Debates of May 27th, 2022

This is page numbers 4301 - 4324 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was know .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Inuvik Wind Project Update

Climate Change

Aurora College Transformation - Highlighting Phase One Accomplishments and Planning for Phase Two

Contract Work in the North

Renaming Places and Things

Northwest Territories Highway Washouts

Congratulations to Graduates and Appreciation to Community of Fort Smith

Hay River Flood

Policing in Tlicho Communities

Tar Sands Discharger Regulations

Public Support for Fertility Treatment

Flooding in Northwest Territories Communities

Condolences to Constituent Communities

Ukraine Residents Move to Fort Simpson

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Hay River Flood

Northwest Territories Highway Washouts

Power Rates

Tar Sands Discharger Regulations

Procurement

Policing Services

Renaming Places and Things

Procurement

Public Support for Fertility Treatment

Hay River Flood

Employee Fertility Treatment Benefits

Housing Renovations

Tabled Document 653-19(2): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 1022-19(2): Living Well Together Training

Tabled Document 654-19(2): 2021-2022 Northwest Territories Electoral Boundaries Commission Final Report

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Diane Archie , Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge , Hon. Paulie Chinna , Ms. Cleveland , Hon. Julie Green , Mr. Jacobson , Mr. Johnson , Ms. Martselos , Ms. Nokleby , Mr. O'Reilly , Ms. Semmler , Hon. R.J. Simpson , Mr. Rocky Simpson , Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek , Ms. Weyallon-Armstrong.

The House met at 10:00 a.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 4301

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Member from Yellowknife Centre on a personal explanation.

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 4301

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide a personal explanation pursuant to rule 1.8(1).

Mr. Speaker, a copy of the letter addressed to me by the Native Women's Association was provided to the media. The letter is regarding my response to a question asked in this House on February 23rd, 2022.

The media reports on this matter have not quoted my response in full to this question. I believe this has resulted in me being misunderstood.

Mr. Speaker, quoting from the February 23, 2022 Hansard, the question asked was "Will the Minister finally admit that we are in a mental health crisis here in the Northwest Territories after two years of this pandemic?"

Mr. Speaker, here is the whole of my response:

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I recognize that the pandemic has been incredibly stressful for almost everyone. It has produced a lot of anxiety, depression, loneliness, especially for people who live on their own like elders. And we have provided services throughout. The demand for services is uneven. At this point, we are able to keep up with the demand for services, and so I feel confident that we're not facing anything that we can't deal with.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 4301

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre . Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Infrastructure .

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Minister's Statement 245-19(2): Inuvik Wind Project Update

Ministers' Statements

Page 4301

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, 74 percent of the electricity that powers homes, businesses, buildings in the Northwest Territories comes from hydroelectricity. However, there is more we must do as a government and a territory. That is why in the 2030 Energy Strategy we committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in diesel-powered communities by an average of 25 percent.

The Inuvik Wind Project is a key initiative within the 2030 Energy Strategy. Once operational, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes annually and offset diesel consumption in Inuvik by three million litres per year. This will reduce diesel consumption in Inuvik, our largest diesel-powered community, by 30 percent. We are making significant progress on this project.

Construction of the 6-kilometre access road to the High Point site, where the 3.5-megawatt wind turbine and battery storage system will be located, started in January. That work is progressing and is expected to be complete by August.

Despite the recent flooding in Hay River, the wind turbine equipment is still on track to be sent by barge to Inuvik for installation later this summer. NT Energy is working with Marine Transportation Services to get the turbine shipped safely to the Beaufort Delta. Right now, the construction

schedule remains on track and we anticipate the project to be completed by the winter of 2023, barring any unexpected delays.

Mr. Speaker, not only is this project critical to helping us meet our greenhouse gas emissions target and the objectives in the 2030 Energy Strategy, but as we emerge from two years of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure projects like Inuvik Wind will aid the territory's economic recovery.

Contract work flowing from this project during the construction phase will significantly benefit Gwich'in businesses, as the project is in the Gwich'in settlement area.

Mr. Speaker, investment in alternative and renewable energy can reduce the territory's reliance on diesel. It is a priority for our government. It is good for the environment. It is good for the North as we adapt to our warming climate and try to realize the 2030 Energy Strategy's vision of providing NWT residents with secure, affordable, and reliable energy. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 245-19(2): Inuvik Wind Project Update

Ministers' Statements

Page 4302

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources .

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Minister's Statement 246-19(2): Climate Change

Ministers' Statements

Page 4302

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our environment is changing rapidly. Average temperature in the territory are rising up to four times faster than the rest of the world. Coastal erosion is already affecting communities, and melting permafrost is impacting infrastructure. We know that ice-free summers in the Arctic will become a reality in the future, and ice jams have caused large-scale flooding events in the NWT two years in a row. There are many factors that contribute to ice jam flooding, and climate change is affecting each of these factors in different ways.

We will continue to see flood events in the future, and it is possible that they will occur more frequently, or become more destructive with the effects of climate change.

Climate change is real and action is needed now, and I am proud to say that our government is taking action. 92 percent of funded action items in the NWT Climate Change 2019-2023 Action Plan are on track to being fully addressed by 2023. Last year alone, we invested $55.6 million to implement actions from the climate change action plan and the energy action plan. We are working to make communities more resilient to the changing climate by investing in research projects to understand how our environment is changing as we find ways to respond and adapt to those changes. But it takes more than money to make real change.

Addressing the climate crisis requires us to work together. I'm happy to hear of the great work the NWT Climate Change Council has been doing to provide guidance to our government. The council brings together staff from Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, NWT communities, elders, environmental organizations, and industry stakeholders. We are working with our partners on climate change adaptation initiatives, including risk and opportunity assessments and community hazard mapping to identify the key adaptation risks we are facing. This will allow us to focus our resources on priorities that make the biggest difference.

The council provides an opportunity to continue to build and strengthen relationships, shared understanding and trust. We are supporting the Climate Change Council to establish a youth advisory group, and I am excited to hear the perspectives and ideas of the next generation of northern leaders.

We are listening to and working with people who feel the effects of the changing climate every day. We have heard the need for better access to information on climate change and will be engaging the council at the next meeting on a draft climate change outreach plan.

We are working toward transformative projects; projects that, with the right federal investments and the hard work of Northerners, will deliver results for the North. For example, the NWT government needs energy that is secure and affordable as well as sustainable. We are working on alternatives and made-in-the-North solutions that can meet all of these needs. We have a new climate scientist and hydrological modeler who is working to assess how water levels have changed over time and how they are projected to change in the future.

