Debates of Nov. 2nd, 2022

This is page numbers 5011 - 5050 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was work .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Negotiating Treaty, Land, Resources, and Self-Government Agreements

Strengthening Our Northern Workforce

Government of the Northwest Territories Action Plan for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice

Marine Transportation

Housing

Lanky Court Building Uninhabitable

Housing NWT

Treatment Centre

GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Deficit

Daylight Saving Time

Bernie Leader Retirement

Honour Indigenous Veterans

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Marine Transportation Services

Housing

Property Tax Arrears

Lanky Court Building

Treatment Centres

GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Housing

Daylight Saving Time

Education Act Modernization

Marine Transportation Services

Fertility Benefits

Health and Social Services Chronic Underfunding

Health and Social Services in the Communities

Marine Transportation Services

Tabled Document 779-19(2): Plain Language

Summary for Bill 62:

An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 2 Tabled Document 780-19(2): Changing the Relationship: Action Plan in Response to Calls for Justice on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman, Girls and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Tabled Document 781-19(2): Inter-activity Transfers over $250,000 April 1 - June 30, 2022

Tabled Document 782-19(2): Plain Language

Summary for Bill 63:

An Act to Amend the Official Languages Act Tabled Document 783-19(2): 2021 - 2202 Annual Report on Official Languages Administration of the Northwest Territories Tabled Document 784-19(2): Administration of the Northwest Territories Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act Annual Report 2021-2022

Tabled Document 785-19(2): Tłı̨cho Community Services Agency Health and Social Services Agency Annual Report for 2021-2022 Tabled Document 786-19(2): 2022 - 2023 Health and Social Services Authority Budgets Tabled Document 787-19(2): Hay River Health and Social Services Authority Annual Report 2021-2022 Tabled Document 788-19(2): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority 2021-2022 Annual Report

Tabled Document 789-19(2): Connecting Us: Four Year Action Plan under the 25-year Transportation Strategy 2020 - 2024

Tabled Document 790-19(2): Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Fund 2021 - 2022 Annual Report Tabled Document 791-19(2): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 1224-19(2): Court Decision Regarding Search of Łutselk'e Camp

Tabled Document 792-19(2): Plain Language

Summary for Bill 61:

An Act to Amend the Ombud Act Tabled Document 793-19(2): Plain Language

Summary for Bill 64:

An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3

Appointment of Sergeant-at-Arms of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly

Bill 65: Builder's Lien Act

Bill 66:

An Act to Amend the Property Assessment and Taxation Act

Bill 67:

An Act to Amend the Fire Prevention Act

Bill 68:

An Act to Amend the Child Daycare Act

Bill 69: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures, No. 2, 2022-2023

Bill 70: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2022-2023

Bill 61:

An Act to Amend the Ombud Act

Bill 62:

An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 2

Bill 63:

An Act to Amend the Official Languages Act

Bill 69: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2022-2023

Bill 70: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operation Expenditures), No. 2, 2022-2023

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Tabled Document 723-19(2) Capital Estimates 2023-2024

Ease Access on the Land Healing Fund

Increase Support for Men's Wellness Program

Sponsor a Men's Wellness Conference Carried

Add a Youth Priority Area to the Workplan

Measure Cultural Safety Effectively

Extend Work on Cultural Safety Throughout Government

Prioritize Revised Hiring Practices

Incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into Standards of practice

Set-up Mechanism for Staff-Identified Changes

Reach Those Who Do Not Use Addictions Services

Secure Federal Support to Set Up Healing Centres in the NWT

Present Performance Measures and Regular Reporting

Incorporate Recommendations into Workplan

Government of the Northwest Territories Provide Response

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 69: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2022-2023

Recorded Vote

Bill 70: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operation Expenditures), No. 2, 2022-2023

Recorded Vote

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Diane Archie , Mr. Bonnetrouge , Hon. Paulie Chinna , Ms. Cleveland , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Mr. Edjericon Hon. Julie Green , Mr. Jacobson , Mr. Johnson , Ms. Martselos , Ms. Nokleby , Ms. Semmler , Hon. R.J. Simpson , Mr. Rocky Simpson , Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek , Ms. Weyallon-Armstrong.

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 5011

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Welcome, everybody. Ministers' statements. Madam Premier .

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Minister's Statement 288-19(2): Negotiating Treaty, Land, Resources, and Self-Government Agreements

Ministers' Statements

Page 5011

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Madam Speaker, settling and implementing treaty, land, resources, and self-government agreements is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories and a key part of the mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Concluding agreements with our Indigenous government partners will advance reconciliation, recognize and affirm Indigenous and treaty rights, support program and service delivery by Indigenous governments, and set the stage for economic self-determination.

I understand why many MLAs and residents want to see faster progress on resolving outstanding land claims. This work has been underway for decades and Northerners, including myself, want to see the modern treaties settled. Madam Speaker, when negotiating agreements we must also recognize that for many of the Indigenous governments, there are strong feelings rooted in a history of colonization and mistreatment. In many cases, there is significant mistrust in the Government of the NWT.

The territorial government is seen as a competitor, as a colonial imposition, or, in some cases, an illegitimate government altogether. This, of course, and makes the negotiations process much more complex and makes the work of relationship-building critical to making progress.

I am proud of the work we have done during the life of this government to advance negotiations. A particular focus has been placed on meaningful engagement and building on our collaborative partnership with Indigenous governments. In 2020, this government implemented a first of its kind collaborative development protocol for lands and resources legislation, building on the promise of devolution to work better with Indigenous governments. This protocol is unique in Canada.

Madam Speaker, this government has also established new intergovernmental tables to work directly with Indigenous governments, including:

A modern treaty and self-government partners table that allows for dialogue around the implementation of land claims and self-government agreements between those Indigenous governments with settled agreements and the executive council members; and,

An NWT Council of Leaders table where all Indigenous governments meet with the Government of the Northwest Territories and work on matters of common concern, including the implementation of the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Madam Speaker, these tables did not exist prior to this government. This work is meant to build relationships and help set the conditions for trust and success in all our work with Indigenous governments. We also worked very closely with the Indigenous governments during the pandemic and continue to engage on a range of shared objectives, including everything from housing to climate change.

Madam Speaker, I am proud of how this government has changed our approach to work more collaboratively with the Indigenous partners, to listen to their concerns, and to be flexible and accommodating in order to advance negotiations. In this regard, I believe we set a positive example for others to follow throughout Canada.

Early in this government, Indigenous leadership told me that they were frustrated by the negotiating mandate on core principles and objectives used by the Government of the Northwest Territories that sets out a mandate related to the standards expected of Indigenous self-governments. The core principles and objectives were originally adopted as an innovative made-in-the-NWT solution to a federal mandate requirement to have Indigenous self-governments

"Meet or beat" existing federal or provincial standards. To address the frustration, I asked that we assess its usefulness. As a result, this government eliminated that mandate in the interest of advancing files.

