Debates of Oct. 1st, 2003

This is page numbers 1105 - 1142 of the Hansard for the 14th Assembly, 6th 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 justice .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Premier's Award For Excellence

Premier's Sessional Statement

Taxation Of First Nations People

Essential Services In Remote Communities

Requirement For A Territorial Court Judge In Hay River

Consequence Of Shortage Of Health Care Professionals

Decentralization And Diversification Of GNWT Economic Opportunities

Northwest Territories Energy Strategy

International Day Of Older People

Benefits Of Natural Resource Development

Need For Residential Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centres

Recognition Of The Metis Nation

Health Benefits For Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Taxation Of First Nations People

Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Consolidating Contracts For Computers

Resident Territorial Court Judge Required In Hay River

Collaboration By Social Envelope Ministers

Single-rate Zone For Hydro Electric Power

Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centres For Youth

Review Of Extended Health Benefits

Inuvik Regional Health Board Restructuring

Support For Secondary Diamond Industries

NWT Sport And Recreation Board

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Committee Report 17-14(6): Report On The Review Of The Languages Commissioner's Annual Report 2001-2002

Motion To Receive And Adopt Committee Report 17-14(6)

Committee Report 18-14(6): Report On The Review Of Bills 21, 24 And 26

Bill 21: Protection Against Family Violence Act

Bill 24: Midwifery Profession Act

woman "and Infant:" An Extension Of Scope

"during Pregnancy"

common Requirement For Renewal Of Registration

cost Of Accreditation, And Midwifery Education

midwifery Advisory Committee

conclusion

Bill 26: Youth Justice Actintroduction

issuesthe Need For Extrajudicial Measures

community Involvement In Youth Justice

funds And Support For Youth Justice Committees

youth Program Funding

equality Of Citizens

annual Reports

"and Respond To"

admission Of Guilt

legal Aid For Youth

youth Under Age 12

conclusion

Motion To Receive Committee Report 18-14(6) And Move To Committee Of The Whole

Tabled Document 89-14(6): Revised Business Incentive Policy

Tabled Document 90-14(6): Public Information On Government Contracting And Revised Business Incentive Policy

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

Bill 19: Write-off Of Debts Act, 2003-2004minister's Opening Comments

standing Committee On Accountability And Oversight's Comments

general Comments

clause By Clause

Bill 20: Forgiveness Of Debts Act, 2003-2004minister's Opening Comments

standing Committee On Accountability And Oversight Comments

general Comments

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Honourable Roger Allen , Mr. Bell , Mr. Braden , Mr. Delorey , Mr. Dent , Mrs. Groenewegen , Honourable Joe Handley , Honourable Stephen Kakfwi , Mr. Krutko , Mr. Lafferty , Ms. Lee , Mr. McLeod , Honourable Michael Miltenberger , Mr. Nitah , Honourable Jake Ootes , Mr. Roland , Honourable Vince Steen , Honourable Tony Whitford

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---Prayer

Speaker's Ruling

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 1105

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Hello, my colleagues. Before we go to the Orders of the Day, I wish to provide my ruling on the Point of Order raised on September 30, 2003, by the honourable Member for Frame Lake , Mr. Dent .

Before addressing the specific Point of Order, I would like to make some comments to refresh Members on the procedural purpose of a Point of Order. A Point of Order is a question raised by a Member who believes that the rules or customary procedures of the House have been incorrectly applied or overlooked during the proceedings. Members may rise on Points of Order to bring to the attention of the chair any breach of the relevance or repetition of the rules, or the utterance of unparliamentary remarks.

Members are able to do so at virtually any time in the proceedings, provided that the Point of Order is raised and concisely presented as soon as the irregularity occurs or as soon as practicable thereafter. As a Point of Order concerns the

interpretation of the rules, it is the responsibility of the Speaker, or chair in Committee of the Whole, to determine its merits and to resolve the issue.

To the specific Point of Order raised by Mr. Dent . I find that the Point of Order was raised at the earliest opportunity, based on the facts as outlined by the Member for Frame Lake . The honourable Member contends that the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development , the Honourable Mr. Antoine , may have misled the House as his comments during question period on February 21, 2003, were not consistent with the Minister's subsequent actions.