GNWT scientists are working with the federal government to review and update existing floodplain mapping information to flood-prone communities. We are incorporating climate change considerations into public safety and community operations planning.

In addition, we have developed a high-level climate change vulnerability assessment on the impact of public and community infrastructure within all NWT communities. Proposed adaptation measures and recommendations for future work have been identified for all NWT communities.

We are the first, and currently the only, jurisdiction in Canada to establish a climate change archaeologist position to assess climate change impacts on archaeological sites and other places of cultural significance in the territory. But we cannot do it alone.

Climate change is manifested and the responsibility must be too. We are working with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, communities, industry, non-government organizations and others to find solutions that work to prepare this territory and its residents for the future.

The climate crisis is real. It is frightening and can even seem overwhelming. But together, we can adapt and respond proactively. Together we will continue to rise to the challenge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 246-19(2): Climate Change

Ministers' Statements

Page 4303

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment .

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Minister's Statement 247-19(2): Aurora College Transformation - Highlighting Phase One Accomplishments and Planning for Phase Two

Ministers' Statements

Page 4303

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to speak about our progress in establishing a polytechnic university in the Northwest Territories. The magnitude of this project was never something to be taken lightly, and we remain committed to completing work in the right order and at the right time.

The transformation follows a three-phased approach that ensures Aurora College can build a strong foundation so that it transforms into a sustainable polytechnic university that delivers high quality education to Northerners.

We are already seeing gains as we establish the building blocks for transformation and strengthen the college's programs. These gains are evident when I speak with faculty, staff, and students in their communities, and they include:

A new approach to corporate planning and annual reporting;

The launch of an entirely new Aurora College website, including a student information system;

A new approach to strategic planning, academic planning and strategic enrolment management;

The new centre for teaching and learning dedicated to the ongoing professional development of Aurora College instructors, enhancement of Aurora College curriculum and course delivery;

The establishment of two new research chair positions and a new research services team, being launched this year;

The completion of the social work and education program reviews; and

The coming into force of the new Aurora College Act.

Moving into Phase Two, the relationship between the GNWT and Aurora College is now evolving and will be marked by a new mandate for Aurora College. An early step toward a new way of working, this mandate will guide the College in its goal to operate at arm's length from the GNWT while taking steps to ensure academic and research excellence across the territory.

Another major milestone in Phase Two of Aurora College's transformation is the completion of a Polytechnic University Facilities Master Plan.

Mr. Speaker, the Facilities Master Plan will provide Aurora College and the future polytechnic university with a roadmap for the ongoing enhancement and expansion of facilities across the NWT. The development of the Facilities Master Plan has been a process involving input and participation from Indigenous governments, partners, and stakeholders.

Since transformation began, we have heard from across the NWT that the polytechnic university is in a unique position to integrate Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing into its physical form and operation, programming, and governance structure.

I look forward to seeing this theme of Indigenization manifested through the new governance system, particularly the Indigenous Knowledge-Holders Council as they develop a framework that will guide the culture and administration of the polytechnic university.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to move forward with Phase Two of the transformation. I am confident that we are designing a polytechnic university that will meet the needs of Northerners, northern residents, and will become a showcase of education for students in the North, in Canada, and around the world.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 247-19(2): Aurora College Transformation - Highlighting Phase One Accomplishments and Planning for Phase Two

Ministers' Statements

Page 4304

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Member's Statement 1089-19(2): Contract Work in the North

Members' Statements

Page 4304

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today was going to be on homelessness but I have decided at the last minute that I'm going to talk about one of our mandate priorities is, you know, in this House when the 19 Members came together, one of the biggest issues that we talked about was contracting and keeping the work in the North, you know. And, you know, we've had lots of talks about this, you know, we've talked about revamping our procurement, our Indigenous procurement policies. So when I look back and thank the Minister for her statement because you know what, I'd really support this wind project, you know, in my community but the one part of it is there's one

section of that contract that is only going to be able to benefit the people of my community or the people that live in our region is that access road.

That access road could be built by anybody in our region. We have companies that have built the Tuk Highway. We have the companies that have been working on the highway to the border, you know, but yet we -- you know, the Minister talks about this project and the Minister is also responsible for the NTPC, the Power Corp, which Entec falls under. This somehow got really swayed in the way we're doing contracts, you know.

And so when I, as a community Member, as an advocate for the businesses in my community see that we have outsiders coming in to take the only part of work that our community members could do, they're not gonna build the wind turbine. They don't have those expertise, you know, but they could build that access road.

And when we see, when I'm driving and I go to work and I see Whitehorse companies' body jobs sitting in the parking lot and when I see trucking companies coming in from Whitehorse sitting down and, you know, in yards working out on the highway, this is not what we said we were going to do as a government. We said we were going to keep the work local. Whoever we're working with Ministers, Members, we should all be working together to ensure that work stays in the North and not ignoring it.

I will have questions for the Minister of ITI later on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1089-19(2): Contract Work in the North

Members' Statements

Page 4304

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Member's Statement 1090-19(2): Renaming Places and Things

Members' Statements

Page 4304

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe it is time to rename some things. In the last year and half of this Assembly, I propose we start with the lake just down the street here, Great Slave Lake, Mr. Speaker.

Great Slave Lake, it was named after a Cree word “Awokanek” which refers to the Dene people being "Great Slaves." Mr. Speaker, it's 2022. I don't know why we still have a name that honours the history of slavery between warring nations long ago that was essentially picked by European explorers.

Mr. Speaker, I love that lake, it is a great lake, but its name does not do it justice. There are plenty of different names. There are Indigenous names. I think we need to go out and consult with the public and find a new name that does not honour slavery in this generation.

Mr. Speaker, next, moving up the valley we have the Mackenzie Mountains and the Mackenzie River, both named after Alexander Mackenzie. But wait, named after two different Scottish men named Alexander Mackenzie.

The first, the explorer was on that river for about three months, got up to Tuk, and found out it wasn't the Arctic Ocean, it wasn't the Pacific Ocean, and so he turned around.

Mr. Speaker, Alexander Mackenzie did some good cartography work but, honestly, in the realm of explorers does not deserve the great Deh Cho River.

Next, Mr. Speaker, the mountains - the glorious Mackenzie Mountains were named after Alexander Mackenzie, Canada's second prime minister who, really, was a pretty unremarkable prime minister. Honestly, his biggest accomplishment was implementing the Indian Act and his countless efforts to assimilate Indigenous peoples. In fact, Mr. Speaker, Alexander Mackenzie, when he was Prime Minister those mountains weren't even part of Canada. There's no evidence he ever set foot in those mountains or knew anything about them at all, Mr. Speaker.