Madam Speaker, we need to be thinking outside the box when it comes to negotiations. In an effort to do so, we have also taken the extraordinary step of clearly stating the Government of the Northwest Territories' key principles and interests guiding negotiations. No territorial government before has done this. Making the key principles and interest public is a significant commitment to transparency and provides more openness on the interests of the Government of the Northwest Territories in negotiations.

In addition to the key principles and interests, I also heard complaints that Indigenous governments felt the territorial government did not have mandates in negotiations. We have since summarized our comprehensive mandates and made those summaries public, further demonstrating our commitment to concluding agreements.

These governments also have elections and changes in leadership. Of course, delays might simply be the result of any party taking a hard position and being unwilling at the particular moment in time to explore interests that might see a different solution emerge.

Madam Speaker, I am proud of how this government has changed its approach - to work more collaboratively with our Indigenous partners, to listen to their concerns, and to be flexible and accommodating in order to advance negotiations. I continue to be willing to

Hear from Indigenous governments what compromises on both our parts are the key to concluding agreements.

There is less than a year left in the life of the 19th Legislative Assembly. I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm this government's commitment to work toward settling and implementing treaty, land, resources, and self-government agreements over the next year. This work has required significant effort, not just for the Government of the Northwest Territories but for Indigenous governments throughout the territories, and I want to close by acknowledging and commending their efforts in these areas as well. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 288-19(2): Negotiating Treaty, Land, Resources, and Self-Government Agreements

Ministers' Statements

Page 5012

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Minister's Statement 289-19(2): Strengthening Our Northern Workforce

Ministers' Statements

Page 5012

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Madam Speaker, as employment levels reach historic heights, tight labour markets are being experienced across the Northwest Territories and Canada. To address labour shortages, the Government of the Northwest Territories is working to strengthen our northern workforce through legislation, funding programs, academic and technical supports, and enhanced programs and policies.

Madam Speaker, Skills 4 Success is the GNWT's overarching labour market framework. Its purpose is to improve employment success for NWT residents, close skill gaps for in-demand jobs, and more effectively respond to employer and industry needs. The Skills 4 Success Action Plan for 2021 to 2025 was released earlier this year and will serve as a roadmap for education, training, and skills building activities and investments.

Madam Speaker, we are making progress in several areas. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is building a comprehensive post-secondary education system through the Post-Secondary Education Act, which will establish the framework to recognize post-secondary education institutes and programs in the NWT. Work continues to transform Aurora College into a polytechnic university to increase access to quality post-secondary education opportunities for Northerners and provide training for jobs in demand.

A review is also underway to improve our student supports under the NWT Student Financial Assistance Program. Each of these pieces is important as we evolve post-secondary education in the NWT and equip students for successful careers.

Madam Speaker, to meet the needs of our workforce, ECE delivers a suite of labour market programs which provide funding for a variety of areas such as training, wage subsidies, and job creation. The department is also working on making labour market information easily accessible for our residents to guide them in their education and career planning.

Madam Speaker, we know that there is a high demand for tradespeople across the NWT and Canada. To support our trades workforce, the department launched innovative supports this year.

Build Your Skills is a program that helps to identify any gaps apprentices might have in their skills set and supports them to achieve those requirements in areas such as math, reading and science. To assist apprentices who face challenges with technical training, the department also launched the Virtual Learning Strategist pilot, an online learning platform that pairs each apprentice with a learning strategist. The learning strategist will work with the apprentice to identify challenges such as skill gaps, learning disabilities, exam anxiety, and individual factors that could affect their performance.

Madam Speaker, this week across Canada, National Skilled Trades and Technology Week will be celebrated as we raise awareness of the many career opportunities in the skilled trades and technology sectors in the NWT and nationally. This week, we honour the 40 Apprenticeship High Mark Award recipients and the 52 individuals who have obtained journeyperson certification this year in the Northwest Territories. I offer my congratulations to all the award recipients on their achievements and extend my thanks to employers of apprentices.

Madam Speaker, high employment rates, although positive for job seekers, can be difficult for employers struggling to fill vacant positions. This fall, the GNWT introduced a new Francophone stream to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program. This was identified as an action of our 2017-2022 Immigration Strategy to attract foreign nationals whose skills are aligned with current workforce needs, and to increase Francophone applications to the nominee program. One key difference in the new stream is that the nominee is the one to complete the application process, allowing employers to focus on running their operation as opposed to completing paperwork.

Madam Speaker, the people of this territory are the greatest resource and the driving force behind the territory's economy and sustainable communities. This government is dedicated to equipping residents with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need for employment success. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 289-19(2): Strengthening Our Northern Workforce

Ministers' Statements

Page 5013

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

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Minister's Statement 290-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Action Plan for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice

Ministers' Statements

Page 5013

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Madam Speaker, at the appropriate time today, I will table Changing the Relationship, the final action plan in response to the Calls for Justice on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. At its core, this action plan is about relationships - Our relationships with institutions, governments, people, and history.

The national inquiry examined the causes contributing to the ongoing violence and systematic vulnerabilities that continue to disproportionately affect Indigenous women, girls and two spirit persons. They found that the thousands of truths shared reinforce the existence of acts of genocide against Indigenous women, girls and two spirit persons. Many of those acts are sadly well known in the Northwest Territories.

I have said it before, Madam Speaker; most Northwest Territories residents, and certainly everyone in this room, know someone who has attended a residential or day school, whose grandparent lost a family member during the '50s and '60s tuberculosis outbreak, or whose sibling was taken away during the '60s Scoop. We may also know someone whose friend, sister, or mother suffered from violence or was taken away by violence from her family too soon.

We continue to see disproportionately higher rates of poor heath indicators, lower education attainment, and other negative social, health, and economic indicators across the Northwest Territories' Indigenous population compared to the rest of Canadians.

In 2019, the Calls for Justice challenged jurisdictions across Canada to acknowledge that colonialism is not only a discrete event in the past but that it built systems, institutions, practices, and ways of thinking that are still around today. For example, residential schools might be closed but the deeper-rooted notion that Indigenous people are better off to be educated under a Eurocentric-designed system is not. The connection between the past and the present day and how this past continues to influence government, policies and culture and continues to impact people across Canada. It impacts every one of our relationships - with ourselves, others, with communities and with government.

Only through understanding this, can we begin to take action so that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people are granted the same safety and security as their non-Indigenous friends, colleagues, and neighbours.

Changing the Relationship aims to understand and to find ways to change all of these relationships. Guided by engagements with Indigenous governments, community governments, and people with lived-experience, this action plan is a culmination of years of work that is intended to dismantle colonialism and racial and gendered discrimination from all levels of government and public institutions.

As the Minister responsible for this action plan, I feel the weight of the challenges ahead but also privileged to be in a position of such tremendous trust and with so much opportunity for change.

