Debates of March 2nd, 2009

This is page numbers 2655 - 2704 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister’s Statement 44-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month Celebrations

Minister’s Statement 45-16(3): Nutrition Month (March)

Support For Aboriginal Languages

Aklavik Economic Development Sustainability Plan

Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Equity Stakes In Large Resource Developments

Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Sport North Federation

Return To Question 189-16(3): Meeting To Discuss NGO Funding Policy

Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Cost-Effective Medical Travel Alternatives

Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Terms Of Reference And Mandate For Electrical Rates Reviews

Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Return To Written Question 3-16(3): GNWT Employee Performance Bonuses

Tabled Document 19-16(3): Response To Petition 5-16(3): NWT Electrical Power Rates

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Small Community Chipsealing Program Carried

Recorded Vote

Concurrence Of Td 17-16(3), Supplementary Appropriation No. 3, 2008-2009 Carried

Report of Committee of the Whole

Orders of the Day

The House met at 1:36 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Minister’s Statement 44-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month Celebrations

Ministers’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

We have been celebrating aboriginal languages and cultures during the month on an annual basis. There will be a variety of things happening in different communities around the North such as radio contests, luncheons at community teaching and learning centres. There will also be aboriginal language materials on display and the luncheon here at the Great Hall on Thursday.

We recognize that languages play a crucial and essential role in the lives of the aboriginal communities in the Northwest Territories. It reflects various aspects of their culture such as traditions, customs, beliefs, values, history and achievements. Language is important to our aboriginal people because it gives them the ability to express themselves in their own way and that in itself strengthens their identity as a distinct people.

Mr. Speaker, we also want to recognize with gratitude the many dedicated individuals and volunteers who work at revitalizing and maintaining their aboriginal languages. I encourage you to continue your language work and to take pride in your contribution to keep your language alive.

I want to give some assurance to the language communities that the GNWT has committed to continue support of language and cultural activities.

With support and commitment from all language communities, I am sure that our coordinated efforts will show some positive results.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all language groups to actively participate in the celebration of language and culture in their communities during the month of March. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister’s Statement 44-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month Celebrations

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Before we go on, colleagues, I would just like to remind Members, for your information, the translators we have this week in the House, we have Dogrib on channel two and North Slavey on channel three. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Ms. Lee .

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Minister’s Statement 45-16(3): Nutrition Month (March)

Ministers’ Statements

Range Lake

Sandy Lee

Minister of Health and Social Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, healthy communities and families are based on the basics: healthy food and good nutrition. Promoting healthy eating is the focus each year in March, National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign that runs all month from coast to coast to coast.

Mr. Speaker, although in the NWT healthy lifestyles are promoted all year long, we place special emphasis on tradition in March and this year our emphasis is on family nutrition. We know that if our people stop smoking, drink less, eat healthier and exercise more, much of our health care and social services needs will decrease. We are encouraging families to eat healthy meals together, a simple way to keep good health that gets overlooked because of the day-to-day rush of our lives.

Mr. Speaker, when we were growing up, for those older among us, it was common place to eat with our family and enjoy a healthy meal. We know not only from common sense but from research, that families that eat together eat healthier, whether it be traditional foods, store foods or a combination of both.

In the NWT, we encourage traditional foods such as moose, caribou or bannock for family meals for families that enjoy their mealtimes together. There are many positive benefits. For example, children are more likely to eat foods as recommended by

the food guide and studies show this helps reduce obesity as well as unhealthy choices such as eating junk food.

Eating together as a family promotes family cohesion and this cohesion has many positive spinoff benefits. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the public to watch for Nutrition Month activities being organized at the territorial, regional or community level by our NWT dieticians and nutritionists. These activities will include healthy food promotions at the schools, on the radio and in local grocery stores and practical tips for families on healthy eating on the government or regional health authority websites.

Mr. Speaker, the government has kicked off healthy eating in February with the beginning of our third annual school-based Drop the Pop campaign challenge. With the theme of Drop the Pop – Get Real, we are promoting more healthy food and less junk. Our campaigns helped to reinforce this message. Mr. Speaker, this campaign is a joint partnership with northern Stores, the Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op, Food First Foundation of the NWT and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

Last year 35 schools joined in the effort and this year we hope even more will skip pop for healthier drinks and snacks. Schools can also apply for an award for their innovative projects again this year. I encourage all Northerners to go to the Health and Social Services website for more information about Nutrition Month and Drop the Pop campaign and to make healthy choices. Remember, when you eat together, you eat better. Take the time to enjoy your family by sitting down at mealtime. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister’s Statement 45-16(3): Nutrition Month (March)

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as indicated in the Minister of Education ’s Minister’s statement, aboriginal language…March is Aboriginal Language Month. I am going to…I can’t read the language, Chipewyan language. I am trying to learn. Hopefully that will be a goal of mine, to try to be able to read the aboriginal language next March.

---Applause

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

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

An Hon. Member

You’ve got an extra five seconds.

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Last week I was glad to hear the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment was advancing the implementation of the Dene Kede curriculum in our schools. I fully support education and training initiatives for teachers in aboriginal languages, and cultural instructors. Early childhood workers, teachers, and instructors that are fluent in Slavey and knowledgeable about the aboriginal curriculum are the foundation for the success of these programs.

We all have the opportunities to promote the use of our languages. Let’s do it and celebrate our languages as a wealth of traditions and human creativity.

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

I wish to applaud the Government of the Northwest Territories for honouring the first language in the Northwest Territories. I once asked an elder about the language because I was struggling with my language. The elder asked me, where did you learn? How did you learn? I said to the elder, most of my life I spent in residential school. The elder said, it is not your fault. The Creator only understands the language that is spoken from your heart. The Creator will understand that language.

I, too, want to share my appreciation for all the hardworking teachers in the schools and the people who are using the first language to teach the children and to teach us. I have to work hard on my own language. Hopefully one day I will be able to speak very fluently in Dene.

