Debates of March 5th, 2020

This is page numbers 521 - 556 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was going .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

International Women's Day

Phase One: Strengthening the Foundation of Aurora College and Planning for Change

Premier Late to the House

International Women's Day

Northwest Territories Commercial Fishing Industry

IRC Cup Hockey Tournament

Income Security Issues

Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

International Women's Day

Appreciation for Private and Public Service Providers in Fort Smith

International Women's Day

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Income Assistance Issues

Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

Food Insecurity

Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Women in Trades

Domestic Violence Leave

Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Yellowknife Motor Vehicles Office Hours

Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Policies Relating to Domestic Violence

Building Standards Act

Rent Scale Policy Review

Northwest Territories Foster Family Coalition

Oil and Gas Operations Liability Cap

Tabled Document 51-19(2): Waste Reduction and Recovery Program 2018-2019 Annual Report

Tabled Document 52-19(2): Northwest Territories Integrity Commissioner Annual Report to the Legislative Assembly for 2019

Request for Special Audit by the Auditor General of Canada on the Stanton Territorial Hospital Renewal Project

Assent To Bills

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Tabled Document 30-19(2): Main Estimates 2020-2021 - Lands - Deferral of Further Consideration of the Estimates for the Department of Lands

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Frederick Blake Jr, Mr. Bonnetrouge , Hon. Paulie Chinna , Ms. Cleveland , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Ms. Green , Mr. Jacobson , Mr. Johnson , Ms. Martselos , Hon. Katrina Nokleby , Mr. O'Reilly , Ms. Semmler , Hon. R.J. Simpson , Mr. Rocky Simpson , Hon. Diane Thom, Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 521

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

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Minister's Statement 30-19(2): International Women's Day

Ministers' Statements

Page 521

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge International Women's Day. International Women's Day is held annually on March 8 th to celebrate women and girls' social, cultural, and political achievements throughout history, across nations, and to raise awareness about the work left to be done. The theme of this year's International Women's Day is Because of You.

As Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and on behalf of all of Cabinet, I can proudly say that we are committed to continuing to work actively, achieving gender equality throughout our society. The theme Because of You celebrates women who work at advancing gender equality in all areas of our society for women and girls. The theme also asks Canadians to honour role models in their own lives.

Here in the Northwest Territories, we have many examples of outstanding role models who have made a difference. The Honourable Nellie Cournoyea is one such role model. She served as Premier from 1991 to 1995. She was not only the first female Premier of the Northwest Territories, she was the first female Indigenous Premier elected and the second female Premier to serve in Canada's history.

Another role model is Ethel Blondin-Andrew, who continues to advocate on behalf of the Sahtu and represented the people of the Northwest Territories as the first Indigenous woman elected to the Parliament of Canada. The late Bertha Allen, who co-founded the NWT Native Women's Association, was also a very important role model for many, as she fought tirelessly for social change and the advancement of Indigenous women and girls.

Another example of a Northern woman who stands as our role model includes Lyda Fuller, a long-time executive director of the YWCA right here in Yellowknife. Ms. Fuller is a nationally recognized advocate for women and girls. She is a strong voice in the fight against family violence, homelessness, and poverty. Another example is Leela Gilday, who is a well-known recording artist who not only incorporates but celebrates her Indigenous heritage in her music. These are just a few examples of strong women role models who we have here in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, these women, along with many others, have worked hard to achieve their goals and to make a difference in their communities and in the North. Some are prominent figures and some work quietly behind the scenes. However they choose to achieve their goals, they are making a difference, and they are creating change. It is only right that we should acknowledge and celebrate the difference that they are making.

In keeping with this year's theme, I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and honour my esteemed female colleagues sitting with us in this House. Each of us, individually, when we decided to put our names forth to become a Member of this Legislative Assembly, sent a message that women can be effective leaders, that we can make a difference, and that we were willing to do the job required to make positive change. Being willing to pursue an elected position is not one decision we make lightly. There are many challenges that women face when seeking a leadership role.

Role models inspire us to take on these leadership roles, and I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to those women who inspire each of us in one way or another.

Mr. Speaker, the voters in the Northwest Territories set an example for the rest of Canada when they elected nine women to the Legislative Assembly, which created the first gender-balanced Legislature in Canada's history. We should be proud of this achievement, and we should continue to work every day to achieve gender equity. We must work together to move this forward.

I invite all Members of the Legislative Assembly to join me in recognizing International Women's Day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 30-19(2): International Women's Day

Ministers' Statements

Page 521

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Minister's Statement 31-19(2): Phase One: Strengthening the Foundation of Aurora College and Planning for Change

Ministers' Statements

Page 521

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, the transformation of Aurora College into a world-class polytechnic university is well under way. As the Legislative Assembly is aware, the transformation will happen in three phases. We are currently in Phase One, which is what I want to talk about today. Phase One is focused on strengthening the foundation of the existing college, ensuring we understand the detailed steps ahead of us, and determining what we, as a territory, want the polytechnic university to be.

The first step in Phase One was the development of a vision for postsecondary education. This vision was developed with direct input from the public, Indigenous governments, and postsecondary institutions operating in the Northwest Territories. The vision is that "every resident of the Northwest Territories has an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential by obtaining a post-secondary education from institutions that are student-centered, accessible, high-quality, relevant, and accountable."

To help realize this vision, five goals were developed:

prioritize students' success;

increase access to post-secondary education opportunities;

remain responsive to labour demands in the Northwest Territories;

remain responsive to local and regional needs; and

support the growth of the knowledge economy.

The vision and goals will help guide us as we make decisions, as will the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The transformation is a collaborative effort. The joint executive leadership committee from the Aurora College and Education, Culture and Employment is responsible for leading the transformation within Aurora College, supported by working groups made up of Aurora College employees.

Much of the work that has already been completed and is currently under way is focused on strengthening the foundations of the college.

A comprehensive policy review is being undertaken, to ensure that the college's policies and processes meet national standards. A highlight of this work is the recently developed and adopted Academic Program Review Framework, which conforms to the standards outlined in the Council of Ministers of Educations' Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Education in Canada. This replaced a previous program review process, which fell short in areas of quality assurance and did not ensure reviews were conducted at arm's length.

To support this type of work, as well as other aspects of the transformation, Phase One has also seen the creation of an Academic Advisory Council. This body, made up eight highly regarded academic institutions with relevant experience, provides support and guidance on the technical aspects of transformation.

We are also re-envisioning what it means to be learning-centred, by identifying what we already do well and developing additional, innovative solutions to support students. This is being accomplished by setting service standards for all phases of a student's lifecycle, starting at the point that a student wants to consider applying to the college and continuing through the application process, the transition to college life, the time spent as a student, program completion, and transitioning out of the college and into the job market.

