Debates of Aug. 22nd, 2019

This is page numbers 6353 - 6412 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was assembly .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Successful Relationships with Indigenous Governments

Government of the Northwest Territories Initial Response to the Final Report of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry

Update on Taltson Hydro and Other Energy Initiatives

Establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Development of a Polytechnic University

Reflection on the 18th Legislative Assembly and Government of the Northwest Territories Progress

Evolution of Aurora College

Establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Seniors Aging In Place

Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Perspectives on Leadership and Governance

Tax Incentives to Support Economic Development

Arctic Policy Framework

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Polytechnic University

Continuing Care Facilities Legislation

Seniors' Home Care

Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Mr. Beaulieu's Reply

Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Committee Report 36-18(3): Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment Report on Transition Matters

Committee Report 37-18(3): Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on Transition Matters

Committee Report 38-18(3): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Transition Matters

Committee Report 39-18(3): Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning Report on Transition Matters

Tabled Document 518-18(3): Final Report on Implementation of the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2016-2019 Tabled Document 519-18(3): Consolidated Report of the Implementation Committee - Tlicho Agreement 2015/16 to 2018/19 Tabled Document 520-18(3): Consolidated Report of the Implementation Committee - Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2018 Tabled Document 521-18(3): Consolidated Report of the Implementation Committee - Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement 2009/10 to 2014/15 Tabled Document 522-18(3): Report of the Implementation Coordinating Committee - Inuvialuit Final Agreement 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Tabled Document 523-18(3): Annual Report of the Implementation Committee - Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement April 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017 Tabled Document 524-18(3): Annual Report of the Implementation Committee - Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement April 1, 2017 - March 31...

Tabled Document 527-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 24-18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 48: Post-Secondary Education Act Tabled Document 528-18(3): Doing Our Part: Initial Response to 'Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls', August 2019 Tabled Document 529-18(3): 2018-2019 Annual Report - Status of Women Council of the N.W.T. Tabled Document 530-18(3): Annual Report: 2017-2018 Canada-NWT Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Bilateral Agreement and Action Plan

Tabled Document 531-18(3): Northwest Territories Liquor Licensing Board 65th Annual Report 2018-2019 Tabled Document 532-18(3): Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission 65th Annual Report Tabled Document 533-18(3): Annual Report 2018-19 of the Northwest Territories Hydro Corporation & Northwest Territories Power Corporation Tabled Document 534-18(3): Inter-Activity Transfers Exceeding $250,000 (April 1 to June 30, 2019) Pursuant to

Section 74 of the Financial Administration Act

Tabled Document 535-18(3): Energy Initiatives Report 2018-19 Tabled Document 536-18(3): 2030 Energy Strategy / Energy Action Plan Report, August 2019

Tabled Document 537-18(3): Wha Ti Community Energy Plan - Options for Energy Supply and Management for Wha Ti, Northwest Territories Tabled Document 538-18(3): Northwest Territories Energy Report, May 2011

Tabled Document 539-18(3): The Gordon Foundation - Policy Memo: Ways forward in addiction programming in Fort Simpson, NT. Dene Gogondie, Voices of the People Tabled Document 540-18(3): The Gordon Foundation: Creating Ethical Spaces for On-the-Land Learning Tabled Document 541-18(3): The Gordon Foundation: Negotiating the Dehcho: Protecting Dene Ahthit'e through Modern Treaty-Making

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Concurrence of Tabled Document 511-18(3): Capital Estimates 2020-2021

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 45: Corrections Act

Recorded Vote

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

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

The House met at 1:32 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 6353

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, Members. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The Honourable Premier .

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Minister's Statement 241-18(3): Successful Relationships with Indigenous Governments

Ministers' Statements

Page 6353

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, the 18 th Legislative Assembly has made it a priority to strengthen relationships with Northwest Territories Indigenous governments. We have focused on fostering government-to-government relationships and advancing, finalizing, and implementing land, resource, and self-government agreements. Together we have charted a vision for the economic future of the Northwest Territories, and we have come together to make the case for greater investment and decision-making in our territory.

Our government understands that strong relationships are built on the principles of respect, recognition, and shared responsibility. With this foundation, the Government of the Northwest Territories and NWT Indigenous governments can advance our shared goal of a strong and sustainable future. This includes concluding agreements in order to bring increased certainty to land and resource management in the Northwest Territories and economic opportunities for communities and regions.

In support of this strong and prosperous vision of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to report that the Government of the Northwest Territories currently has nine signed intergovernmental memorandums of understanding with Indigenous governments, with the most recent signed on June 7 th with the Deline Got'ine Government. This collaboration also takes place at the intergovernmental council, where we are working together to promote the harmonization of legislation, policy, and program areas of common interest related to lands and resource management.

Significant collaboration has occurred during the life of this Legislative Assembly, made possible through the Devolution Agreement and the willingness of the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous governments to work together on a government-to-government basis.

Mr. Speaker, this type of collaboration and coordination on lands, resources, and water management is becoming standard operating process amongst our governments and identifying more "made-in-the-North" solutions. We have also made good progress in the finalization of land, resources, and self-government agreements. The Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells have reached a self-government agreement-in-principle. Significant progress has been made towards the conclusion of a consultation draft of the Inuvialuit Self-Government Final Agreement.

We are also optimistic about the prospect of being able to conclude negotiations on a draft of a land, resource, and self-government agreement-in-principle with the Akaitcho Dene First Nations in the near future.

Meeting treaty obligations and honouring the spirit and intent of settled agreements is not only a legal obligation, but also an important part of our overall relationship with Indigenous governments. This work requires a shared commitment by all involved, and implementation committees are an important part of how we advance this work together.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories participates in five implementation committees that oversee the implementation of both land claims and self-government agreements.

Capturing the progress on implementation efforts helps advance future work and is the reason that Implementation Committees publish annual or comprehensive reports on their efforts. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling reports from the territory's five Implementation Committees. I am pleased to note that, for the first time ever, several of these reports have been translated and published in Indigenous languages. Language is an important part of the cultural identity, and I am hopeful to see this trend continue.

Implementing agreements in an evolving landscape of reconciliation and indigenous governance requires the Government of the Northwest Territories to be adaptable and open to change. This is the reason that the Government of the Northwest Territories is also working with its treaty partners on new and reasonable approaches to better support the implementation of the spirit and intent of previously signed agreements.

Experience has shown that we are stronger and more successful when we work together as partners, and this government remains committed to working with Canada and Indigenous governments throughout the negotiation and implementation of agreements.

Partnership and mutual respect has been the key to success for our territory and has resulted in positive outcomes. The foundation for working together has been nurtured and strengthened by the 18 th Legislative Assembly, and this work will continue to advance shared territorial social, environmental, and economic priorities for years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 241-18(3): Successful Relationships with Indigenous Governments

Ministers' Statements

Page 6354

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

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Minister's Statement 242-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Initial Response to the Final Report of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry

Ministers' Statements

Page 6354

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, on June 4 th , I tabled the final report of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in this House. The report, entitled "Reclaiming Power and Place," outlines the systemic causes of the violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people in this country. The inquiry's report also presents 231 recommendations as Calls for Justice.

