Debates of April 6th, 1995

This is page numbers 853 - 883 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 7th 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 recall .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Tribute To The Norris Family

Proposed Recall Legislation

Success Of First Constitutional Conference For The New Western Territory

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

GNWT Assistance To Elders

Financing Of Two New Territories

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Vote 4 Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Qualifications Of Official Languages Coordinator

Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Discussions With Federal Minister Re Funding For Division

Responsibility For Collection Of Damage Deposits

Preparation For Student Summer Employment

Date Of Eligibility For Metis Health Benefits

Assessment Of Impact Of Cuts To Legal Interpreting Program

Regulation Re Fire Retardant On Canvass Tents

Inclusion Of Metis Health Benefits Funding In Interim Supply Bill

Item 10: Petitions

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Item 15: Notices Of Motions

Bill 32:

An Act To Amend The Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2

Bill 31: Recall Act

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Bill 18: Northwest Territories Energy Corporation Limited Loan Guarantee Act

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 18: Northwest Territories Energy Corporation Limited Loan Guarantee Act

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Mr. Antoine , Hon. Silas Arngna'naaq , Mr. Ballantyne , Hon. Nellie Cournoyea , Mr. Dent , Hon. Samuel Gargan , Hon. Stephen Kakfwi , Mr. Koe , Mr. Lewis , Mrs. Marie-Jewell , Ms. Mike , Hon. Don Morin , Hon. Richard Nerysoo , Hon. Kelvin Ng , Mr. Ningark , Mr. Patterson , Hon. John Pollard , Mr. Pudlat , Mr. Pudluk , Hon. John Todd , Mr. Whitford , Mr. Zoe

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

---Prayer

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 853

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Patterson . Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 60-12(7): Tribute To The Norris Family

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 853

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the Members of this House of the contribution to the administration of justice being made by a remarkable northern family.

On December 4, 1994, Constable Adolphus Norris became a member of the RCMP and joined his two brothers, Wayne and Fred, who became members in 1986 and 1988 respectively.

Constable Wayne Norris and Constable Fred Norris are currently serving here in Yellowknife, while Constable Adolphus Norris has been posted to Fort McPherson.

Mr. Speaker, the Norris brothers are the children of Eunice Norris, who currently lives in Inuvik. Their father, Fred Norris Sr., who moved to Inuvik from Fort McMurray in 1930, passed away in 1981.

In addition to the contributions of the three brothers to the RCMP, the Norris family is also represented in the Department of Justice by their sister, Vina Norris, who is the executive secretary to the assistant deputy minister responsible for the Solicitor General branch.

Mr. Speaker, the Norris family has been, and still are, strong role models for northern families and young people in particular, in demonstrating that they should be looking to the justice system in their search for careers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 60-12(7): Tribute To The Norris Family

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 853

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Lewis .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Proposed Recall Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 853

Brian Lewis

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hear many muted mutterings about the dangers of the Recall Act. Some people are talking as though it is an outlandish idea, even though it has been considered seriously as a contribution to the accountability of politicians.

I find it especially unusual that some of the mutterings are coming from Cabinet Ministers, not ordinary Members. I find this very unusual. The only people who are not subject to recall in this House, at the moment, are ordinary Members. I found general support among ordinary Members for the principle of the bill.

Every day when we are sitting in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker, Cabinet Ministers are subject to recall. On any one day, a Member of Cabinet could be removed by a simple majority of Members in this Chamber. That is a form of recall. And I don't think it is unconstitutional, but maybe the government wants to look at that too. It is very simple, very transparent, all Members in the House can vote, there is no secret ballot. If the majority of Members want a Cabinet Minister to join the ranks of the ordinary Members, all Members have to do is to stick up their hands in support of the motion to remove a Minister and that Minister is history -- at least for the moment.

No one seems to question this practice. It seems to be accepted as an entrenched part of our system. Even in the various proposals to legislate more powers for the Premier , recall, unfortunately, would still exist. Even if she wanted to keep a Minister, there is nothing planned in the legislation to remove the power of the Members to still recall if they wanted to. We already have recall, at least the principle of it, Mr. Speaker, so I wonder why we're muttering about it.

Even in the legislation to give powers to the Premier to remove a Member, the House would still have to be brought together to choose a new Member and there would be nothing stopping Members from putting the same Member back into the Cabinet that the Premier just removed.

The only real power in this House is the will of the majority of the Members and that's the basic principle behind recall. Whoever gives you power has the right to take it away. The only way to be accountable in this Assembly would be to...

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Proposed Recall Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 853

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Lewis , your time is up. Mr. Lewis .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Proposed Recall Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

Brian Lewis

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, it is very unusual that I ask for the indulgence of Members but I would like to have permission to finish my statement.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Proposed Recall Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Lewis .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Proposed Recall Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

Brian Lewis

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've been talking about accountability for a long time, Mr. Speaker, and the only way of improving accountability in this Assembly is to give the Premier power to choose Members of Cabinet and to fire Members of Cabinet. The principle would remain the same then because whoever gives the power would then have the right to take it away. You would still have the principle but at least you would know exactly what the principle is. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Proposed Recall Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Success Of First Constitutional Conference For The New Western Territory

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

Fred Koe

Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today, I will be tabling the report of the first constitutional conference for the new western territory. The conference, which took place from the 18th to the 22nd of January was an enormous success. It generated a spirit of mutual respect and willingness to work together among people from all 34 communities of the western Northwest Territories, men and women, aboriginal and non-aboriginal people, young and old.