Any allegation that a Minister may have misled the House is a matter that the chair and all Members must take very seriously. In this light, as I do with all Points of Order, I took some time to review the facts available to me. Some of the facts raised by Mr. Dent unfortunately touched on matters that occurred outside the House and cannot be confirmed, as to whether or not they are an accurate account of events. The facts available to me were the comments made by the Minister on February 21, 2003, as outlined by Mr. Dent in his Point of Order. The comments are contained on pages 235 and 236 of Hansard.

I am drawn to the comments of the Minister in responding to an oral question by the Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen , and I quote from page 236 of edited Hansard, "so at this point in time, the decision is for us to not proceed, but to have a mechanism in place developed by RWED."

The chair, and all honourable Members, must assume that the statements made in the House were an accurate reflection of the Minister's and the government's intent at that particular point in time, as there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. Circumstances obviously change over time and can influence future decisions. This cannot be viewed as evidence to show that the Minister intentionally and willfully misled the House. I, therefore, find that the Member for Frame Lake does not have a Point of Order.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Kakfwi .

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Minister's Statement 79-14(6): Premier's Award For Excellence

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1105

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take this opportunity to announce this year's recipients of the Premier 's Award for Excellence. The Award for Excellence was recently created to recognize our employees who have distinguished themselves through work-related achievements and contributions. Today I honour the following employees and teams for their accomplishments:

• Dr. Anne Gunn, a biologist with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development who has made a significant contribution to our understanding of caribou ecology;

• Keith Hickling, manager of fish and wildlife with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, who has undertaken many initiatives to help the youth of the Northwest Territories through programs such as the Youth at Risk Trapper Training Program;

• Karen Hicks, a program advisor with the Financial Management Board Secretariat, who had the lead in developing and implementing the government's performance measurement system;

• John Nishi, a bison ecologist with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, who has represented our government on all fronts regarding the control of bison disease;

• Raymond Tuccaro, traditional counsellor at the Yellowknife Correctional Centre for the Department of Justice, who has played an important role in assisting inmates, families and their community in the process of rehabilitation;

• Al Woods, who is the interim chief executive officer of the Stanton Territorial Health Authority, as well as the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority. Through a period of great transition, Mr. Woods has provided the necessary leadership to ensure that the region's health care system was maintained at an effective level.

• The equal pay team of the Financial Management Board Secretariat was instrumental in reaching a settlement of the long outstanding pay equity complaint and was responsible for the smooth implementation of the settlement. The team members include Shaleen Woodward, Andy Bevan, Daniel Grant, Vishni Peeris, Jami Semenoff, Jeff Barichello, Tracey Rumig, Alexandra Robles and Colette Perry.

• The territorial biomedical engineering team from the Stanton Territorial Health Authority also introduced innovative processes to improve their liability and operations of biomedical equipment across the Northwest Territories, and this team has shown an extraordinary commitment to the development of a homegrown biomedical engineering workplace. The members of this team include Kevin Taylor, Christine Roemer, Phil Borer, Erwin Sumcad, Keith Deans and Doug Osmond.

• The Tlicho GNWT negotiating team is also recognized, having worked diligently towards the Tlicho agreement, now seen as an historic and unique agreement that was ratified in June and signed by the Prime Minister of Canada in August. The Tlicho negotiating team includes Paul Beauchamp, John T'Seleie, Steve Iveson, Mark Warren, Kevin Campbell, Lorraine Whiteman, Jim Cunningham, Fred Chambers, Joe La Ferla, Mike Kalnay.

• As well, today we recognize the Idaa Trail project team who were successful in developing an innovative program that invites people to learn about the Dogrib culture and heritage as they embark on a virtual journey through a traditional Dogrib travel route. The members of this team include Tom Andrews, Richard Valpy, Mark Heyck, Wendy Stephenson, Barbara Cameron, Lucy Lafferty, Gerriann Donahue, Kyle Kelly and Rosa Mantla.

• We also recognize the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Centre project team who was responsible for the construction of a new health centre in Inuvik which is the largest, most complex project carried out in the Inuvik region to date. Members of this team include Brent Rausch, Ted McLeod and Len MacDonald.

Mr. Speaker, all teams and employees who have been chosen to receive this award were nominated because they demonstrated excellence, innovation and dedication to their work. They have provided a valuable contribution and it is my great pleasure to honour them. Please help me congratulate them on their achievements. Thank you.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 79-14(6): Premier's Award For Excellence

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1106

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Kakfwi .