I'm going to read you a quote from Alexander Mackenzie, our second prime minister, who we have decided to honour by naming one of our great mountain ranges after: "It is the mission of the Anglo-Saxon race to carry the power of the Anglo-Saxon civilization over every country in the world."

Now Mr. Speaker, I recognize that many of our first prime ministers said ridiculously racist things like that, and had white supremacist views. But I don't believe that in this day and age we have any reason to honour him by naming the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains after him. Mr. Speaker, let's do our history, our culture and our geography a favour and rename some things.

I'll have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Thank you.

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Member's Statement 1090-19(2): Renaming Places and Things

Members' Statements

Page 4305

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

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Member's Statement 1091-19(2): Northwest Territories Highway Washouts

Members' Statements

Page 4305

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this spring has been especially hard on the river communities due to floods. I would like to bring attention to our highway systems and the washouts we have been experiencing lately. Mind you, this might be a once in a lifetime event and hopefully not a recurring event.

A

section of Highway 1 from the NWT/Alberta border was closed for a few days due to a washout from high-water levels. A

section of Highway 1 from Junction 3 to Kilometre 238 was closed due to a washout. The Kakisa access road was shut down for a day or so due to a washout. A

section of highway between Enterprise and Fort Providence was overflowing from high waters along both sides of the ditches. These have all been actioned, monitored, and have since opened to traffic.

There's a stretch of highway between Highway 3 between Fort Providence and Behchoko, approximately Kilometre 170, which has high-water levels which are almost even with the roadway. This has the potential to possibly wash out at some point. Maybe not this year, but is a great possibility.

When one travels the highways, one can notice the abnormal amount of water gushing out of the bushes, filling many ditches, causing great concern of possible washouts. This could be detrimental for highway travel and the delivery of goods to the people who rely on the highway systems.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Infrastructure Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

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Member's Statement 1091-19(2): Northwest Territories Highway Washouts

Members' Statements

Page 4305

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho . Members' statements. Member for Thebacha .

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Member's Statement 1092-19(2): Congratulations to Graduates and Appreciation to Community of Fort Smith

Members' Statements

Page 4305

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to acknowledge the 2022 graduating class of Fort Smith's PWK High School. Yesterday the grad class had their convocation and tonight they will have their grad dinner.

I was unable to attend the grad ceremony as I'm here for session. However, I did send some remarks be read at the ceremony on my behalf.

On behalf of the community of Fort Smith, congratulations to all of this year's graduates for your hard work in reaching this point in your academic careers. I wish all students well in their future endeavours.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize all the students who came to the Legislative Assembly for Youth Parliament two weeks ago; particularly, I want to recognize the youth parliamentarian who represented constituency of Thebacha and the community of Fort Smith, Naomi Reimer.

Thank you for your participation in youth parliament. I was very happy to see Fort Smith well represented.

Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the serious incident that took place in Fort Smith in March. I know that Fort Smith is still dealing with the traumatic events that took place during that time. I want to encourage all my constituents to please continue to support each other, but especially the grieving family who lost a loved one. I also want to acknowledge the multiple other deaths of other community members who have passed away from various sources over the past few months.

Our community has experienced many losses in such a short time. So I want to acknowledge this and offer my support and condolences to all affected families and friends of people who passed away in recent months.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the amazing constituents of Thebacha for all their continued support and for their attendance at my recent constituency meeting.

Thank you as well to my community team, who are always ready to support and advise me on issues most important to my community. You know who you are. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1092-19(2): Congratulations to Graduates and Appreciation to Community of Fort Smith

Members' Statements

Page 4306

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Member's Statement 1093-19(2): Hay River Flood

Members' Statements

Page 4306

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, due to the extensive flooding, many residents have been displaced from their homes with some staying with friends, some in hotels and motels, some in RVs, some in shelters, and some in tents. We are also hearing of residents moving out of the community for good.

It is now time to rebuild those homes and businesses impacted by flooding in the South Slave before we start to lose our residents and businesses due to lack of accommodation and supports. To do this, we need to provide financial supports immediately so rebuilding can commence.

Mr. Speaker, most importantly, those residents affected by flooding need to mitigate damage, or further damage. They require timely assistance to abate damage to the point their homes are ready for repairs. Those residents who had access to friends, or the finances to hire contractors, were able to remove water damaged items and material allowing repair work to commence on their homes or businesses. However, there are others that do not have that same level of support and their homes remain with water, water-logged items, and damaged structures, which all work to foster mould growth and worsening structural damage.

Mr. Speaker, in the absence of flood insurance, those impacted by flooding or sewer backups are relying on this government to provide the financial resources required to address any damage. Residents are hearing that some of their neighbours have received compensation through private insurance and are now proceeding with repairs. Those residents and businesses who are relying on the Disaster Assistance Policy are asking why is it that this government cannot provide the same level of service.

Mr. Speaker, the Disaster Assistance Policy includes a number of key points, including eligible expenses, levels of assistance (including maximums), procedures to request assistance, timeframes within which assistance will be provided, and appeals.

To date, most impacted residents and businesses received and completed DAP applications with some having properties assessed. To move forward, those impacted residents are now looking for timelines, list of eligible expenses, list of standardized values, and immediate financial assistance.

Mr. Speaker, while residents wait for this government to complete the assessment process, residents are attempting to line up qualified and reputable contractors to complete the work on their homes. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With approximately 350 applications submitted to date, finding a contractor will be difficult and made more difficult without the finances to provide a deposit in order for work to commence.

Mr. Speaker, you can see why this government must work swiftly to get money into the hands of those that need it. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 1093-19(2): Hay River Flood

Members' Statements

Page 4306

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Member's Statement 1094-19(2): Policing in Tlicho Communities

Members' Statements

Page 4306

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about over-policing and police brutally happening in the Tlicho communities.

I have had many of my constituents step forward to share their negative experiences with the RCMP and the fear they have about their safety with the RCMP.

Mr. Speaker, in the last year, some of these have been publicized by the media. However, these are just a few of those incidents that have been made public. Many are never made public or formal complaints have not been made.

The current complaint process is burdensome, and for many Indigenous people the complaint process is not accessible or culturally safe. Mr. Speaker, many Tlicho people are worried about their safety with the RCMP. They are afraid they will be wrongly accused or treated inhumanely.

There have been many, many incidents of being disrespected. Racist remarks, aggressive handling, bullying and intimidation, especially towards Indigenous women. This is violence against Indigenous people, and it is totally unacceptable.