It was a big step closer to creating a new constitution and system of government for the western territories. It also sent a strong message to the federal and territorial governments that the people in the west are united in our purpose. The Constitutional Development Steering Committee received a clear mandate to continue to guide the western constitutional process to a second constitutional conference.

As chair of the Constitutional Development Steering Committee, I would like to advise this House that we are now in the process of negotiating our funding for this fiscal year with the federal and territorial governments. Despite economic realities, and we know money is very tight for both the federal and territorial governments, I am confident we can reach a funding agreement that will allow the CDSC to effectively continue the constitutional process.

In the meantime, the federal government has agreed to provide interim funding for the months of April and May while we continue negotiating. I take this as a very positive sign that there is federal support for our process. In the first six to nine months of this year, the CDSC will be coordinating the constitutional research that was identified at the conference. From this research, a constitutional options paper will be produced. It will be the main focus of discussion at the second constitutional conference.

We are planning to involve public advisory groups in the research process to ensure that the research reflects northern realities and includes northern input.

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

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Success Of First Constitutional Conference For The New Western Territory

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Inuvik is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Koe .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Success Of First Constitutional Conference For The New Western Territory

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

Fred Koe

Inuvik

Mahsi. The constitutional options paper will be available well in advance of the conference so regions, communities and individuals can become familiar with it and have a chance to discuss it. Throughout the coming year, there will be regular public information as research information becomes available. CDSC member groups will also be involved in helping to keep people in the western Northwest Territories informed.

I would like to thank the western Members of this House for their active involvement in the first conference and their contribution to its success. I would also like to thank the Nunavut Members for their continuing support. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Success Of First Constitutional Conference For The New Western Territory

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 854

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 1995 marks a major milestone in the history of the 795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. For 25 years, hundreds of Iqaluit youths have received valuable lessons in aviation and good citizenship while wearing the air cadet uniform. The Iqaluit squadron was formed in 1970 to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, to promote physical fitness, to stimulate the interest of youth in the air element of the Canadian armed forces, to promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aeronautics and to assist those intending to pursue a career in the field of aviation.

Under the guidance of expert instructors, the 795 Iqaluit squadron trains up to four or five times a week. The aim of the training is to build better Canadian citizens by encouraging the young people of Iqaluit to invest their spare time in activities that would be of future benefit, both to themselves and their community. Although the cadets are part of a well-controlled and disciplined group, it should be clearly understood that the training is completely voluntary and involves absolutely no military commitments.

The training program is based on the study of aviation and associated subjects which are not only of great interest to youth but, in these times, are of considerable importance to Canada. In the air cadets, young people are given a chance to develop valuable qualities of leadership and for those who attend regularly and display the proper cadet spirit, the program offers a host of interesting and worthwhile training opportunities. In short, air cadet training provides young people with a rewarding outlet for their best efforts.

The 25th annual inspection to be held in Iqaluit on May 27th will mark the completion of what has been another excellent year for the squadron, a year that started last September with the squadron being presented with the following awards: the Air Cadet League of Canada trophy for best squadron in the NWT and Yukon; the Stuart M. Hodgson trophy for best cadet unit in the Northwest Territories; and, the Canadian Forces northern area trophy for best cadet unit in the NWT and Yukon.

The squadron has been under the command of Lieutenant Pat Murphy since November of 1993. Pat was training officer with the unit for one year prior to his appointment as commanding officer.

I would like to request unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 855

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Iqaluit is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 855

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The training officer of the squadron is Captain John Graham, who has been with the Iqaluit unit since 1985. Graham was administration officer for one year until his appointment as commanding officer in 1986. Graham was commanding officer until November 1993 when he turned over command to Pat Murphy. Mr. Graham continues his service with the unit in the capacity of training officer.

The administration officer of the squadron is Civilian Instructor Pat Patrick, who is in his third year of service with the unit. The supply officer is Second Lieutenant Frank Bumstead who has served in the position for four years. The range safety officer is Civilian Instructor Sean MacIntosh who is serving in his first year with the squadron. The senior cadets are: Warrant Officer, First Class, Tim Cucheran; Warrant Officer, Second Class, Michael Salomonie; Flight Sergeants Leo Twerdin and Aron Hirschman; and, Sergeant Ooloo Geetah.

The backbone of the 795 Iqaluit squadron is their sponsor, Royal Canadian Legion, Frobisher Bay Branch No. 4. Legion support of the 795 squadron has been unparalleled throughout the past 25 years. This support confirms the commitment of the branch to the community and, in particular, the air cadet program. This commitment was certainly demonstrated with the construction three years ago of the new $1.2 million air cadet training facility. Congratulations are due to President Dwayne MacIntosh and his executive for their ongoing commitment to the squadron.

It took vision, wisdom and energy to form the 795 Iqaluit Squadron 25 years ago. It has required an enormous voluntary effort and the support of many public-spirited citizens, including the former commanding officers Captain Gerry Morgan, the first CO, 1970-76; Captain Hubert Janszen, 1976-77; Captain Ken Watchorn, 1977-81; Lieutenant Ezio Del-Deggan, 1982-83; Lieutenant Mike Parsons, 1983-85; Lieutenant Shawn Meehan, 1985-86; Capital John Graham, 1986-93; and, long-time sponsor, committee chairman Andy Theriault. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 855

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Patterson . Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 855

Kenoayoak Pudlat

Baffin South

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 855

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

GNWT Assistance To Elders

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 855

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that governments in most developed countries view the treatment and care of their elderly as an issue of top priority. The Government of the Northwest Territories is no exception. They do a good job.