To further support the student experience, the college just launched a new student information system. This gives students, for the first time, the ability to apply for programs, select classes, check marks, and access their information online. This is a major milestone for the college and brings it in line with other major academic institutions across the country. On the back end, this system will also provide the college with up-to-date data that will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the college and the student experience.

Mr. Speaker, the student experience can vary greatly, depending on what you are studying and where you are studying it. In recognition of this, we will soon begin work on a regional needs assessment. The goal of this work is to understand how residents currently access adult and post-secondary education, how they would like to access it, and the barriers to access that they face. The information gathered through the regional needs assessment will be absolutely vital in ensuring that we are designing a polytechnic university that will best serve our residents.

This year, we will also begin our capital planning study. Aurora College has some beautiful facilities, and certain campuses and learning centres could likely accommodate significant growth, but we know there are improvements that we need to make in order to offer the world-class experience students deserve. Before the end of Phase One, we will have a capital plan that will lay out the physical nature of the future polytechnic university. This work will go hand in hand with our work to determine areas of specialization.

Each campus has natural advantages due to their locations and the facilities that currently exist. We want to build on those advantages and ensure that, as we move forward, we are strengthening each campus and bolstering our community learning centres.

Mr. Speaker, the transformation is a monumental undertaking. That will soon come into clear view when we release our implementation plan, which outlines the steps and timelines of the transformation over the next six years. To help keep us on track, ground decision-making, and guide the direction of the college as it continues through the transformation process, we will be releasing a three-year strategic plan for Aurora College later this year.

Mr. Speaker, as I have stated before, we cannot do this alone, and we are not going to try to. Members of the public, Indigenous governments, industry, and Members of this House will all have opportunities to contribute to the transformation.

Mr. Speaker, Phase One, Strengthening the Foundation and Planning for Change is planned to be completed by the end of fall 2021, at which point we move into Phase Two, Transformational Change. In Phase Two, we will start making the wide-ranging changes to the structure of the college that will bring us closer to our ultimate goal. I will speak more about Phase Two in the coming weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 31-19(2): Phase One: Strengthening the Foundation of Aurora College and Planning for Change

Ministers' Statements

Page 522

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Deputy Premier .

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Minister's Statement 32-19(2): Premier Late to the House

Ministers' Statements

Page 522

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Caroline Cochrane will be late arriving in the House today, to participate in the Council of the Federation's conference call. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 32-19(2): Premier Late to the House

Ministers' Statements

Page 522

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Deputy Premier . Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 522

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a pleasure to rise today to celebrate International Women's Day, which is this Sunday.

Mr. Speaker, two years ago, Members of the 18 th Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to make their best efforts to increase the representation of women in this House. We set modest goals of increasing representation first to 20 percent and then to 30 percent by the 2027 election. It's fair to say that none of us expected that we would get almost 50 percent in one election cycle, but we did. In this House today, we have a highly qualified, hard-working, collaborative, and diverse group of women serving their communities and the people of the Northwest Territories.

Women have had equal rights for decades, but parity in political and public life has been a hard goal to achieve all around the world. Research has shown that, when representation of minority members reaches 30 percent, the group is able to influence decision-making.

Mr. Speaker, it's early days in this Assembly and difficult to say how the nine of us are going to influence policy and legislation in our term, but our mandate reveals that we are poised to make a difference. Having a critical mass of women in this House has helped shape our priorities, priorities that clearly differ from the last Assembly. For example, some priorities refer directly to relationships that will empower other orders of government, such as the implementation of UNDRIP and focusing on closing the municipal funding gap.

Some priorities come directly from the experience of women as the primary caregivers in their families and communities, such as retaining healthcare professionals, catching up student achievement rates to the rest of Canada, and advancing universal childcare and affordable housing. That is not to say our male colleagues do not support these priorities, but the focus is more inclusive of women's ways of working, needs, and views.

Mr. Speaker, I am often asked how we are going to retain the high level of women's representation. My answer is that women here are going to prove they are capable and effective leaders. We are going to get the work done. Women of all ages and stages are going to be inspired by our example and see their potential.

This parity of women's representation is not an aberration. We are going to make it the norm. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 522

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Northwest Territories Commercial Fishing Industry

Members' Statements

Page 522

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am going to speak about, yes, fishing. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment developed the NWT Commercial Fishing Strategy during the life of the last Assembly. Since its development, many people and organizations have come forward and advised that they were not adequately consulted during the creation of the initiative. In fact, some pointed to location of the building, unnecessary size, and functionality of the proposed fish plant as they fear the current viability of the business is not there. Some were quite astounded to see the bids received came in at almost twice the amount the GNWT had in its budget.

The business case as conceived by ITI focused on maximum production, beyond what fishers are capable of producing now or perhaps may ever produce. ITI's plans include inviting seasonal fishers from Alberta to maximize production. I have not seen how it rightly commits to investment in our own NWT residents. We need to create jobs here in the North and, more specifically, for the people of the North. We can accomplish this while systematically increasing production through building skilled NWT fishers in places around the lake.

Mr. Speaker, the First Nations and Metis people, who have had a historical presence in the fishery over the years, were not properly consulted to participate in the development of the strategy. Why did this happen? Because our bureaucracy determined that First Nations and Metis do not have a

Section 35 right of the commercial fishery, thus consultation was not required. We are talking about an industry that is slowly dying. We are talking about an industry that barely generates a million dollars a year. We are talking about an industry that places fishers in peril every time they go out on the lake, and we have a bureaucracy citing

Section 35 rights? We need to get real here.

We have a revitalization strategy in place. It is a place to start, but it has shortcomings. We as a government talk about partnerships with Indigenous governments, but fail to walk the talk in this area, the commercial fishing industry being one of them. It is important to remember that the commercial fishing industry is primarily made up of First Nations and Metis people. It is an industry that they are familiar with and, considering the antiquated equipment they work with, they continue to excel at it. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, this is just not about spending money. It is not about building a shiny new plant. It is about getting it right. I know we can build a viable industry. I know we can build a suitable plant. Mostly, I know we can improve life for NWT fishers and their families. It has to be done in collaboration with fishers, First Nations, and Metis people. I know that the Minister of ITI will do the right thing with this file. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Northwest Territories Commercial Fishing Industry

Members' Statements

Page 522

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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IRC Cup Hockey Tournament

Members' Statements

Page 522

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can you feel the excitement? I can feel the excitement from the 32 nd annual hockey tournament for the IRC Cup in Inuvik, Mr. Speaker. A little bit louder than that.