Indigenous women face the threat of violence every day. The experiences of trauma and violence is connected to the legacy of colonizations and policies aimed at erasing Indigenous people and families. The RCMP needs to protect Indigenous women and not harm Indigenous women.

Mr. Speaker, there is a long history of mistrust between Indigenous people and the RCMP. The RCMP must be respectful and build positive relationships with Tlicho people in the communities and all the Indigenous people in the territory. Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Earlier this year Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, ITK, shared a plan to change the relationship between Inuit people and the RCMP. The Northwest Territories needs the same thing - a plan to develop respectful relationships between Indigenous people in the territory and RCMP. Mr. Speaker, the time is now for the RCMP to commit to improving relations with Indigenous people. The territory needs officers who work well with the people and communities who have empathy and providing services that are culturally safe.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Justice . Thank you.

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Member's Statement 1094-19(2): Policing in Tlicho Communities

Members' Statements

Page 4307

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Member's Statement 1095-19(2): Tar Sands Discharger Regulations

Members' Statements

Page 4307

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I raised the issue of discharges from the Alberta tar sands tailings several times in our last two sittings. Although the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources has committed to share information with this side of the House and the public, I have seen nothing. I can honestly not recall having received a single proactive email or update on the issue of the development of Alberta and federal regulations for discharges from the tar sands tailings ponds from the Minister or the department.

I've also raised the issue of Alberta refusing to allow GNWT representatives on committees considering water quality downstream of the tar sands. The Minister said he would be raising the issue with the federal Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. But again, nothing has been shared with us as Regular MLAs.

What I have learned over the last couple of months from our own research is that the GNWT put out two $60,000 Request for Proposals for technical advice regarding discharges. The successful contractors will conduct critical reviews of all information provided to the Government of Alberta related to oil sands toxicity and review all information related to technology-based effluent limits. And that's good work, Mr. Speaker, but maybe sharing some of that with this side of the House would be good.

It's not clear whether or when our government may conduct its own modeling of impacts of discharges into the NWT.

I will have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources about what is going on with regard to tar sands tailing ponds discharges and when information will be shared with this side of the House and the public. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1095-19(2): Tar Sands Discharger Regulations

Members' Statements

Page 4307

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Member's Statement 1096-19(2): Public Support for Fertility Treatment

Members' Statements

Page 4307

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one in six Canadian couples experience infertility. The costs of fertility treatments are financially, emotionally, and physically exhausting. Most companies, policies, and initiatives focus on issues like duration of parental leave, post leave integration, and work life balance. While pregnancy and child birth are highly visible and often celebrated, fertility challenges tend to be invisible, silent, and devastating.

Some employers are working to walk the talk when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing and supporting the diverse ways that families grow. Canadians are calling on infertility to be covered by health care given its status as a valid medical condition, and as a result seven Canadian provinces provide financial support to residents for fertility treatment.

Nova Scotia and Manitoba offer a tax credit of up to 40 percent of treatment costs. New Brunswick has a one-time grant of $5,000. While in PEI, IVF grants run from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on family income. In Newfoundland and Labrador, IVF treatments are subsidized at $5,000 per cycle to a maximum of three cycles. These funds are intended to support travel as there is no IVF provider in the province. Quebec and Ontario both have programs that pay for one round of IVF treatment. And BC Liberals are currently proposing similar public funding.

Mr. Speaker, to recruit skilled workers in a tight labour market, some Canadian employers are starting to offer these fertility benefits.

TD Bank offers benefits for reproductive treatments and costs associated with surrogacy, donors, and adoption with a $20,000 lifetime maximum for each benefit. Scotia Bank offers a lifetime maximum of $10,000 for surrogacy, fertility or adoption expenses. CIBC offers a lifetime maximum of 15,000 for fertility and a separate lifetime maximum of $15,000 for surrogacy expenses. Mr. Speaker, even Starbucks offers a lifetime maximum of $30,000 to employees for family expansion.

Yes, the cost of fertility treatments are financially burdensome, but in the world of health insurance, fertility benefits are not costly or risky to include because they are considered nonrecurring health claims, and employees are unlikely to spend money on fertility every year of their life in perpetuity.

When I started my research, I expected to find a growth strategy that would set the North apart. But, Mr. Speaker, it appears the North has already fallen behind in offering inclusive support for a chronic illness that speaks to the needs of Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Ministers of Health and Social Services and Finance and hopefully update our territory's support for the diverse ways that families grow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1096-19(2): Public Support for Fertility Treatment

Members' Statements

Page 4308

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Members' statements. Member for Great Slave .

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Member's Statement 1097-19(2): Flooding in Northwest Territories Communities

Members' Statements

Page 4308

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to today to express my thanks to the communities of Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River for my recent visit to the Deh Cho to have a look at how things were shaping up ahead of the recent flooding. I wanted to thank the interim Grand Chief for the Deh Cho, Stanley Sanguez, for taking time to speak with me, as well as the LKFN Chief Kele Antoine, and Chief Nolene Hardisty of Jean Marie River who made her staff available for me.

In addition, I'd also like to thank the municipal staff, Mayor Sean Whelly of Fort Simpson, as well as the shelter operator was, for allowing me to come and really have a look at the community and see where the flood recovery is at.

Mr. Speaker, I'm quite concerned about over a year out from the floods in Fort Simpson last year that we don't have people back in their homes. We've spent $2 million on a sole source contract to a business in order to project manage and get these people back in. And I'm curious, Mr. Speaker, to know if there are penalties built into that contract for the fact that they have not delivered on time.

I look at the homes. They are not suited for northern buildings. They have flat roofs. Snow load on them will be a lot. In fact, water was pouring out of the corner of one of them when there hadn't been rain or snow for weeks prior to that. I'm very concerned that when we look at what's happening in Hay River that we are going to be in the same situation there within the next year.

This government has told me that it is on the municipalities to budget and prepare for emergencies; however, I cannot understand how we can leave it to communities and municipalities with little to no capacity and underfunded resources to prepare for climate change driven emergencies. That is the responsibility of this government and this Cabinet to ensure that happens.

Mr. Speaker, I'm not going to ask any questions today. My own mental health has been struggling through this last while as I listen to people tell me time and time again how neglected they feel by this Cabinet, how neglected they feel by senior bureaucracy, and how basically horrific things have become in some of the smaller communities. And I really have to say I don't think people care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1097-19(2): Flooding in Northwest Territories Communities

Members' Statements

Page 4308

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave . Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

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Member's Statement 1098-19(2): Condolences to Constituent Communities

Members' Statements

Page 4308

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, condolences to my residents in Nunakput over the last few months.

