solicit input from candidates and agents directly before preparing the CEO's post-election report.

These measures can be implemented by Elections NWT without changes to the act.

Review of the Chief Electoral Officer's Supplementary Recommendations on the Administration of the 2015 General Election

The CEO provided four additional recommendations to the Assembly on June 1, 2017. One was to remove the requirement in the act to establish bank accounts for campaign contributions. This issue is addressed in the committee's Recommendation 6, already discussed.

Third party certification of candidates' financial reports

The CEO's proposal to require that candidates' financial reports be certified by a qualified third party is not an acceptable solution to the problem of incomplete and inaccurate reporting. Accountants and auditors are even scarcer in small communities than financial institutions. Neither is the committee convinced that the proposal to subsidize candidates' costs for certification of statements would be effective and efficient.

Non-compliance penalty

The committee agrees that the current $250 penalty is not a meaningful deterrent for failure to file financial reports, and that the cost of enforcement is typically much greater than the penalty. Raising the penalty to $5,000 or $10,000 as proposed, matching British Columbia's, seems unduly harsh and likely to result in some large, uncollected fines. Committee Members propose increasing the penalty to $500, with additional daily fines to a maximum of $1,000.

Returning officer appointments

Experienced returning officers are a key factor in conducting NWT elections and they are a great resource to our electoral system. The committee shares the CEO's opinion that there is little logic in reappointing veteran returning officers for each election, and notes that three provinces and the Yukon appoint returning officers for life. Revocation provisions in the act already ensure that returning officers can be removed when necessary.

Recommendation 9

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that

section 257.1(1) of the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to increase the penalty for non-compliance to $500, plus a daily fine of $50 to a maximum of $1,000; and that the act be amended to establish that the term of office for returning officers expires with resignation, change of permanent residency to outside the Northwest Territories, revocation, or death.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this point, I would like to turn it over to the honourable Member from Thebacha .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Thebacha .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Review of the White Paper on the Independence and Accountability of Election Administration in the Northwest Territories

The White Paper is the first document of its kind in the Northwest Territories to comprehensively review election administration. It was prepared by Lorne Gibson, an electoral management consultant and former CEO in Alberta. Mr. Gibson was commissioned by our CEO to provide an independent review of our legislation and the autonomy of Elections NWT. The report includes 60 recommendations that lead our CEO, Ms. Nicole Latour, to conclude that Elections NWT is "an agency bound to government and not truly independent as intended." In her opening remarks at the committee's public hearing in September, 2016, Ms.

Latour stressed that "the overarching requirement…is allowing Elections NWT to make its own decisions and act in its best interest, free from government policies, systems and administrative interference."

After further research and much discussion, the committee does not share that view. Some of the White Paper's recommendations and comparisons with other jurisdictions overlook important conventions of the NWT's Assembly, our system of approval for appropriations, the role of the Commissioner, other legislation, and practical operation of our consensus government. Other recommendations address authorities already present in the current Elections and Plebiscites Act.

However, the committee considered the implications of all the recommendations and found that many would codify or clarify current practices and potentially improve our legislation.

The CEO is one of several officers of the Legislative Assembly who are appointed to provide an independent service, oversight and/or advice, free of political influence. This independence is critical to the integrity of their work, which is also subject to considerable public scrutiny. The various statutory officers of the Assembly are established by respective legislation setting out their terms and authorities. Their funding is provided by the Legislative Assembly; administrative support is provided by staff in the Office of the Clerk. These arrangements are reviewed by the Board of Management and ultimately included in the public review and vote on the Legislative Assembly's budget.

This system clearly meets Mr.

Gibson's standards that "independence exists when there is no political consequence for the actions of a Legislative Officer who is fulfilling the mandate of his or her office," and that "independence is usually less complete with respect to such administrative matters as budgeting and staffing, where an election management body is often required to negotiate with other parts of the governmental system and follow established merit-based hiring practices, classification systems, and compensation formulas applicable to other public servants." These comments assisted the committee in assessing the appropriate degree of independence and accountability to recommend for the CEO and Elections NWT.

The committee was also mindful of the Elections and Plebiscites Act's flexibility and adaptability to circumstances. It is not desirable to shift the balance toward a prescriptive act, an outcome that could be the result of over-codification of current practices. In short, the committee is reluctant to fix things that are not broken.

The CEO, Office of the CEO (OCEO or Elections NWT), and powers of the CEO

To start, it is essential that the establishment of the CEO's position, office and major duties are clear in their intent and practice. As mentioned earlier, the act provides the CEO with great latitude in conducting elections and managing Elections NWT. Over time, previous CEOs have developed sound practices. Conventions have evolved under the broad umbrella of what is permitted under the act. The White Paper includes recommendations that many of these practices be codified or clarified, for the benefit of both consistent election management and public understanding of the CEO's role. The committee agrees to the extent outlined in the following recommendation.