---Applause

I feel like I'm in an arena now. It's good. Today, Mr. Speaker, hockey games start. We have 14 teams total. We have four A Division teams, 10 B Division teams, and they are vying for the IRC Cup, which is the Stanley Cup in our region. Everybody wants to take that cup home. I took it home quite a few times. It's a pretty good feeling. I spoke to the mayor of Tuktoyaktuk today. They have kids who are all packed up and been getting ready for the last few days in the community, who are just so excited. It's not only been a long winter and the sun is back, but spring's around the corner.

This tournament is getting them ready for the Whitehorse tournament. That is the grand-daddy of them all, the Yukon indian hockey tournament.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank IRC for putting on this tournament, and Canadian North for the sponsorship. Donny and Wilma Hendrick, thank you so much for all the work that you do to get this tournament happening every year. The games start today at the Roy Sugloo arena. I have so many good memories with Roy growing up, being in residential schools, being in Grollier Hall, playing for the IDC Huskies when I was younger, and playing for my home community of Tuktoyaktuk and representing. So exciting and so many good memories, and this is what it's all about, visiting and seeing each other. Especially the games, they get pretty intense sometimes.

Just to remind all the players: good sportsmanship to the fans. Good sportsmanship. Cheer each other on. Leave everything on the ice. Don't drink and drive. Have a good week. I look forward to seeing everybody up there tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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IRC Cup Hockey Tournament

Members' Statements

Page 523

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Income Security Issues

Members' Statements

Page 523

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I wish I was going to Inuvik.

Education, Culture and Employment offers a number of programs to support our residents in several ways. These programs include income support for post-secondary students and seniors and income assistance for low-income families and children, with additional amounts for people with disabilities.

In my time as an MLA, the majority of my constituents' issues have been related to various Income Security matters. Many recipients say that accessing the programs can be difficult, discouraging, and demoralizing. The processes for Income Assistance in particular are very rigid and prescribed in regulations, providing very little flexibility in response to client needs. In the last Assembly, the Minister of ECE conducted an administrative review of Income Security programs that included discussions with non-governmental organizations.

My understanding is that the review resulted in several changes, including a process to revise the manual used by GNWT staff. To be clear, I supported that work and commended the Minister at that time.

In the last Assembly, I raised the issue of the need for an automatic review of Income Security rates and, preferably, an increase tied to CPI, Consumer Price Index, annually. Where I have seen correspondence from the department with my constituents on Income Assistance, there has never been any reference to appeal rights. Under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, there are mandatory provisions that applicants are to be advised of their appeal rights in writing. It's not clear why this same standard is not used for our residents who are clients of our Income Security programs.

A major issue that surfaces with me in my work for constituents is the treadmill of debt that traps some recipients. In instances where Income Assistance recipients work, then lose their jobs and are penalized with reductions in their rent, food, and other allowances, recipients are left between benefit periods with nothing to live on, often falling behind in their rent.

Some jurisdictions have tried a basic income guarantee approach, and I believe we need to look at pilot project with a basic income guarantee in the context of our overall strategy to reduce and eliminate poverty. I will have questions later today for the Minister responsible for Income Security. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Income Security Issues

Members' Statements

Page 523

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

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Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

Members' Statements

Page 523

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In June 2009, in the 16 th Legislative Assembly, the Government of the Northwest Territories released a document called "20/20: A Brilliant North - NWT Public Service Strategic Plan." This strategic plan was intended to provide a 10-year framework for the development of the public service. One of its key components was the development of a succession-planning framework designed to ensure that employees were given opportunities for skills development and advancement, to support the long-term sustainability of the public service.

The document noted that employers are facing an aging workforce and that "perhaps the greatest impact is at the level of more experienced workers who have progressed to the leadership levels of the organization and take with them experience and skills when they leave."

Given the importance of succession planning, it is surprising to me to see that the most recent version of the Public Service Annual Report, the 2018-2019 annual report, makes no mention of succession planning. This makes me wonder about the current status of succession planning in the GNWT. Is succession planning a human resources trend that has fallen out of favour? Or has it evolved into a different approach with a different name? Later today, I will have questions for the Minister of Finance about:

What is being done to ensure that employees have opportunities to grow and improve their job skills;

What is being done to ensure that the corporate knowledge of our most experienced employees is retained by the organization when the employee retires; and

What plans does the GNWT have for a future human resources strategy to replace 20/20: A Brilliant North.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

Members' Statements

Page 523

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lake.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 523

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Sunday, March 8, 2020, is International Women's Day, and the theme this year is Because of You, which pays tribute to the diverse and inspirational gender equality change-makers we know in our own lives.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to talk about the most inspirational woman in my life, my Granny Agnes Semmler. She was a vibrant and inspiring person; one could know this from the moment she began to talk. She was a strong advocate for women and children, as well as for the people for the Delta. She was a founding member of COPE, the Committee for Original Peoples Entitlement, a negotiator for the Inuvialuit final agreement, and a strong advocate of Indigenous rights. She served on and helped establish many boards in the community of Inuvik.

In 1975, she became the first northern Indigenous woman to be appointed Justice of the Peace. In 1984, she was the first Indigenous female Deputy Commissioner of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, although all these are remarkable, I want to tell you why she inspired me. She raised me and loved me unconditionally and always made time for me. She taught me things that some may think are not that important, but were important to me as a child, like jigging in our kitchen, which was gave me pride in my culture when I danced at many events. She instilled to me how important education was and never let me forget, as she would even have my purposely forgotten homework flown out to out camp by one of our local bush pilots during ratting season.

She taught me to hunt and skills to survive on the land. She was the example of person who truly lived her life in both worlds. I can remember watching her jump out of the boat after being on the land for a few weeks, putting the guns and our furs away and all the gear, and then putting on her famous blue suit and heading to court as the JP or one of her many meetings of the boards she belonged to.

She taught me to respect the land, and that the land was important for our future as Indigenous people. Without the land, we have no future. She taught me to respect everyone, and never forget where you came from. She taught me to stand up to what you believe, even if it takes time. She taught me resilience and to listen, and I listened to her life story from being born in the bush to attending residential school, and the many things she endured and overcome throughout her life. Because of you, I will strive to be the role model that you were to me. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 523

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Appreciation for Private and Public Service Providers in Fort Smith

Members' Statements

Page 523

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to make a statement to highlight the public and private services that all businesses and government service centres provide to the people of Fort Smith. I would especially like to thank all the service providers at the Fort Smith Health Centre, including management, doctors, nurses, wellness workers, supporting staff, and all the people who keep the buildings clean. All of these workers provided a service that is unique and professional and, while sometimes serving the public can be difficult, they always do it in the best interests of the community. I want to thank them for that.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank all the people who serve in the private sector within our community. They provide service that is client-based, and always serve all members of our community with dignity and professionalism, always keeping in mind the public relation aspect that is so important to the community of Fort Smith. Some of the businesses that I want to highlight in this statement are Northwestern Air Lease, Kaeser's Store, the Northern Store, the hotel industry, the local restaurants, the gas stations, and all the private industry within the town of Fort Smith.