There is absolutely no doubt that we, here in the north, owe a huge debt of gratitude to our elders. They have made this country what it is. They have made sure that we were provided for on a daily basis as we grew up, that we grew up to be healthy in body and spirit, and that we had the opportunity to receive a good life and a good education. Our elders now provide wise role models and are living examples of their courage, strength and wisdom that we can all be proud of. Some of those elders fought in two world wars to ensure that we have the very freedom that we now exercise at this moment when we deal with our and their affairs.

I believe our territorial government has done an excellent job in the area of elder care. Since 1988, the Government of the Northwest Territories programs for seniors have provided many benefits to residents over the age of 60 that are not normally covered by hospitals or medical insurance in other provinces. Those include pharmacare, medical/surgical appliances, supplies and prosthesis, hearing aids, eye glasses, dental care, transportation to and from medical facilities, fuel subsidies, and in addition to those benefits, Mr.

Speaker, our elders are not expected to pay property taxes if they live in their own homes. Our government hopes to provide to as many elders as many seniors' homes as we can financially support.

I note that more and more elders are now choosing to remain in the north rather than move to the south to retire after they reach the end of their working years. Generally speaking, I believe the government must be commended for their assistance to our elder population. Thank you.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

GNWT Assistance To Elders

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 855

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Whitford . Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Financing Of Two New Territories

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 856

Michael Ballantyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I talked about the need in this government and Legislative Assembly to provide energetic and innovative leadership, a team NWT approach to get our economy on the move.

Today I want to talk about a very serious issue that reinforces my belief that we really have to do something and that's the whole issue of financing of division. I've been involved in this process as have many people in this House for many, many years. I remember Mr. Patterson , Mr.

Kakfwi and myself in many, many meetings over the years always had a very fundamental understanding -- as did groups, aboriginal leaders in the east and in the west, the federal government, and our Cabinet and MLAs -- that there would be adequate funding to maintain the same level of programs after division so that the two new territories would have a very good chance to be successful. But I'm getting progressively more concerned as to whether or not that commitment is still there with the federal government.

I am one who has been on the record since 1982 as supporting the aspirations of the people of Nunavut for division, and I certainly don't want to see division sidetracked because there's not enough money. I'm also one who thinks it's very, very important that after division and in the years leading up to division, we maintain harmonious and cooperative relationships between the people of Nunavut and the people of the west. I really don't want to see a civil war erupt over diminishing revenues to support and sustain Nunavut and a western territory.

So I think it's very, very important that aboriginal leaders in the west and in the east, our Legislative Assembly and our Cabinet work very closely together in this particular issue and make it very clear to the federal government that unless there is adequate funding for division, there are going to be some serious problems in our constitutional development here in the Northwest Territories. I would like our government to take leadership in this area, and see what we can do to ensure there's unanimity of approach towards the federal government to make sure we can afford two new territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Financing Of Two New Territories

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 856

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne . Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 356-12(7): Policy Re Funding Personal Care Facilities In Nwt

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 856

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on March 30th concerning policy regarding funding for personal care facilities in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, on March 30, 1995, the honourable Member for Thebacha asked about how fees for seniors living in personal care facilities are determined. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that residents of personal care facilities are charged only for room and board. Residents of personal care facilities do not pay for the services or care they receive. However, the room and board fees are currently based on the level of care required. The room and board fees charged to residents receiving level 1 and 2 care, or "personal care," is $380 a month.

People requiring level 1 care are fairly independent, but may require some guidance or supervision with activities of daily living. At level 2, people are able to get around safely with or without aides, are able to assist in dressing and feeding, and are usually continent. The rate for people requiring personal care is indexed to the consumer price index and increases annually.

The room and board charges for persons receiving level 3 and 4 care, or "nursing home" care, in either a facility or extended care unit in a hospital is determined by the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act. A person requiring level 3 care requires more than assistance and supervision, and is usually not continent. At level 4, a person requires regular and continuous medical attention on a 24 hour basis.

Residents requiring level 3 and 4 care are required to pay the total amount received through monthly pensions received under the Old Age Security Act, and a monthly allowance paid under the Northwest Territories Senior Citizens Benefits Act. This would be less $75 which residents retain for personal comforts. This results in a maximum room and board charge of $895. This amount is adjusted with the quarterly rate changes in old-age security and guaranteed income supplement payments.

Facilities cannot charge more than these rates for room and board to residents.

Mr. Speaker, the former Department of Social Services was responsible for people requiring personal care, and the former Department of Health was responsible for people requiring nursing home care. That is why we currently have these two different methods of determining room and board charges. This is confusing for both families and residents, and unfair, since residents can pay different amounts for the same room and board. In 1995-96, the Department of Health and Social Services plans to implement a single fee for residents of personal care facilities, multi-level care facilities, and long term care.

Mr. Speaker, I have another return, if I may proceed.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 356-12(7): Policy Re Funding Personal Care Facilities In Nwt

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 856

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Proceed, Ms. Cournoyea .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 327-12(7): Funding For Official Languages Directives

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 856

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

It is a return to a question asked by Mr. Titus Allooloo on March 28th, regarding lapses under the languages agreement.