Recommendation 10

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended as needed to provide that:

• The CEO is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly;

• That the CEO shall take an oath affirming that she or he will impartially and faithfully exercise the powers of the CEO and perform all duties fairly, objectively, and with due care;

• That no proceeding may be commenced against the CEO, or a person acting for or under the direction of the CEO, for anything done or omitted in good faith in the exercise, intended exercise, or performance of a duty, responsibility or power under the act;

• The Office of the CEO (OCEO or Elections NWT) is established to ensure impartial administration and conduct of elections and plebiscites;

• The CEO administers and manages the business of Elections NWT;

• The CEO shall examine all statements, reports, forms and other information filed with the CEO;

• The CEO shall publish reports filed pursuant to this act on Elections NWT's website, or in such a manner determined to be effective by the CEO;

• The CEO shall formulate policies regarding the conduct of elections;

• The CEO may prescribe forms for use under this act;

• The CEO may engage the services of professionals or experts such as counsel or accountants as necessary to carry out the CEO's duties under this act, within the appropriation for Elections NWT; and,

• The CEO shall submit annual estimates of the funds required to operate Elections NWT to the Board of Management via the Speaker.

The White Paper proposes a significant increase of the powers of the CEO and autonomy of Elections NWT. This includes elevating the CEO to the classification, authority, salary and benefits of a senior deputy minister; the power to establish human resource policies, job classifications, and pay scales; and an exemption from the Human Resources job evaluation process. Implementation of these recommendations would require expansion of staff, duplication of available services, and increase the operating costs of Elections NWT.

The committee considers these measures ultimately counter-productive, with high risk of unintended consequences. In some cases, these are powers the Legislative Assembly itself has not exercised, due in part to the lack of scale required for efficiency. Not only is Elections NWT very much smaller, but its operation is strongly cyclical, with needs that are often short in duration.

Several recommendations (including some referred to previously) address the relationship of the CEO to the Assembly's Board of Management (BOM), chaired by the Speaker. This relationship is established by the act and BOM's mandate. The committee wishes to be clear that the views it expresses should not be interpreted as infringements of BOM's jurisdiction or decision-making processes. Such views will therefore not be accompanied by official recommendations to the Assembly.

The White Paper suggests that the act should require the Board of Management to consult with the CEO respecting Election NWT's annual budget, and, should BOM recommend a lower appropriation than requested, the act should enable the CEO to submit a written objection to the Speaker. It is normal practice for the Board of Management to meet with the CEO to discuss Elections NWT's annual budget. This is BOM's practice, and control of its own practice should not be fettered by the Elections and Plebiscites Act. The act is silent on the issue of a written objection to the Speaker; it is not prohibited.

Anecdotally, the committee has heard that such objections have occurred in the past. It is common sense that the CEO may correspond with the Speaker or BOM about Election NWT's annual budget. Moreover, this budget is reviewed by the Assembly Chamber, in public, as part of the Legislative Assembly's proposed appropriation. Members may question any item. The committee is satisfied that the current system is effective. Similarly, the White Paper recommends that the act be amended to require the CEO to submit an annual business plan and subsequent performance report to BOM.

This office is part of the Legislative Assembly's annual business plan development, and a budget proposal is submitted to BOM annually, in preparation for the budget discussed above. The committee is not convinced that this proposed amendment is necessary, but the Board of Management may determine otherwise. In the same category is the White Paper's recommendation that BOM conduct an annual performance review of the CEO, with constructive feedback concerning expectations and achievements. We repeat our caution against creating an overly prescriptive act.

The act provides that the CEO is appointed by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly (as is the case for other Assembly officers). The Board of Management is responsible for the selection process, and ultimately recommends a candidate for the Assembly's consideration. The White Paper recommends that the act be amended to require that another selection committee be established to conduct a merit-based competition for candidates it would recommend to the Board of Management. Such a decision rests with the Board of Management, which currently employs the same practice to recruit and recommend all officers of the Assembly for appointment.

It is also proposed that the ultimate appointment of the CEO be made directly by the Assembly, without the Commissioner's involvement. It should be noted that the Commissioner's role is not political and should not be confused with executive government. In the case of the CEO's appointment, the Commissioner acts on the Assembly's recommendation and lends the prestige of her or his office to the occasion. The committee sees no need to remove the Commissioner from the traditional appointment process, which is in legislation for all statutory officers of the Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to turn this over to the Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 1-18(3): Report On The Review Of The Chief Electoral Officer's Report On The Administration Of The 2015 Territorial General Election, Supplementary Recommendations, And The White Paper On The Independence And Accountability Of Election Administration In The Northwest Territories

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

CEO reports to the Legislative Assembly

The White Paper includes several recommendations to improve the CEO's reporting to the Legislative Assembly and to ensure the timeliness of the CEO's advice, which is particularly important when legislative amendments might be needed. Clear and timely reporting requirements have the added benefit of increasing accountability and the information available to the public.