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Support For Aboriginal Languages

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Aklavik Economic Development Sustainability Plan

Members’ Statements

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had an opportunity to travel back to my constituency this week and do a whirlwind tour. One of the highlights of the trip was to go into Aklavik and have an official signing ceremony with the community. Aklavik is in the process of developing a community economic sustainable development plan along with a university on Vancouver Island and using graduate students to work with the community to develop this plan.

The whole initiative is going to be an historical project that will involve all members of the

community through a process of developing, producing, and implementing a plan. The general goal and objective of the plan is to take account of everything in the community, which involves the community’s resources to identified key areas of economic development, a social interest, and the development of a comprehensive community plan that will assist the community in planning for the current and future community economic development needs and deal with the social challenges of that community.

The highlight of this study is the inclusion of the university and a community to work jointly on such an effort. It is a pilot project, but for communities in the Northwest Territories hopefully this pilot project can be handed on to other communities with the findings of this work.

I’d like to thank the chief, Mildred Edwards, the mayor, Billy Storr, and also other members of the community who took

part in the signing of this agreement and look forward to working with the whole community and the university from Vancouver Island, and to move forward on such an occasion. I’d like to mention the Minister of ITI , the Premier , and people who were involved in moving this project forward.

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Aklavik Economic Development Sustainability Plan

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Members’ Statements

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is about the social workers and counsellors in Nunakput. Social workers and counsellors provide services to the community that are immeasurable and invaluable, devoting their careers to helping people through difficult times, living healthier, coping with addictions and the healing process. Unfortunately, most communities in Nunakput do not have either. Shame on this government.

I ask this government why, after so much commitment from the federal government, the territorial government and organizations such as The Healing Foundation, do the communities such as Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok, still lack social workers and counsellors?

During recent discussions with the mayor from Ulukhaktok and the principal, they have both identified the lack of professional social support and development as one of the most serious issues in their community. People with real problems have very complicated problems and have nowhere to go, no one to talk to, and that’s a shame. Furthermore, it contradicts the commitments made

by this and previous governments. Students with problems at home that affect their educational performance should have counsellors to talk to if they need help with the problems.

I’ve recently been made aware of social workers’ and counsellors’ work in Inuvik and they’re supposed to service the communities. But when talking to the front-line workers in the communities, they’ve never heard or had a visit of that nature. Capacity building progress, serious social supports, it’s very crucial that this government commits and delivers support required and not just pay lip service.

I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time.

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Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson . The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to speak about some of the reviews that are taking place, which I’m sure people in the public have heard about and are probably becoming thoroughly confused about. I’m having trouble keeping track of them all myself and in the order in which they’re being undertaken.

We know there is an announced review of the ATCO proposal, the unsolicited proposal that came to the Premier ’s desk, and it’s being undertaken by the GNWT with a team of senior managers and with the assistance of a former employee of the Auditor General’s office. No terms of reference have been circulated about this review, no date has been given, and we’re not sure if anyone, apart from the Financial Management Board, will ever actually see this report. We haven’t had any of those things confirmed.

Also, now we know that there’s going to be a review of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and this will look at the value for money and a performance audit of NTPC. Those terms have not been identified, no dates and no schedule. We do know that this will be an expensive undertaking and neither do we hear exactly where the money will be coming from for that review. Hay River obviously has a very understandable interest in the terms of reference of a review of NTPC and would like opportunity for input.

Also, Mr. Speaker, at the same time we are doing an electricity review. This discussion paper was released in December. Members have seen that. It was widely circulated. A panel was established to

visit communities, attend community meetings and hear community feedback. That is to talk to people about the power rates. That panel includes some former bureaucrats and also a gentleman from Manitoba. This is the group, Mr. Speaker, who might recommend a change in our rate zones, if that is the determination, and we are expecting a report back from that in June.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier indicated in his ministerial statement that all of these activities are clearly linked. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions today for the Premier about a review of a corporation which we might be selling to a corporation who has said they will freeze the rates for five years.

If you look at all of what is going on, it is like having a car perhaps and saying there is something wrong with it, but before we determine what is wrong with it, we are going to try and sell it to somebody and we are also going to look forward to the future and look at establishing the rates that this new corporation would be charging. It’s all very confusing and I will have questions for the Premier . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Equity Stakes In Large Resource Developments

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to use my Member’s statement today to address the issue of long-term financial stability for the NWT. I believe we can partially achieve this goal through equity investments in our resources and resource development.

Currently, as Members are well aware, our revenues come from two main sources: about 75 percent from the federal government through the territorial funding formula and the bulk of the remaining 25 percent from taxes.

Well, these sources fluctuate sometimes quite a bit from one year to the next, making it difficult to budget for our yearly expenditures. Those expenditures, mostly service delivery costs, rise at about 7 percent per year, no downward fluctuation there, unfortunately.

To provide a stable funding source, the GNWT can establish an equity position in large resource projects or developments. Right now we have an opportunity in the Mackenzie Valley Gas Project, but to date the government seems to have shown no interest in investing in this project. That is not to say we haven’t spent money on the project. The 2009-10 budget includes new funding in the amount of $250,000 for the Mackenzie Gas Project; a

contribution to the Aboriginal Pipeline Group. And this amount must be added to funds already given to the Aboriginal Pipeline Group for at least the past three years. So far the GNWT has spent on the Mackenzie Gas Project, through the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, to the tune of some $2.3 million or so. I believe that instead of giving that money away, we could be investing those same dollars to the benefit of all NWT residents.

Mr. Speaker, we have missed other opportunities to invest in projects which would return dividends for many years to come. Equity opportunities with the four diamond mines in the past have missed us by. I believe we must not let equity opportunity in the Mackenzie Gas Project pass us by as well.

Returns on investments in large infrastructure projects can be used to provide a nest egg for our children, our children’s children and future generations to come or these returns can provide the government with a consistent stable revenue source of which, at the moment, we have none. We all know too well that this government does not receive royalties from resource development in the NWT right now and for the foreseeable future; something that must change if we are to become more independent of the federal government.

Taking an equity stake in resource development is simply another financial option open to this government. I am definitely not advocating irresponsible or risky investment, but I am advocating that we consider a policy on equity. I am asking Cabinet to look into such a policy and will have questions for the Finance Minister later on. Thank you.