The team supporting the work of the National Inquiry prepared 233 pages of recommendations collected from 98 different inquiries, inquests and reports across the country, looking for answers to the challenges of decolonization and anti-racism. Without fundamentally altering the underlying relationships through which we read and apply these recommendations, the change that they might otherwise achieve remains fleeting.

Therefore, before getting into the individual or department-specific actions, we start out with a comprehensive approach for changing relationships with government and within government through change leaders throughout the public service. Our list of action items are then grouped according to the themes presented within the national report; namely, culture and language, health and wellness, human security, and justice. Some are specific, such as expanding the Northern Distance Learning Program while others are more far-reaching such as leading a system-wide shift towards a culturally safe and relationship-based health and social services system.

In every case, achieving these action items will not only be changing the systems, pathways, processes, and outcomes for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people but will also be transforming the way we govern in ways that will benefit every single resident of the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, the life of every mother, sister, auntie, daughter, or friend who has died, gone missing, been hurt, or been in any one of many ways silenced, is being heard. Their voices are the voices within the National Inquiry's final report and its Calls to Justice. These voices have carried us to a moment where we have an opportunity as a government, as a Legislative Assembly, and within our society to plant seeds of change.

I am planting seeds with this action plan, but I am relying on every colleague in this room, and fellow leaders in every Indigenous government assembly, and in every municipal council chamber, to plant their seeds. Together, nurtured by a new sense of relationship, these seeds will grow into a strong and healthy forest. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 290-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Action Plan for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice

Ministers' Statements

Page 5014

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Member's Statement 1271-19(2): Marine Transportation

Members' Statements

Page 5014

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I want to talk about MTS and the community resupply delays.

The reasons for these delays have been attributed to others and always no fault of our own management. This government is normalizing and accepting of this substandard form of service.

Madam Speaker, the Minister responsible for MTS previously stated reasons for not making the delivery to Sachs Harbour. What we have heard was that coast guard were late setting buoys, the Hay River channel was an issue, flooding in Hay River delayed access to the harbour, climate change was an impediment, fuel hoses were sabotaged in Norman Wells, weather was a factor, they were helping a company with fuel delivery, that they were waiting on suppliers, and the list goes on.

Madam Speaker, what the Minister does not say, that while not making deliveries to Arctic communities which rely on annual resupply, is that MTS was busy delivering fuel to the North Warning System in Nunavut. They were delivering freight to Sabina Gold in Nunavut which had to be completed by others. They were shuttling fuel from the Torm Lily, a fuel ship, to Tuk.

Madam Speaker, while communities were waiting on resupply, MTS vessels were busy servicing other customers at the expense of northern communities.

Madam Speaker, this government purchased the assets of NTCL for the main reason of providing uninterrupted and timely resupply of goods to communities, something we have trouble with and accept failure with consequences for no one. I question who is providing management and oversight of MTS.

Any company, or person who has worked in the North will know that there are many factors that could impact a project. Knowing this, MTS management and this government should be prepared to adjust the best-intentioned plans with optional timelines and delivery mechanisms based on the many elements that work against timely delivery. These elements include weather, water conditions, ice conditions, mechanical issues, reliance on third parties, personnel, and taking on additional contracts. And in the end, the priority must be the communities and not that of bidding on other work if it interferes with community resupply.

Madam Speaker, we have asked this government to review the corporate structure and management of MTS for a reason; that reason being to identify a corporate model with experienced management that would provide safe, dependable, efficient, and timely delivery of goods and services to those communities relying on annual resupply. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1271-19(2): Marine Transportation

Members' Statements

Page 5015

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Member's Statement 1272-19(2): Housing

Members' Statements

Page 5015

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last Friday, I spoke in the House about a housing shortage in Paulatuk. I described to the Members and the Ministers about a young couple living in a tent frame; a young couple that's been trying to get into public housing since their baby was one month old. It's unbelievable that the baby's 13 months old, and I'm still advocating for the family to have a roof over their heads, Madam Speaker.

This government has allowed a newborn to go without adequate shelter in the first full year of her life. The Minister stated, "Right now I don't know what units are available in Paulatuk." Madam Speaker, I can tell you Unit 65 is still available in the community.

I represent my constituents. I need my Minister to take action, Madam Speaker. A couple of months they completed their work a year and a half ago, the paperwork is in, they had patiently waited, winter's sitting in. It's minus 20 in the community, Madam Speaker. I have support from the community leadership. I'm asking this Minister, Member to Member, to take authority to provide Ministers to ensure that the family has a roof over their heads by this weekend. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1272-19(2): Housing

Members' Statements

Page 5015

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Member for Great Slave .

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Member's Statement 1273-19(2): Lanky Court Building Uninhabitable

Members' Statements

Page 5015

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, Carlson Construction of Edmonton completed the Lanky Court apartment complex in 1976. At the time, CMHC was the mortgage holder with a 50-year loan in place - the projected lifespan of the property. Carlson Construction leased the property to the NWT Housing Corporation for 15 years with the GNWT holding a one-time option to purchase, exercisable in 1991. The building was originally intended to accommodate GNWT staff.

Madam Speaker, in August 1988, a report was commissioned, "Lanky Court - A Study of Building Rehabilitation for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation." This report advised the GNWT that they would need to spend $2.6 million to rehabilitate the Lanky Court Apartments. The property's appraised value at the time was $2.7 million.

In August of 1989, the fire marshal condemned the Lanky property due to electrical hazards created by longstanding roof membrane and envelope issues that dated back to construction. Madam Speaker, all of these problems are well documented in the 1988 report.

Northview currently owns the complex, and we all know they rely on public housing revenue for their northern portfolio. And we all know, Madam Speaker, what type of landlord this massive national REIT is.

Recently a tenant was paid more than $4,000 after maintenance crews left moldy stinking holes in common areas after repairing a leaky pipe. We have heard complaints in this House about the recent cockroach infestation. The Yellowknife Housing Authority says they are aware of the insect issue and are working with Northview to remedy the problem. However, tenants report being threatened with fines if they can't get out of their apartment to allow it to be sprayed yet the pest control specialists don't show up at the scheduled time.

We have one family living in hotel rooms due to the unabated mold growing in their apartment; and, trying to help a mother of five, one in a wheelchair, get the boardwalk cleared of snow so her son can attend school. She doesn't know what she would do in the event of a fire other than to drop her son off the boardwalk for a two-storey drop.

Madam Speaker, as the 50-year projected lifespan of the Lanky Court Apartments comes to an end, what has the Housing Corporation done to ensure the property is habitable? If it was deemed unsuitable for GNWT staff housing in 1989, why is it acceptable for it to be used for public housing clients now? I will questions for the Minister of Housing at the appropriate time.

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Member's Statement 1273-19(2): Lanky Court Building Uninhabitable

Members' Statements

Page 5016

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Member's Statement 1274-19(2): Housing NWT

Members' Statements

Page 5016

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, today I would like to speak once again about the issues and barriers that exist for regular people within Housing NWT.