The Calls for Justice cover many areas of public and private activity, including, among others, the justice system and police services, health and wellness programs, human security, and extractive industries. The Government of the Northwest Territories has now completed a high-level review of the report and prepared an initial response to the thematic areas presented in the Calls for Justice. I will be tabling this response later today, at the appropriate time.

In undertaking our review, we were mindful of the upcoming territorial election and conscious that a new government will be carrying this work forward. Once the new government is in place, a more in-depth analysis will be completed, with a view to better understanding the steps necessary to make the response meaningful and effect real change.

As the inquiry began, we recognized that this would be an ongoing project. When the inquiry concluded and the final report was released, we understood that it was not the end of the work, but just the beginning. This initial Government of the Northwest Territories response, called "Doing Our Part," is a signal of our jurisdiction's commitment to keep working, to continue the dialogue, and to keep paying attention to the stories of the families and survivors and to the Calls for Justice.

Mr. Speaker, this is a national issue and some of the solutions have to be national as well. We are encouraged by the Prime Minister of Canada's public announcement that they will be working on developing the National Action Plan called for in the Calls for Justice. We have communicated our jurisdiction's commitment to participate in this national discussion.

Working together on the implementation of the Calls for Justice not only creates the potential for sharing of resources but also builds upon the successes we have had to date. Working together also means bringing many perspectives to the table. To ensure a fair and equitable approach in how we work together with other jurisdictions, we also need to have a northern discussion on what a northern response will look like.

This discussion must include the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories, who have been strong partners during the inquiry. When they presented their final submission to the national inquiry, they chose to highlight four key areas that speak to acknowledgement, trust, the need for a person-centered approach, and accountability. The Government of the Northwest Territories supports their recommendations, and we are committed to working with them on these four areas.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Members of this House, and all residents, to review the final report, especially the Calls for Justice. It is one fundamental way to honour the courage of survivors and family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. To truly understand the impact of this trauma, we need to read the stories that were shared.

Because these stories can be painful to read, I encourage anyone who is triggered to call on the support services available. The number for the toll free national help line is 1-844-413-6649. You can also call Native Women's Association or community victim services coordinators.

I would like to end by saying, again, that violence is not okay. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to addressing the systemic causes of violence so that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are able to feel safe and empowered in our country and in our territory. Thank you. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 242-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Initial Response to the Final Report of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry

Ministers' Statements

Page 6355

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment .

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Minister's Statement 243-18(3): Update on Taltson Hydro and Other Energy Initiatives

Ministers' Statements

Page 6355

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the 18 th Legislative Assembly, our government committed to explore options for renewable and alternative energy sources and to improve our energy conservation efforts. The 2030 Energy Strategy was released in 2018 to provide a long-term vision for energy use and supply in the Northwest Territories. We began implementing the six strategic objectives outlined in the energy strategy last year through initiatives detailed in a three-year Energy Action Plan.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I will provide an update on our government's progress to advance the six objectives of the energy strategy, which will help build an energy system that contributes to the territory's economic, social, and environmental well-being while doing our

part in the transition to a lower economy.

The first objective of the strategy is working together to find energy solutions through community engagement, participation, and empowerment. Our government, along with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, has engaged with many communities on a range of energy projects.

One example is the partnership between the Tulita Land Corporation and Northwest Territories Power Corporation to support a 40-kilowatt solar panel project that will allow the own and operation by the community to reduce the use of diesel in the community. This project shows how communities can lead the way in creating local energy solutions.

Mr. Speaker, the Energy Strategy's second objective involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in diesel communities. After securing up to $30 million from the federal government, the Government of the Northwest Territories is in the final stages of the regulatory process for the Inuvik wind project, which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the NWT's largest diesel community.

We also secured $15 million in federal funding for a new and more effective generator in Sachs Harbour that will use less diesel and allow for the incorporation of wind power. This generator will be almost 20 percent more efficient than the old one and save about 50,000 liters per year of diesel. The Government of the Northwest Territories has also erected a wind-monitoring tower in Norman Wells and continues to collect wind data in Sachs Harbour and Snare Rapids. Yet another example is the Government of the Northwest Territories monitoring a water-gauge station at Gameti to assess the potential for a mini-hydro project in the community.

The energy strategy's third objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. This is a particular challenge in our northern environment. Our government is currently conducting energy-efficiency retrofits on a Marine Transportation Services tug through funding provided by the federal Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, or LCELF. This retrofit will reduce yearly greenhouse gas emission by over 800 tonnes or about 286,000 litres per year of diesel.

Mr. Speaker, the fourth and fifth objectives of the Energy Strategy involve increasing renewable energy used for community heating and increasing commercial building energy efficiency. The Government of the Northwest Territories secured over $7 million from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and contributed an additional $2 million over the next four years to provide the Arctic Energy Alliance with new funding to expand rebates, programs, and services. Combined, this additional investment will result in an ongoing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 2,000 tonnes per year.

Through LCELF funding, our government launched the buildings and industry stream of the greenhouse gas grant program this past spring, providing over $2.5 million a year for industry, businesses, and building owners to make energy-efficiency upgrades such as LED lighting and biomass heating.

The Energy Strategy's sixth and final objective is to have a long-term vision for the Northwest Territories' energy systems when developing our energy potential, addressing industry emissions, and doing our part to meet our national and international climate change objectives. Last year, we secured over $10 million from the federal government to upgrade the Snare Forks hydroelectric facility, which will reduce pressure on electricity rates. We also secured $2 million in federal funding to expand the Taltson Hydroelectric System, with a commitment in the 2019 federal budget for an additional $18 million over the next three years.

Connecting the North and South Slave electrical systems would allow the resource sector to access clean, affordable energy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It would also help to stabilize the cost of living and of doing business in the Northwest Territories. Our government is currently examining the feasibility of transmission options crossing Great Slave Lake, and is working with our Indigenous partners to define the project structure, business case, and future field work.

Later today, Mr. Speaker, I will table the Government of the Northwest Territories' Energy Action Plan Update, which summarizes what we accomplished in 2018-2019 and describes in more detail energy initiatives planned for the next three years. I will also table the Energy Initiatives Report, which presents a high-level review of the Northwest Territories' current energy landscape, provides the Government of the Northwest Territories' energy expenditures and greenhouse gas reductions, and showcases many of last year's energy initiatives.

Together, these documents demonstrate our innovative approach to developing energy systems that will grow and diversify our economy while reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

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Minister's Statement 243-18(3): Update on Taltson Hydro and Other Energy Initiatives

Ministers' Statements

Page 6356

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Members' Statements

Page 6356

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to talk about the newest park that we have in the Northwest Territories, or the country, I guess. Thaidene Nene means the land of our ancestors. On August 20 th , we flew from here to Yellowknife with a group of people from Parks Canada, from the federal government, and from the Government of the Northwest Territories to sign an agreement. I wasn't a signatory, but for the signature to be signed by the NWT Metis Government and NWT Metis Nation in Fort Resolution. It was a very beautiful event.