They donate a lot to the community in varying capacities, especially community events, and it is very much appreciated. I want to wish everyone a great weekend at the annual Fort Smith ice and snow races taking place this weekend.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge International Women's Day, which is a global celebration and recognition of women's contributions to the world. That will be celebrated on March 8 th over the weekend. I hope all my constituents enjoy these festivities taking place in our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Appreciation for Private and Public Service Providers in Fort Smith

Members' Statements

Page 523

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha . Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 524

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In honour of this Sunday being International Women's Day, and my constituency assistant Cat McGurk recently receiving her Red Seal in carpentry, I want to speak about women in trades. Canada is facing a spike in trade and technology positions, without the skilled labour to fill those positions. The NWT presently heavily relies on southern labour to supply our various trade needs. Our infrastructure projects, our mines, and our private sector are all put at risk because skilled labour has become such a precious commodity in the North. We need to build up our skilled labour here. I believe one of the solutions to doing that lies with the women of the NWT.

The numbers for women in construction trades in the NWT is less than 3 percent, Mr. Speaker. That's half our population who have never been encouraged to enter the trades. The reality is that most women still don't see the trades as an option for them. Despite changing attitudes, we still avoid teaching young girls physical capacity, and most guidance counsellors neglect to discuss shop classes with female high school students. Our small communities face many unique barriers to entering a fulfilling career in the trades.

I propose we take an active stake in supporting northern women and develop a women in trades program. Other such programs in Canada have been met with terrific success; programs like Women Unlimited, with their 93 percent completion rate. Trades Discovery for Women, Trade Herizons, and Women Building Futures have a 90-percent work placement rate: proof that these programs work, and not only can women do the work they set out to do, employers want to hire them.

Often, when the idea of female-focused pre-apprenticeship programs are brought up, it is deflected by the sentiment that we must encourage all people to consider careers in the trades, not just women. We must consider all people to enter the trades but, Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is a testament that gender-based programs work. When we championed campaign schools for women, it resulted in more women entering this Assembly and, if we champion women in trades, it will result in more tradespeople, something we are in desperate need of.

Just this week, we heard the Minister of ECE say that apprenticeship in the NWT is dropping. We know women in trades programs are effective, the majority of which are based on the east coast, where they boast the highest inclusion rate for women in trades.

Mr. Speaker, we need more tradespeople, period, and there is clear data that establishing a women in trades program does exactly that. I will have questions for the Minister of ECE . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 524

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 524

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Before I was born, a baby girl was born in a town west of London, England. Her family moved to Canada, where she eventually achieved a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts in Journalism, and Master of Arts in History. Along the way, she fell in love with the North and served its people as a reporter, active volunteer, and now a two-term MLA. Sometimes we need to hear about how one person traveled from point A to point B to achieve their goal to help us chart our own path to success. Julie Green 's Women on the Ballot Workshops were a significant catalyst that led me to this role.

This year's theme of International Women's Day is Because of You, because of the trailblazing women who went before us. Now, the same number of people serving here today is equal to the total number of women who have ever served this Legislative Assembly; Lena Pederson, Lynda Sorenson, Nellie Cournoyea, Eliza Lawrence, Jeannie Marie-Jewel, Rebecca Mike, Manitok Thompson, Jane Groenewegen, Sandy Lee, Wendy Bisaro, Julie Green , Caroline Cochrane , and now Lesa Semmler , Frieda Martselos , Paulie Chinna , Katrina Nokleby , Diane Thom, Caroline Wawzonek , and myself.

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day does not only include women. I am the mother of three young boys, who are growing into men faster than expected and who will one day play a role in equality. Last night, at a women's leadership event hosted by the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories, I was asked if I find it challenging to work in a traditionally male-dominant workplace. My answer was "no" because of the work done by the women before me, and because of the quality and character of all MLAs who serve this territory today.

In addition, in my opinion, it is not just about looking back. International Women's Day is about our daughters and our granddaughters. It is about the next generation of leaders. It is about the little girls who can look at this Legislature and see a woman who served as a powerful chief, and who now serves as a passionate Member. It is about a little girl from Aklavik who loves the land she grew up on and wants to be a future Health Minister . It is about women who work in non-traditional roles knowing that they belong and that they are heard, and we all have a role to play in helping them shape their story.

Because of the vision and commitment of a woman born an ocean away, I found my own path through self-discovery to leadership. As each of you who is listening reflects on your own path of those that helped you accomplish and achieve your success, I ask you: because of who? Thank you.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 524

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 524

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this, the last day of session before International Women's Day, I speak to honour all the women in my life who have fought for equality and have inspired me. It's no secret to those around me that advancing the situation of women and girls is near to my heart and, in fact, it was one of the main drivers for me to enter the realm of politics. In my career as an engineer, and throughout my life, I have often found myself with no voice and no support.

I have been the recipient of unwanted touching on the work site, from unsolicited shoulder rubs to the touching of my breasts and my buttocks. I have found myself in exploration camps high on the tundra with drunken men showing up at my room, and I have been passed over for management roles only for them to go to men younger than me with less experience.

During all the hardship I've had as one of the few women in engineering in Canada where only 13 percent are women, I've been able to lean on my support system of amazing women for comfort. Earlier this year, I said goodbye to the main pillar of that support community, my mom. My mom was an amazing woman, who lifted people up, and she was my biggest champion. Born to immigrants who never completed high school, my mom was the first person in her family to attend university, where she studied education and spent over 30 years inspiring young minds as a grade one and two teacher.

My mom was a single mom for a lot of my life, struggling to make ends meet while ensuring that me and my siblings never went without.

My mom was an avid reader and a lifelong learner, and she taught me to question life and to be curious. From her, I inherited a love of crossword and jigsaw puzzles, as well as a wicked sense of humour. I learned to be kind and compassionate and to live my life with good intent, and for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you to all of the moms out there, who are holding the hands of their crying daughters as their hearts are broken when the reality of the plight of women in this world slaps them across the face. If it weren't for mine holding my hand over the years, I wouldn't be standing here in front of you today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 524

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 524

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, the theme of this year's International Women's Day is Because of You. The theme Because of You reminds me of the strongest and most influential woman I know. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my mother, Shirley Cochrane.

Because of you, Mom, I stand in this House today. Your tribulations, successes, perseverance, and strength influenced me throughout my life.

Because of you, I learned at an early age that women were often the leaders in their families and communities. With Dad being gone most of the time, you were left alone for months on end to care for eight children, our home, and all the duties that come with both. On top of this, you still found time to join the ladies' auxiliary in recognition of our father's contribution to the Second World War and all the men and women who fought to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. Because of you, I learned that, no matter how much you have on your personal plate, it is still important to give back to your community.