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Equity Stakes In Large Resource Developments

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government has recognized the problem of our changing climate and we are making some moves to mitigate the situation. Today I would like to highlight the opportunity we have to address a particular part of the problem. That is the lack of fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks.

In the NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy, we learned that up to 30 percent of our greenhouse gas pollution comes from the transportation sector. Despite this recognition, very few of the initiatives in the strategy actually address transportation issues. While the challenges are great, I am convinced that we can significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector if we try.

According to Hydro Quebec, with relatively few changes to its distribution and generation system, it could accommodate one million plug-in electric cars. There is a similar opportunity with many utilities across North America. Fortunately, we have many fewer vehicles but I suspect we have the potential to be affected here.

In the United States, the corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE for short, sets fuel standards for cars and trucks. It sets out the minimum average fuel efficiency that each automaker’s cars and trucks must achieve. First introduced in the ‘70s in response to the oil crisis, the fuel economy standard reached its peak in the mid-‘80s and this peak coincided with very low oil prices at $10 a barrel. Increased fuel efficiency in the U.S. in the ‘80s had a lot to do with those low oil prices. Unfortunately, corporate lobbying caused standards to decline. Ironically, if CAFE was strengthened rather than diluted, North American carmakers would be in much better shape than they are today.

In 2006, in response to concerns about global warming, California passed new regulations requiring a 30 percent reduction in automobile greenhouse gas emissions. Their law requires the average fuel economy to rise to 35 miles per gallon by 2016. Since then, 12 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces have committed to adopting California fuel standards. All indications are that the Obama administration will allow states to adopt those fuel efficiency standards. If so, North America will soon adopt similar goals.

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Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, wish to speak to the issue of concerns regarding the multi reviews of the NWT Power Corporation, as my colleague Mrs. Groenewegen has. Mr. Speaker, it has been my experience when a company as big as ATCO comes forward knocking on our door in the spirit of partnership, it is either in the context to share the risk or they want to share in the profit. We would be fooling ourselves to really think that ATCO needs us, so let’s stop kidding

ourselves. They are eyeing our long-term projects. With the Taltson Expansion Project just about to go, with Bear River hydro project on our long-term horizon and if anyone would finally put two and two together, someone would realize that we have a long-term hostile takeover with roses and chocolates in the name of the joint partnership, Mr. Speaker.

Now, let’s not get this wrong. I don’t think of this company as evil, but they have shareholders who need a profit and certainly they are about taking market control. Mr. Speaker, the obvious is this: They are trying to lock up control of power generation in western and northern Canada, period. Let’s face it. When it comes to a utility, I assure you they like the northern environment when it comes to the operations of power utilities.

We have the power utility that is sometimes viewed as untouchable and often described as arm’s length for the benefit and the instruction to Members of this House. The utility looks more autocratic, Mr. Speaker, than a public entity and it has more secrets than an illuminati; and I certainly would not be surprised if they have secret passwords and special handshakes. They, in the end, are answerable to no one; not to me, not to this Legislature, not to the people. So I can see why ATCO would like to join this group. It must be a lot of fun. Mr. Speaker.

Now we have multi reviews going on with no mandate or terms of reference. We have all heard about the ATCO proposal. It has no terms of reference. This is an essential service, Mr. Speaker. If this government is going to give away our power, what is next, our water? We have ATCO representatives watching this proposal closely. We have governments, Executive Council members watching this, but where are the representatives for the people on this deal? There are none.

Mr. Speaker, NWT Power Corporation is looking at doing a value for money performance audit that was forced by this Legislature, but there is still no term of reference or

schedule for that. What now? Again, the public interest seems to be overlooked.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

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Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, there is an electrical review that is supposed to go on, but again no terms of reference, no mandate. There is none. They will travel all through the North and meet a lot of great people. The press release reads, engage NWT residents of a territorial-wide discussion. That is exactly what they will get, a discussion on everything. Mr.

Speaker, it is going to take the direction of the JRP hearings. It is going to run for as long as people can talk.

Mr. Speaker, I challenge the Premier to table terms of reference and show us how the mandates of all of these reviews are going to work together. Mr. Speaker, I say that if we really want to give away our power utilities, Mr. Speaker, I would challenge the Premier to talk to our northern development groups to work together and make sure this essential asset is northern based and northern owned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Abernethy .

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Sport North Federation

Members’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since 1976, the Sport North Federation has been actively promoting the development of amateur sport in the Northwest Territories. Their vision is to become the recognized leader in sport development and ensure that opportunities in sports are accessible to all residents in the Northwest Territories. Today’s Sport North is a federation of 27 territorial sports organizations. Its three partner organizations, the Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic, NWT Recreation and Parks and Special Olympics NWT are recognized leaders in the promotion of sports and active living.

Sport North administers the NWT branch of KidSport, a national organization designed to assist youth under 18 reach their athletic potential by supplementing registration and equipment fees when their participation in sport would otherwise be limited by financial barriers. KidSport helps ensure that all children have equal opportunity to enjoy sports and develop skills in their chosen activity.

Sport North Federation is directed by its members, but its policies and programs such as KidSport are administered by volunteers. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to take this opportunity to applaud the large number of volunteers in the NWT athletic community for their dedication and hard work. Their hard work and commitment is what makes the difference in many Northerners’ lives. Through grants and scholarships, Sport North supports northern athletes who demonstrate potential at national and international levels.

Its Rising Star program provides funding for youth 14 and under to attend training camps and programs to enhance their regular training. The careers of athletes such as Fort Smith’s Sara Daitch and Mike Argue from the Great Slave riding benefit from Sport North grant programs for elite and high-performance athletes. Sport North is committed to the success of our

athletes at Canada Games, providing special assistance to athletes and coaches through its Excel Northwest Territories program. The federation also provides opportunities for coach development.

Sport North is a strong supporter of school athletics including the ever popular Super Soccer Tournament in Yellowknife. Participation in this event has increased to the point that this year it will be held over two weekends instead of one.