Madam Speaker, in my experience as an elected leader over the last 15 years, I've come to see that there seems to be a real disconnect between the administrators of the Housing NWT and the people who use their services. It seems that there's an increasing lack of compassion given to people and a growing and strict inherence to bureaucracy and policy. And this is coming at a cost of the dignity and respect of the clients who use Housing NWT.

People who live and use public housing are almost always the most vulnerable in our communities as they are usually low income, might be struggling with employment, or may have issues with addictions. These are regular people just trying to get by yet at times it's almost like they're being punished because of past mistakes they made, or they're just being overlooked because of internal bias.

Madam Speaker, I'd really love to see Housing NWT think outside the box in their efforts to address constituent housing needs. I think the department needs to consider some serious structural and systematic changes in order to better serve the people of the NWT. There needs to be more done than just change the name of itself from the Housing Corporation to Housing NWT.

Ultimately, there needs to be a stronger leadership, coming from the top down, that will produce betters results for our residents. It's the only way positive changes will be done with strong leadership.

Madam Speaker, last week, on October 27th, I tabled a letter from the NWT Seniors Society directed to the Minister of Housing NWT . Their letter outlines various issues and concerns that seniors have been dealing with from Housing NWT. For example, they said that many of the structures that are intended to support residents are broken and that local housing authority boards, which were originally intended to be a tool to aid tenants, appear to become a tool of the Housing NWT.

They state that when some seniors identify maintenance issues to their authority, they are subject to ridicule, intimidation, harassment and disrespect followed by eviction. Madam Speaker, may I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

In closing, Madam Speaker, I totally agree with the NWT Seniors Society here, because I have had several of my constituents deal with this identical situation. I echo the seniors society that this is totally unacceptable and cannot continue. Nobody should live in fear and insecurity or be threatened with becoming homeless, period.

I also hope that the Minister will follow up with the NWT society and meet with them as they were requested in the letter. I will have questions for the Minister of Housing NWT at the appropriate time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1274-19(2): Housing NWT

Members' Statements

Page 5016

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Member's Statement 1275-19(2): Treatment Centre

Members' Statements

Page 5017

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On October 20th, the Minister of Health and Social Services said, quote, "The simple reason that we do not have a treatment centre in NWT is because they don't work", end quote. Because a northern centre has not been successful before, she implied it is not worth trying again.

I would like to understand the evidence the Minister relies on. To my knowledge, there is no research that says treatment centres do not work. Instead, we hear about more progress across the country in Indigenous-led design of healing and treatment centres.

The NWT residents, particularly those in small communities, will continue to question the department on their position as long as information is not shared in a transparent way, because it seems there has not been analysis of strategies and outcomes with NWT treatment centres.

If we look back at the Office of the Auditor General's report on addiction prevention and recovery services, we read that the department of health and authorities did not know whether their services were effective, quote, "because they did not sufficiently measure clients' outcome or use data to analysis trends", end quote.

We all know how much need there is for programs and services that help with healing. We cannot give up because we have a diverse population and it is hard to do. The 21st Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls for holistic healing centres for Indigenous people and even singles out Nunavut and Northwest Territories as priorities for where these centres should be established. Let's turn this into an opportunity for the federal government, Government of the Northwest Territories, and Indigenous governments to work together and make something happen.

The Minister has said it is preferable to provide a wide range of service options. These service options need to include a facility in NWT but otherwise I agree with the Minister. With the contract between Poundmaker's Lodge and the GNWT terminated, there are now only five southern facility-based options for NWT residents who seek addiction treatment.

I want to remind the Minister that the Tlicho people have self-government. There should be direct consultation with the Tlicho government on these matters. Madam Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude.

---Unanimous consent granted

They are well positioned to help the Government of the Northwest Territories understand what adequate barrier-free culturally safe care looks like. In the meantime, the Tlicho government is forced to look at what it can do to fill the gaps in the services and systems under GNWT jurisdiction. Thank you. I will have question for the Minister of Health and Social Services . Thank you.

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Member's Statement 1275-19(2): Treatment Centre

Members' Statements

Page 5017

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Member's Statement 1276-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Members' Statements

Page 5017

Edjericon

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last week your Standing Committee on Government Operations reported on the 2020-2021 Public Accounts. One aspect of their report that has been subject to recent media coverage was the $194 million deficit of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. That's a shocking fiscal reality for this government, already cash strapped, to bear, and it's only expected to increase with the realizations on major operation deficiencies.

Looking at other major spending items in recent times, we now know that the cost to repair the catastrophic flood in Hay River, the town of Hay River, in excess of $174 million. We know that the Inuvik Wind Project was $30 million over budget. We know that the government is continuing to pursue infrastructure megaprojects like the Taltson Hydro Expansion and the Slave Geological Province Road, and the price tags are in the several billions of dollars.

Madam Speaker, the day of fiscal reckoning will be soon at-hand. This government will have to either increase revenues or decrease expenditures. Without a clear source of future revenue, the only option for our future will be cuts to service jobs in the public sector.

Let me be clear: I don't like any of these options but at the end of the day, it's simple math. So my question for this government is equally simple: When are the cuts coming? Tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Or next year?

Madam Speaker, we're in the House. We have the dubious privilege of knowing the government plans before they happen through our work behind closed doors in the standing committee. Our hands are tied in what we can say and do with this information; however, I feel we owe it to the people of the Northwest Territories. I feel our residents needs to be honest about the financial crunch, especially when it comes to means of hundreds of jobs might be lost.

No matter how unpopular such realities may be, we must confront them head on and ensure that they are planned according to maintain both adequate levels of public service to our residents and protect as many jobs as possible. I'll have questions for the Minister of Finance today. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 1276-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Members' Statements

Page 5018

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Member's Statement 1277-19(2): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Deficit

Members' Statements

Page 5018

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Madam Speaker, in 2016, the GNWT created the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. The NTHSSA was created to provide efficiencies and streamline administrative services for the regional health authorities. It was thought at the time that one agency to manage procurement and administration could save money, provide consistency, and manage the ongoing deficits from the regional boards.

Unfortunately what happened, Madam Speaker, is that the NTHSSA now takes procurement and decision-making away from the regions while the health deficit continues to grow.

NTHSSA's annual operating deficit costs have exceeded budgeted expenses in each of the five past fiscal years. NTHSSA's latest annual report released in September demonstrates that the combined operating deficit, that started at $50.8 million in 2015-2016, has now grown to $193.7 million. The report cites numerous reasons for the deficit which include:

cost of overtime due to staffing shortages;

underfunded locum costs;

unfunded or underfunded programs;

unfunded growth in healthcare positions; and,

underfunded COVID-19 costs.

The report notes in most cases increases were primarily due to unbudgeted COVID-19 expenses and unbudgeted overtime, standby, callback, and shift premiums.

Madam Speaker, growth in the deficit from health and social services authorities is ballooning. Action is needed to curb this debt. The report shows that some programs, like community social programs or community health program budgets, are also running over budget. What action is the department taking today to address this very concerning debt trend of the health authorities, Madam Speaker?