Because of you, Mom, I learned to care for myself and never wait for, or expect, anyone to do things for me. With babies in both arms, children underfoot, and an endless list of things needing completion, you tackled every chore, whether it be cooking, sewing, laundry, cleaning, fixing broken items, or completing renovations needing done. I will always remember you standing on a chair changing a light fixture, and as I watched in awe, you told me, "Never wait for a man to do things for you." Your ability to tackle any challenge taught me not to be afraid to try new ideas.

Because of you, Mom, I was brave enough to challenge myself and experience many things in life that others would tend to shy away from.

Because of you, Mom, I learned that one of the most important values in life is to remember to take care of those in need. No matter how many hungry children of your own you had to feed, you never said no to another child wanting food or any person needing a place to lay their head. Because of you, Mom, I also opened my own door to those in need and got to experience the joys of watching many youth transition from a place of desperation to a place of hope.

Because of you, I truly understand that it takes a community to raise a child, that it only takes one person to change another's life, and that we must never leave others behind. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 525

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you. Because of you, Mom, I learned to never give up hope. I watched you struggle for many years with your addiction and thought you would never quit. Then, miraculously, you quit, never touching another drink for well over 20 years, now. Because of you, Mom, even in my darkest moment as a single parent, I found the strength to go back to school, get a degree, and change my own and my children's lives forever. Because of you, Mom, I learned to never give up on myself or others.

Because of you, Mom, I learned to face my fears and still move forward. I watched your pain in so many ways, and yet saw you face each day fresh. Because of you, Mom, I learned, when I fall or others push me down, to stand up straight, brush off my hurt, and carry on.

Mr. Speaker, the theme for International Women's Day is Because of You. Today, I dedicate my Member's statement to my mother. Because of you, Mom, I was able to see the strength of women and look at each tribulation in my own life as a challenge to overcome. Because of you, Mom, my life has also been full of adventure, learning and successes. Because of you, Mom, and because of the values you instilled, I never gave up, and because of you, I stand here today. Have I told you lately, Mom, how much I love you? I love you, Mom, to the moon and back. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 525

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier . Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 525

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In celebration today of National Women's Day and the theme Because of You, I would like to acknowledge and recognize the political achievements of Martha Chinna. Martha was a strong advocate for Indigenous languages. She developed and helped create the Indigenous language for CBC North, which we hear of today. She expressed advocacy at the federal government level, helping the Northwest Territories and the federal government to recognize that languages in the Northwest Territories were not only the Inuit language and the North Slavey language.

She got them to realize that Chipewyan, North Slavey, South Slavey, the Gwich'in, Inuvialuit, and Tlicho languages were here, and they were existing in the Northwest Territories.

Martha Chinna attended the University of Calgary, which gives me a fierce understanding and acknowledgement that she was a residential school survivor, but yet was able to attend university right of school. She received her degree in Linguistics and Communications.

Martha Chinna was a strong advocate for language to be interpreted and for us to be speaking about it today. Now, looking at CBC, the majority of their translators are now retiring, who spoke in Indigenous languages. Now, we're going forward as a government in trying to understand and trying to see how we are going to revitalize the language. It's advocates and women in the past who created the Government of the Northwest Territories who stood up in those early days and helped us create what we are managing and what we are working towards today.

My mom had died 17 years ago, April 3 rd , and, looking back at her and looking at the remarkable women who have passed on and who are here with us today, one of the ladies I want to acknowledge, too, is Cece McCauley, the first female chief of the Northwest Territories, to be also included with looking at the Berger Inquiry in those days. That was quite significant to the Northwest Territories and created a huge difference in the Northwest Territories of how we were going to economically develop as a territory, recognizing the traditional use of people and the land in our territory.

Today, I would like to acknowledge the people of the Northwest Territories and also the women who were elected. Also, I would like to acknowledge Caroline Cochrane and Julie Green . Thank you for Women on the Ballot and thank you for encouraging the Northwest Territories' women to put their name forward. Today, we have a very interesting government, and it is going to be a very good four years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 525

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Sahtu . Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife South .

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 525

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Merci, monsieur le President. [Translation] This Sunday is the International Day for Women. [End of translation] The Minister responsible for the Status of Women spoke to the theme selected by the Status of Women Canada for this year, Because of You, recognizing the socio-economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls.

There are other themes for International Women's Day. First, the United Nations Women's theme for this year is: I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights. Another, the global campaign theme, is: Each for Equal. This theme highlights that we are all part of a collective whole, and we can each, individually, have an impact on our society and on the goal of achieving equality.

Mr. Speaker, if we are all Each for Equal, we will raise Generation Equality.

My mother was the voice saying, "You can go and achieve the things that I did not have the opportunities to achieve," but without my father's quiet but calm and ever-present support, it would have been much harder. My legal career has been inspired and supported for over a decade by strong feminists. Many of those feminists were men. They encouraged me to start in a career, in a male-dominated area of practice. They encouraged me to take on leadership roles at tables that were still largely filled by men, and they encouraged me to make space for a family life without making me feel that this made me any less of a lawyer.

As the last election drew near, I asked at home, "Maybe this won't be good for our family? Maybe I should be waiting until the kids are older?" My spouse, who happens to be male, would have none of it. "You want to do this, and so we will make it happen."

Mr. Speaker, we each need to support equality. We all need to be feminists. This will help advance the equality of all, and this, to me, is the strength of the Each for Equal campaign. Through that, I commit to raising Generation Equality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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International Women's Day

Members' Statements

Page 525

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize lovely ladies up in the gallery today. We have Tina Hawker, we have Mary Drake, and Michele Lemieux from the Native Women's Association. We also have Sabet Biscaye. We have Louise Elder and Kristen Berkeley from the Status of Women Council. Thank you, ladies, for being here today, and I apologize if I missed anyone.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a moment to recognize one of our Pages who is here today from the constituency of Range Lake, Cameron Mason. I want to thank you for all the work you have provided and to all the Pages for the work you've provided. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Frame Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to recognize one of my neighbours, Louise Elder, and thank her for her work as executive director of the NWT Status of Women Council. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to thank the Acho Dene principal and the chaperon for assisting two of the great Pages who are here today, Lorrisa Berreault and Elizabeth Nelson. They have done a great job. Thank you very much for being here during this day. As well, I am going to get in trouble for this one, but I finally can get to recognize my honey, the one who makes my life quite interesting. I know she is shaking her head at me already, so I know I am going to be sleeping outside today, but it's all good. Also her daughter, Christina McAdam, thank you very much for being here today.