Recommendation 11

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to:

• Require the CEO to submit an annual report to the Legislative Assembly describing work done under the direction of the CEO pursuant to the act;

• Require the CEO to submit a report to the Legislative Assembly after each election or plebiscite about the conduct of the election or plebiscite;

• Provide the CEO with the option of combining his or her reports into one in the year of an election or plebiscite;

• Provide that the CEO may report to the Legislative Assembly at any other time, on any matter that the CEO considers necessary; and

• Provide that any of the CEO's reports to the Legislative Assembly may include recommendations for legislative amendments to improve the administration of elections under this or any other related act.

Powers of investigation and enforcement

The CEO's powers of investigation and enforcement under the act were considerably enhanced by the 17th Assembly. The trend to sharpen the CEO's authorities in this area continues with ten recommendations in the White Paper.

Section 279 of the act gives the CEO broad authority to investigate any matter that comes to her/his attention that may be an offence under the act. Similarly, the CEO has great latitude to investigate to the extent he or she considers warranted. Although the CEO may begin an investigation without a complaint, complaints have historically driven the need for investigations. Complaints may be made to the CEO by anyone, within a year after polling day. However,

section 284 of the act prevents commencement of the prosecution of any offence more than one year after the date of the offence. This could result in the inability to properly investigate and prosecute an offence stemming from a complaint registered shortly before the one-year anniversary date.

The White Paper recommends that the act be amended to set the deadline for prosecution at one year after the date the CEO has reasonable and probable grounds to believe an offence has been committed. This proposal could result in an extended investigation followed by up to a year's consideration before a decision to proceed with a prosecution. This is not timely by Canadian standards, and the Supreme Court of Canada has stressed the need for timely prosecutions of offenses. Further, the limbo created in such circumstances is not in the public interest.

The committee notes that the deadline for complaints, within a year after polling day, effectively provides for less time for any offense that occurs after polling day, such as those related to filing financial reports. To resolve this issue and to improve timeliness, the committee recommends that complaints should be made to the CEO within six months of the alleged offence.

With respect to prosecution of an offense, the committee recommends that the CEO should have authority to begin a prosecution up to one year from the date of the alleged offence. The CEO has the power to compel witnesses to appear, give evidence, and produce documents in the course of an investigation. However, the act falls short of making it an offence to obstruct an investigation authorized by the CEO. This omission should be remedied.

It has been the general practice of CEOs to make public the results of investigations of potential offences under the act. The White Paper suggests that the act provide some guidelines for publication of the outcomes of investigations; the committee agrees.

Recommendation 12

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to:

• Require the CEO to notify the complainant in writing, with reasons, if the CEO decides not to conduct an investigation of a complaint;

• Make it an offence to obstruct the CEO or her/his designate in carrying out an inspection or investigation under this act, or to withhold, conceal, or destroy any records, documents, or things relevant to the investigation;

• Provide that when the CEO believes it is in the public interest, the outcome of investigations may be published on Election NWT's website or by other means the CEO considers appropriate, and information provided may include the name of the person investigated and the nature of the matter;

• Provide that complaints respecting omissions or offences under the act may be made within six months of the alleged omission or offence; and

• Provide that the deadline for the CEO to commence a prosecution under the act is one year from the date of the alleged offence.

Materials for schools and students

Section 8 of the act directs the CEO to implement a program to inform electors about elections. This might be interpreted as an impediment to informing students, as some would not yet be of voting age. The White Paper recommends revising the act to specifically enable outreach to schools and students. Statistics in the CEO Report on the Administration of the 2015 Territorial General Election show that approximately 2,800 people aged 18 to 25 are not registered electors, a number equivalent to about 10 percent of all registered electors in the NWT.

A very significant number of our young people are not exercising their right to vote. The committee agrees that building our young people's knowledge of basic civic rights might improve the turnout of young voters.

Recommendation 13

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to enable the CEO to develop and make materials available to schools for distribution to students who have reached voting age or will soon do so, including information on the NWT's electoral process, the right to vote, how to have one's name added to the register of electors, and any other matter that the CEO considers useful to electors and prospective electors.

Use of new voting technology

New voting technology has significantly changed voting methods around the world. With these changes have come new challenges in ensuring the integrity and security of the vote. The White Paper recommends that for by-elections the CEO should have greater flexibility to deploy different technology than is required by the act for general elections. The committee agrees that by-elections represent an opportunity to put election-ready technology to use and gain valuable experience, or to use potentially more efficient methods in a smaller election and/or plebiscites.

Recommendation 14

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to enable the CEO, at a by-election, to direct use of voting equipment, vote-counting equipment, or alternative voting methods that differ from those required elsewhere in the act.

Obtaining and sharing elector information

Elections NWT's register of electors is created from data acquired from various sources through information-sharing agreements. These sources include Elections Canada, agencies of three GNWT departments, and the City of Yellowknife. In her report on the 2015 election, the CEO notes it may also be useful to obtain information collected under the Motor Vehicles Act, and to enter agreements with Aboriginal governments and more municipalities. This practice has been in place for some time, but is not specifically describ