Mr. Speaker, the Sport North Federation is realizing its vision as we see the NWT athletes on the national sports scene and as sports programs across the Northwest Territories foster healthy lifestyles among our people. Sport North’s wide range of programs benefit not only the elite few but offers opportunities for everyone to play. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Sport North Federation

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Return To Question 189-16(3): Meeting To Discuss NGO Funding Policy

Returns to Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Abernethy on February 20, 2009, regarding a meeting to discuss the NGO funding policy. The Department of Municipal and Communities Affairs and the Financial Management Board Secretariat have developed a resource booklet titled Program Guide for Managers: Funding for Non-Government Organizations. The need for this booklet was driven by the valuable work done by Volunteer NWT’s Finance Action Group. Their report both highlighted the need to ensure NGOs had clear and thorough information about current GNWT funding policies and flagged some areas where NGOs would like to see changes.

As a next step, as part of the upcoming Volunteer Summit, the FMBS will be hosting a focus group on March 7, 2009, to consult with NGO representatives on the booklet and other issues with GNWT funding policies prior to finalizing it for public release. The list of potential participants and selection criteria has been distributed to Members for their review and suggestions. For the focus group we are expecting approximately 25 participants which represent a good cross-section of the NGO sector from each region of the NWT. I will distribute the final list of NGOs participating in the focus group by March 5, 2009. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 189-16(3): Meeting To Discuss NGO Funding Policy

Returns to Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my Member’s statement, I think the public might be getting a little bit confused about all the reviews and studies and analyses we’re undertaking as a government in respect to energy. We all know we have a problem. The problem is that people are finding it difficult to cope with the amount that they have to pay for energy in our communities. That, in a nutshell, is the problem. How are we as a government going to respond to that? Well, I think that all of these reviews, particularly the review of NTPC, might go some ways to figuring out if there’s some way that we can deliver energy in a more cost-efficient manner.

Mr. Speaker, the production, distribution and sale of energy is a very complicated business, but we have to take a very coordinated and cost-effective approach to reviewing this. I’m finding that we at least need these studies to happen in a certain order otherwise it just gets redundant and a little bit ridiculous. I’d like to ask the Premier , does he agree that there should be some order to these reviews taking place or does he think they should just all happen concurrently? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I met with committee and informed them of the process that we’re undergoing with the ATCO proposal the fact that we have these reviews that are out there, one through the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee that was launched, as the Member pointed out, in December through Minister Bob McLeod . The one that reacts to the emotion of this Assembly and that is the NTPC review and the review of the ATCO proposal, they will all take...They’ll be in step in the sense we’re going to do the initial review on the rates regulation subsidy and structure. It is due to report back in June.

Following that, the report back on the NTPC review will come through the summer. Following that, we’re anticipating to have results back from our first phase review on the ATCO proposal by the fall. Thank you.

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, if the review of NTPC were to indicate that there is a more cost-effective and a better, more efficient way of having the Power Corporation operate which would have a positive impact on the rates that people pay in the communities, would that not necessarily impact whether or not we would actually want to entertain the ATCO proposal? I don’t really know all the reasons for entertaining the ATCO proposal, but it seems that the information from one review will have an effect on the necessity of the next one, so I would think it would be wise not to have all of these running concurrently.

They cost a lot of money. What is the cost? What’s the price tag on these three undertakings? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Mr. Speaker, we’re doing the work internally on all the pieces that need to be done. Minister Bob McLeod could reference the energy rates regulation subsidy review that’s going on, the estimates there. The Power Corporation review is something we’re doing internally. The ATCO proposal right now is at phase one. Until we decide to get to the next step, we will have to look at how much more in depth that will be. Right now we’re using funding from within existing resources. I think, Mr.

Speaker, we have to look at, yes, these pieces all will fit a puzzle but we have to ask ourselves when we talk about the constituents and what they’re feeling, as the Member pointed out, their wanting to deal with the cost of living today. We have to look at what we can do in the future that will impact the cost of living in the Territories. We not only have to look at the brutal facts, or the facts that we have today, but we have to look at the possibilities of what can be, Mr. Speaker.

And some of this work is putting that together, the possibilities that we can provide cheaper, cleaner energy to the constituents of the North. Thank you.

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, in fact, the people of the Northwest Territories have very little ability, except through conservation, to affect the rates that they are going to pay. I’m not really sure what the going and listening to people in all the communities...We know what they’re going to say. They’re going to say that the cost of energy in their community is too high and it’s our job as a government to figure out a way that we can offset that.

Maybe we need to look at our Territorial Power Subsidy Program. Maybe we need to look at energy conservation measures. But to have all of these reviews running concurrently, and a lot of the work that they’re proposing to do in the terms of reference has already been done. In the review to consider electricity rates have there not been previous reports done that have extensively canvassed that particular topic and are available to us without going back out and reinventing this?

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

The work that needs to be done in a number of areas, we have heard from the constituents and from this Assembly who said things have to be done. The status quo wasn’t good enough anymore, so the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee looked at the broad structure of rates and how they’re applied. So for example, yes, past Assemblies have talked about one-rate zones. Should we talk about a conservation zone or rate that would be applied equally across the Territory? How would that be taken by the people of the North?

Should we in fact, as this government is looking at through this budget exercise, put in $60 million to look at alternative energies which would stabilize rates and maybe even affect some lower rates in our communities? The bigger piece then goes to the Power Corporation itself, which is, is it operating the most efficiently and effectively? How can it be done better? Is that structure the right structure? That’s the work that has to be done internally on that piece.

As the Member had pointed out, if we are looking at automobiles and we want to sell that automobile or if we want to keep it longer, first thing we have to do is get it in the shop and do an estimate of what needs to be repaired, how should it be fixed, should we tune it up, does it need new tires. There are those questions we need to ask ourselves and then we get to the point of how much money do I have in my pocket. Can I replace one or four tires? Should I do a tune-up at the same time to replace the spark plugs? That’s the work we’re doing right now.