Sorry, I forgot one other one, a former constituent of mine, Mary Drake, and a former CA of mine. Thank you very much for being here.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 525

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

Oral Questions

Page 525

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , who is also responsible for Income Security programs. I spoke in my statement of a number of issues. I see from the Education, Culture and Employment website that there is an updated Income Assistance policy manual dated October 2019. Although the Social Assistance Appeals Regulations require that an officer inform clients in writing of their entitlement appeal, I see no reference to this in the manual or in the correspondence that has been provided to me.

Can the Minister tell us whether the department routinely informs clients in writing of their rights when it comes to Income Security programs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

Oral Questions

Page 526

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

Oral Questions

Page 526

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier, the Member referenced the ATIPP legislation that requires a notice of appeal and appeal rights. The Social Assistance Act Income Assistance Appeals Regulations also contain a provision. It's

Section 4(1), I believe, so that is mandated that that has to be done. That is done. I have a copy here of the notice of refusal, which clearly indicates that there are appeal rights. The handbook the Member references, I believe there is an updated policy manual. It's February 2020, and I checked that today, and that does make that reference, although the plain-language handbook might not be as clear, but I will look into that.

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

Oral Questions

Page 526

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that. I can assure him, though, that, from the correspondence I have seen from my constituents, the appeal rights are not mentioned, so I would ask that the Minister investigate some of the actual correspondence Income Assistance recipients receive when they are refused, and so on. I want to move on. I have repeatedly mentioned the need to index our Income Security programs. That includes Income Assistance, Student Financial Assistance, seniors and other benefits, and those should be indexed, Mr. Speaker, to the cost of living.

Forced growth is the norm elsewhere, so I do not believe that our most disadvantaged people should be left behind. Can the Minister commit to indexing of Income Security payments through changes to regulations and/or legislation to help the most vulnerable members of our society?

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

Oral Questions

Page 526

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

First, I just want to address the Member's comments. If any Member is aware of incidents where we are not living up to our standards, please let me know. We have a system in place within the actual offices, but I want to work toward a territory-wide tracking system so that we can identify these types of concerns and move to improve them. In terms of indexing, Income Assistance does pay the actual cost of shelter, of utilities, and of heating fuel, so, in that sense, it is indexed. However, at this time, I can't commit to indexing all of the benefits.

We look at our mandate, and ECE has a lot in that mandate, and so, over this next year, we are going to be looking at how we can achieve that. There are going to be some tough financial decisions that we have to make, and so I cannot stand up here and say that we are going to make the decisions that the Member is asking for.

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

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Page 526

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that. It was not quite a "yes," but, look, I am talking about the most disadvantaged people in our society. We need take care of them, as we can and should do. I mentioned in my earlier statement the problems when Income Assistance recipients find themselves in situations where they lose jobs or they maybe lose their housing. It's a vicious cycle. I would like to know if there is any consideration that is being given to repayment plans, like rental arrears plans, to reduce hardships of drastic benefit reductions?

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

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Page 526

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I have spoken about this at length in the House. Right now, there are repayment plans if you receive an overpayment. However, the Member is correct. If someone starts working, their benefits are cut off because they are over the threshold, and then, if they lose their job, that could create immediate financial hardship or the cut-off could result in them having to pay thousands of dollars in rent and utilities and fuel, if it's in the middle of winter, and they might not be able to afford that, so I have committed to looking into the possibility of phasing benefits out. That is a long-term discussion.

It would take a lot of research. It would take legislative changes, but I have committed to this House that I am looking into that kind of stuff.

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

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Page 526

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

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Page 526

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that, and I do want to commend him for taking on that big job. I think he is the right guy to do it. I supported the previous Minister when she conducted an administrator review of Income Security programs. They resulted in some important changes, but what we really need is a systematic approach to change. An example of that is guaranteed basic income, or at least a pilot project around guaranteed basic income. Has the Minister or his department considered a guaranteed basic income pilot project in the NWT, and when is he prepared to make that happen?

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

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Page 526

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I wish I could have more positive answers here for the Member, but the fact is we are not considering this. The work that it would take to actually look into this and do the research is not doable, given what we have been mandated to do by this Assembly. Successive governments over the past number of decades have gone through cuts. The people to get cut are the policy people. We are pretty thin on policy positions. It is tough to do a lot of the work that we want to do. I am not even sure how we are going to do the things that we are mandated to do and that this Assembly is asking of us. To take on a project of this magnitude, I just can't do it at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues

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Page 526

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

Oral Questions

Page 526

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I mentioned in my Member's statement that the succession planning document "20/20: A Brighter Future" was released in 2009. I began my career with the GNWT in 2008 with the Department of Public Works and Services. That was about 11 years ago. For 11 years I was in employment, I never ever got moved up into any position. Perhaps if I stayed another 11 years, I would have been an antique. My question to the Minister is: does the GNWT still practice succession planning? Mahsi.

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho . Minister of Finance .

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, succession planning is still a priority. Indeed, it is ever only more of a priority. There are quite a large number of GNWT employees who are going to be retiring over the next five to 10 years. In short, I am definitely in agreement, and I am pleased that the Member has raised this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

What actions and initiatives are currently in place to achieve the goals of succession planning, and how do these impact employees in the GNWT's regional offices? If not, why not?

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

The Department of Finance does work with its regional offices, across all of the territories, in order to use the tools that we have at our hands currently, which includes everything from mentorship to secondments and transfer assignments, but also to be gathering the information to consider, indeed, what kind of succession plans need to happen. It is an ongoing process. Again, as I have said, I am grateful to have that alerted to me. It is one that we are going to have to pay attention to, given some of the demographics we are facing.

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Has the department done any analysis or assessment of succession planning best practices, and are these being incorporated into our human resources practices?

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

There was the workforce development framework released last year under the last Assembly that was the result in part of a jurisdictional scan, looking at best practices. That is still being worked into the process that we have currently. It is hoped that this will continue to evolve into a best practice of corporate-wide resources for all the territory and for all the different regions.

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I believe the Minister just answered my last question about developing a new workforce development framework. I wonder if the Minister could provide stats for the succession planning or any movement up to management positions by all employees of the GNWT since 2009? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

That specific request is one that is very large in terms of the numbers and the scope. What I would suggest is that I will speak to the Member and make sure that we can identify, perhaps, the core of the issue that we want to look at here. I agree that succession planning is critical, and I agree that we can always do a better job of it. These are human systems, and they can always be improved. What I was referencing in my previous answer was the fact that there has been some work done, but the work isn't finished yet. It is still being developed. There is much more to come.