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Minister's Statement 80-14(6): Premier's Sessional Statement

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1106

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to address you, my colleagues in this Assembly and the people of the Northwest Territories today. It is time to reflect on the term of this government, on the challenges we faced, the opportunities that we created, and the successes we have to date.

We have taken some risks. We have made strategic investments. We certainly have moved the Northwest Territories' agenda forward. We have assumed responsibility beyond our jurisdiction. But most importantly for me, we have achieved incredible success by working together.

This is not work, Mr. Speaker, that we could have done alone. It is time to take a few moments to take stock and pay tribute to our partners who have worked with us and helped achieve our collective goals.

The evolution of the Northwest Territories as a society is directly linked to the strength we get from unity and common purpose.

Today, the Northwest Territories is, without question, the most exciting jurisdiction in Canada. It has captured the attention of the national media. It is discussed in the boardrooms of major national and international corporations, and it has the economy that is envied by other jurisdictions.

This remarkable success did not happen overnight. Our history and the achievements of our elders, like Alexi Arrowmaker, Paul Baton and the late Agnes Semmler, demonstrate that when we are united by common goals we get things done.

Think back to the long struggles to recognize aboriginal land and self-government rights; to create two new territories; to be recognized at the national level; and to raise awareness of our fragile northern environment.

We succeeded on these issues when and because we were united. We are a better territory for our collective efforts.

During the past four years, unity and common purpose have expressed themselves in many ways. They represent the defining moments of our term.

Early in 2000, as newly-elected Members of this legislature, the first Assembly of the new Northwest Territories and the first Assembly of the new century, we gathered in Fort Providence. There, together, we produced a vision for our Assembly and our government, an agenda based on common purpose and collaboration.

At the same time as we were setting out our vision, aboriginal leaders met in Fort Liard and agreed they would have ownership in a Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline. Strong common purpose, the willingness of all partners to take a risk and the leadership of many individuals like Harry Deneron, Nellie Cournoyea and Fred Carmichael have made aboriginal equity participation a reality of northern development. As a government, we have worked with and supported aboriginal leaders in achieving this goal.

In May 2000, aboriginal, territorial and federal government leaders met as an Intergovernmental Forum, a place where territorial-wide issues could be discussed among equal partners and resolved.

As a result of the forum's work and much goodwill, aboriginal, federal and territorial governments renewed devolution negotiations based upon sharing of jurisdiction and revenue.

Under Minister Antoine 's leadership, we have worked together with the Aboriginal Summit leadership to ensure that our constituents have a clear understanding of what devolution and resource revenue sharing means and how it can meet our overall objectives.

I commend the aboriginal governments and their leaders for having the courage to work with us to develop joint northern positions on such critical issues as sharing power and resources.

In this term, with a renewed commitment, numerous aboriginal land and self-government rights agreements were signed by the Inuvialuit, Dene and Metis, some involving working together to make difficult decisions on things such as boundaries.

The Tlicho agreement, signed last month, marked an historic milestone in the conclusion of a land and self-government agreement by a common commitment and shared purpose to work together. Grand Chief Joe Rabesca and all the Dogrib Nation are another example of how unity and common purpose produce results.

It is important to acknowledge and commend Metis in the Northwest Territories for their role in advancing the recognition of their rights. The recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada has huge national significance for Metis of this country and of this territory.

At Hay River in June 2002, the Northwest Territories' social agenda was forged by frontline workers, NGOs and our employees who saw strength in a unified, collaborative approach to building our social fabric. It took the work of individuals like Arlene Hache, Margaret Thom and Evelyn Storr, and all participants of the Social Agenda Working Group, to press the critical importance of ensuring our residents are healthy and have the social support necessary to balance and cope with a booming economy.

On the government's part, Health and Social Services Minister Miltenberger has completed and started implementation of the health and social services action plan, with a renewed focus on community wellness.

NGOs and their volunteers also have a prominent role in building the social fabric of our North. James Ross has worked tirelessly every year for many years now to establish the Midway Lake Music Festival where Delta people get back to the land, enjoy country food, play old time music, and visit as a people with friends and relatives over the course of a long weekend in August. We also remember the late Vi Beck who had a long and distinguished career dedicated to the people of Yellowknife and the people of the Northwest Territories.

Our social fabric was improved dramatically with the passage of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act. It is a progressive model for the rest of Canada, placing us in the forefront of recognizing and protecting human rights. Minister Allen , Ministers, MLAs, NGOs and all northern residents who championed tolerance and this legislation are to be commended.