The people from the Metis Nation arrived in Fort Resolution from both Fort Smith and Hay River to show their support. The presidents were there. The president of the NWT Metis Nation was also there. It was quite an event. They had thanked the people in Lutselk'e who had been working on this file for many years, 50 years, actually. Apparently, the first indication that the government and the people of Lutselk'e wanted to see that area of our country protected was back in 1969. It was a nice event.

The following day, on August 21, 2019, we again flew from here with a group of people. We flew into Lutselk'e. People from the Deninu Ku'e First Nation, the chief, and some of his membership and some of his counsellors were also there to sign with the Lutselk'e First Nation, the Government of the Northwest Territories' represented by the honourable Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes , R.C. McLeod. Also, the federal government had Catherine McKenna there signing. She is the Minister of Environment , Minister responsible for Parks.

Again, it was a beautiful event. After we were coming back to Yellowknife, Minister McLeod and I were having a short discussion. He indicated to me, and I felt the same way. We had no idea of the huge significance of the Thaidene Nene and how hard they have worked it, how long they have worked for it until you are actually there to see all of the people and how happy people were, the cheering. We had a full house. Just about everyone in the community was there to wish the people well who were now going to be responsible for protecting that area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Members' Statements

Page 6356

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Development of a Polytechnic University

Members' Statements

Page 6356

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the most exciting opportunities for the future in the NWT is the development of a polytechnic university. I am proud that we are taking steps towards making this a reality.

Earlier this week, the Minister released the Strategic Framework for Post-Secondary Education in the NWT. In that framework, I was happy to see the next steps include a strategic plan for Aurora College and an implementation plan for its transformation plan into a polytechnic university. It recognizes that an effective, sustainable institution will remain the central pillar of our post-secondary system.

Mr. Speaker, the world is changing in many ways, and a polytechnic institution is what we need to keep up. It will provide many opportunities for northerners in the growth of a knowledge economy and the development of a capable and versatile northern labour force.

It will support partnerships with other northern institutions, and create a hub for the creation and exchange of ideas among governments, industry, NGOs, and academia. It will reflect our traditional knowledge to create culturally relevant, academic, and applied learning. This will support our growth in culture and language, Indigenous governance, and land-based learning. It will help the NWT take its place at the forefront of academic, circumpolar research, and innovation. It will provide opportunities for our youth in a variety of streams geared to the needs of the growing northern economy.

It will foster a culture of creativity, create new approaches to societal challenges, and create a vibrant conversation across the territory.

A polytechnic university will have many benefits for communities throughout the NWT. As a Yellowknife MLA, I believe that Yellowknife has many of the unique conditions that would allow it to support a polytechnic institution. Yellowknife can support the critical mass of a faculty, research, investment in students that will make a polytechnic institution thrive. It has human and civil infrastructure. It is the centre of all levels of government, and much of our business and industry.

Mr. Speaker, the attention of the world is increasingly on its circumpolar regions. A polytechnic university will help move the NWT into a leadership position, providing the tools we need to meet many of the demands facing us as we move into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Development of a Polytechnic University

Members' Statements

Page 6357

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

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Reflection on the 18th Legislative Assembly and Government of the Northwest Territories Progress

Members' Statements

Page 6357

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Having a sound and stable fiscal strategy empowers our government to address new challenges while maintaining and improving programs and services delivery in a manner that produces positive outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories does an excellent job in promoting our diverse cultures, traditions, and natural resources. Strengthening working relationships with our northern stakeholders and federal counterparts is fundamental to better prepare a fiscal position in capturing and enhancing the opportunities that presents itself.

At the beginning of our term, we were faced with many challenges of realigning our fiscal position through making reductions and implementing revenue initiatives in order to be in a position to make investments as an Assembly. Upon our alignment of reductions and the red alert announcement, there was increased attention to the Arctic and, in particular, the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the Minister of Finance announced he will not be seeking re-election. Under his watch, designing and implementing a fiscal-balanced approach during this Assembly leaves me confident it was the right thing to do. Fiscal deliberations continued, mandate expenditures such as establishing an Ombud's office, and labour concessions. This continued fiscal strategy forged on concerns Northerners shared facing challenges, decisions that our fiscal strategic plan have worked as we have been able to make significant investments in programs and infrastructure during this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, part of the results of these actions have been the development of this coming year's proposed capital plan that will invest $410 million in a variety of capacity-building initiatives and projects. This plan, and all the investments we have made during this Assembly, is something we all should be proud of. Mahsi Mr. Speaker.

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Reflection on the 18th Legislative Assembly and Government of the Northwest Territories Progress

Members' Statements

Page 6357

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Evolution of Aurora College

Members' Statements

Page 6357

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. One of the most remarkable transformations to take place in the life of this Assembly is the approach to post-secondary education, in general, and Aurora College, in particular. Our mandate directed us to expand opportunities for post-secondary education, not to dismiss the Aurora College board, order a foundational review, and make plans to establish a polytechnic university, but that's what has happened and we are better off for it.

The government's decision to cut the college's budget started this transformation. It took weeks of questioning to understand that this was a government decision following a college recommendation. The evidence supporting the cuts shifted several times from the cost of delivery, to the small number of graduates, to the quality of the programs themselves. It's worth remembering the college decided to evaluate the social work program after the decision had been made to chop it. I look forward to the day when it will be reinstated to help meet the objectives of the Child and Family Services Plan introduced this week.

Mr. Speaker, the foundational review was a good idea poorly executed. The consultation was wholly inadequate and, as a result, some of the conclusions were questionable; but it did plant a seed that a polytechnic university is the publicly funded post-secondary institution we both need and want. I want to say that it's unfortunate that the foundational review has caused so much distress in Fort Smith in spite of the Minister's efforts to reassure the community about its continuing importance to post-secondary education.

Since the report came out, many people have taken a turn watering the polytechnic seed, including the City of Yellowknife with its own study of the economic benefits of having a college here in the capital. Meanwhile the department has been busy with the strategic framework tabled this week, setting up an advisory council and preparing for a strategic plan.

Mr. Speaker, this week we passed the Post-Secondary Education Act. This is a solid achievement for everyone who wants to live and learn in the Northwest Territories. It sets us up to establish quality institutions offering transferable credits, and provide for the educated workforce we need now and into the future. It is the foundation of the knowledge economy that we want to continue to develop. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Evolution of Aurora College

Members' Statements

Page 6358

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. If anyone had told me all this good would come from all the disruptive and apparently arbitrary decisions made two-and-a-half years ago, I would have had trouble believing it. My hope is that the 19 th Assembly will continue on the course now set for a promising future. Mahsi.

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Evolution of Aurora College

Members' Statements

Page 6358

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Members' Statements

Page 6358

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Yesterday was a great day for the people of Lutselk'e, safeguarding our natural legacy for all NWT citizens, and development of the conservation economy. Leaders of the Governments of Canada, the Northwest Territories, and the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation officially signed the establishment agreements for the 26,000-square-kilometre protected area now formally known as Thaidene Nene. Mahsi cho for this important work.