What I will do is, as I say, I will connect with the Member specifically. If I need to bring something back as a result of those discussions to the House with some specific numbers, I will do that. I want to make sure that we get to the core of the issue of what the concern is around succession planning, recognizing that we can, as I say, always continue to do better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 153-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Succession Planning

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Page 526

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

Oral Questions

Page 526

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . In my reply to the budget, I spoke about new information from the community survey, which reveals that one in five NWT households has trouble meeting its most basic needs, including access to sufficient food. The rates of moderate to severe food insecurity have increased over the years. My question to the Minister is: why does she think these rates continue to go up despite more direct and indirect spending by government? Thank you.

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 526

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is unfortunate that the rates have been going up. I do want to talk about that. We had a meeting this week with the National Advisory Council on Poverty. During our meeting, we had some excellent discussions. These are 10 members across Canada who are dedicated, they are passionate, and they are knowledgeable. They are members from coast to coast to coast. We sat down and had an opportunity to talk about our anti-poverty work plan; it is the Working Together II. In there, we have identified a couple of key areas, especially food secure. The Working Together II has five pillars, and one of them references food security.

Going back to the meeting with the National Advisory Council on Poverty, we did mention some barriers that we are facing in the Northwest Territories, including the on-reserve funding. On-reserve funding through the national poverty strategy does not benefit the Northwest Territories. We also talked about food security and how important it is for us. I say important because it is one of our 22 priorities here. We will be addressing that in our budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you to the Minister for that response. What new initiatives or approaches is the Minister going to undertake to reduce and eliminate hunger in the Northwest Territories?

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

I do want to talk about the action plan, because there are some initiatives in the action plan. I look at this, and it is multi-departmental; Health and Social Services is not just the department that is responsible for poverty. Our meeting today included our Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . We also had our Minister of housing and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . Also, our Premier attended. It is not a one-department approach.

I do want to talk about the action plan because here are some ideas, and the Member is asking for some ideas: increasing income support to elders with people with disabilities. I apologize to them and speak on some of the issues that are within each of the departments. I hope that's okay, but this is an action plan that we all have input and have a responsibility for; a commitment to make childcare more assessable across the Northwest Territories; funding to address homelessness in the smaller communities through Northern Pathways, which is a housing program, and also the supportive housing program.

We also provide funding to support the Housing First program, the rapid housing program in Inuvik and Yellowknife. These support people who are either homeless or at risk of being homeless. Action to address food security throughout supports to harvesting and to agriculture. Community gardening is another project that, as a government, we all need to enforce. I am looking at ITI, because our Minister of ITI is also responsible for some of these projects in the Northwest Territories.

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I recognize that the new anti-poverty action plan is a multi-departmental plan. It is my understanding that it is in the leadership of the Minister of Health and Social Services . That is why I am asking her these questions today about food security. One of the things the anti-poverty action plan speaks to is creating a new food security coalition. Can the Minister tell us whether that work has started?

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

The Member is correct. That is in our action plan. We are planning to establish a multi-sectorial NWT food security coalition. These are representatives from not only just the government, but also Indigenous governments, community governments, not-for-profit organizations, and this is something that we're establishing. I've looked at the action plan that the Member is talking about, the Working Together II, and, in there, the timeline for creating this coalition is in 2022.

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's answer. Minister, I think we've got to get started before 2022. There is so much hunger; 2,271 youth and children under 15. We just can't ask them to wait two more years while we get to work on this. We need to start immediately. The final question I have is about the federal government's role in helping to reduce and eliminate food insecurity which, of course, they do through the Nutrition North program. My question is: what action is the Minister going to take with the federal government to improve the effectiveness of Nutrition North? Thank you.

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

I apologize. I didn't realize that we weren't allowed to put props up, but I was just trying to show the Member that I actually have the action plan on poverty, so I apologize, Mr. Speaker. That was not my intent, other than to let the Member know. I do want to go back to the Nutrition North program. The Nutrition North program is a federal program, and our department, we all meet together, and part of the development of the coalition is to come together and really reach out. We've already said, this government, we can't do things alone, and we can't do things in silos.

We need to reach out and engage with the partners, Indigenous groups, and non-Indigenous groups. The more partners and key stakeholders that we have coming together, we will have a stronger approach to go towards the federal government for Nutrition North funding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 154-19(2): Food Insecurity

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Page 527

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Oral Questions

Page 527

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Justice . I've had an increase in enquiries within my constituency in regard to options for people who are in domestic violence situations. I would like to know who the lead department within the GNWT is for domestic violence? Thank you.

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be frank about it. There is not one single department responsible for domestic violence, nor is there a Minister responsible for domestic violence. What there is, fortunately, is a recognition by this Cabinet of that gap, and a recognition of the need to fix that gap. What I would offer instead is to commit to the Member that I will take it upon myself to ensure that there is an answer to that question in the life of the Assembly, sooner rather than later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

I appreciate the response from the Minister, and I appreciate as well that she stopped herself when she said the length of this Assembly, because I think it's really important, with us having the second-highest rate of domestic violence in Canada, that we need to give this an owner right away, preferably by the end of this sitting. My next question is: will the Department of Justice, or whoever the lead department is for this, commit to putting together an information resource that we can distribute to people to let them know what their options are for the next

chapter of their lives that does not include domestic violence?

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

There is no shortage of resources put together often by the GNWT. The challenge that I acknowledge exists is that there are so many different resources put together by different agencies in different departments of the GNWT. Yes, again, I am prepared to commit that we do a better job of organizing them. I don't know what that package might look like or what the source will be, but I hear the Member's point, and, again, that is not an unreasonable request.

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Would the Minister be willing to commit to identifying, with her colleagues, a lead department for domestic violence before the end of this sitting?

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

There is an interdepartmental working group that's not really, I realize, the most accessible place for Members of the Assembly or members of the public to access Cabinet on a specific issue. I'm just concerned with the idea that it's going to happen within the life of the current sitting. That's only another month away. I'm happy to make that a target, but I'm hesitant to go so far as to make it a commitment. When I make a commitment, as I think I've said before, I take that fairly seriously. I'll make it a target. At the very least, I will report back on what progress is made in terms of achieving the goal within the life of the Assembly.

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I definitely appreciate that. Over the course of gathering information from multiple different departments, it took my CA and I about a month to put together all of the information and the resources that the Minister referred to that are available through the government, and that's not very useful or realistic for someone who is suffering from domestic violence. My next and final question for the Minister is: is there a plan for this Assembly to create a domestic violence action plan? Thank you.

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Page 527

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

That's not a new request, and I certainly want to begin by acknowledging my own awareness of the depth of the problem and the challenge. I've spoken to it at the Ministers' meetings that I've attended already thus far. I do know that the federal government has a strategy and they're in the midst of developing an action plan, and I expect that it would be prudent for us to at least see what progress there is made at a federal level to ensure that, if there is funding associated with whatever might be happening at that level, we can ensure that the identified departmental lead can then try to access that funding.