With an aging population, we will only see increases to the number of people with chronic conditions, the need for more chronic care coordination, and the demand for long-term care. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1277-19(2): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Deficit

Members' Statements

Page 5018

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Member's Statement 1278-19(2): Daylight Saving Time

Members' Statements

Page 5018

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Monday is the number one sick day in the GNWT; and, no, Madam Speaker, it's not because of some illness - it's because the clocks will be turned back.

Madam Speaker, we in this House passed legislation making the switch to a year-round time possible, and the Minister said it would likely only happen after engagement with the public. Well, that engagement has now taken place so I am wondering to find out whether this Sunday will be the last time the clocks ever fall back. I'll have questions for the Minister of Justice , or the Minister of time, later today; see if we can find out the results of that survey and when, if we will indeed, get to say goodbye to trying to remember what time it is when we wake up. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1278-19(2): Daylight Saving Time

Members' Statements

Page 5018

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Member's Statement 1279-19(2): Bernie Leader Retirement

Members' Statements

Page 5019

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, September 7, both Liidlii Kue elementary and high school staff and students said farewell to Mr. Bernie Leader as he entered into a much-deserved retirement. Mr. Leader has supported the staff and students as a support assistant for the past 23 years, where he made a lifelong contribution to our students' education needs. Overall, he's been a pillar of support in our local education system and will be dearly missed.

Madam Speaker, to acknowledge Mr. Leader's ascension going into retirement, the schools gathered in the elementary school gym where they awaited his arrival at 3:15. As a surprise, Mr. Leader's grade 5/6 class, where he worked at that time, was called last over the PA system to attend a school-wide assembly in the gymnasium. The class, with Mr. Leader in tow, were quite surprised to see both schools waiting for him with the song "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." It took Mr. Leader a few seconds to realize that the song being sung was for him and was for his retirement. He was left speechless.

Once Mr. Leader made his way to the center circle of the gymnasium, the principal Mr. Adams and kindergarten teacher Ms. Gendron presented him with a little heartfelt speech of appreciation followed by a couple of gifts - a signed card, a $500 Canadian Tire gift card, heavily constructed lounger, thermos, and a Coleman cooler with $500 in specialty meat. Lastly, they had cookies and a beautiful cake to help celebrate the occasion. Yes, Mr. Leader blew out his candles.

Madam Speaker, let Mr. Leader be a prime example to all of us that such dedication comes with rewards. We're not talking monetary or tangible rewards but, rather, the reward of giving relentlessly to the development of our students. Stories from staff about Mr. Leader's 23 years at the elementary school have shown that he provided his students with valuable support outside of his SA role. It's dedicated workers like Mr. Leader has helped mould our students into contributing citizens throughout our community.

When asked what would you like for us to do for your retirement party, Bernie, he simply replied, "I don't want anything big to do but just spend my last days with our students." This is another example of how Mr. Leader truly devoted his time and resources to our students.

Though said many times before his departure, I would like to again wish him well with his retirement. I know he will certainly be tending to his garden and yard but there will be other things for him to do on his list.

Madam Speaker, my children had the honour of having him as either a SA, coach, or both, in their lives. As well, three of my grandchildren. His passion for helping our youth has not gone unnoticed by a lot of the families. I want to wish him all the best on his next adventures. As well, the staff and students have asked him to please come back to visit. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Member's Statement 1279-19(2): Bernie Leader Retirement

Members' Statements

Page 5019

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Member's Statement 1280-19(2): Honour Indigenous Veterans

Members' Statements

Page 5019

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I want to honour a Northwest Territories resident who's doing exceptional work to help honour Indigenous veterans from the territory. The person doing this work is our Sergeant-at-Arms in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Floyd Powder.

A veteran himself, he is one of 12 Indigenous researchers from across Canada supporting the efforts of the Last Post Fund and its Indigenous Veterans Initiative.

Madam Speaker, created in 1999, the Last Post Fund is focused on making sure all deceased veterans receive dignified burial and a permanent resting place with a headstone. The Indigenous Veterans Initiative was launched in 2019 and makes every effort to represent the culture of Indigenous veterans, whether it be through symbols or inscriptions in their traditional language. For over seven years, Mr. Powder has given hundreds of hours to creating a list of northern veterans and doing research on unmarked graves of veterans in the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, this work is so important, especially in the context of commemorating National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th next week. The work he is doing will help make sure Indigenous veterans who gave their life to supporting the freedoms in this country at a time for many were not necessarily the same.

In an interview with a local media outlet in 2021, Mr. Powder said, and I quote, "We need to remind Canadians that in this great country, Indigenous service men were treated unfairly. It's not acceptable. So I'm here to remind people what actually happened," end quote.

Madam Speaker, I couldn't agree more with this sentiment.

I want to congratulate Mr. Powder for giving his time to this initiative and helping to make sure Indigenous veterans are properly honoured for all they did and the ultimate sacrifices that they gave. Madam Speaker, Lest we Forget.

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Member's Statement 1280-19(2): Honour Indigenous Veterans

Members' Statements

Page 5020

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, with us today we have Avery Parle, who is the vice-president of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, and my old friend David Wasylciw, who doesn't live in my riding. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Madam Speaker, I've tried this dozens and dozens of times; I think I got the name once right but I'm going to try again. I want to recognize a constituent of Range Lake, David Wasylciw. No? Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm hoping that he's back here, my ministerial special advisor, Jeff Rate. It's his birthday, so I just want to wish him a happy birthday and hopefully he's in the building to hear it. Fine, he it's not. Oh well, I wish him a happy birthday anyway. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

I think he's in the building. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to have two of my younger constituents in the building acting as pages today - Scarlett Anderson and Sylvia Isenor. It is wonderful to have them. I hope they find this an inspirational experience. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Welcome. If we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the chamber and I hope you're enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to have an audience in here since we, like I said yesterday, we haven't had an audience.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to welcome today Ms. Ester Charney of Fort Good Hope, a constituency of the Sahtu. Also my constituent assistant Ms. Natasha Takazo. And also, I'd like to recognize Ms. Brianne Gagnon, originally from -- living Fort Smith right now but just welcome to the proceedings. Mahsi.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5020

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South .

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5020

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the NWT, and more so the Arctic, can be a harsh environment to work in. I personally know this as I spent ten years working in Tuk offshore in the Beaufort Sea and on ice platforms in the High Arctic. We were always required to adapt to evolving situations and have a plan B, something MTS does not seem to understand.

Madam Speaker, can the Minister of Infrastructure tell me what led to the delays in community resupply for those communities serviced by MTS?

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5020

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Minister for Infrastructure .

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5020

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. So 2022 has been like no other year in the operations of MTS. The factors that have impacted MTS operations this past year were complex and interconnected. In addition to the regular risks that we inherit in this marine industry, MTS and the partners have faced significant labour shortages. MTS and the partners have faced shortages, supply chain delays, delays caused by floods both in Inuvik and in Hay River, and delays for the placement of our buoys.