For Paulatuk, Fred Bennett, thoughts and prayers to his wife Mary. Fred Thrasher, too. Thoughts and prayers for Eileen and the family.

Sachs Harbour, Samantha Lucas. And thoughts and prayers to John Lucas Sr. and family. And Charlie Haogak Jr. Thoughts and prayers, his mother Betty.

In Ulukhaktok, Mr. Phillip Inuktalik, and his wife Lillian, thoughts and prayers to them.

In my home community of Tuktoyaktuk, thoughts and prayers for the community of Tuk, passing Lena Kikoak, and thoughts and prayers to Francis and the family. Laverna Kikoak, thoughts and prayers to Stanley. Joshua Gruben, thoughts and prayers to Sharon and Justin and to Josh's family back home in Tuk. And the loss of my brother.

Mr. Speaker, my little brother Gilbert passed away this week. He'll be missed by all of us and all who knew him. He was an awesome uncle to all his nieces and nephews, and he was just a good person. Like, in caring for everybody and helped everybody who asked him, but really quiet in doing so. He is going to be really missed by all of us, my brothers and sisters. Thoughts and prayers for all of them and his mom, to Donna, to Monica, to Sam, to Nicole, thinking of you, love you guys, and to all the lost loved ones, Mr. Speaker, thoughts and prayers for myself and my family and Nunakput as a whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1098-19(2): Condolences to Constituent Communities

Members' Statements

Page 4309

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput , our thoughts and prayers are with your communities and yourself, and you know we're here for you. Mahsi.

Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Member's Statement 1099-19(2): Ukraine Residents Move to Fort Simpson

Members' Statements

Page 4309

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have all heard about the war in Ukraine and witnessed its impact on the news. In this House, we saw numerous Members donate to the Canadian Red Cross and the GNWT made a commitment to match the donations by NWT residents up to a maximum of $50,000.00.

Well, closer to home, our pharmacist and his wife were impacted deeply. Ukraine was their home country. In 2011, he immigrated to Canadian to start a new life. As the war broke out, they watched in horror. They had family and close friends living there So he started with a petition asking the federal government to facilitate visa requirements for Ukrainians that wish to come to Canada. As he was doing this, he witnessed the generosity of the residents of Fort Simpson. As he said, "In Fort Simpson everybody knows everyone and people knew we were from the Ukraine."

They had people come to their work or home to ask how they could help. Residents from the community gave what they could so they could help their friends and family back home. As this support was happening, the Village of Fort Simpson contacted them and asked them how they could help.

Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to say the community of Fort Simpson has two new residents.

On Friday, April 22, 2022, his friend and her daughter (his goddaughter) landed in Fort Simpson with just a few personal items. He and his wife were there to meet them at the airport and welcome them to the community. I have had the pleasure of watching him and his goddaughter walk past my home.

According to them, both are adjusting well. Last week, they reached out to the principal to get the daughter into school. As for his father, he has safely landed in Canada, another worry removed.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the residents of Fort Simpson, the village, the federal government, and others who helped them during this difficult time. As well, all Canadians who helped the country and residents of the Ukraine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1099-19(2): Ukraine Residents Move to Fort Simpson

Members' Statements

Page 4309

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh . Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4309

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome my wife Jenny and my son Joseph into the House today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4309

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput . I see Joseph is growing in to a bright young man. I remember when you first brought him in, he was just a little baby. Just goes to show how long we've been here. Welcome to the Chamber. Member for Sahtu .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome Mr. Joseph Kochon who is from the Ayoni Keh First Nation of Colville Lake. It's always nice to see leadership from our ridings in attendance. I would just like to say thank you, Joseph, mahsi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Sahtu . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to recognize two of the pages who have been helping out this week, from Yellowknife North. Asfa Arshad and Jaedenz White. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize the pages in attendance today from the community of Great Slave, Gianne Mercado and Jozuard Mercado. I apologize if I have not said their names right. But it's really great to have them back and it's actually kind of strange because I'm not used to having people open the doors or bring me water anymore, so I do really appreciate their hard work. And I hope that they're getting a good experience. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also wanted to recognize my constituent Ms. Natasha Takazo. Your work is very much appreciated and I just wanted to recognize her. Mahsi.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 4310

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber and I hope you're enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to have people with us in the Chamber. Mahsi.

Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South .

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4310

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These questions are for the Minister of MACA .

Mr. Speaker, last weekend, I saw a convoy of Samaritan's Purse volunteers and equipment arrive in Hay River to assist those needing supports to evade flood damage. Prior to the arrival of Samaritan's Purse to Hay River, the Hay River Metis Government Council, the Hay River Old Timers Hockey Club, and many volunteers have been providing that assistance.

Other than volunteers, can the Minister confirm what is being done to support abatement efforts for those properties impacted by flooding and who is covering the cost? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4310

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South . Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs .

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4310

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we lined up four abatement companies to get in there, into the community, as soon as it was safely to do so.

In regards to the cost, the GNWT government is coordinating emergency work with, and the GNWT will cover the cost for those who prefer to coordinate the work themselves, there's an opportunity to submit backup documentation and seek reimbursement for work through an eventual claiming for disaster assistance. But if they use the four companies right now, that will be covered by the GNWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4310

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, currently we have victims of the flood in the South Slave using up their savings while waiting on this government to provide some temporary financial assistance.

Can the Minister confirm what efforts are being made to assist those residents impacted by flooding with some temporary financial relief while they're waiting on assessments to be completed? Has this government identified funds to provide this assistance? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4310

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, advance payments can be issued based on the detailed damage assessments. So in other words, we ask the impacted residents to reach out to our pathfinders, register, then we get our assessors in there, and then we're able to do that. Then we work with the community members to make sure that they understand what we're doing, then if they need to go do an advance it takes seven to ten days to get it done. So we work with them on that there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4310

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the level of damage to homes and property varies from minimal water damage to the complete loss of one's home.

Will the Minister confirm if the assessments in some way be prioritized to facilitate timely financial compensation to those most in need? Thank you.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4311

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Damage assessment reports are being provided by the assessment contracting to MACA as they become completed. So in other words, as soon as the assessors are completing their report, it's given to our pathfinders. From that time, the damage assessors are at the home to the time their reports are provided to the homeowners can take several weeks. We ask the people to be patient. We have seven assessors on the ground, and they are working hard to get this work done. But we also want them to take the required time that they need to go through with the assessment.

So what we're trying to do is we're going as fast as we can. We are quicker than -- we learnt from our last flood experience. We have assessors lined up. They're working with people. As they register, we're meeting with them. We're explaining the process. So once the process is done, if they need an advance then we work with them on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4311

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Hay River South .