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The analogy that the Premier goes on about extensively is a good analogy. That’s why I think there should be a sequence and order to these reviews. If the NTPC is a delivery vehicle for power to people in the Northwest Territories, let’s review that first before we put the ad in the bargain finder and start trying to figure out how much we’re going to sell the Power Corporation for.

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

There comes a point when we look at all things, and I’ll go back to my history as working in a shop. When we have a vehicle that’s been with us for quite some time and the maintenance side starts to catch up and we have to do some major replacements, and we’re trying to look to the future as to will this vehicle carry us where we need to go, we do need to do some repair on that piece. Before we make that final decision, can I hang onto this for another 10 years, five years, or should I polish this thing up and put it up for sale? That’s a decision we have yet to get to. There is an order and sequence, as I stated. The rates regulation piece will be looked at

and reported back in June. The NTPC review will come back in the summer. And we’ll come back with our first phase review of the proposal that was put on our table. At that point we’ll have a decision of should we move to the next phase and how much effort will we put into it. If we’re going to move to that next phase, then we will have to come forward with a budget to this Assembly about taking a very serious look at our options.

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Question 220-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, have questions regarding the Power Corporation. I’ll point out that the Premier quite lively created an analogy of a car. I’ll tell you, the problem with this car is it’s full of Bondo and it’s because the driver has driven it into the ground. It’s the driver that’s the problem. The fact is, there is no direction on this.

I’d like to hear from the Premier where the terms of reference are on these reviews and how they plug into each other. Because they seem to just go haphazardly into it and will converge eventually, and don’t worry, we’ll figure it out. Well, will the Premier explain how they work together and will he also offer to table those terms of reference in this House?

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have, quite a number of times when we present ideas and information, met with Members sometimes in committees to try to give information on where we can go. I’m not sure where the Member is at different times, but he’s aware that we have talked about some of these things. We have laid out some of our processes and I have committed to come back to Members at the next stage. We have frameworks in place and we’re working on those final terms of reference. I committed to get back to committee with those pieces. The Member is aware of them.

This talking about Bondo and so on and so forth, well, you can play on words, but the simple fact is here is an opportunity for the big picture. Whether it’s this government or the next government, people are calling for cheaper energy to be supplied. So we have to put the pieces in place. We have to plant the seed. We have to do the work so the right decisions can be made. This work is laying that foundation of what can come next and the possibilities of what can come next.

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I finally understand it. We have Stevie Wonder over there driving the car. That’s why it’s so banged up. No one knows where they’re going. So I only mean it as someone blind is driving this car in the context of the analogy. The fact is, nobody knows where these plug in and are hoping like heck they are not going to be the solution. Would the Premier put a halt to this, come up with a terms of mandate and show where this plan is going, where this car is going, for better power, better solutions in northern hands?

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

If I could sing I might try to do something here. The simple fact is I don’t know what car the Member has jumped in. He’s obviously heading down the wrong road.

We have an opportunity through this work to set the course for ourselves and the future generations of the Northwest Territories. We talk about cleaner energy, cheaper energy, and the abundance in the Northwest Territories. We have a huge abundance in the Northwest Territories that can offer cheaper, cleaner energy. How do we get there? The work that is laid out here will help us get there. I believe that and I want to make sure that we investigate all opportunities, because the existing situation that we have today, if we continue to work around that existing framework, I can guarantee you an outcome and it won’t be much different from where we are today.

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

See, the Premier just doesn’t get it. The fact is, we have all been here for years and have been saying the power rates are too high. I’m not sure where he’s been. Maybe he’s going down the wrong road. The fact is, we’ve been saying the organization is the problem. Everything’s the problem. I’m not sure what information you’re going to get that we haven’t been saying here for years. We have honourable Members who have been struggling for years, including yourself when you were on this side of the House, to raise these issues. So if you’re going to create a discussion just to talk, I don’t see any use of it.

If your intent is to parcel off the NWT Power Corporation what work has been considered in the context of making it northern owned by approaching maybe the, an example like the APG? Approaching our northern development groups to say, look, if we want it northern owned, northern controlled, let’s work with Northerners to do this, rather than giving it to some multinational who’s out for the long run for themselves.

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Even the Member said he’s not sure, so I think this work will help us to be sure of the next steps we need to take. In fact, if the Member went through Hansard he would know in some responses I’ve made already around the Power Corporation if there’s been other proposals.

When I met with the regional aboriginal leaders I said, here’s an opportunity. If you want to put in a proposal we’re open to looking at that. The opportunity is there and we’re trying to create that environment so that we do have the best opportunity before us of supplying clean energy, cheap energy, and it makes living affordable in the Northwest Territories. Where we’re going, the work we’re doing, is all in place. If we’re going to stop because of some issues of misunderstanding or jumping in the wrong vehicle or facing the wrong direction on the horse, we’ll help set him straight.

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the work is done and the work is in place and the work is in gear, whatever analogy the Premier wants to use, then would the Premier table the terms of reference and the mandate of all these three entities and show how they converge for long-term better power to all Northerners?

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

As I committed to Members when I met with them last, as we develop those and get closer to them I’ll sit down with Members and go through that with them and show them where that work is.

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Question 221-16(3): Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to ask some questions to the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation . This time of the year the NWT Housing Corporation has application deadlines for homeownership programs. Depending on which community, these deadlines may vary. In many cases residents are not fully aware of the deadlines. My question is in regard to a communication strategy. Can the Minister tell this House if the Housing Corporation has a communications strategy for its homeownership program in the application phase?

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Communication of our programs is indeed an area that we have been trying to focus on in the last few months. We’ve really been working towards trying to set up a system where the people in the communities would be more aware of what our deadlines are, what’s really in our new Housing Choices programs. Currently we have embarked on

informing the Members that the deadline is soon approaching, if not already in most communities, to put in their applications for the different programs. This has also been put in the newspapers so that the general public is aware. We plan to enhance that strategy come April 1st . We are currently

working on a new system so that we’ll have our regional staff in the communities talking more about specific program information. I was made aware many times that the housing information is not getting to all the communities, so we are trying to step it up a bit and will be launching an intense program April 1st .