Another unexpected occurrence happened when our fuel hoses were vandalized resulting in a six- to seven-day delay for our shipping season. I'm not going to speak to this further, Madam Speaker, because it's currently under investigation by the RCMP.

However, a post-season evaluation will be completed in the coming months but for now our focus at MTS and Department of Infrastructure is to get that fuel into Sachs Harbour. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, can the Minister tell me how many communities experienced resupply delays and will the Minister commit to providing that information in writing as well? Thank you.

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the factors that contributed to cancelling barge delivery in Sachs Harbour also caused delays in other communities and to clients, including some petroleum products that were destined for Inuvik are currently in Tuktoyaktuk. This fuel will be delivered by truck to Inuvik. MTS was also unable to complete shipment of material to the Sabina mine site. Arrangements are being made for delivery for that next year. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, can the Minister tell me how many and which vessels were providing resupply to the Arctic and coastal communities and which ones were servicing contracts outside community supply? Thank you.

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, through MTS we have five tug boats that were activated this season. There was one fully dedicated to the ISR resupply, two were assigned support roles for the ISR resupply. One was assigned to a dual role between essential resupply and commercial lake/river activities. And the fifth one, Madam Speaker, was dedicated to commercial customers. Those were the five that are out there. Thank you.

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to providing me, in writing, with a list of all MTS marine vessels working this past sailing season, along with the daily

schedule of each vessel position as provided through the federal Vessel Traffic Management Information System? I would ask the information include the period from August 1st, 2022, to October 31st, 2022. Thank you.

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Madam Speaker, you know, as part of our evaluation after the sailing season, this is something that we put work into. And I would be prepared to put this in writing for the Member. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1281-19(2): Marine Transportation Services

Oral Questions

Page 5021

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput .

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I want to bring up a big concern I have for a young family in the community of Paulatuk. I talked to the Minister last Friday. We didn't have the -- we didn't know there was a unit available. Now I know today there is a unit available, Unit 65 in the community of Paulatuk. They're the first on the waiting list. They don't owe no funds to the housing authority. Can the Minister commit to me today that they will be getting that unit? They're the first on the list. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5021

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Minister of Housing NWT .

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The unit that the Member is speaking about, it has been repaired. There were some issues with the water tank, and it required a lot of attention before it was to be occupied. A lot of work has been done. I will work with the board of directors and look at the allocation. And the Member is correct, they are first on the waiting list. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Minister has the authority to make that decision right now. Don't need to be talking to anybody but herself in regard to that. Madam Speaker, would the Minister commit to me today that she'd assign that Unit 65 over to the young couple that has a young baby living in a tent frame in the community of Paulatuk? It's minus 20. Thank you.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5021

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I was, you know, wanting to hear from the board of directors, but the tenants are number one on the waitlist, so they are potentially next to be up for allocation. And I will follow up with the Member once we work with the board of directors. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I've been waiting for our Minister to deal with this for the last 13 months. That baby was one month old. Now we're at minus 20 in the community. They're living -- I'll be tabling documents today on what they're living in, Madam Speaker. The decision has to be made. It doesn't matter what anything -- everything goes downhill. She's got a Minister's notepad that says "Minister's directive." All she's got to do is write it "Unit 65 to be given to this couple;" it's going to be done. Would the Minister take the initiative today to do it? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I just want to reiterate that the couple is number one on the waitlist. There is a two-bedroom that is available for them. I will follow up with the board of directors but I will put the political pressure for the couple. I don't want to see the circumstance extended to anything that is quite severe. They've been on the waiting list for the past few years. I will work with the department and, yes, they will be given Unit 65. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5022

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Final supplementary. Member for Nunakput .

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Could she repeat herself if that was a "yes?" Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will be following up with the board, and I did say yes. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1282-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5022

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to congratulate my colleague for a "yes" on the floor from Housing. I think that's a great start.

Madam Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Finance . I'm wondering if the Minister of Finance can provide an idea of how much property tax arrears the GNWT forgives every year in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister of Finance .

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I certainly can provide that data. I don't have the number in front of me right now on the fly, but I can certainly commit to get that to the Member. And I'll have it before tomorrow if she wants to follow up on it. Thank you.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister, for the commitment. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I've got the Finance website open in front of me, and just for everyone's sake Property Tax Arrears Program is designed to help residents who have property tax or residential lease arrears in the Northwest Territories. And so, given that information, I'm wondering if the Minister of Finance can confirm if Housing NWT clients can use property tax arrears to pay rental arrears? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the property tax arrears is for homeowners who are paying property taxes. So in that respect, someone who is living in public housing would not have access to that program. Thank you.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I'm seeing here that it also extends to residential lease arrears. And so I'm wondering if the Minister can speak to what that difference is and if it also extends to damages incurred within residential lease arrears as well, and if that confirmation can be made. Thank you.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, it's not my understanding that this extends to residential leases. Certainly if I am wrong about that, I will certainly correct myself going forward. And there was a second half to that question that has escaped me as I stood up. So I apologize, you might have to see if the Member wants to -- oh, damages. Damages, Madam Speaker; it's come back to me miraculously.

Madam Speaker, no, it wouldn't extend to damages. Again, it is really focused on property taxes and does generally extend to homeowners. So it is not well suited to dealing with arrears under public housing. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5022

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the Department of Finance might want to review their website then, because it does clearly state on the website that it is for residential lease arrears.

But my last question for the Minister of Housing is if this program doesn't apply to Housing NWT itself, to be able to use Property Tax Arrears Program to pay off arrears, what other process is available to Housing NWT to forgive public housing arrears? Thank you.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I can certainly commit that the Department of Finance, which is where any loans or other matters that are forgiven, for example, student financial assistance, anything of that nature that is going to be forgiven as an obligation or debt owed to the government, does come through the comptroller general's office, and I will see that that office does connect in with Housing NWT to ensure that if there are programs underutilized or ways that we can support that department, that office, that we will do so. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1283-19(2): Property Tax Arrears

Oral Questions

Page 5023

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Great Slave .

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. You were throwing me looking to the other side of the room there when you said that. My questions are for the Minister of Housing .

First, I just wonder if the Minister can speak a bit to how does the Housing Corporation review the status of maintenance and repairs on third party buildings such as Northview? We have a liability, as a government, to make sure that the housing that we're putting public housing clients into is safe, and from what I'm hearing I don't think that Lanky is. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Minister of Housing NWT .

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you to the Member for asking the question. I'd have to follow up with the department in looking at our third party inspections and our third party operation and maintenance and how we actually work together. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I thank the Minister for the commitment to get that back to me. I can't stress enough how much of a responsibility that we have here.