Mr. Allooloo asked about money lapsed under the 1993-94 budget for the Canada-NWT cooperation agreement for French and aboriginal languages and why this money was not used to contract consulting services.

Contract dollars were available under the 1993-94 French language budget, however, these contract dollars were to be used specifically for research on delivery models for French language services.

Due to difficulties in finding a qualified candidate, the project start date was delayed, resulting in a budget lapse of $63,671.

Though the lapse was forecast in advance of the end of the fiscal year, the terms of the past languages agreement were such that there was little flexibility to transfer funding.

The current languages agreement allows much more flexibility to transfer funds as needs arise. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 327-12(7): Funding For Official Languages Directives

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Pollard .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 378-12(7): Review Of Pay Scales For Dental Therapists And Public Health Nurses

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

John Pollard

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a question asked by Mr. Koe on April 3, 1995, concerning the status of collective bargaining with the UNW in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the UNW have been unable to negotiate a collective agreement. In January 1995, the parties met, with Mr. Vince Ready acting as a facilitator. The Government of the Northwest Territories and the UNW were unable to agree on the major salary, benefits and hours of work issues. Mr. Ready suggested that both parties proceed to arbitration.

Agreement has now been reached with the GNWT to appoint Mr. Vince Ready and Mr. Duncan Stewart as co-arbitrators, pursuant to

section 41.5 of the Public Service Act. The arbitrators will have all the powers and authority of arbitrators under the Arbitration Act.

Pre-hearing briefs will be exchanged between the parties on April 28, 1995 with copies submitted to the arbitrators. Rebuttal briefs will be exchanged on May 5, 1995. The arbitration hearing will occur on May 9 and 10, 1995. The arbitrators will have up to three months to make an award that will set the terms for the new collective agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 378-12(7): Review Of Pay Scales For Dental Therapists And Public Health Nurses

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 411-12(7): Authority For Housing Authorities To College Damage Deposits

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Koe on authority for collecting damage deposits by local housing authorities.

The authority to collect damage or security deposits is provided by

section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act. The handling of security deposits is regulated by sections 15 to 18 of this act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 411-12(7): Authority For Housing Authorities To College Damage Deposits

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 857

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

I am happy to see that Ben McDonald is back, Mr. Speaker. Ben McDonald with the Union of Northern Workers.

---Applause

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 857

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Antoine .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 857

Jim Antoine

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Justice with regard to the legal interpreting program funds that were cut. Mr. Speaker, most Members are aware that there is a study now being done with the firm of Avery Cooper & Co., which was hired to conduct a review of all interpreter/translator programs in the government.

Currently there are three government departments that deal with interpreters and translators. Arctic College is one, under Education, Culture and Employment; Health; and, Justice. But this particular question is for the Minister of Justice . Obviously, this report would contain recommendations regarding the legal interpreting program in the Department of Justice; however, a decision has been made to cut the legal interpreting program when this report is not yet complete. So I would like to ask the Minister why was this decision to cut this legal interpreting program made in isolation of the global picture this report would have provided? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 857

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Minister of Justice , Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 857

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been anticipated for months now that the federal government will be cutting substantial amounts of money from the budget of this government and that certain programs would also be targeted for reductions by the federal government. It was in anticipation of that that the Department of Justice decided to look at reductions of positions that it funds itself. We felt, at that time, that we could rationalize eliminating these two positions without doing any damage to the statutory obligations we have under legislation to deliver language services. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 857

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 857

Jim Antoine

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For months we have been waiting for a language handbook promised by the Premier . We still haven't seen it, but we have been promised it...(inaudible)...done by the government to take a cut, but not

as big a cut as was first anticipated, we realize that. But, why have decisions been made with the Department of Justice before this study with Avery Cooper & Co. is completed? This study would have perhaps made recommendations and given direction to the government on how to deal with this budget, which is not as big as it used to be. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, it is the intention of this government to look at ways in which we can better deliver the training component required within language services. We are looking at having the training component that is decentralized, delivered by one of the departments; probably the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. We are keeping in mind that we have to deliver basic language services under our legislation.

It is true, as all Members are aware, that there are substantial cuts being made to our funding by the federal government, not only to the annual amount given to us as a government, but also specific programs. The one most recently illustrated is the massive reduction in funding that the federal government is willing to give us for French and aboriginal languages. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Antoine .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

Jim Antoine

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister mentioned that there were two positions that were cut within the Department of Justice. I know there was a interpreter/translator position out of Fort Smith and a manager position. These are both positions in the Dene language terminology development positions. My understanding of these two position is they are key positions in trying to develop terminology within the legal system for Dene interpreters. The Minister said these were areas where his government could justify cutting these programs. I don't think so. I think these are two key areas.

The Dene language interpreters were lagging way behind the Inuktitut language legal interpreters. These resources are now skewed from the east to the west. When he says that he can justify it, can he explain how cutting these two key positions could be justified and help the interpreters in trying to develop the terminology for legal interpreting? It is key in the west that we need more interpreters in the court system to help people in the west. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, there is only a certain number of places within the Department of Justice that we have some flexibility in being able to make reductions to the budget. Every one of those areas, I expect, will meet with opposition from the ordinary Members. I can't think of any area where I can propose reductions without some strong opposition from ordinary Members. It poses a dilemma for this type of government that works on a consensus. We have to come to the realization that the amount of money we have been operating on is no longer there. We have to make some very critical choices.