This success came at the end of a long road that began in 1970, when land was set aside, and it was reignited in 2000, with the opening of negotiations towards the creation of a federal national park reserve. In 2004, the Lutselk'e Dene formally approved the boundary, vision, and name for Thaidene Nene, which means "Land of the Ancestors." Post-devolution, negotiations began to include the GNWT, leading to the agreements yesterday.

Continuing operation and management of Thaidene Nene will be through a consensus board shared by the Lutselk'e Dene and public government representatives. Industrial development is not permitted in the area. Infrastructure corridors may be allowed in the 9,000-square-kilometre territorial protected area, but they will require a rigorous process, including public comment and written reasons. A visitor, operations, and heritage centre will be built in Lutselk'e, creating initial direct employment estimated at 18 positions, including eight full-time jobs.

A regional management body including all Akaitcho communities, the Metis Nation, and federal and NWT governments must be set up, providing high-level collaboration on strategic and cooperative issues. In order to achieve the actual protection, the GNWT must now move swiftly to create the required regulations under the Protected Areas Act.

Then there is the money, Mr. Speaker. Canada will invest $40 million towards infrastructure national park reserve operations in the first 12 years, and $3.4 million annually for operations thereafter. Canada has even committed to invest $7.9 million towards the establishment and operation of the GNWT portion of Thaidene Nene. I haven't seen any firm commitments on investment from our government, not even a news release or a Minister's statement announcing this major event. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Members' Statements

Page 6358

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. It's not clear whether there is a territorial vision for protected areas and the conservation economy. Are protected areas going to be paper exercises, or is this government ready to embrace the opportunity to diversify our economy with commensurate investments? I'll have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Members' Statements

Page 6359

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Seniors Aging In Place

Members' Statements

Page 6359

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For seniors and elders, aging in place means having the health, social support, and services needed to live safely and independently in one's home or community for as long as one wishes and is able. There are many benefits for seniors and elders who are able to remain in their home and community as they grow older that helps them maintain as much independence as possible. They can continue to enjoy familiar settings and routines. As well, they can benefit from the friendships and relationships built over the years they have lived in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday both the Minister of Health and Social Services and the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation talked about the work their departments are doing to help seniors age in place. This work is vital to the health and well-being of our seniors. As the Minister of Health pointed out, our seniors and elders will make up over 20 percent of our territorial population by 2035. We need to put the right supports in place now so we're ready to support our aging population.

I am pleased to see the "What We Heard Report on Continuing Care Facility Legislation" tabled yesterday by the Minister of Health . I support the idea of the legislation 100 percent, and I look forward to having the opportunity to review this report in detail. Many of our elders and seniors, especially those who are very aged or infirm, are among our most vulnerable citizens. We have legislation in place to protect the interests of our children, and I have long believed that we need have the same kind of protection for seniors.

The sad fact is that some of the most elderly members of the population suffer financial, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of family members and relatives. We need to ensure that they are able to access care and support to ensure that they are able to enjoy their senior years comfortably and free from worry.

I believe that members of our elderly population are entitled to a level of care that is set out in legislation, which is designed to have their best interests at heart. As I mentioned in my reply to the Commissioner's opening address, I feel strongly that this legislation should mandate seniors and elders advocate positions in each regional centre. They would be people who seniors could go to for help accessing programs. They would be the eyes and ears for the elders, making sure that they know what supports are available to them and helping them access these programs, especially their family.

I am hopeful that people in Nahendeh will return me to the 19 th Assembly, and I will continue to look forward to having input into the continuing care legislation to ensure that the NWT's seniors are served by a seniors and elders advocate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Seniors Aging In Place

Members' Statements

Page 6359

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Members' Statements

Page 6359

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT has government services officers, or GSOs, working in 22 single-window service centres across the Northwest Territories. These GSOs help people in the smaller communities by helping them to access government programs and services and by putting them in touch with the right people to answer their questions or help them with their problems. I fully support this program, Mr. Speaker, which helps make the GNWT more accessible for my constituents and other communities in the NWT.

In March of 2017 the Premier announced a joint 12-month service delivery pilot project in Fort Providence, Fort Liard, and Tuktoyaktuk. Government service officers in these communities were trained to provide in-person services on behalf of Service Canada, the federal government's single-window service centre, in addition to their duties for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The government service officers were trained to help residents with applications for six federal programs; Apprenticeship Grants, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Guaranteed Income Supplements, Old Age Security, and the Wage Earner Protection Program. Fifteen single-window service centres have now expanded their services to help deliver these federal programs and services.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I am hearing about the frustration that GSOs are experiencing with respect to providing access to the federal programs and services. They are having difficulty with the federal government's computer system. I am hearing that the system shuts down a lot, freezes, and that, even when it is up and running, it is slow to access. Considering that these are GNWT employees, I am wondering if it might not be better to have them stick to helping the people with GNWT programs and services.

A lot of time and effort has gone into providing training to our GSOs, and would hate to see anyone leave their jobs because they are frustrated with the federal government's outdated software. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Members' Statements

Page 6360

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our GSOs have been providing all these programs, federal programs, prior to having to just log into the software, and that's where the issue is. I'll have questions for the Premier later today. Thank you.

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Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Members' Statements

Page 6360

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

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Perspectives on Leadership and Governance

Members' Statements

Page 6360

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

[Translation] I want to talk in Slavey, my language. It's pretty hard for me to speak it, but it's my language. I want to know that it's good to speak my language if I have to. Many times, I have been in meetings, and we will talk about our government, talk about our leaders, and an elder said that: whoever is the boss of this land, who you call the boss of the land, is he looking after all the land? How come you guys, we don't see them very often? If we speak in Slavey, in our language, we say that we're looking at the land, the boss of the land. All the time, we look at the government that way.

When we say something is the boss, he's looking after something. Many times, if you're looking after the House, it's looking at people who are giving you money. In our language, that's how it is. We as Dene people, we should look at saying our own boss, us, we being our own boss; but in the community, the moms, the dads, the elders, all those are the bosses of the community. If you look in the past, whoever is the oldest, the elder, that's the one you talk to.

In the community, the band council, the Metis, the government, you look at this self-government. The council, you look at that, too. Many times they work together. We call them regions. Look at the Deh Cho region, for example. There are about seven communities working together. Over here in the Northwest Territories, we look at this. If we look at who's the boss, they all talk the same language, and when you're the boss for the Dene people, it's you who is the boss. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation ends.]

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Perspectives on Leadership and Governance

Members' Statements

Page 6360

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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Tax Incentives to Support Economic Development

Members' Statements

Page 6360

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to speak on the subject of tax incentives. Tax incentives are an effective way to stimulate and encourage certain types of economic behaviour for both the private sector and households alike. In the NWT, we have, on average, a 97-percent tax filing rate for residents, which means that any changes to the tax code will directly affect almost all Northerners, and if we do it right, tax breaks will put more money into the pockets of Northerners.

We, as a territory, need to address the deficiency of investment capital flowing into the jurisdiction, among other issues, if we are to reverse the down ward economic growth that still grips our territory. Appropriately targeted tax credits, if implemented by the next Assembly, can lay the foundation for a prosperous upturn in our economy.