Can the Minister speak to whether or not she is aware if Lanky Court Apartments is meeting all of our legislation or legislative codes? For example, is it passing fire inspections? Is it passing the building code inspections? Has environmental health and safety or public health been in to look at the building? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will have to get the information for the Member. Thank you.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, can the Minister speak to what is going on with the ongoing pest control treatment at Lanky Court? It's my understanding there has been different messages put out to clients there, threats of fines should they not be out of their apartments at the time, conflicting reports on whether or not the pesticides or the pest control methods are safe for people to use. Yes, any information the Minister could provide on that would be great. Thanks.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Housing has been working very closely, I want to say, with Northview. We have addressed several issues with our leases that we do hold with them as well too. The one that was most recent was a security issue that we did have. We have been working with Northview as well too looking at the pest control, and I am aware of what has been happening here in Yellowknife. I will have to follow up with the Member to get a further thorough detail on the reporting that has been received. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I do appreciate the Minister's willingness to get back to me. Can the Minister commit to going and spending some time at Lanky Court and actually going into some of these apartments? I have people that are in hotels due to mold. I have water pipes that are broken. There's people with cockroaches scurrying all over their stuff. And a lot of these people aren't even actually into the housing units yet. They're actually YWCA renters who are on housing waitlists. So I do think that the Minister and the department needs to get a better understanding of how terrible the conditions are.

Our people deserve better housing than living in the slums that we're putting them in. Thank you.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will have to follow up with the Member as well too. And I want to be very clear on the leases that we do hold with these third party and also holding them accountable. But not only that, that Housing is actually responding and we are working with these lease agreements that we do have and we are providing fair, adequate housing to our tenants here and throughout the Northwest Territories. I will have to follow up with the Member. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1284-19(2): Lanky Court Building

Oral Questions

Page 5023

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi .

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you. Can the Minister share any comprehensive evaluation or other data that takes into account by needs assessments, best practices of Indigenous treatment centres in other jurisdictions, and client uptakes and outcomes of the departments preferred service offering to back up her claim that treatment centres do not work in the NWT? Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Minister for Health and Social Services .

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Yes, thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, when I say treatment centres don't work, I'm talking about attendance at the treatment centres. Since we established the contracts with the southern treatment centres, the number of people going to treatment has increased significantly. And this is information that the Member asked for last week, which was sent to her today. She will notice that there is a drop-off in the years that COVID has been active but since 2014, 2015, a total of 1,446 people have been to treatment. Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you. Will the department and health authorities consider that a change in their own approach may be necessary to make treatment facilities successful rather than assume treatment centres definitively will not work in NWT? Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Yes, thank you. We did a comprehensive addictions survey about a year and a half ago, and that collected a lot of valuable feedback about what people experienced in treatment and what they wanted for aftercare. One of the requests there was to have treatment closer to home, and that's something that we are having conversations with the Indigenous governments about. I want to note that when it was time to set the priorities for this Legislative Assembly, nobody asked for a treatment centre. Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

With the contract between GNWT and Poundmaker's Lodge now terminated, replacing Poundmaker's with another suitable facility based on Indigenous treatment centre is an urgent matter. What is the department doing to fast track its process in securing new options, and what do those timelines look like? Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the department has developed an RFP that will go out before the end of the year asking Indigenous-focused treatment centres to submit proposals for serving NWT residents. And our hope is that that contract will be in place for the new fiscal year, April 1st. And if the Member has any particular recommendations or contacts in Indigenous treatment circles that we should pursue, we would be happy to hear about them. Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Well, like I said before, she can work with Tlicho government on this approach.

In the spirit of wanting to provide a range of suitable options for NWT residents, will the Minister commit to learning more about client preferences and contracting a greater number of southern facilities that meet our needs for addiction treatment? Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the six facilities, now five, that we contracted was the result of an RFP process. What we were looking for was variety in the possibilities that we could offer. And I believe those contracts were for three years, so they have about a year and a half to go. So this is a process that is renewed from time to time. And we can certainly test any options that the Member might want to bring to our attention at that time. Thank you.

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Question 1285-19(2): Treatment Centres

Oral Questions

Page 5024

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5024

Edjericon

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I stated earlier today that this government's financial position is in dire straits. Without new revenues, austerity measures are a likely outcome for the future years. As mentioned earlier, simple math. I believe it's time to be honest with our residents about this reality here in the Northwest Territories today.

Madam Speaker, one of my question would be to the finance minister. Is this government planning to implement austerity measures, including cuts to services and jobs within the remainder of its term? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5024

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister of Finance .

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5025

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I conducted the budget dialogues this past spring and summer. When I did so, I presented to any member of the public who was interested the state of our funding, funds, the state of our fiscal situation, including operating surpluses, operating and capital expenses. I've put those informations before the public and received feedback on how people would like to see us moving forward in this government, whether it's through trying to increase revenues, whether it's through trying to decrease expenses or, frankly, a little bit of both.

So I do want to quite sternly combat the notion that we are somehow not being honest with the public about the state of public finances. I take issue with that. I don't take the Member to be suggesting that is me or that is, you know, anything other than a desire to have more information. That's how I'm going to take this question. So, Madam Speaker, with that in mind, I am not suggesting that there's likely to be significant reductions to the public service or to programs or services at this point or in the near future.

There certainly is a business planning process, and Members do have opportunity to go through the business plans with their Ministers, relevant Ministers late in the summer as part of our annual budgeting cycle. But, again, similarly, that is why we do budget dialogues in the summer so that people are aware of what the financial situation of the government is throughout the fiscal year.

Similarly, during this particular session and as we go into the capital planning, this year I introduced the opportunity to have a bit of a media scrum in advance of tabling the capital budgets so that, again, I could speak openly to the media about the state of our fiscal situation and what we are doing to keep it on track. There are a number of things we're doing. This is not time for a Minister's statement but there's a number of things that are keeping us on track so that in the medium term we are not facing quite the dire straits that is being suggested here. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5025

Edjericon

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you, Minister. If no such austerity measures are planned, how will the government manage its considerable fiscal challenges without clear resources/future revenues to offset spending deficits? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5025

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. That works out quite well, because I get to now continue what I wasn't going to say earlier. But let me give a few of the comments that I have on that one.

Well, with respect to the notion that we are about to hit the fiscal or the debt ceiling, Madam Speaker, that has been a spectre over many a fine government. That is no longer the spectre because of the changes we've introduced to the capital planning process. By reducing the size of the capital plan to be more right sized, we are not running up against our debt ceiling. We've not had to take on as great a borrowing plan as we would have had to otherwise and as such, we will not be running up into that debt ceiling the way that we were forecast to prior to making these changes.

With respect more generally to our operations, Madam Speaker, we are, again, although this particular fiscal year we did lose some revenues because of the changes to fiscal, we didn't get capital transfers as those projects do move forward later in later years, particularly with the federal government, we still have obligations, those funds will come in. They're just coming in in later years. And similarly, territorial formula financing does catch up.