Throughout this term, we have worked to make sure industry provides employment and training opportunities for northern residents. Through government programs like maximizing northern employment, we encouraged our young graduates to return home to a job. Minister Ootes was instrumental in the outstanding success of these programs.

Women have always had a strong and particularly important role in our ambitious agenda. I want to acknowledge the work of the only two women in this Assembly, Mrs. Groenewegen and Ms. Lee , for their vision and their contributions. We need to encourage more women to take their positions and take prominent leadership roles at the territorial level.

This Legislative Assembly has also taken great strides to raise our collective awareness of key issues and concerns critical to bettering the lives of our residents. Through its special committees dealing with official languages, self-government implementation and rural communities, this Assembly has brought focus to the importance of maintaining our aboriginal languages; preparing for implementation of self-government agreements; and the need to balance critical needs of small communities in the Northwest Territories with investments in the capital and regional centres. Steve Nitah's efforts and commitment to the renewal of aboriginal languages is to be commended.

The standing committees on Accountability and Oversight, Governance and Economic Development and Social Programs, under the able chairmanship of Mr. Dent , Mr. Roland and Mr. Bell respectively, have contributed to our common commitment to an open and accountable government.

We have built upon our territorial identity elevating June 21st, National Aboriginal Day, to a statutory holiday, so all our people can participate in this special day of recognition of our aboriginal cultures and heritage.

We can also measure the achievements of unity at the community level.

The people of Fort Providence, and their MLA, Mr. McLeod , are going to build one of the most important pieces of territorial transportation infrastructure: the Deh Cho Bridge. An achievement of national significance, I believe, because it is completing the link between the Northwest Territories and the rest of Canada that has been facilitated by the support of our government and the energy of the Deh Cho Bridge Development Corporation.

Other critical infrastructure such as roads, winter bridges, municipal services, communications and housing have moved forward through partnerships in the efforts with the federal government and aboriginal businesses.

Under the leadership of Minister Steen and Minister Handley , our roads and bridges have been improved and our case has been made very effectively to the federal government that more infrastructure funding, based on needs, not just per capita, is required by our people.

We have also heard the Sahtu Women Warriors and we applaud their ingenuity, commitment and drive to realize the dream of a highway linking our more northern communities with southern highways.

Mr. Lafferty must also be given credit for his relentless pursuit of improvements on Highway No. 3 and road access for the smaller communities in his region.

Municipal governments have also been instrumental in making the decisions and implementing the programs and services which are so critical to our quality of life at the community level. We especially appreciate the support of our mayors on changing the approach of the federal government to funding municipal infrastructure.

Housing remains high on our agenda, primarily because of the work of Housing Minister Allen, under the watchful eye of Mr. Braden, who pursued a housing agenda based not only on the needs of local residents, but on the needs of all Northerners who aspire to home ownership or affordable accommodation.

Key to all these achievements was the decision to invest, even though we started our term in difficult fiscal circumstances and we have been facing significant financial challenges ever since. The Minister of Finance , Mr. Handley , though, has never wavered from the fundamental commitment to invest in our people and our territory to ensure maximum returns and benefits in the long term.

We not only had to deal with our own internal agenda, we had to take into account ongoing diamond mine development and renewed interest in northern gas and a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

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

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Minister's Statement 80-14(6): Premier's Sessional Statement

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1108

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you. The honourable Minister is anticipating that his time will run out and he's seeking unanimous consent of the House to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays, Mr. Premier , you may conclude your statement.

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Minister's Statement 80-14(6): Premier's Sessional Statement

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1108

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With limited capacity, facing some of the most powerful mining and oil and gas corporations in the world, together we staked out an agenda for ourselves for non-renewable resource development.

We were the first in Canada to recognize the magnitude and impact that Northwest Territories' diamonds would have on the world diamond trade and to push for a Canadian diamond policy and a secondary diamond industry in the Northwest Territories and Canada. We are also sharing our expertise now with other governments through initiatives such as the national diamond strategy.

We were clear that development in the North would not occur at the expense of the environment. We supported the implementation of the Kyoto Accord and support Mr. Krutko in bringing his message about the protection of the Porcupine Caribou to Washington and the U.S. government.

We were committed to ensuring that development of northern resources be determined by market forces and that Canadian gas in the Beaufort and Mackenzie Delta and in the Liard Valley is not stranded.