Incentivizing research and development would encourage research institutions to invest and spend here in the NWT, giving the territory useful and long-lasting relationships with educational institutions from all around the world, in turn stimulating made-in-the-North innovations.

Increasing our competitiveness would bring in countless secondary and tertiary effects into our economy, allowing the NWT to stand its own against larger southern jurisdictions. It is expensive to live in the North, and employers will tell you that it can be frighteningly expensive to retain skilled employees.

Properly targeted tax incentives can help alleviate this burden, which, in turn, will pump more money into the local economy, in a way of reinvesting tax dollars into our communities.

Appropriately targeted tax credits can work to benefit investment, family finances, innovation, economic growth, and societal behavioural shifts. We are at a precipice. We, and the next Assembly, must take swift and concrete action to address our shrinking economy; otherwise, we risk seeing further cuts to services, a shrinking population, and an ever-growing higher cost of living, all of which needs to be urgently addressed by the future government.

Mr. Speaker, these issues I raise today in our penultimate session because I have been raising them for a long time, and it doesn't seem like the approach of the GNWT has been to pursue tax credits as a way to incentivize behaviour and to move things along in our economy. It needs to be done. We need to take a different approach, because what we are doing just isn't working. Thank you.

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Tax Incentives to Support Economic Development

Members' Statements

Page 6360

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

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Arctic Policy Framework

Members' Statements

Page 6361

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about the long-awaited Arctic Policy Framework that the federal government has been working on for the last two-and-a-half years and should be unveiling any time now.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 10 years since the federal government released its first Arctic Policy Framework, so Canada is long overdue for an updated set of policy directives regarding our Arctic region. I think it is worth noting that among the many differences between our pending framework and last decade's framework is the fact that, this time around, our federal government seems to be much more hands-on in terms of engaging and consulting with Northerners. This time around, Mr. Speaker, I see the feds have reached out not only to territorial governments, but to Indigenous governments, civil society, industry leaders, and the average citizens, as well.

As we wait for the official announcement of this policy framework, I would like to share some of the key points of interest that I personally hope to see in the federal plan. Most of these ideas have already been talked about throughout various draft documents that the Government of the Northwest Territories has published from engagement sessions with stakeholders.

I hope to see a

section of the framework address some of the many social issues that Northerners regularly experience, such as food insecurity, housing inadequacy and homelessness, high rates of suicide, and large gaps in education and general health outcomes.

In terms of infrastructure, I hope to see more details on how and when the feds intend to provide high-speed Internet to all Arctic communities, along with ideas on how communities can improve access to affordable and sustainable energy options. I also hope that the framework will provide support options for helping northern businesses grow and retain their wealth within the Arctic while simultaneously helping to foster stronger economic ties with southern Canada.

I encourage our Premier to advocate up to the very last minute of this Assembly on the Arctic Policy Framework. I could go on, as there are many common issues that exist all throughout the Arctic communities and in Canada. I don't know exactly what will be included in the final policy framework, but, Mr. Speaker, looking forward, I hope that all levels of government work together to improve the quality of life in the Northwest Territories and our neighbours around the Arctic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Arctic Policy Framework

Members' Statements

Page 6361

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6361

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Colleagues, [Translation] I would like to welcome Nora Doig to the hall, and also the chief of Detah, Chief Eddie Sangris. I would like to welcome them. [Translation ends] Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6361

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and welcome Rylund Johnson. Rylund is a Yellowknife North constituent and will be a fellow candidate in the upcoming election. Welcome. I also want to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, like you, to welcome friend and chief of Yellowknives Dene and re-elected, I believe, for a fourth term, Chief Ed Sangris. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6361

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. 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 6361

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to take a moment to recognize some visitors in the gallery, Ms. Yvonne Hopkins and Amanda Baton, with the Northwest Territories Native Women's Association; also, Yolanda Chapman, who is with Intergovernmental Affairs; and my one and only power woman, the Minister's advisor for women issues, Ms. Elizabeth, commonly known as Sabet, Biscaye. She rocks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6361

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6361

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Chief Edward Sangris of the YK Dene First Nations, and I would like to also recognize Pascal Erasmus, who has been my constituency assistant for the last year. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6361

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. 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 6361

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to recognize a constituent of Yellowknife South, Yolanda Chapman. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6361

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6362

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Mr. Pascal Erasmus. He works with myself and Tom, and it is good to see young people like that working for MLAs who live in different regions of the territory. It really helps grow our capacity within an individual. I would like to thank Pascal for his help over the last couple of weeks, especially during the final bit of session, and also to Mr. Rylund Johnson, as well. I see that he is running in the next territorial election. I wish him luck. We have had a lot of aspiring politicians sit over the last couple of weeks, and it is good to see him in on the action.

As well, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Nora Doig from Behchoko. She is with the Community Foundations of Canada, and also Melanie Blanchette, from Community Foundations of Canada. I see that they may be starting up a foundation in Inuvik, and possibly Iqaluit, so any retiring politicians might want to go and talk to her.

Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my wife, Yvonne. It has been a ride, Mr. Speaker. We get to go hunt in my region and her region, and also representing our country on international meetings around this world, so I really appreciate her support. Honestly I don't know how I could put up with some people without her support, so I really do appreciate that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6362

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6362

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Chief Ed Sangris. I haven't had the chance to congratulate him in person, so I am doing it now. You are getting a lot of love today, Chief, and it is well-deserved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6362

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. 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 6362

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Yvonne Nakimayak, beneficiary of the Sahtu land claim, and recognize Chief Ed Sangris on his recent election victory and a mentor to my son, Arnold. Mahsi.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6362

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery, thanks for being here with us. It is always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Mahsi. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

Oral Questions

Page 6362

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my statement today I spoke about one of the most exciting things in the NWT's future. Of course, that is the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . I would like to ask the Minister: the post-secondary strategic framework refers to a strategic plan for Aurora College to be followed by an implementation plan for its transformation into a polytechnic university. Can the Minister tell us what the timeline is for these next important steps? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

Oral Questions

Page 6362

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister Education, Culture and Employment.

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

Oral Questions

Page 6362

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Initially, when we did the review and we talked about becoming a polytechnic university, I am always trying to be optimistic. I have learned, being a Cabinet Minister. "Under-commit and over-perform" is my motto. I had five, six years probably. We are moving. We are getting this gung-ho. We are going forward.

We do have a tentative timeline for the strategic framework for the Aurora College. That will be beginning in the fall. Then, when it will be done will be a little bit difficult to say. I am assuming that, in the fall, there will be a new Cabinet. At that point, a new Minister will be overseeing it. I can say that the work has been started, and the process will begin this fall. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

Oral Questions

Page 6362

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you to the Minister for her response. I appreciate that the Minister is feeling more positive about this and that we are beginning soon. I appreciate that. In news reports about the government's post-secondary strategic framework, the Minister referred to the idea of having a bricks-and-mortar campus as being, let's call it, old. Some people are concerned that that means she is backing away from the idea of a polytechnic institution. Can the Minister clarify or shed some light on what she intended?