There are still a few pieces moving at the moment. I need to see how they play out. Some of those will be put into motion, I believe, over the next month with respect to, first, working within our own departments, and second, knowing what the direction of the federal budget might be. Those two things might help us give direction as to how much we can achieve in terms of putting together an action plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 155-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Oral Questions

Page 527

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

Oral Questions

Page 527

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, I gave my Member's statement for women in trades. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment : how many apprentices, in total, do we have in the Northwest Territories, and how many of them are women?

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

Oral Questions

Page 528

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

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Page 528

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are 320 registered apprentices in the Northwest Territories. Of that 320, 15 are women. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

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Page 528

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Fifteen out of 320, I believe, is a statistic that shows that we're really not tapping into a huge

section of our labour pool; that is, women who are willing to enter the trades. Is the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment willing to create a women in trades program?

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

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Page 528

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

As part of the apprenticeship or ATOC strategy, we've already committed to that, and we're working on that. We hope to launch the program later this year, and it's going to be similar to the ones in Alberta and Nova Scotia, and it's going to be focused on getting more women in trades. There are other partners in the territory, as well; Skills Canada NWT has launched a program aimed at girls in middle school to help them start getting interested in the trades, as well. There are a lot of people who we could be talking to about this. Five percent of the registered apprentices are women.

We're missing 45 percent of the population who could be in that. It's something that we are really trying to work on.

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

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Page 528

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

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Page 528

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's commitment to develop this program. In reviewing the Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupational Certification Strategy, ATOC as he referred to it, there were a number of recommendations regarding that. Has the department taken action on the working group's suggestions, and will the Minister commit to implementing those suggestions coming out of the ATOC strategy?

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

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Page 528

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

The Member is correct, there has been a lot of discussion. There are a lot of recommendations, and we're working on it. Not everything has happened, but things are happening, and I can get a more detailed report for the Member and provide updates whenever the Member would like. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 156-19(2): Women in Trades

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Page 528

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

Oral Questions

Page 528

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, monsieur le President. I want to ask some questions of the Minister of Finance , who also has responsibility for human resources. Most Canadian jurisdictions ensure that employees are provided with domestic violence leave, effective January 1, 2020. Our Employment Standards Act provides up to five days of paid family violence leave, another five days of unpaid leave, and maybe even 15 weeks of unpaid leave with proper notice. I supported these changes, but our main collective agreement with UNW only provides for three days of paid domestic violence leave.

Is the Minister of aware of this difference in domestic violence leave for GNWT employees and other employees, and what action, if any, is she prepared to take to deal with these less-generous provisions for our employees? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The collective agreement does have a difference in it as compared to what is in the employment standards provisions, but it actually does also say that more than three days of leave can be approved by the employer and that the approval cannot be unreasonably denied. Certainly, we could take the step of at least reminding all of the GNWT that, indeed, one would not want to deny leave in circumstances when there is a case of domestic violence leave.

If they have been given the three days and are requesting further, I would expect that, in many, many cases, it would be unreasonable to deny it. While it's worded differently, it's not quite as strict as that, and I certainly wouldn't want anyone to be discouraged, if they need leave, from going and speaking to their responsible supervisor to provide that information. As far as then changing the collective agreement, there will always be further bargaining and further negotiations that take place at new rounds of bargaining.

If this is an issue that is seen by the employees, then we will see it at that point and deal with it in due course. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that. I think she made a commitment that she would actually send out a reminder. Is the Minister prepared to send out a reminder to GNWT supervisors that this provision in the collective agreement is perhaps more permissive than seems to be interpreted?

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

I wouldn't want the Minister of Justice to get angry with me if I'm now interpreting the collective agreement. That was not my intention, but certainly, simply to just point out again that more than three days of leave with pay will be approved by the employer, and that approval cannot be unreasonably denied. If it's a simple reminder of what the collective agreement says, and if that's not being applied, firstly, I would ask Members to bring that to my attention if it's not being applied, and there is no harm in reminding our own staff and our own supervisors what is in the agreement, so I am happy to certainly do that.

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that. I think that was a yes, again, that she will send out a reminder to GNWT supervisors about that. That's great. I am wondering if the Minister could commit to using the domestic leave provisions in the Employment Standards Act as a baseline when it comes to renegotiating the collective agreements. I am sure UNW would support more generous provisions. As I understand it, that's what they had pushed for at the bargaining table but couldn't achieve it. Again, will the Minister use the Employment Standards Act as the baseline moving forward in the negotiations of new collective agreements?

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Coming up with a bargaining mandate is a more complicated matter than one I am going to begin to commit to here on the floor, but I am confident that all of my Cabinet colleagues are hearing this exchange. Sometimes that's exactly the benefit of being in this House, so that we can all hear those exchanges and hear the issues that are raised.

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. Look, this is an issue of fairness. Are we going to treat our employees the same way that all other employees in the Northwest Territories are treated? I think that's a very simple question, here. I am looking for a commitment from the Minister that she is going to work with our unions to make sure that the domestic violence leave provisions are the same for all employees in the Northwest Territories. Is that a commitment she is prepared to make? Masi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

I don't disagree that this is an issue of great importance, and I, of course, want to ensure that all of the employees of the GNWT are treated not only fairly, but in the best possible way. I am simply not going to make a commitment about a bargaining mandate. I am not going to make a commitment on the floor, other than to say, as I have before, that I do make a commitment to improving and continuing the relationship that we have with our unions. It's an important and critical relationship and, if this is an issue that comes up in the course of those conversations, I would look forward to having that conversation directly with them at that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 157-19(2): Domestic Violence Leave

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Page 528

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 158-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Oral Questions

Page 528

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to continue my conversation with the Minister of Justice in regard to domestic violence. I apologize; I hope I am not putting too much pressure on her. My first question is just in regard to the resource that I requested earlier. I am just wondering if, while we are waiting for Cabinet to choose a lead department, the Department of Justice would be prepared to take on creating those resources for victims of domestic violence? Thank you.

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Question 158-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Oral Questions

Page 528

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Question 158-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Oral Questions

Page 528

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Departments of Justice and Finance will be so excited today. As I have said, I already have committed to ensuring that I will report back to this House as to the best place in which we are going to house the issue of domestic violence and solving domestic violence, and when I make that report, I will report back on where and who will be working to bring the resources together.

There are times where having a specific and defined resource is to the benefit of someone with a specific, defined issue; there may be other times where an individual wants to get all of the resources without having to go and put them all together, as the Member has very well defined and described today the challenges of that. What I will simply say is that I will take it upon myself to be the one who reports back here and explains how we are going to do that, likely by going back first to the interdepartmental working group that already exists. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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