We have been relentless in our demand for northern long-term benefits flowing from our development and our resources.

We have collaborated with other northern governments and the private sector through the Northwest Territories Business Coalition on the need for investments in infrastructure and training to make sure that our residents in our territory manage and benefit from development.

The heavy load of all these files was primarily carried by Minister Antoine who worked closely with our business community and the representatives of industry, like Imperial Oil's K.C. Williams, who truly wants to see the Northwest Territories realize its economic, social and political agenda.

We should be proud that we have, along with our 42,000 people, unified together, agreed on a common purpose, and have together made such incredible results and progress.

At this time, I want to acknowledge the contributions made by my colleagues in Cabinet and all of you as Members of the legislature for the past four years.

While the role of seasoned politicians is critical to the momentum and stability of our governments, the energy and new ideas injected by new Members such as Mr. Bell , Mr. McLeod and Mr. Delorey are important and essential to the success and future of our territory.

I want to encourage all young people in the Northwest Territories, especially aboriginal youth and young women, to look to a career in politics whether it is at the territorial government level or with aboriginal governments.

Whatever direction they choose, we must keep focused on the need for our youth to be raised in strong families and communities. We must encourage them to remain in the North, to take advantage of the opportunities and quality of life that we all have to offer, and to get them to help us build a better future for our territory.

As our term draws to a conclusion, it is only fitting that I thank all our employees, the territorial administration, here at the Yellowknife level, in the regions and communities. All of you out there should be proud of your collective accomplishments during this term and your contribution to the amazing future of our territory and its people.

In particular, we have benefited from an outstanding group of deputy ministers who take seriously their responsibilities for implementing our agenda. As a key source of advice, some of which sometimes we don't want to hear, but which is necessary, they have made for an effective operation as a team with us for our government.

I also want to thank personally the contributions of my staff in my office, in the Cabinet office and in the Department of Executive. All of those who have helped me, you have helped me immensely on a daily basis with my responsibilities during the past four years.

I also want to acknowledge your role, Mr. Speaker, in overseeing the operations and the work of this House and this Assembly. I want to thank you on behalf of all Members. Mr. Speaker, I also acknowledge outgoing Clerk David Hamilton for his long service in support of this Assembly and all the other ones I have served on and even before my time.

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Minister's Statement 80-14(6): Premier's Sessional Statement

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1108

An Hon. Member

Hear, hear!

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Minister's Statement 80-14(6): Premier's Sessional Statement

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1108

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Most importantly, now I want to thank my wife, Marie, and my children: Kyla, my son-in-law Amos, my daughter Daylyn, and my son Keenan who have made many, many sacrifices in supporting me through these last four years.

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, northern leaders, elders, friends, it has been an honour and privilege to serve as your Premier . In the weeks coming, I look forward to continuing. I will work hard right to the completion of our agenda and to the end of my term as a Premier and help prepare for the transition for the next legislature. So thank you very much. Thank you.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 80-14(6): Premier's Sessional Statement

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1109

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho , Mr. McLeod .

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Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1109

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

When this government taxes First Nations people and their property, a portion of this tax is identified for education. Is such taxation a contravention of both Treaties 8 and 11?

---Applause

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Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1109

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. McLeod . Item 2, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Essential Services In Remote Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1109

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker today I raise an important point of essential services being provided to our communities. This summer again we find ourselves in the Mackenzie Delta communities with emergency services being provided at our centres in which daily clinics have been cancelled. Mr. Speaker we talk about improving the lives and well-being of the residents of the Northwest Territories and improving the quality of life for the residents of the Northwest Territories, yet today we still cannot even deliver the basic essential services to our communities such as health care, the lack of mental health and alcohol and drug workers in our communities or the lack of police.

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Essential Services In Remote Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1109

An Hon. Member

Shame.

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Essential Services In Remote Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1109

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

I, for one, stand here today knowing what the communities are going through. Here is the point. This is what has been posted in our communities: "To all community residents: While community residents in the Northwest Territories expect nurses shortages along with the rest of Canada, this means at this time that the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services has to restrict the services we normally provide to our clients. Formally, our communities will be affected as follows: Emergency services only from July 30th to August 12th and from August 18th to September 16th.

Daily clinics will not be scheduled and only urgent emergency cases will be seen at the Health Centre." Then it gives you a phone number to call at the Inuvik Regional Hospital.