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Many of my constituents speak aboriginal languages and aboriginal languages are their first language. They’re not familiar with some of the legal and technical terminology, even things like inspections, applications, leases. My question is, can the Minister tell me what extra efforts, if any, the NWT Housing Corporation staff do to address that very important component of the client relations?

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

This is a very important part of our being able to communicate with the clients and the people that come forward to apply for our programs. We certainly make notices given that if there is a requirement for an interpreter, we can certainly facilitate that. We try to ensure that our technical people at the community level and regional level are able to communicate and be able to provide information. We have new programs that can walk people through the different steps available through the budgeting process, through the banking, through the credit systems, all the different components that involve house purchases. And also to be able to live in our home rental houses.

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Maybe that’s supported lease. I think an orientation program is very important when clients are signing documents. I know of a case recently where an elder did not sign documents and at the end of the day that person was one signature away from the family owning a house because the elder passed away without signing the document. However, my question for the Minister is when signing documents -- this is now just if the individuals get approval -- is there a guarantee that the individuals understand? Is there any way that the corporation guarantees that individuals understand what they’re signing?

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

We make every effort to ensure that the client is fully aware of the agreements that they are signing and any kind of arrangements that are done through the Housing Corporation. In terms of how do we guarantee that the elders understand or people understand is a difficult question to answer. The response, I guess, is we do ask the client if they do understand. If

there are areas that they are struggling with in terms of comprehension of what it means, then we certainly take the time and effort to make sure it’s explained to them. We really, in the last while, incorporated programs that would explain every aspect of an agreement to our clients and we try to ensure they understand it fully before they make any further arrangements.

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Beaulieu .

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Tu Nedhe communities, the need, the core need -- just going from memory here -- but probably 40 to 50 percent. In Tu Nedhe there are 300 households. So we’re talking about 120 households split between two regional offices: North Slave for Lutselk’e and South Slave for Hay River. My question is, can the Minister tell me if the program staff is able to go door to door for everybody in need in Tu Nedhe during the application phase?

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

I believe the question is if we have our staff go door to door to see if they’ve all applied. No, we don’t do that.

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Question 222-16(3): Public Information On Homeownership Program Application Forms

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about the importance of language and learning the importance of the first language. I want to ask the Minister of Education , in terms of the language programs in the Northwest Territories, if there are plans underway to bridge the gap with language between the home and the school in terms of introducing a strong elders program into the schools where language can be taught with our teachers and the elders involved.

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Certainly they are, for a number of years now, developing programs that meet the needs of the communities, whether it be the language, the programming, the cultural on-the-land program, taking students out on the land, and just immersion programs into the schools. Not only that, but we are developing some strategies to deal with our languages and eliminating the educational gaps within our schools in the Northwest Territories. So there are those two strategies in place. We’ve also just developed a strategy on literacy, 2008-2018, that deals specifically with the low literacy skills at

the community level. We are in the process of developing those strategies pertaining to language and the educational gaps.

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Recently the Minister indicated through his ministerial statement regarding the graduating rates in the Northwest Territories and the gaps between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people. In terms of our languages taught in our schools, can the Minister indicate to me if there is any type of commitment that would strengthen the aboriginal languages in our communities so that we will see this gap closed in terms of having our students graduate with a comfortable level of their first language?

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Certainly we’ve heard from visitors in the communities in the regions and coming from the Dene Nation meeting just last week. We’ve heard over and over the importance of preserving and revitalizing our language and enhancing our language. That is certainly one of the prime focuses of our Department of Education and this government. We will certainly do what we can to deal with those strategies. That’s the key message that we’re receiving from the communities. It is our priority to promote that even more into the communities and schools. We’ve certainly talked about using the elders.

We have used the elders in the past and will continue to do so. Because this is Aboriginal Languages Month, that is one of the key priorities.

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

In terms of the languages in our small schools, can the Minister advise me if there is any type of strategy within the next couple of months on how we start bridging the gap with our elders in our schools? I know there’s some discussion, but the elders are the ones who are the keepers of our language. Can the Minister let this House know what type of strategy he can bring forward within the next couple months on how to start implementing the elders into our schools?

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Certainly those areas will be captured in the renewing of our Aboriginal Languages Strategy. We will be consulting with the aboriginal stakeholders, the leaders, the parents, the community organizations. Those are the experts at the community level. The 33 communities that we serve we certainly like to hear their input on the challenges. What are the gaps? What are the root causes of the challenges we’re faced with today? We like to hear them out, because we certainly don’t have, as a department, all the answers. So we’re reaching out to the communities to say give us solutions to work from within our department.

Certainly that will involve the elders. Members have been persistently involving the elders through the transition and we will continue to do so, to utilize their expertise. We have the published textbook of the late George Blondin

and Philip Zoe from Gameti. Those are the publications that we use as resource tools in the schools.

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll ask the Minister in terms of the importance of language in our schools and putting some dedicated dollars towards the language programs and having the elders involved. Can I ask the Minister about his strategy for bringing the elders in? Because right now if you bring the elders into the schools there are some complications in terms of their salary, because they would be penalized by the federal government or our own for having additional dollars. That’s where there are some major issues.

Can the Minister indicate to me if there is any type of strategy within the next couple of months on how to get the elders without penalizing them when we bring them into our school system?

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Clearly this has been a challenge for us within the school system. We’re trying to tackle that issue. I think out of this strategy certainly that will be one of the key topics of discussion on a going-forward basis. How can we get around hiring elders in the schools without penalizing their pension? Those are the areas. The Member also gave us some ideas on how to get around the system. We’re clearly looking for solutions from the communities on getting around the system.

Certainly that will be one of the primary discussions that we’ll be having, so there are no impacts on the elders and seniors in the schools, because we need to utilize their services. They are the experts in the traditional way of life.