Choices mean that you have to hold your nose, so to speak, with things that you find objectionable because there is simply not the means to deliver the same level of service any longer. It is with this in mind, that we made the cuts that we have. It is because the amount of funding that is available is no longer there that we have to make the kind of reductions that we do. It is unfortunate that this is happening and it is unfortunate that we come to look at areas like aboriginal languages, which all of us wish we could support and even allocate additional resources to but, at this time, that is not possible.

So we try to protect those things that are essential, which are the actual interpreter positions. We have eliminated one manager's position. We have reduced the number of training sessions that we do on an annual basis and we have eliminated one position; a person who works on terminology for the western part of the territory. We think these are the least damaging of the reductions that had to be made to the scope of the program at this time. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Final supplementary, Mr. Antoine .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

Jim Antoine

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This department has already made decisions with regard to the legal interpreter/translator programs. For example, the Minister mentioned two positions that were cut. I know there are positions that have not been filled yet and are left vacant. So there are decisions already made in how they are going to deal with these cuts. What is the purpose of the firm Avery Cooper conducting a review of all interpreter/translator programs in the government? I know the government has put aside $45,000 to do this work.

Before the review is done or any recommendations are put forward by this review group, the government departments have already made decisions to make cuts in some key areas. What is the purpose of this review? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, that firm was contracted to carry out this work under the direction of the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 413-12(7): Reason For Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Zoe .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 414-12(7): Vote 4 Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 858

Henry Zoe

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to question the same Minister with regard to the legal interpreting program also. Mr. Speaker, I am appalled at the manner in which the Minister has cut this particular program. As you know, this program has been doing a good job, in my view, in trying to catch up with the other linguistic groups. For instance, Mr. Speaker, this particular program produces a number of manuals, workshop materials, et cetera, to enhance

the legal interpreting program. Mr. Speaker, I have one entitled, "Dogrib Legal Terminology." It is a small book and this was one of the first series of terminology booklets that this program has produced. It only has a small number of legal words that have been translated. I know there is much more work to be done. As my colleague from Nahendeh indicated, the western languages are further behind that the Nunavut languages. That is why I am concerned.

Mr. Speaker, when discussing the reduction to the legal interpreting office yesterday, the Minister of Justice suggested that only one-quarter PY and some O and M funding has been cut. However, this was only the vote 1 funding. The program has traditionally been funded by vote 4 money; money which is less, due to cuts to the languages agreement. We are concerned, Mr. Speaker, that the government has chosen to cut a program which ensures people's rights to defend themselves in a court of law and be clearly understood. In answering Mr.

Pudlat 's question, why did the Minister refer only to vote 1 funding and not reveal that he had authorized cuts to half of vote 4 funding for this particular program? Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 414-12(7): Vote 4 Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Minister of Justice , Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 414-12(7): Vote 4 Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 414-12(7): Vote 4 Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, the Member should properly be more appalled, if he is at all, at the action taken by the federal government in reducing the commitments they had made in the previous languages agreement. It is a substantial reduction that the federal government has made in the new languages agreement now before us. The federal government is also moving to reduce funding to this government in a number of other areas and programs, so vote 4 money and vote 1 money are both being reduced.

As a government, we have also overspent, again this year. It is anticipated that there will be a substantial deficit. From somewhere, we have to recover fiscally. I don't purport to speak for the Minister of Finance but we are under instructions to find ways in which we can live within our means. As a Minister, I'm simply responding to questions, I'm not withholding information. I do know that when I go on at great length trying to give great detail to Members, I'm sometimes admonished for going on too long.

Over the last couple of years, anyway, I have tried to make my answers focused, simple and to the point. There is no intention to withhold information from Members. I was very happy to be in committee of the whole the other day to finally present my budget for the coming year as the Minister of Justice . But, I've been stood down. Perhaps during the next few days or early next week, I'll have the opportunity to answer in great detail all the questions Members may have in this regard. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 414-12(7): Vote 4 Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Question 414-12(7): Vote 4 Funding Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. I would like to recognize the president of the Metis Nation, Gary Bohnet and Mike Paulette also.

---Applause

And I would also like to recognize three mayors: Mayor Dave Lovell, Mayor Joe Kunuk and Mayor Dennis Bevington from Yellowknife, Iqaluit and Fort Smith.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question also for the Minister of Justice . Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister is aware of how critical language is to our court system and how crucial it is that every person in court has the opportunity to be heard and clearly understood. That was confirmed in the Tran case in the Supreme Court of Canada recently, where the right of the accused to have a qualified and competent interpreter under

section 14 of the Charter was clearly spelled out by the Supreme Court.