For us to say we provide services to the people, we have seen the outcry because of a few doctor specialists. We make a major move to increase their wages to improve services. Have we seen an improvement in services to the people in our communities? No, we have not. If anything, I hate to admit it, it has gone down in regard to the quality of the services we are getting in our small communities.

Mr. Speaker, we have programs that are socially offered right across Canada in regards to ensuring that the well-being of Canadians is taken up to federal programs. I would like to know as the Government of the Northwest Territories, are we even meeting the national standards that are out there to providing the service to the rest of Canadians across the country?

I, Mr. Speaker, will have some questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services who I have been corresponding for months on end, if not years on end, on this issue. So I will be asking the Minister a question on this matter later. Thank you.

---Applause

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Essential Services In Remote Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1109

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you Mr. Krutko . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North , Mr. Delorey .

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Requirement For A Territorial Court Judge In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1109

Paul Delorey

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as most Members are aware, the Honourable Chief Judge Robert Halifax recently retired after 26 years of distinguished service to the residents of the North.

Mr. Speaker, most people from Hay River and Yellowknife and other parts of the country gathered to honour Robert Halifax this past Saturday, including the honourable Minister Roger Allen , Minister of Justice . A common theme for the evening, Mr. Speaker, was the relationships with the people in all of the communities south of the lake that Robert was able to establish as the resident judge based in Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, Judge Halifax served the communities of Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson and Fort Liard. In addition he served Trout Lake, Nahanni Butte and Wrigley as needed.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that a resident judge based in Hay River is essential to establishing continuity both within the justice system and within the communities that are served. A resident judge is able to establish relationships with the people they serve. A resident judge will get to know the families involved and the people's backgrounds which, I believe, is key to an effective judicial process.

Mr. Speaker, the loss of a judicial presence in Hay River and indeed south of the lake, will lead to the public perception of being remote and removed from the justice system. We simply cannot allow this to happen.

Mr. Robert Halifax was instrumental in establishing the Justice of the Peace program in the North. The Justice of the Peace program has proven to be a tremendous success over the years. There are a number of long-serving justices of the peace south of the lake. A resident judge for Hay River is essential to ensuring this valuable program continues.

Mr. Speaker, Hay River is a vibrant, growing community. We need to retain resources in our community and continue to develop our infrastructure. Conversely, Mr. Speaker, this government needs to empower communities and operate within our mandate of decentralization. I believe it is imperative that we as legislators create a sustainable economy with an economic base at the community level.

Mr. Speaker, the support services for a resident judge are firmly established in Hay River. We have all of the infrastructure in place to fully support a resident judge and our location within the South Slave region is ideal. Mr. Speaker, I feel it is incumbent on the Minister and the Department of Justice to ensure that the needs of the residents...

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Requirement For A Territorial Court Judge In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Mr. Delorey , your time for Members' statements has expired. What is your wish, Mr. Delorey ?

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Requirement For A Territorial Court Judge In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

Paul Delorey

Hay River North

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

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Requirement For A Territorial Court Judge In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays, Mr. Delorey . You may conclude your statement.

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Requirement For A Territorial Court Judge In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

Paul Delorey

Hay River North

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I feel it is incumbent on the Minister and the Department of Justice to ensure that the needs of the residents of the nine communities south of the lake are taken into consideration when determining a replacement for resident Chief Judge Halifax.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the Minister to do the right thing and to ensure that a resident judge is placed in Hay River. Mr. Speaker, I think the Premier may have missed one person in the Northwest Territories. I would like all my colleagues in the House to recognize the 26 years of service Chief Judge Halifax gave to the North. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Requirement For A Territorial Court Judge In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you Mr. Delorey . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Consequence Of Shortage Of Health Care Professionals

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of the shortage of health care workers in the Northwest Territories. Today I want to speak about one consequence in particular.

There is a crisis in Hay River and across the Northwest Territories and that is a desperate shortage of resources supporting dental surgery. The hospital in Hay River cannot retain sufficient nursing staff which means that in just two years dental operating room time has been cut back by 60 percent.

The last dental surgery in Hay River was performed on June 5th and, despite a waiting list of 141 patients that is growing by the day, the next surgery will not be until November 17th again reduced probably three-and-a-half days from nine-and-a-half days.

The H.H. Williams Memorial Hospital in Hay River serves 17 communities including Hay River. According to reports we received, there are children in these communities who cannot eat properly because the nerves in their teeth are exposed. Mr. Speaker, this is not inflammatory rhetoric. This is information supplied by someone who would know: one very fed-up dental clinic office manager.