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

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Page 6362

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Yes. I would love to actually clarify because sometimes my mouth goes a little bit faster than my brain, or vice versa. Sometimes, things don't get out there the way they should. I will start by saying that, when I said that the idea of bricks-and-mortar is old, I did clarify and say that, as an old woman, sometimes our old perceptions are that post-secondary education has to be bricks and mortar.

The question came up in regards to where is the headquarters going to be, the age-old question that has come up. I said maybe it is time to stop thinking about where the headquarters will be. In fact, the whole idea of bricks-and-mortar and that is kind of an old concept, maybe from old people like me. We are in an age of technology. We are in an age of the future. Technology, where it has come in the last 20, 30 years, where it is going to be in the next five, 10 years is incredible, the strides we are making.

If we don't include technology as a reality and we don't also consider the feedback from students when I went to the communities who said, "I want to stay in my own community." I am talking about students who are young, students who might be single parents, students who financial resources might be an issue, social isolation, they are not used to big cities, all those factors.

When I said that "We need to look at bricks and mortars. Is that the right way?" it wasn't meant to say we are throwing it out. There will always be a need for campuses. We have programs such as one of our most successful, the nursing program, that will always need labs. Some programs will always need tools within a bricks-and-mortar setting. We also need to look at programs that we can access students via technology, utilizing, for example, our 21 community learning centres in the communities. Can we access them? When we give up programs because there is not enough attendance and we could have accessed students via the internet, then we need to look at that.

Again, my statement of old was an analogy about my age, as well. The intention was that we will not have any campuses. It means we need to be inclusive and flexible and look at all modes of providing education for our students.

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

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Page 6363

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you to the Minister for that lengthy reply and for providing that clarification. I mean, we all know that sometimes, when we are paraphrased in articles, it can be seen in a different light. I appreciate the clarification. With that said, I would like to learn a little bit more from the Minister. If there is this intention, not intention but let's say this less emphasis on a physical location and more, call it Internet access and communication, online access, how would a polytechnic attract business investment, let's say, and scientific research and partnerships with other institutions if we don't have the physical asset?

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Page 6363

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Again, in clarifying, we will always need bricks and mortar. Maybe not. Maybe I am again thinking narrowly. Maybe another 50 or 100 years, we won't. At this point in society, we still need those bricks-and-mortar. We are making money at our college/university institute in Inuvik. I mean, it is renting out spaces to and being utilized by scientists internationally. Why would we give that up? It is necessary. There is potential. Like I said, we need programs that will have access to tools and labs that you need in a brick-and-mortar setting. Those will bring investments.

The whole point is that we need to reach our students. Every student in the Northwest Territories needs to have an option, an opportunity to actually become educated. For Indigenous people, that is even more important. Education took our culture away, and education is the key to bringing it back. We need to look at how we can get our education system into every single community in the Northwest Territories.

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

Oral Questions

Page 6363

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

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Page 6363

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for her reply. I appreciate that. Many of the benefits of a post-secondary institution exist beyond the academic content of courses but, instead, come through networking and social connections among students and faculty from different backgrounds. That is some of the importance of coming together at a place, at a centre. Would the Minister agree that these are important qualities supported by a physical campus? If there is to be a physical polytechnic campus, does it make sense that such a campus would be located in the capital, in Yellowknife? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 6363

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Absolutely. It makes sense that we have supports for students. One of the best things about remembering when I was back in university, again, I am old so it was quite a long time ago. When I was back in university, some of the best supports I had were from my peers. I am assuming that that is still relevant. I have been to the campus in Yellowknife. They are meeting in the stairwell. It is not even a space. I wouldn't even call that a student area. It is not the campus's fault. It is not Yellowknife's fault. It is the fault that we have outgrown it. Yellowknife is bulging at the seams.

Would I say that we need to consider that? Absolutely. What I would say is that we made a commitment that we would have three strong campuses in three strong communities and 21 strong community learning centres. That means that Inuvik, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife all need to be looked at. Currently, though, the one that needs the campus right away is the Yellowknife one.

I am not going to say, "Does it make sense for it to be in Yellowknife?" What I will say is that Yellowknife needs a campus. All three communities need to be sustainable, promoted, and not only the three communities, the 21 community learning centres. Again, the goals within our foundational framework said student-focused, increased access, local, regional needs, amongst others. Our commitment is to maintaining that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 845-18(3): Polytechnic University

Oral Questions

Page 6364

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

I would like to remind the House that it has been almost 10 minutes, and we have only had one question. Both sides'

preamble, answering questions, if it can be shortened, because this can lead to written statements, written questions. I have to remind Members it has been 10 minutes, only one question period. Just a reminder to Members. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 846-18(3): Continuing Care Facilities Legislation

Oral Questions

Page 6364

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I spoke about seniors and elders. Today my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . My first question: what are the next steps for the department with respect to the continuing care facility legislative initiative? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 846-18(3): Continuing Care Facilities Legislation

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Page 6364

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 846-18(3): Continuing Care Facilities Legislation

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Page 6364

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is currently a legislative gap for residential community care services in the Northwest Territories. That includes long-term care facilities that are run by not-for-profit organizations, supported living facilities, as well as group homes. It is more than just long-term care facilities that we are talking about now. The "What We Heard" document is what we heard from a wide range of stakeholders throughout the Northwest Territories.

The next step is to develop an LP. These are the dying days of this Legislative Assembly, so I have asked the department to put together materials that could be shared with the new Minister, so that he or she can work with committees to finalize and put forward an LP that will meet the needs of the people of the Northwest Territories.

It is not going to be super straightforward, Mr. Speaker, as you can see in the "what we heard" document. There are a lot of varied opinions on how we need to move forward on this, and those will be discussions and debates that will need to be had in the next Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Can the Minister advise us if there is a timeline in mind for when this legislation might be coming forward?

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Page 6364

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

No. At the end of the day, it's going to be the next Assembly that makes the decisions as to whether they even want to move forward with an LP on this initiative. I personally believe that it needs to be done. I think that it is necessary and incredibly important, because we do have a legislative gap. As I have said, I have asked the department to put together the materials so that the new Minister, regardless of who he or she is, can make some informed decisions and work with committee, who can also receive this information during their technical briefings in the life of the new Assembly, so that they can make informed decisions, and hopefully, they will see this as a priority.

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Page 6364

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I agree with the Minister. I think that it should be a priority for the 19 th , but we will have to wait and see who is here in the 19 th Assembly. Looking at the "what we heard" report, I didn't see any specific proposal to create advocate positions, but I have heard this idea talked before, even before I was an MLA. It is good to have the legislation, but we need to be forward-thinking about putting these positions out there. Is this part of the discussion moving forward?

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Page 6364

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Prior to the last election, the Seniors' Society did put out some information on the creation offer a seniors' advocate. The continuing care action plan or the "what we heard" document is more than just seniors, as I have indicated. It's special care homes; it's all these situations where somebody might have to live within an institution. There is no reference to an advocate in there, but once again, that is something that the next Assembly will have to discuss as they are reviewing the LP and trying to figure out how to move this initiative forward.