We have had some revenue shocks, including the shocks of COVID, which were only last year, territorial formula financing will catch up, provincial spending went up over the last two years, territorial formula financing catches us up. So we actually are expecting our revenues to go up over the next couple of years. And that's in addition to the fact that there's a number of things, government renewal is underway, the procurement review is underway, you know, changes to the public service is underway, and the public sector, of course, remains a huge contributor to our economy. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5025

Edjericon

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Madam Speaker, eventually cuts to services and programs will be required to manage spending without a miracle windfall well outside the government ability to plan. Based on current financial projects, can the Minister tell me when these cuts to programs and jobs will come? Will it be in 2023? 2024? Or 2025? When will cuts be required, Madam Speaker?

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5025

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there's no planned cuts. I have no announcement to make here. There's not a moment of, you know, I get to say here's what's coming next. The plans that are in front of the public, the plans that I put forward, whether it's in budget dialogues, whether it's with this capital plan, there's no cuts to announce. I can't predict the future. I couldn't predict a $100 million flood any more than I could predict COVID.

But what I can say, again, is we are trying to do what we can from within to manage our fiscal situation, to try to maintain the strong public sector presence that we have in the economy. And then with that, Madam Speaker, I put my Minister of ITI hat on and say what are we doing to try to grow the economy because that then in turn will keep the fiscal situation more stable for the business sector, for the public, and of course, certainly impacting on the draws on our programs and also on the benefits that we do see from our limited own source revenues.

So, Madam Speaker, that continues to be my focus, is what can we do to avoid the cuts by using all the other levers available to us. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5026

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5026

Edjericon

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm concerned that this government is looking at kicking this can down the road to future governments instead of adjusting these financial realities head on. Can the Minister tell us if this government's setting up the next Assembly to make unpopular financial decisions to avoid making them in an election year? Thank you.

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5026

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, that's certainly not my intention. It may happen to be an election year coming up but at the present time that's still quite far away. And the way that the budget cycle works, the budget that we're preparing now is based on main estimates process where -- based on a business planning process that started back in June. Again, this is sort of full circle. The reason we do budget dialogues in the spring and summer is because that's when departments are actually preparing their materials going into the next year.

And while I certainly have said in the context of why we have government renewal going on, that doing incremental budgeting has its downsides, it has an upside. And it has an upside which is there's stability within departments that is not tied to the political whims of any particular administration. Departments do need to continue to provide for fundamental programs and services to all of the residents of the Northwest Territories and the businesses of the Northwest Territories, and that is one of the upsides of incremental budgeting, is it provides that stability.

So, Madam Speaker, I do not believe there's any political pressure on us to do or not do anything. Quite on the contrary. I think we are moving forward with quite a number of things. In fact, some of them that are going to only really see their fruits bear in the next Assembly, for example, government renewal. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1286-19(2): GNWT Fiscal Deficit

Oral Questions

Page 5026

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5026

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in my Member's statement I referenced the letter I tabled last Thursday from the NWT Seniors Society to the Minister of Housing NWT . Their letter mentions the Minister had missed a meeting with them last month on October the 4th. Can the Minister tell us why she missed that meeting and if she has rescheduled a new meeting with the NWT Seniors Society? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5026

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister of Housing .

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5026

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. That day that I was scheduled to be meet with the seniors society I was ill. I came down with a cold, and I had to cancel. I did inform the seniors society that I wouldn't be in the attendance. But I am willing to reschedule that appointment and hear the concerns from the seniors society. But once again, I was not feeling very well. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5026

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Madam Speaker, in the letter from the seniors society, they mention receiving reports of people being subject to ridicule, intimidation, harassment, disrespect, and threats of eviction from Housing NWT. They also state that people must not live in fear and insecurity or be threatened with becoming homeless. Does the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5026

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As a Minister, I take these concerns very seriously and as with the portfolio that, you know, we try to change the way that we are doing business and being more client-focused as well. Through our renewal and through our mission, our vision, our values, we strive towards to be more client-focused. And I look for more improvements within the way that we work with the general public. I'm looking for fairness, respect, and compassionate client service working with the people throughout the Northwest Territories.

We've also looked at the client service training that will be conducted throughout the portfolio and throughout this time to support the frontline service workers. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5026

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Madam Speaker, in the letter from the seniors society, they proposed two actions that Housing NWT could begin immediately. One, comparing the maintenance and repair funding allocations to all communities with the actual spending and the number of units repaired. The other is to start a pilot project to address repairs and other needs in a timely manner. Will the Minister commit to look at these proposals and consider them for Housing NWT? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5027

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And Housing has responded to the letter. They are working with the seniors society on the request of these proposals. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5027

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to work with the NWT Seniors Society to address all the concerns outlined in that letter dated October the 22nd, 2022? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5027

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you to the Member as well. I do value all of the feedback that she is providing, the letter that has been received. And, yes, I would like to work with the seniors society and try to come up with solutions for the issues that they've addressed. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1287-19(2): Housing

Oral Questions

Page 5027

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

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

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Question 1288-19(2): Daylight Saving Time

Oral Questions

Page 5027

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question for the Minister of Justice is will the Minister be getting rid of the time change once and for all? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 1288-19(2): Daylight Saving Time

Oral Questions

Page 5027

The Deputy Speaker

Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister of Justice .

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Question 1288-19(2): Daylight Saving Time

Oral Questions

Page 5027

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wish. Unfortunately, there's likely going to be at least one or two or three more time changes. Of course, we've recently engaged with the public. There was a six-week engagement session. Within the first couple days, there were thousands of responses, and 3,500 -- about 3,500 responses to the question of "do you want to get rid of seasonal time change?" And 87 percent, so over 3,000 of those 3,500 people, wanted to get rid of seasonal time change.

When it comes to sticking with daylight savings, or standard time, the territory's a bit more split. Just over half wanted to go with daylight savings time permanently and while the rest wanted to stick with standard time.

And so that is just the beginning of the conversation. The Yukon recently changed -- got rid of seasonal time change, and there's a lot of lessons learned from there. It is not a simple task. It might sound simple but it is by no means simple. There are, you know, hundreds, if not thousands of actions that need to be taken in a specific order in order to ensure that it is done correctly. And it's not only government who has to be involved. Every individual has to be involved. The government isn't going to come and change your alarm clock.

You know, satellite companies, railroads, airlines, you know, Microsoft, Apple, all of these companies need to be engaged. And so the Department of Justice, you know, myself, we can't do it alone so we are reaching out to the rest of government and trying to figure out is this something we can do. I know that personally I would like to see it happen but is it worth the cost to government and the cost of the public and potential cost to the residents of the territory?

So we have to do that work now that we've received this information from residents, that they do want to get rid of time change, and we have to figure out how we might be able to do that, if we can, going forward. Thank you. And I will just say there will be a What We Heard report summarizing all of this information released in the next couple weeks. Thank you.

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Question 1288-19(2): Daylight Saving Time

Oral Questions

Page 5027

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I think the Minister answered all of my subsequent questions there. So thank you for that. I look forward to the report.

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