There is no use travelling to Yellowknife or Inuvik for surgery because their waiting lists are almost as long. Even if they could get an appointment, it is too expensive for many people in the communities to make a special trip into Hay River because medical travel does not cover dental surgery. Heading down south is so expensive that it is completely out of the question.

The problem is only going to worsen this fall as community nurses who perform routine checkups on school children diagnose more dental conditions requiring dental surgery. This situation is already at a crises level.

Antibiotics and painkillers can only be used for so long before they themselves become a health risk, especially for children and seniors. This government must find a solution. Dental health is directly related to general health. If people cannot chew and subsequently properly digest their food, over a period of time their health and well-being will suffer. We know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I commend the extraordinary efforts that our northern dental professionals and clinics go to in terms of creating awareness and contributing to preventative initiatives in dental care.

When situations deteriorate and surgery is required, this government has a duty and an obligation to ensure that the necessary services and treatments are available. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions and follow-up to this to the Minister of Health and Social Services today. Thank you.

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Consequence Of Shortage Of Health Care Professionals

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Roland .

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Decentralization And Diversification Of GNWT Economic Opportunities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1110

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise about the benefits of being a large centre in the Northwest Territories, especially when you find yourself to be the capital of the Northwest Territories and government has situated itself there and does a lot of its business in the capital.

Mr. Speaker, a lot of things we've done in the government over the years has been trying to diversify the economy to help out communities and small businesses throughout the territory. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it seems like we've started to go back the other way. The other way, Mr. Speaker, being, I can recall, for example, in Inuvik where the government services department -- stores, as they called it -- had everything from copper elbows to screws to nuts and bolts to anything you can fix that the government owns. We've gone away from that, Mr. Speaker.

We've gone towards each community being able to supply and develop its own professional people that can repair things in their communities and not having to ship people out of headquarters or from regional centres.

Mr. Speaker, I used to work for the government and travelled to the smaller communities to fix their equipment, and that now has been devolved so communities themselves have their own maintenance people and mechanics to be able to fix their own equipment. We've done that throughout the Northwest Territories, but it seems that we've once again started pulling it back into the centre to try to help out government expenditures, I guess is the main reason that would be used, is that we need to save our dollars.

So, Mr. Speaker, I think as a government we have to think, are we doing the right thing by pulling things back into the centre? I'll use a specific example, Mr. Speaker. Recently, a tender was let out by the Department of Public Works and Services for over 100 computers. Mr. Speaker, over 100 computers were put out in one tender. One tender, Mr. Speaker, given out to compete across the Northwest Territories.

I can tell you, since the government has gone to this system of going to every department and doing one large tender for computer services, what happens is all the small companies throughout the Northwest Territories do not get that service or cannot bid and match the services of a larger centre that deals strictly in volume. It's a known benefit, Mr. Speaker, that the more volume you get for equipment and service the cheaper you can supply a service or supply materials.

So, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for at least one Minister, maybe more, in this area of where government is heading in regard to small businesses across the Northwest Territories and having to remind this government that one of our goals that we had for Towards a Better Tomorrow would be to have a healthy and diversified economy providing employment opportunities for Northerners in all communities. So I'll have questions for the Public Works and Services Minister later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Decentralization And Diversification Of GNWT Economic Opportunities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1111

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave , Mr. Lafferty .

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Northwest Territories Energy Strategy

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1111

Leon Lafferty

North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on July 31st I had the pleasure of attending the release of the territorial energy strategy in Wha Ti. This strategy was developed after consultation with energy providers, industry, business and the public. Last February, I travelled with the Energy Secretariat to the communities within my region. I know that one of the common concerns that people share was that the rates for power were too high. People have a hard time paying their power bills, Mr. Speaker.

Over the past year, I have continually asked the Premier and the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to bring the issue of a one-rate zone for power to the table for discussion so that everyone would be treated equally and fairly in the Northwest Territories. I have been continually told that once the energy strategy was completed it would be part of the strategy.