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Question 223-16(3): Elders’ Participation In School-Based Language Programs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for either the Minister of Transportation or Housing, whichever Minister wants to take it. I’ve raised this issue before in the House. It’s about an elderly gentleman in Tsiigehtchic, Mr. George Niditchie, who is 73 years old and just got out of the hospital not that long ago from frostbite, suffered as a result of the problem he’s facing with flooding around his home. His home is across the river from Tsiigehtchic. The problem arises due to overflow coming along the Dempster Highway and down towards his place.

I noticed that the overflow is now running over the Dempster Highway. They are now up there with equipment trying to dredge the thing using backhoes and whatnot to get the overflow to

flow down the hill. The impact of this decision to reroute the overflow is directly affecting Mr. Niditchie’s home, which was built in 2009 through the Log Home Initiative by this government. It was built with the Housing Corporation’s assistance through this program.

I’d like to ask the Minister if he has an update on what exactly is being done to remedy the situation and also try to find a way around this problem so that Mr. Niditchie does not have to deal with this again this year. I brought this forward in the House last year and it has still not been resolved.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member has raised this issue with me on several occasions. It is certainly a concern. We have a senior who has had a lot of problems with the runoff of water from one of the lakes in the area. We’ve directed our staff to look at the possible remedies and I have not heard back. My staff have been working through the Housing Corporation and the Department of Transportation to see what the options are and in what ways we can assist this senior. I have not heard back formally as of yet.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

In my discussions with Mr. Niditchie and his family, the ideal solution they would like is to move him and relocate him to the opposite side of the highway, up the hill a bit so it’s off of where this problem is and thereby remedying the problem. The problem is only on one side of the highway. I’d just like to ask the Minister if he would seriously consider looking at that possible option.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Yes, it is one of the options we’re looking at. We also looked at the possibility of looking at a better drainage system or redirecting it and changing some of the culverts so the water would run through. It would be fairly expensive. It looks like, at this point, the easiest solution would be to be able to relocate the building. There are some land issues we need to sort out, but it’s a real possibility that this is the avenue we will go.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

I’d like to ask the Minister if it’s possible for his staff either in Transportation or Housing to move on this matter as quickly as possible. I think with the warm weather coming, the problem is going to get worse and I think it’s already bad enough as it is right now. The elderly gentleman did freeze his foot. He has been unable to walk for the last two months. He’s housebound because of the frostbite to his feet because of the overflows. I’d like to ask the Minister if he can also keep myself and Mr. Niditchie in tune on exactly

where we’re going with this and try to move on it as quickly as he can.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

We certainly can commit to doing that. We also had other discussions with the senior involved, including the possibility of looking at temporary accommodations in a public unit. It sounds, by the Member’s comments, that this was not accepted, so I will commit to having some feedback for the Member as soon as I can get an update from my own staff and provide that to the Member.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko .

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like for the Minister to keep the chief of Tsiigehtchic involved and, more importantly, the Gwich’in Tribal Council. This issue has come up in the Gwich’in Assembly. The area that is being flooded is on Gwich’in land. So this issue is an issue that came out and there could be legal issues around it. I’d like to ask the Minister if he can also keep the political organizations involved in where we’re going with this.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

We’ll respond to all the different organizations that have contacted us over the last while regarding this issue and keep them informed as we move forward.

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Question 224-16(3): Tsiigehtchic Elder’s Housing Concerns Arising From Spring Flooding

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to direct my Member’s statement to the Minister of Health and Social Services . I’d like to know how much of the flow-through money that is specifically earmarked for social workers and counsellors for the smaller remote communities stops in the regional centres, especially here in Yellowknife. I’m asking if the Minister would be able to provide our riding with such information.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d be happy to make a commitment to get back to the Member on that. We spent about $8 million on mental health and addictions area. But I’ll have to talk to him more about exactly what programs and services he means for what communities. I understand we have a breakdown between the authorities, but I understand that he would like information on how much money flows through to

small communities. I could work with the Member to get him the information he needs. Thank you.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Just off my Member’s statement for Sachs, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok in my riding, Mr. Speaker, given the many communities that share social workers or counsellors within our small communities or regional centre, will the government re-evaluate their staff, their role in the delivery of the structure in the regional centres so they have more time and resources to assist small and remote communities as intended? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Yes, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely. In fact, I am in the process of doing that right now. The Member and I were able to visit Paulatuk and Sachs Harbour. It was a huge issue in Paulatuk where the residents came out and told us about their needs specifically. Since then, the CEO of Beaufort-Delta Health Authority has travelled there. We are putting a proposal together to see how we could address the immediate needs and specific needs of Paulatuk. I am also aware that, in general, there is a huge vacancy rate among the social worker staffing for Beaufort-Delta.

I have asked our director in the department to travel there to get me more information about what is going on. This is very much part of our work right now. Thank you.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Ms. Minister. Mr. Speaker, will the government consider increasing the resources for social workers, counsellors in small remote communities in the next round of budget discussions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Yes, we will have to ask for that in the budget process, but very much the Minister’s action plan or department’s action plan for next year coming forward, I had the opportunity to make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Social Programs on Friday. We are looking at each community to see what the needs are and how we are meeting the needs and some innovative ideas to do that. I am sure it will be a very much detailed discussion as we move forward. Thank you.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Final supplementary, Mr. Jacobson .

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to remind the Minister in regards to our constituency tour we had together and how important it is for this position to get filled in all the communities. No more lip service. Let’s get it done. Thank you.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson . I don’t know if I heard a question there. Ms. Lee , I will allow you to respond.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought I was quite specific on my action plan. I

don’t know what “lip service” means. Mr. Speaker, I am aware that Beaufort-Delta especially and their social services system has more vacancies and more turnover rates and the community would like to have more services in their communities. I am working on that right now. I hope to give him a specific proposal. Thank you.

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Question 225-16(3): Shortage Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Nunakput Communities

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recognizing that fuel emissions are a primary source of greenhouse gases and climate change is a problem for us, and recognizing that there is little significant effort right now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, will the Minister of Transportation commit to adopting California fuel emission standards for the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thanks, Minister, for those comments. This is a challenging request. It does not require federal participation. Federal participation would be great but, of course, three jurisdictions already have adopted it in Canada including B.C., one of our neighbours. We could certainly draw on them for experience here. I recognize that this Minister is well aware of climate change and working on it in other ways. I look forward to that meeting and the challenge that he has granted.