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Page 6364

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Page 6364

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the Minister for his answers. I have heard this from the Minister; he's already going to put something together for the new Minister coming forward. Would he try to encourage the department to reach out to the new Members of the 19 th Assembly to get their input on this initiative before finalizing an LP, just to see what also might be out there? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I have gone one step further than that. I have actually asked them to include it in transition materials coming from this department to the committees and to all new elected Members so that they can make an informed decision. As far as the LP, we have a process and protocols on how LPs work. It will come from a Minister, and it will go to committee, who have an opportunity to suggest amendments, changes, or reject or accept. There will be definite interaction moving this LP forward, as any. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 846-18(3): Continuing Care Facilities Legislation

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Page 6364

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

Oral Questions

Page 6365

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . As the population of seniors grows, so does the demand for homecare so that they can age in place. Of course, the Minister is well aware of this. I know that he has contracted a review of home and community care. Can the Minister begin by reminding us of the purpose of this study? Thank you.

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

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Page 6365

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

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Page 6365

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The intent of this study is to determine whether or not we have adequate resources in this area, including homecare workers, home support workers, homecare nurses, and other things to help support, not just seniors and people who are looking to age in place, but all people of the Northwest Territories who receive homecare services. It's not always seniors; there are many people that can receive those services. That is the intent: to give us an indication of where we are and whether we are adequately resourced to meet the needs of our residents.

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Page 6365

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the reminder from the Minister that homecare is actually for all us. I benefited greatly from their attention during an accident that I had at the beginning of this Assembly. My question for the Minister is: what is the status of the homecare study now, and does he know when it will be made public?

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

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Page 6365

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

We received an early draft in the middle of July, and it did raise a number of questions about some of the findings based on the data. Clearly it indicated that there were some difficulties getting some of the data. We had to confirm some of the data. We sent back some comments and some updates on the data to make sure that the contractor had accurate information in their assessments and in their provision of recommendations.

I have been told by the department earlier today that we will get that report at the end of August. We will make it available. It likely will not come to the existing MLAs in time for the election, but we will make it public, hopefully during the election period, so that everybody who is interested in coming into this building can have the data that they need to make informed decisions in the future.

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

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Page 6365

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I wonder what the plan is to secure the money to implement the report's recommendations. I realize that there is an election coming, but will there be any work done on an FMB submission so that there will be money for additional resources, should they be required?

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Page 6365

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

That is going to have to be a decision of the future Assembly and the future government. What I do know is that, through the transition document, there have been some suggestions on how we roll forward or, rather, the future government rolls forward with their budgeting process. I anticipate that this will be an area of discussion. We are hoping to have the information necessary so that there can be an informed discussion in run-up to that budget process.

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

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Page 6365

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

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Page 6365

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I receive a lot of calls from seniors who are concerned about homecare services. Ultimately, what I would like to leave them with is when they will see the benefit of the recommendations of this report. Thank you.

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Page 6365

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

It won't be in the life of this government, and I would hate to presuppose what the priorities of the next Assembly are going to be. Unfortunately, as much as I would love to give the Member an answer saying, "This will happen on X date," I just can't do it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 847-18(3): Seniors' Home Care

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Page 6365

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Oral Questions

Page 6365

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources . My understanding is that regulations must be in place to enable final protections for Thaidene Nene. Is this the case, and when will regulations be completed? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

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Page 6365

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources .

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

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Page 6365

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh said before, it was a great event that we went to yesterday, and a lot of that came as a result of our passing the Protected Areas Act, so anyone who had anything to do with that should be very proud of how it turned out for the folks in Lutselk'e.

To the Member's question, the signed establishment agreement legally binds the GNWT to establish Thaidene Nene. However, protected areas are formally established under the Protected Areas Act by regulation. Site-specific to Thaidene Nene, skeleton regulations have been drafted to establish Thaidene Nene territorial protected area and will be signed by the Commissioner shortly. The full comprehensive set of regulations will be developed within 18 months of establishment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

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Page 6366

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

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Page 6366

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

The GNWT has committed $290,000 annually to the ongoing management of Thaidene Nene. Additionally, as the Member pointed out, they are getting some funding from Canada. These funds will allow the GNT Lutselk'e Dene First Nation, Deninu K'ue First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the Northwest Territories Metis Nation to effectively manage Thaidene Nene for the next four years.

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Page 6366

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I'm not sure that $290,000 from our government is going to do it, but I guess that will be up to the 19 th Assembly. I was on the ENR website this morning, and there is now a rudimentary public registry for protected areas. Can the Minister tell us what the plans are to complete a public registry, and when will it be fully functional?

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

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Page 6366

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Before I respond to the Member's question, the first question on the funding, there is significant funding coming from Canada as part of their agreements with the local Aboriginal governments on the federal portion of the park, and the $290,000 is on our portion of the park. They will be significantly funded, and it is going to help with the work going on in the park in the future.

ENR is working towards establishing a new website registry early in the life of the next Legislative Assembly.

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

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Page 6366

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Oral Questions

Page 6366

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Thanks to the Minister for that. As I said in my statement, it's one thing to create a protected area on paper, and it's another to have a vision and a role for protected areas in the NWT economy. Can the Minister explain this government's vision and commitments towards the conservation economy?

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Oral Questions

Page 6366

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

A lot of the governments across the Northwest Territories have a vision, and we heard from the vision from the folks in Lutselk'e yesterday on 50 years. It was a 50-year vision, a story, and I'll share it today that I noted yesterday was one where it said, a former chief had gone down to Ottawa. They said: "Sign this. We're going to establish a park." The chief says: "I'll go talk to my people first, and we'll think about it." They thought about it for 30 years. That's the vision that they had. They wanted to make sure that they have consulted with their people, and made sure they come up with a product that was good for the people that they represent.

The conservation economy, they support the preservation of biodiversity through the creation of protected areas, and I think we did a lot of work in this government on that. We are protecting wildlife. Needless to say, we are protecting a way of life for Northerners. We are also trying to strengthen local economies in respecting culture and values, and we are committed to work with the Indigenous governments to realize a shared vision, a shared vision toward a strengthening conservation economy.

Opportunities and products that support Indigenous economies, eco-tourism developed within protected areas would be a focus. This would benefit local Indigenous government communities and the NWT economy overall by providing local, meaningful employment, new infrastructure, and new local business.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT along with all our partners have a vision for the future of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Question 848-18(3): Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

Oral Questions

Page 6366

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6366

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Honourable Premier . As I mentioned, there are a few issues with the network that our GSOs are using, computers freezing. It seems like there's a problem when they're entering the data. That's a whole issue here. It's not filling out the forms. They've been doing it prior to this. I'd like to ask the Premier : is the Department of Executive aware of problems that some GSOs are having navigating the federal system? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6366

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Honourable Premier .

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our GSOs are there to provide services to community members who need it, in whatever capacity, if they are having problems connecting with federal programs. Generally, our GSOs are aware of it, and they try to take steps so that we can improve the connectivity. As well, we all know how difficult it is to access federal programs. If you want to talk to somebody at the CRA, you've got to phone, wait on the line for 10, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and then it will cut you off automatically because that's the way their programs are designed. It is very difficult to get through.