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4311

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, victims of flooding are wanting to know what will be covered under DAP and if there are restrictions on who they can use as contractors.

Can the Minister confirm when residents will expect to see a standardized list of items with values and approved contractors? Thank you.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4311

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, and I thank the Member for that question.

So the first

part is in regards to the standardized list. Last year, we developed a standardized list. We provided that to the people that were impacted. Then we put a value to it. This year, we have that standardized list but because of inflation, we want to make sure that it's more current information. We should have that information available early next week and pathfinders into the insurance companies, the MLAs, and to the assessors as well. So we'll have that information available.

In regards to contractors, should an individual wish to use a contractor, that's their choice. We have the abatement companies, those four there like I talked about, but there may be other abatement companies out there available where people can use. As well as for contractors for work and that, we encourage them if they have somebody they want to use, to use them and that there.

One of the questions, or comments in the Member's statement was, you know, there's people in their homes that are not doing that. We're telling people to get in there, get the work done, you know, if they need to hire contractors, work there, but, you know, make sure you register, take pictures, and keep track of the time you put into repairing their homes or businesses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 1089-19(2): Hay River Flood

Oral Questions

Page 4311

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Oral Question 1090-19(2): Northwest Territories Highway Washouts

Oral Questions

Page 4311

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Infrastructure Minister related to my Member's statement on highway washouts.

Can the Minister explain the extent of the damage and the type of repairs completed at the washout locations in order for traffic to flow through? Mahsi.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho . Minister responsible for Infrastructure .

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Page 4311

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have experienced unprecedented water levels on multiple sections of our highways, Highway 1, Highway 2, Highway 3, and 5, all have been impacted.

On Highway 5, we've had a washout to the bridge approach at Preval Creek and closed the highway briefly to repair. On Highway 1, we saw high-water levels breaching the road surface in multiple areas. Kilometre 56, we reduced the highway to one lane, installed multiple pumps to move water to the other side of the highway. Kilometre 84, Escarpment Creek, CN were pumping water over the rail bed and it impacted our highway. We again pumped the water over the highway to be able to bring that water level down.

At Kilometre 236 to 238, our road surface began to deteriorate, and we dug two trenches to reduce the water level and protect the integrity of the highway. We also experienced washout at this

section and installed Bailey Bridge to allow us to reopen that highway. On the Kakisa access, we replaced a culvert and plan to install an additional culvert this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and mahsi to the Minister for that response.

Can the Minister let us know if these sections will require major repairs to ensure proper width and compaction? Mahsi.

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Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our highway crews are still working to keep the highways open, and I'm happy to report that they're making good progress so far. We have not been able to complete a full inspection of these areas as we only can do that when the water fully subsides. However, from what we've seen so far, there does not appear to be significant damages to our highway embankments. We will have some areas that will require the shoulders to be replaced due to the erosion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these are natural disasters, and I'm just not sure if insurance claims will be an issue here in these circumstances. Does the Minister have the necessary funding for these type of emergencies? Mahsi.

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Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, the only insurance we have on our highway systems is for liability but it doesn't cover damage. The Department of Infrastructure is not currently funded for emergency situations. The funding for these repairs will come from our budgets.

Infrastructure is working closely with MACA. There are many GNWT costs that are likely to be eligible for federal reimbursement and the departments are working together to better understand the overall impact to GNWT infrastructure, including the highway system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4312

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Deh Cho .

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Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and mahsi to the Minister.

Mr. Speaker, I know there will be First Nations development corporations or businesses looking to partner with established businesses or companies to secure contracts to repair the damaged sections. Will the Minister consider negotiated contracts for these repairs? Mahsi.

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Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department would consider any requests to a negotiated contract as per our policy. Keeping in mind that timelines to inspect, engineer, the availability of contractors, may preclude entering into negotiated contracts if we want to get this work done this year. Many repairs are already underway due to the urgent requirements to keep our highway system open. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Oral Question 1091-19(2): Power Rates

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Page 4312

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board .

Mr. Speaker, similar to my first question to the Minister of NTPC , will the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board commit to work with the Minister of NTPC to have public hearings regarding the impact of increasing electricity rates in the Taltson hydro zone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4312

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha . Minister responsible for Public Utilities Board .

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Public Utilities Board is a quasi judicial board that has the public's opportunity to provide input on rate applications. They also control its own process, meaning the board is responsible for deciding whether the public hearings might be held as a part of their process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment the Public Utilities Board on their neutral oversight as they are the body who oversees power rates increase in the NWT. Examining the submission from NTPC must have the citizens input into their decision on increases to relate fairness in the process. Would the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Member for your compliment.

I agree with the Member's point, that citizens should have a role in the process. The Public Utilities Board exists to ensure that the public has the opportunity to provide input into the process. Individuals can make those submissions to the board. There is an entire process set up for the public. Almost everything that the board receives as a part of the process is considered public information. They run an open transparent process for anyone who would like to participate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4313

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the public utilities hearings must be made in the communities face-to-face, especially for the Taltson hydro zone. Would the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to emphasize that the Public Utilities Board is an independent agency here in the Northwest Territories, but it's not for me as the Minister to direct the board as to where they should hold public hearings. The board is responsible for making those decisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4313

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Page 4313

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, once the decision is made for any increases in electricity in the Taltson hydro zone by the Public Utilities Board, it must have a balance of input from both sides of the equation before implementation happens. Would the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4313

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's important that the board is to consider public input before making decisions. They're very open and transparent processes that the board operates in order to follow the opportunities that come forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Oral Question 1092-19(2): Tar Sands Discharger Regulations

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Page 4313

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources about the development of regulations for discharges from the Alberta tar sands tailings.

Can the Minister tell us why no information on these discharge regulations has been shared with this side of the House, or the public, since I last raised this issue a couple of months ago? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources .

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Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, according to the Alberta work plan to develop regulations to allow for the release of treated oil sand tailing water technical report to fill the knowledge gaps are expected to be shared with ENR this fall. No information other than the work plan and the RFP to hire contractors to fill knowledge gaps have been shared with ENR. These documents are public and presently out there.

Our next scheduled update from the Alberta mining/water science team is scheduled for early June. We will be working, once we have new information and we will make sure we get that to committee and to the Member. Thank you.

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Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. Although I'm pretty skilled on internet searches, it would be great if the Minister could start providing that kind of information to this side of the House.

Clearly, we're downstream from this mess, and there's a lot at stake for us with regard to the potential impacts on water quality, aquatic life, and human health. The only thing I've seen happen is the release of two $60,000 Requests for Proposals for water quality expert advice to review what Alberta's doing.