Moving further, we seem to be going clearly in the way of electric vehicles. We have passed a mutual unanimous motion on the development of the Mackenzie Highway and so on. The Minister stated the other day we are 7 percent annually increasing in transportation. We need to reduce our emissions. I wonder if the Minister could commit to figuring out how we could power electric vehicles or electric plug-ins up and down the Mackenzie Highway. The Minister is well aware this takes some time. Will he

commit to begin assessing how we can do that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, that will be certainly a huge undertaking for us to accommodate the supply of power for electric vehicles. It is not an area for which we have done any type of research. I am not sure the department has that kind of capability at this point. I would be glad to undertake to work with the Energy Coordinating Committee to discuss this possibility. I would be pleased to provide a response to the Member. Thank you.

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Again, these are challenging issues, but I think we are finding already the world is moving on very quickly. I think this government has also stated fairly plainly that it is going to be progressive on this issue. I don’t think it is actually as big a challenge once we start looking into it. We need some small hydro sources along the Mackenzie Highway that would probably reduce the cost of power as well. If so, once again, will the Minister look into what that is? I would be pleased to offer him my comments on that. Will he have his department and perhaps others look into that possibility? Thank you.

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, the Member is aware that this government has taken the approach to coordinate our efforts in energy conservation and projects of that nature through one committee. We in the Department of Transportation do not have additional resources to do the exploration or the research and review the options. I certainly can forward the request to the Energy Coordinating Committee to consider this and have them reply to the Member. Thank you.

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Bromley .

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am well aware of those committees and opportunities out there. Of course, I am working on those as well. I welcome the Minister’s comments on this. Given that transportation is a big source of our emissions, we obviously need to reduce them. What other things is the Minister doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicular traffic in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, we have in the last while worked with a number of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the North. We have looked at our ferries and the engines and the types of engines that we use to power our ferries and work towards putting more energy-efficient motors in these boats. We are also looking at having a better energy management coordination throughout our department for our vehicles. We have looked at installing, and have installed,

heaters in our vehicles so we could reduce the idling time with our larger trucks and heavy equipment. So there are a number of things. We can certainly compile the list for the Member if he is very interested in it. Thank you.

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Question 226-16(3): Adoption Of California Vehicle Emission Standards

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are addressed to the Minister of Finance . I spoke in my Member’s statement about the need for this government to look at an equity position in large infrastructure projects. Like my colleague, Mr. Ramsay , I feel that this is an area where the government has been missing the boat, so to speak. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance whether or not he or the Cabinet has had discussions regarding taking an investment or an equity position in large infrastructure projects in the NWT. If yes, what is the nature of those discussions please? If not, why not? Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We haven’t had any discussions about taking an equity position in any major projects mainly because of fiscal constraints we experience as a government trying to look at the needs to run programs, looking at our revenues, looking at our expenditures and try to keep things affordable with our relatively modest borrowing limit that is already almost half subscribed to. Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

I don’t know if the Minister intended to segue right into my next question, but he did. There may be financial constraints but we certainly make an awful lot of contributions to any number of groups in the NWT, one of which is the Aboriginal Pipeline Group. I would like to know from the Minister whether or not there is a policy that exists that guides the GNWT when they make contributions to organizations such as the APG, to organizations who are involved in a resource development. Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

We have contribution agreements. We have the accounting criteria that are followed when we make contributions to other organizations that should be met. Accountability issues then are expected to be complied with so that we can account for the money that we do spend as a government. Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister for those comments. I think I have to take his answer as a no, that there is no policy. Agreements, yes, and the need for accountability and criteria that guides those agreements, absolutely I agree. But that doesn’t tell me that it guides the government when they make these kinds of contributions. In my Member’s statement, at the end of the statement, I requested that the Minister discuss the idea of an equity policy with Cabinet and/or his department and I would hope that he would bring a recommendation forward to Regular Members for debate. I would like to ask the Minister if he is willing to do that. Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

Am I willing to do that and will I do it are two different questions.

---Laughter

I will say yes to both of them. Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Final supplementary, Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you to the Minister for both being willing and hopefully he is able. There are a lot of pros and cons to developing a policy of this sort. I fully acknowledge that up front, but I think that we should have that discussion. It should be an in-depth discussion. When does he think he might bring something back, a draft policy, even just a draft discussion document to Regular Members for consideration? Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, we should be able to put pen to paper on this within a month. Thank you.

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Question 227-16(3): Equity Positions In Large-Scale Resource Developments

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Abernethy .

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Question 228-16(3): Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on some questions from some of my colleagues on the different power reviews that are going on. I believe that there are some members of the public and members of the South who believe that a decision has already been made with respect to the sale of the Power Corporation to ATCO. I would like to ask the Premier , has Cabinet made a decision to sell the Power Corporation to ATCO? Thank you.

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Question 228-16(3): Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 228-16(3): Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The ATCO proposal we have not made a final

decision on that. That is why we are undertaking the review. Thank you.

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Question 228-16(3): Atco Proposal To Merge With NWT Power Corporation

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 229-16(3): Cost-Effective Medical Travel Alternatives

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Health and Social Services in regards to medical travel. Mr. Speaker, I have a constituent who has travelled to Edmonton regularly for medical travel reasons. They have been referred to see specialists, of course. The question of them going on medical travel isn’t the issue, but this time around they chose to rent a car because it was cheaper than spending the money on taxi fare. As I understand it, it worked to half the rate of the typical taxi fares.

In this age of trying to find ways to do business just a little better and wiser, they have been told no by Inuvik, that, wow, you didn’t get pre-approval. So even though it is cheaper and you save the government money, sorry, you can’t do it and you have to absorb the cost. Would the Minister of Health and Social Services look into this example -- I will give her the name privately on the side -- to see if there is a way we can encourage this type of behaviour that, if we have proven costs and if constituents find it cheaper, they will do so? Thank you.

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