You've got to spend a lot of time, and then we complain about it. I guess the best example is where everybody was getting audited on an annual basis for filing and claiming VTA travel, and we complain about it, and they check it out, and it was true. We were being audited a lot more than the rest of Canada. CRA took steps to set up headquarters in each of the three northern territories. We work with them. We don't have all the detailed information, but we are aware of most of the concerns.

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

I'd like to ask the Premier : what does the department do to obtain feedback from GSOs on how things are going, and is there a formal process for them to give feedback?

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Through our government setup, all the GSOs are in regular contact with regional directors. Also, we bring them to Yellowknife at least twice a year for a regular gathering to discuss all of the issues, and it's also an opportunity for us to brief them and bring them up to date on programming. We also invite the federal government to do the same with their programming that reaches out into the communities.

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

As I mentioned, there are concerns from a couple of GSOs talking about how the program is being offered. They know it's a great program. You know they're happy doing what they do, but their challenge is dealing with the federal government's outdated network. That's the whole issue here. Like they say, they're always listening, so I'm sure they will tackle it pretty quickly here. What is being done or can be done to address the concerns raised by the GSOs?

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

We bring these concerns to the attention of the various federal department contacts. Also, where we've been working with different federal departments, we try to work with them so that we can get them to address some of the specific complaints. For example, the CRA, they have an NWT office here in Yellowknife, so it makes it a lot easier for us to contact them and tell them what the specific problems are. Certainly, we get much faster service now where we can just go down the street to talk to them instead of trying to contact somebody in Winnipeg by telephone.

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This pilot project started in Tsiigehtchic, actually, and I have been in full support of this program right from the start. I would like to ask the Premier : has the original pilot project now been turned into a permanent arrangement with Service Canada, and do you have plans to expand the federal part of the program to the remaining single-window service centres? Hopefully, that will be full-time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

We are not out there looking for business; it's generally the federal government found out about our GSO program. They approached us to see if we can help them provide better service to the communities. Certainly their objectives are the same as ours where we want to make sure that seniors in the communities get full access to whatever benefits they are entitled to. That is the premise of the program. The pilot projects showed that there is not a lot of demand for federal services.

I don't know what areas we would expand to, but certainly, I think that the federal government felt that it was sufficient for them to want to expand the program. We are quite prepared to continue working on that basis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 849-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Government Service Officers and Service Canada

Oral Questions

Page 6367

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Item 10, replies to the Commissioner's opening address. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Mr. Beaulieu's Reply

Replies To The Commissioner's Opening Address

Page 6367

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have served 12 years in the Legislative Assembly. For people who don't realize how long that is, I will tell you a little story.

Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to work with a well-known MLA named Tom Butters, and Mr. Butters said to me, "I want you to go to Kugluktuk, and go talk to the MLA up there about housing." One thing led to another, and Mr. Peterson and I had a discussion about many things, one of which was the length of time that MLAs spend in the Legislative Assembly.

This, I would say, was in about the mid-1990s at that time, maybe a little bit earlier, but Mr. Peterson said to me, "Did you know that the average time that an MLA spends in the Legislative Assembly is four years?" He said, "Not much longer than four years." I didn't know that. At that time, I thought it must be longer than that; there are guys who have served forever. He said, "I'm not saying that it is four years because that's generally the term, but some people serve less than that, and overall, the average is not much longer than four years."

You look around the room. I mean, there are people in here who served four years, but there are people in here who have served a long time. I am one of those people. I had the opportunity to serve the people of Tu Nedhe for 12 years, and I had the opportunity to serve the people of Wiilideh for four years. At that time, I thought that that would be an easy job to do, working in the Legislative Assembly for four years, 10 years, 12 years, whatever it takes. It is a great job, but it is also the most difficult job I think that anybody could have.

People who serve in the Legislative Assembly know what it is like to be able to advocate for your people and do work for your people. At the end of the day, you still have to go back four years later. No matter what a good job you have done, you are still going to have opposition; you are still going to have people who are not happy with you; you are still going to have people who don't want you in the Legislative Assembly, whether you address every issue or not. I'm not trying to be ungrateful, Mr. Speaker, but to say that the reason that this job is so difficult is because it is so thankless.

We do what we can to help people, and then, at the end of the day, there are a lot of good things that we do with each other. We meet a lot of friends in the Assembly, but at the end of the day, it is something that I find quite difficult. I am not going to stand up here and be negative, but I would like to touch on some of the issues that I have encountered during my 12 years in the Legislative Assembly.

I would like to talk a little bit about the issues that I encountered 12 years ago. Twelve years ago, when I got here, I thought, "What are the main issues?" I had a background in housing, and I worked for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well, before I came here. I realized that working in social housing was a difficult job. That was the most difficult thing to do, because I had been there so long, and I had been working on it.

I thought about the whole idea and the plan, and what the idea of housing was, was that the Housing Corporation was put in place in 1974 to be able to house the people of the Northwest Territories who could not afford to house themselves. At some point, Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation was to divest the housing that they were renting out through the public housing program.

I thought, "Well, this doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me," until I started working in it, and started to realize, yes, it is designed that way for a good reason. The good reason is that, if a Housing Corporation continues to retain its public housing inventory and does not divest the public housing once the CMHC mortgage is paid off, then they will have to come back to the GNWT for more money. I don't think that that was the intent. I think that the intent of divesting public housing was so that the communities could have a market.

At some point, whether we call it a quasi-market, no market, a strong market, or a weak market, it would have a market. What you have in a market, Mr. Speaker, is you have investment, personal investment. When you own a house, as many of us do in this Assembly, you take care of your house so that you don't have huge bills. You make sure that the house is something that you can pass on.

You make sure that the house remains in the family, and when there is something that needs to be done, you go down to the hardware store or anywhere else, or order materials if you are in a small community, in order to make sure that the house is maintained, and that you are continuing to build a market. I thought that the Housing Corporation should go in that direction.

Many years ago, as I said, when I was in the Housing Corporation, I thought, you know, the Housing Corporation would have huge economic spinoffs if we were able to divest ourselves of the public housing that we no longer need as public housing. It wasn't like we were reducing the amount of housing that we had for the people. Mr. Speaker, we were going to maintain the same amount of houses, but instead of the people of the Northwest Territories paying for 2,400 public housing units, they would be maybe paying for, at the end of the day, 1,400 public housing units, because there are people in public housing that could afford to operate their own houses.

Also, I thought, "Well, if the people in public housing were to own their own houses, what would be needed?" That is something that I stood up in this House and talked about a lot, and that is employment. I thought, well, how do we as the Government of the Northwest Territories create employment? Well, there's a lot of employment in fixing up houses, for example. By giving people in the Northwest Territories the programs and the contribution agreements and fixing up the houses, that would create a bit of an economy, and dividing the difference between what the core need of housing is and what the affordable housing is. So many people have the two mixed up completely.

I asked the Minister, the previous Minister, in this Assembly if the Department of Infrastructure could solve housing issues, if they could eliminate core needs, and she said no, it's the responsibility of the NWT Housing Co