Can the Minister tell us what, if anything else, is going on? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ENR has regular meetings with the Alberta government and their staff on the development of regulations. To date, there hasn't been any significant new information to share.

Alberta has made it clear that no decisions to develop a regulation has been made and that they will wait to fill knowledge gaps before deciding to proceed.

Regarding what ENR is doing, we are seeking expert technical support to support our review of the information we receive from Alberta. These Requests for Proposals have been and are expected to be posted shortly with the goal of having expert technical support in place prior to receiving the information from Alberta this fall. So we'll be proactive getting the people in place so that we can get this information. Once it's given to us, we can look it and provide information on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that, but I shouldn't actually have to go on the Open NWT contract website to actually get that kind of information. Hoping that he can start sharing that a little more proactively with this side of the House.

I've also raised the issue of the refusal of the Government of Alberta to allow GNWT to have a seat on a couple of technical committees on downstream water quality. The Minister said he was going to get in touch with the federal government to try to secure these seats, but there hasn't been any updates.

Can the Minister tell us what is going on with regard to securing these seats on the committees and whether there was any contact with the federal government in this regard? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4314

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, previously I spoke in this House saying that we've reached out to the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. To date, we have not received a response from him. So to give an update saying that we're getting more information, we're not getting any information.

The Member asked for getting -- well, we need update committee. We can update committee once we have information to provide. He talks about the website. We have other issues and other challenges, and we're more than willing to share information once we have current and important information there.

To address our interests, the Government of Alberta has agreed presently to have monthly meetings with the deputy minister and assistant deputy minister level to share information about committee and decisions that are being made. So right now, we're still trying to work on getting those seats there. Reached out to the federal government. We haven't got a response there. But in the meantime, our department with our deputy minister and assistant deputy minister, we're having those communications with Alberta. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that update. But I guess what I'd like to see is the Minister committing to share a little more information with this side of the House, even if there's no progress being made. Like, it's been radio silence, Mr. Speaker, for two months since I last raised this in the House.

So could the Minister commit to regular monthly, maybe quarterly updates, even if there's no progress being made, so I don't have to continually raise this issue in each sitting? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I've stated previously, we receive additional information about the knowledge gap and Alberta's plan to develop regulations, I will share with the MLAs.

To be clear, no discharge of the tailing waters allowed from the oil sands at this time and no decision has been made by the Government of Alberta pursuant to regulations to release oil sands tailing water.

The GNWT understands and shares the concerns with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, NWT residents, and MLAs on the potential release of oil sand tailing waters and continue to bring their concerns forward to Canada and Alberta.

If the Member wants to get monthly updates, we can't do that right now. We can provide the information. Should the Member, or any other Member, wish to get updates on a monthly basis, come see me, and we'll provide that information, even if it's no response. But we've got a little bit of other issues that we're dealing with right now, and I apologize if we're not being as timely as we can with the response back to the committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Oral Question 1093-19(2): Procurement

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Page 4314

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for Minister of ITI . That's kind of where the procurement review is falling under.

So with the government undergoing the procurement review, will the Minister ensure that there are mechanisms put in place to benefit northern businesses to the greatest extent possible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4314

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes . Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment .

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Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that was really the purpose of the procurement review in the first place, is to ensure that we are maximizing benefits to northern businesses. Some of the challenges of the procurement review include how we define northern business, how we identify northern business, how we identify or define an Indigenous business, and that's why the procurement review has gone through the process it has with a lot of careful consultation across the entirety of the Northwest Territories, including with modern treaty holders and Indigenous governments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister also ensure that all Crown corporations that receive public dollars that we sit in this House do approve must comply to ensuring that they are following the same mechanisms? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are Crown corporations who are not subject to the same procurement rules as the GNWT. For example, the NTPC does follow their own procurement rules. That said, they are guided and fairly closely align with what the GNWT does. So certainly I expect that they will benefit as well from the work that we are doing and can certainly follow my colleagues who are also responsible for the various corporations to see that we are working towards being as consistent with one with the other as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister also commit to ensure that there are processes? We can have all the procurement rules and establish how we are an NWT business, but if there's no reporting or no follow-up on things that are put on these companies, then if they're not meeting the obligations that we set in this new procurement review, then the review is, in my words, would be worthless. So will the Minister commit to making sure that there are ways to be following up on these mechanisms? Thank you.

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Page 4315

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I completely agree. I'm happy to say that vendor performance management has been something that the auditor, or the Office of the Comptroller General has been working on since early days of this Assembly and, indeed, it's one of the areas where there's already been some progress. Construction contracts over $250,000 are already being monitored to ensure their compliance. But as this procurement review goes forward, I anticipate that that system and that process for monitoring will only improve.

Obviously once we know exactly what we are going to be monitoring at the final conclusion of the procurement review, we can expand that. But I completely agree that, indeed, we want to be able to do that monitoring to know what we are enforcing to know whether people are compliant and then to also have a better process for a complaints mechanism, that is also included. Completely agree as well that we want to be held accountable and as well as to be able to hold others accountable. So on this point, again, Mr. Speaker, very happy to hear the question and very happy to be able to respond to it. Thank you.

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Page 4315

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Page 4315

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my last supplementary, will the Minister commit if obligations aren't met, that there are penalties going to be put in place so we can ensure that Northerners and northern companies benefit fully in the future? Thank you.

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Page 4315

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, this too has been the subject of the review itself and is subject of discussion amongst those participating in the various reviews, both during the review formally and since in terms of discussions with businesses and Indigenous governments. There's opportunities both for the potential for penalties. There's also potentially the opportunity for incentives. And I'm not going to commit one way or the other at this point.

I'm not going to jump to the conclusion of where the review's going to go other than to say that there does need to be a way by where once an analysis has been done, if someone's not complying with their contracts, that needs to be enforceable. But we also want to be encouraging northern businesses to comply and in fact to even do better, to do a better job of ensuring that they are providing value for residents. That's really been the focus of this entire thing. So in a nutshell, I'm in agreement, and I'm committing to a solution. I'm just not going to jump exactly to what that solution will be at this point.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4315

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Oral Question 1094-19(2): Policing Services

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Page 4315

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Do police officers and those working in the detachment receive Indigenous cultural awareness and sensitivity training? For example, Government of the Northwest Territories employees take the Living Well Together modules. Can those modules or other Indigenous cultural awareness and sensitivity training be made mandatory for RCMP officers as well?

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Page 4315

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Minister responsible for Justice .