The legal interpreting program no longer has a manager. I would like to ask the Minister, without the support of a properly functioning legal interpreting program, who will ensure a consistent, competent legal translation service within the courts? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Justice , Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the functions performed by the manager will now be taken over, in large part, by the official languages coordinator and that will eliminate, in large part, the requirements of that particular position which were to coordinate the training for interpreters, JPs and other people in the courts. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

Mr. Speaker, I have a report dated January 1995 from the legal interpreting program that shows the staggering number of hours and communities that interpreters have, through this program, have offered in various levels of courts in the Northwest Territories. This is a major undertaking that has been entrusted to the legal interpreting program by the courts. It has the confidence of not only judges but prosecutors and the lawyers. I would like to ask the Minister how this service can possibly continue to be provided on a part-time basis by the official languages unit which has a myriad of other duties. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 859

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are facing the reality that we have to try to do as much as we have

in the past with less money. It means that there is going to be a reduction in the number of people we employ to carry out the work we have. One of the ways we're trying to face that is through an interdepartmental committee which is tasked with looking at how we can provide training with less money and still provide good, basic, quality training to all sectors of this government. That is what the fund that Mr. Antoine referred to is for. This is headed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

The way in which we manage the services within the Department of Justice...As I said my managers are satisfied that the reductions we've introduced are manageable and that we can still deliver. The people we're asking to take over these functions with a reduced scope will be able to do the job adequately. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

Mr. Speaker, this government is unique in Canada in that we allow unilingual people to sit on juries in the Northwest Territories, but this requires great care in the provision of competent interpreting services. Since the legal interpreting program will soon be without a full-time manager and is deprived of the position to coordinate Dene language services, I would like to ask the Minister, in light of the fact that this program has been severely reduced, whether he is now contemplating introducing amendments to the Jury Act to repeal the provision allowing for unilingual juries because we just won't be able to offer the service any longer. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, there is no intention to request amendments to any legislation at this time, as a result of the reductions, by the federal government and this government, to the resources allocated to language services. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, the Minister tells us that we have less money for these services, which we all know, and tells us that an interdepartmental committee has been established of all affected departments, which is going to help government set priorities. I understand this interdepartmental committee exists and I understand that it is overseeing the study being done by Avery Cooper to decide how best to reallocate and reorganize the money devoted to legal interpreting within various activities of the government.

I would like to ask the Minister again -- and I know this question has been asked -- since the government is spending a precious $45,000 on the Avery Cooper study, wouldn't the logical thing be, if we want to get value out of this study and we want to get everyone involved in setting priorities, to hold off any decisions on arbitrary and selective cuts in the various programs until after the study is complete so the government can get the considered advice and set priorities, considering the range of activities that are now being done.

Isn't that the logical way to do it; to hold off decisions until you get considered, independent advice from the consultant and the interdepartmental committee? Isn't that how it should be done? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, the firm was retained to look at how we can continue to deliver training within the reduced scope of funding that is being forced upon us. The training right now is done, for instance, by the Department of Justice for its own legal interpreting staff. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment also does its own and so does the Department of Health, I believe. What we have tasked this group to do is simply see how we can centralize the training and make better use of existing dollars.

The way in which we manage our staff is still left to the individual departments. It is my initiative as the Minister of Justice and , as I said earlier, there are many efforts which I can reduce that don't fly in the face of statutory obligations. This area seems to be one that my department is satisfied we can reduce without severely hampering the integrity of the service and without acting contrary to the statutory obligations we have under legislation. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Patterson .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

Dennis Patterson

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I don't think the Minister has the horses to do the job but I would like to turn to another issue, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister assures us that the provision of competent interpreters that was formerly done by the legal interpreting program in the Department of Justice will now be handled part-time by the official languages unit and everything will be okay.

I would like to ask the Minister about the ongoing work that is required in identifying terminology and developing terminology to communicate legal concepts, particularly in the aboriginal languages. I would like to ask the Minister, since he has carefully thought through the implications of these cuts, who now will be responsible for continuing this ongoing work in developing and refining legal terminology in the aboriginal languages? Who is going to do it now? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 860

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, that task is being looked at through the committee. Since it is a component of training, it will fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 415-12(7): Impact Of Staff Cuts On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. I'd like to, again, recognize some visitors in the gallery. We have with us from Cambridge Bay Larry Aknavigak, Kane Tologanak is a former Member, and Elizabeth Copeland from Whale Cove.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to follow up on my colleague's questions to the Minister of Justice . Mr. Speaker, with regard to the legal interpreting program, it appears that an important concern in legal interpreting is consistency in language use, whether it's maintaining a high standard of interpreting or supporting and monitoring legal interpreters. The responsibility for addressing these concerns lies with the manager of the program.

I'd like to ask the Minister, can he explain why he indicated yesterday that, in deciding which position should be cut, it was decided that the manager's position was less important in maintaining the quality and consistency of the program than the administrative position. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Justice , Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, it is the view of my department that, all things considered, the best way to proceed was to eliminate that position and simply give the bulk of the responsibility to the official languages coordinator who is responsible for making recommendations leading to the implementation of the official languages legislation within the Department of Justice. We feel we can do a good job, an adequate job. It was a management decision that that is the best way for us to proceed at this time and that's what we are doing.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister had indicated that responsibility would be transferred to the official languages coordinator. Mr. Speaker, at present, there are two legal interpreter/terminologist positions, one for Inuktitut and one for the Dene languages. Not knowing whether the official languages coordinator is aware and fully knowledgable of the Dene languages, can the Minister explain why he chose to cut the Dene languages position in the interpreting area? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, we take responsibility for managing these positions and the people who occupy the positions. We believe at this time that the position here in the west is one that can be filled by realigning it with the work done by the committee; and, because of the distance to Iqaluit and the volume of work they do in the Inuktitut language, we felt that we should not disrupt that work at this time. The Member should keep in mind the reductions the government is making is just a beginning, and that is part of the reason that I made the comments earlier that I did, that we are having difficulty suggesting even small reductions at this time within the Department of Justice.