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Page 4316

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the RCMP are encouraged to complete the Living Well Together training. They are also required to take training called -- so there's a number of different training opportunities, or rather requirements. One is a Trauma Informed Approach. Another is Cultural Awareness and Humility. Another is United Against Racism. And another is Bias Awareness. And I will say that over the last number of years, the amount of training, particularly related to this subject, has increased.

And it's increased to the point where we've added new RCMP officers in the territory because we have so many hours of training that it's taken officers off the job. So there is training. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4316

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Has the Department of Justice started working on the plan similar to that -- I meant to say a pronunciation, not spelling, so I will do it again - Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to improve relationship between Indigenous people and that with the RCMP? And as part of this work, will the Department of Justice be implementing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final report Calls to Justice? Thank you.

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Page 4316

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So here in the Northwest Territories, the Dene Nation and the RCMP have begun working together. They started a pilot project, close to a year ago now I believe, and it's a one year pilot. But that is an effort for some Indigenous leaders, as well as RCMP members, to come together and work together to address some of these issues that the Member is talking about.

The federal government, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Public Safety , have tasked the RCMP to accelerate their reform with a focus on the MMIWG Calls for Justice as well as the TRC's Calls to Action. I've provided policing priorities to the RCMP as well, and they are based on those documents as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4316

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you. To ensure the safety of Indigenous people and those of police officers, are body cameras worn on police officers? If not, how come? And I know they don't have body camera but can those be made mandatory?

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Page 4316

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know in Nunavut they started wearing body cameras maybe a year ago, a couple years ago, and they have been testing them out in cold weather to see how they work. It's my understanding that at some point, body cameras will likely roll out for RCMP across the country. And so at that point, you know, then it wouldn't be mandatory.

There are a number of things we have to work out - the technical issues, the storage, as in the data storage, and so there's some things that need to be put in place, very expensive things, before we can start doing that. But I expect that at some point in the future that will be happening in the territory. Thank you.

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Page 4316

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Page 4316

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you. And I know there are a lot of people that want to know about this, too, as well so can the Minister explain to us what kind of de-escalation training do RCMP officers receive? Thank you.

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Page 4316

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Without a heads up, no, I can't detail the type of de-escalation training that RCMP officers receive but the Commissioner of the RCMP did receive a new mandate letter today from the Minister of Public Safety and in there, there was comments about reviewing that type of de-escalation training, to make sure that it is actually appropriate and doing what it is supposed to be doing. But I will provide the Member with a written follow-up regarding de-escalation training. Thank you.

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Page 4316

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Oral Question 1095-19(2): Renaming Places and Things

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Page 4316

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement today, I spoke about renaming places. And the first one I'd like to ask about is our Heritage Centre, which I believe is timely, as the Prince of Wales, whom it's named after, was just recently visiting it. And Mr. Speaker, I think it's long overdue that we rename this place. And I just don't really believe there's much connection to the Prince of Wales and our history and culture. And as a bit of a sidenote, I note the Welsh independence movement is gaining steam so maybe one day there won't even be a Prince of Wales and we'll just be forced to rename it.

So my question for the Minister is are there any plans or an update on renaming the museum? Perhaps he got to ask ole Chuckie Boy there whether we could take his name off of it while he was here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4316

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment .

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R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We can do what we want with government owned infrastructure when it comes to naming. We don't have to ask anyone's permission. We pay the bills, we can name buildings what we want to name them.

Any change in name would be tied to some sort of a retrofit of the building, some other changes. There are plans to look at how we can perhaps fund the museum differently. We're working on a revenue study. We expect some renovations, which are required for the building and so any changes would be part and parcel of that. But I foresee that in the not too distant future we'll likely be having this conversation about the name once these other elements start rolling. Thank you.

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Page 4317

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to hear that. And I think it's an important discussion to have with the people of NWT. And along those same lines, you know, I think there's been consistent work to stop using the term "slavey", to stop referring to things and, you know, the use of "slave", but obviously our lake, Great Slave Lake, is named after that history. I'm just wondering if the Minister can speak to whether we can put forth the same plan to rename Great Slave Lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I want to commend the Member for the strong antislavery stance he took in his Member's statement.

The GNWT isn't the one who puts forward name changes for a geographical place. We have a geographical name policy, and it states that those changes come from the community. So we actually have received a request from the community to change the name of the Great Slave Lake.

We work with the Geographic Names Board of Canada on that, and there is a process. It involves community consultation, consultation with Indigenous governments, and we are undertaking that now. So the process is well underway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4317

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I look forward to the Minister providing a bit of an update on how that naming process goes.

And I guess I'll just carry up the valley, and I'll start with the river named after Alexander Mackenzie. Fine explorer. You know, he did some good mapping. But ultimately his claim to that river is that it wasn't leading to the Pacific. So I'm just wondering if, you know, many of us don't refer to the Mackenzie River by that name. We use Deh Cho already. I'm wondering if there are any plans to remove the Mackenzie River name? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 4317

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And if the Member doesn't like the "Mackenzie River," he can use any of the other six official names. The Mackenzie River, in 2015, wasn't renamed per se but there were names added to it. So a single geographical feature can have multiple names, and they are all official, each one as official as the next. And so the Mackenzie River does have a number of official names. Can be used in official documents. So that work has already happened. Thank you.

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Page 4317

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Page 4317

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I think there would be one last step in that perhaps is to just give it five official names and we could knock "Mackenzie" off the list there.

And similarly, I'd propose that for the mountains. I actually don't think many people know that the Mackenzie Mountains is not Alexander Mackenzie, the explorer; it's Alexander Mackenzie, the second prime minister, you know, well known for the Indian Act, an architect of Indigenous people's genocide. So I'm wondering if there are any plans to work with -- I recognize that one, it borders with the Yukon so we have to work with the Canadian geographic naming people -- whether there's any plans to rename the Mackenzie Mountains in the works? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And we have the Mackenzie Mountains. There's Mackenzie Islands, Mackenzie Island, another Mackenzie Island. And they're all named after different people. So we have quite a few different features in the territory. We are 1.3 million square kilometres after all, and we can't do everything at once. So we are not in the process of actively pursuing community support for changing names because that has to come from the community. If that came from the community, we would be happy to do that as per the policy.

And I will point out there are over 400 Indigenous names that the department is currently working to make official for different geographical features in the territory. So there is a lot of work happening on this front right now. Thank you.

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Page 4317

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Oral Question 1096-19(2): Procurement

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Page 4318

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation .

Kind of in the line of my questioning with the procurement as the Minister of ITI under the review said, you know, they don't really have a say over what the Power Corp -- Crown corporations do. Would the Minister be -- with her board, which is a lot of our deputy ministers that are working in the procurement, would she consider looking at the way that their