The federal government is just beginning -- in my view -- to make reductions. They have already made some very strong suggestions to us, there are some actual reductions being made to a number of programs. We are having difficulty in finalizing figures for programs which have been put back on the drawing board. It is very possible, over the course of the next six months -- perhaps very early after the next election -- that we will be facing additional cuts to vital services, such as the language services that we presently deliver, simply because there will not be enough money to continue operating the way we have.

So, we have done this because we think that we can manage without these positions at this time. We know that we are going to continually have to, as managers, realign and reorganize because of the uncertainty of funding levels by the federal government overall, and in specific programs as well. This is just the beginning, in my opinion, so it is very important for Members to keep that in mind. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sure that we are all aware that we have to look for funding cuts over the next year and the following years to come. Mr. Speaker, this Minister is responsible for Justice, and justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. I would like to ask the Minister, what has he done as a Minister to persuade the federal government to maintain the funding level needed for the legal interpreting program? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

An Hon. Member

Agreed.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 861

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, the original languages agreement that was signed by this government was done a long time ago. The new one was done by this government, and I accept responsibility as a Member of Cabinet, for the way it came down.

If she is asking me if I have specifically phoned the Minister of Justice and pleaded with him to use his good offices to pressure Paul Martin's office not to reduce the funding levels for this government, I have not done that specifically.

All federal Ministers are aware that we have great concerns with the funding level that we are being asked to accept. We have indicated to the Premier 's office, the Minister's office, the Prime Minister is aware, so is the federal Minister of Finance , that much of the cuts that are expected of us, now and over the next year or so, are going to be very, very difficult for us. And if there is any way possible, we would like to be spared the pain, but that is not possible. So, we have to at least go through the exercise of trying to reduce.

Again, I say that Members have to be aware that reductions are coming. And they have to help in telling us where they think we can afford to reduce and not just object to every suggestion that we make. At some time or another, we have to form a partnership; a partnership where the ordinary Members tell us the areas where they would support reductions and not just tell us the areas that they refuse to consider reductions. Because as I say, it is going to be an increasingly difficult problem for all of us. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Question 416-12(7): Impact Of Manager's Position On Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Pudlat .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

Kenoayoak Pudlat

Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, have a question to the same Minister, the Minister of Justice . I understand that recently an independent committee reviewed the legal interpreting program and wrote to the Minister of Justice strongly advising that this program not be cut. Did the Minister receive these recommendations that the program should not be cut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Justice , Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I must say that I am not certain which specific study the Member is speaking about and which specific recommendations. But I can tell the Member that I had no intentions of reducing this program. I had no intentions of reducing the funding levels to this program. It all started when the federal government ran into fiscal difficulties and they negotiated lower levels of funding to us. Once the federal government started cutting, we were all appalled but unable to do anything about it, except look where we made expenditures with the view that we have to reduce.

This is where I am, the same as every other Minister across this country. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Pudlat .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

Kenoayoak Pudlat

Baffin South

(Translation) Supplementary to my question, Mr. Speaker, to the same Minister. Why were the recommendations not followed by the Minister?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, I am not certain which set of recommendations the Member is speaking about. As I said, everything that I have done in the languages

section is directly as a result of reductions being imposed on us by the federal government. I am not happy to do it, but it is a job that I am obliged to do so, and do it in a way that my senior management feel we can proceed with minimal disruption, and minimal damage to the integrity of the service we deliver. And this is the way we are proceeding. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Question 417-12(7): Minister's Receipt Of Recommendation Re Legal Interpreting Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Whitford .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was informed by a spokesperson for the NWT Seniors' Association that the annual renewal of the registration for vehicles had gone up from a nominal fee of $1 to $30 for elders. I realize that an increase of $29 may not be a large amount in the grand scheme of things, but for a senior it may become quite a burden given the fixed income they have. I would like to direct a question to the Minister responsible for Transportation . Given the value that we place on our elders and seniors, I would like to ask the Minister, what was the rationale for reassessing the nominal fee and raising it to $30?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Transportation , Mr. Todd .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The rationale was a general strategy on the part of Transportation to raise revenues when we were looking at our OPPLAN and O and M reductions. It was a very small part of trying to increase revenues to meet and maintain the current level of services that Mr. Kakfwi was alluding to earlier and that I've alluded to on a number of occasions. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 862

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Given the situation that we find ourselves in, I can appreciate the government's desires to generate revenue. On the other hand, there are certain benefits and privileges that are attained on becoming a senior and they are clawing some of these back. I would like to ask the Minister if he would direct his department to review and reconsider the increase with the objective of returning this to the nominal fee it was and even making it a much lower amount, given the small amount seniors take home with them and the small amount of revenues that would be generated. Would his department reconsider this?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we'll initiate something to review this important issue. We'll take a look at the fiscal impact on our elders and the total revenues we anticipated receiving from this. I'll commit to reviewing this important issue for our elders.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Question 418-12(7): Reason For Fee Increase For Seniors' Vehicle Registration

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Ms. Mike .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 419-12(7): Qualifications Of Official Languages Coordinator

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

Rebecca Mike

Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to ask the Minister of Justice some questions, after listening to questions posed by my colleagues concerning the PY cuts in the legal interpreting program. In one of his responses, Mr. Speaker, the Minister said the legal interpreter manager's responsibilities would be taken over by the official languages coordinator. I would like to know if this official languages coordinator has a background in linguistics.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 419-12(7): Qualifications Of Official Languages Coordinator

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Justice , Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 419-12(7): Qualifications Of Official Languages Coordinator

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I would have to take the question as notice. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 419-12(7): Qualifications Of Official Languages Coordinator

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Dent .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, last fall during the capital budget review, I asked the Minister about expanding services at Stanton hospital to reduce the amount of medical travel to the south, and she advised that a number of services were being looked at to see if they could be provided closer to home in a cost-effective manner. Mr. Speaker, we heard earlier that kidney dialysis is now planned for Stanton. Could the Minister advise if other services that were being looked at have also been approved for provision by Stanton hospital?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the new chairman of the new Stanton hospital board who has worked along with the rest of the members of the hospital to see how much can be provided and how we could meet some of the long outstanding repatriation initiatives. It was recommended that the new or enhanced services of phase II of the repatriation initiative -- which will meet the needs that are currently not met -- be brought closer to home.

Phase I of the development began in July 1991 when Stanton Hospital was given approval for several enhanced new programs and these services were expected to repatriate the Northwest Territories residents from the south and to increase the number of services provided in the north. In March 1995, the Financial Management Board approved the following enhancements to the Stanton Hospital: new EFTs for a second general surgeon; ear/nose and throat specialist and paediatrician; expanded services for visiting neurology and urology; general support services for obstetrics and gynaecology; new patient care programs in metabolic education; kidney dialysis; and, electroconvulsive therapy.

Mr. Speaker, as well, because of the concern about the issue of speech pathologists, there has been an increase in the number of speech pathologists on staff by 1.5 person years, due to the fact that by increasing the ear/nose and throat team, they would save a significant amount of money currently being spent to refer children to the south.

In addition, Stanton is in the process of implementing a reorganization which is expected to free up enough resources to allow them to add an additional 1.5 person years on a temporary basis to clear up the backlog and complete assessments of the need for the services in Yellowknife. I believe this is in place.

Mr. Speaker, those are the main initiatives that have been discussed in terms of repatriation initiatives to extend the development of the Stanton Hospital. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Dent .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the same Minister. Can the Minister advise whether or not all of these services are intended to be added during this current fiscal year?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 863

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

All of these services, Mr. Speaker, are intended to be added almost immediately, or as soon as recruitment is effective. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Dent .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, supplementary. Regarding the speech therapist, the Minister advised that 1.5 PYs were temporary, to clear up the backlog. For what term will these PYs be included in the personnel make-up of Stanton?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Ms. Cournoyea .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, the number of speech pathologists on staff will be increased by 1.5 and this is an ongoing position. The second 1.5 PYs will be on a temporary basis to clear up the backlog and complete an assessment of the need for services in the Yellowknife area. This, I assume, will be a temporary position until that backlog is caught up and the assessments have been done. At this point in time, I have no way of knowing how long those assessments will take. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Question 420-12(7): Expansion Of Services At Stanton Hospital

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Lewis .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Brian Lewis

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Justice . Mr. Speaker, over the last month, Members have really been lobbied by people interested in the gun control legislation, in front of the House of Commons. It's the best organized lobby I can remember since becoming a Member of this House, so it's obviously a major issue for all people of the territories.

I would like to ask the Minister, could he indicate to the House at what stage this legislation is at right now in the House of Commons, because I know he's keeping a very close watch on what's going on with this legislation.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Justice , Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-68 in the House of Commons received second reading yesterday. From there, I think procedurally it goes to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, chaired by Mr. Warren Allmand. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Return To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Brian Lewis

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you. I thought I heard, Mr. Speaker, that there are only three Liberal Members who broke party ranks and decided to support this particular bill, so I appreciate the confirmation. I would like to ask the Minister, what opportunities will the public, who have been lobbying us, have to make presentations to whatever committee is established to deal with it?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, it's my impression that the committee is expected to report very quickly back to the House of Commons so that Members are not allowed to stray too far from the political fold over the course of the summer recess. The government in Ottawa wants to deal with this with some haste. They already have three dissenting voters within their ranks. It's expected that if there's a delay, the lobby being mounted by Canadians across this country could result in a serious fragmentation of the Liberal Party on this particular issue.

The standing committee chaired by Mr. Allmand, I understand, is expected to report very quickly to hold hearings over the course of perhaps a month or a month and a half at the most, so that the parliamentary procedure can be completed without too much delay. This means, at least it implies, that not everyone across this country will be allowed to be heard. They will perhaps be selective of the amount of time and number of presentations they allow to be made to them.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Brian Lewis

Yellowknife Centre

What form, Mr. Speaker -- since we have been lobbied so heavily by people in the Northwest Territories -- will the government intervention take in trying to make sure that the views of northern people will be heard by this committee?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Supplementary To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

There is a letter that was sent to the chairman, Mr. Allmand, requesting that they visit the Northwest Territories, and that the committee of this Legislature which I am chairing be allowed some time to make a presentation, and that time also be allocated for those groups from the Northwest Territories that wish to make presentations on their own behalf. I've also requested a meeting with the federal Minister of Justice for the week after Easter, in mid-April, to again impress upon him the nature of our concerns, but also to remind him that we support elements of his legislation.

There are just certain elements of it which we find are too severe, such as the sentencing components contained within the Criminal Code part, and the administrative nightmare that would result from the imposition of a national registration system. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Further Return To Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Question 421-12(7): Status Of Bill C-68 In House Of Commons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 864

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Lewis