Mr. Speaker, when the Premier released the energy strategy in July, he stated that the strategy will serve as a road map for dealing with complex energy policy decisions. The strategy recognizes that the current ways in which energy is applied, priced and consumed in the communities and to industry is not financially and environmentally sustainable. It also points out that there is strong support in the smaller diesel electric communities for a single electric rate for all consumers in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the strategy recognizes that changes need to be made. Now that the strategy is completed, I think that it needs to be discussed by the Members of this Assembly and we, as well as members from the public, need the opportunity to explore the option of recommending a one-rate zone for power or, as I suggested in the press release last October, a two-tiered levelized rate that takes into account the sources of power, whether they are diesel or hydro, that could be put into place.

Mr. Speaker, with a little over three weeks left in the life of this Assembly, I ask Cabinet if they could direct the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to proceed with an application for changing the rate structure so that the public hearings on this matter can begin. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Northwest Territories Energy Strategy

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1111

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Mr. Dent .

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International Day Of Older People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1111

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in 1990 the United Nations declared that October 1st would be observed as the International Day of Older People. So today is a worldwide celebration in honour of older people. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the ongoing contributions that are made in Yellowknife and in communities across the Northwest Territories by our seniors and elders. Unfortunately, some older people are marginalized, forgotten about or even abused. We need to ensure that all individuals, older persons included, enjoy independence, appropriate care, dignity and are able to achieve self-fulfillment.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Seniors' Society is a vital and thriving organization which supports older persons all across the Northwest Territories. I'd like to recognize their efforts, as well as the efforts of the Yellowknife Seniors' Society for the important and effective work they do for seniors and elders.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that today older people across the Northwest Territories are able to enjoy a special time with their families as we all reflect on how seniors and elders have made the Northwest Territories a better place to live. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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International Day Of Older People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1111

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Benefits Of Natural Resource Development

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1111

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a day for a few accolades and I would like to make one myself, but it's going to be balanced with a bit of criticism. I'd like to acknowledge, Mr. Speaker, the Premier 's efforts in recent days in promoting devolution and development in the Northwest Territories. Visits to the economic power centres of Canada and the United States show that our message is getting across of the increasing stature of the Northwest Territories in the Canadian economy. The message, of course, is that diamonds and oil and gas are enormous economic advantages for us and outside investors and markets and are spurring a political and social development, as well.

However, Mr. Speaker, closer to home, recent statements in the media from Finance Minister Joe Handley have sent some confusing signals from our government. In the Wednesday, September 24th, edition of the Yellowknifer he's quoted as saying the diamond cutting and polishing jobs are relatively minor benefits from the mines, the jobs are boring and don't pay much and we want to get beyond cutting and polishing and into trading and jewelry making. I wonder why the Minister is saying this. The overall value of the industry and its people deserve to be shown in a much more positive light, Mr. Speaker.

Not just in Yellowknife, but in Fort Simpson and Hay River, in Edzo and Fort Smith, but all communities that have been seeking to share in this benefit.

The North's cutting and polishing industry is a fledgling industry, seeking its way in the world markets and in doing so is contributing significantly to our economy; a fact that shouldn't escape the Finance Minister . Some indicators: on an average salary of $45,000 plus bonus and a manufacturing multiplier of 2.8, the current industry is worth $12 million from these workers to this city alone.

With the coming on stream of Tiffany's Laurelton diamond plant and production from existing plants, we have the capacity for up to 200 people to be employed. I think that's about double the number of people in the industry today, Mr. Speaker. This is not an insignificant contribution to our economy, especially when we see it against the payroll equivalent of the Con Mine, which is closing its doors later this month.

Mr. Speaker, with proper management and collaboration, this industry can be a catalyst for even more positive impact and diversity in our economy. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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Benefits Of Natural Resource Development

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1112

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Braden , you may conclude your statement.

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Benefits Of Natural Resource Development

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1112

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, thank you. Our message should be consistent, clear and positive. Northern polished diamonds will bring us increased benefits from exposure in North America and the world. Even today, Mr. Speaker, Aurora College is attracting students for these courses from Australia and the United States. Isn't this evidence of a further opportunity that lies before us?

The industry is triggering new immigration to Canada and to the Northwest Territories. I look forward to seeing some of these people taking the oath of Canadian citizenship as a result. If the job is as boring as the Minister suggests, I say the chance for a new life in Canada is a pretty exciting prospect for these new workers and their families.

Mr. Speaker, we can expand our opportunities associated with diamond mining. We need to build from the ground up and continue to support these companies and their workers by giving us a better future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Benefits Of Natural Resource Development

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1112

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South , Mr. Bell .

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Need For Residential Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centres

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1112

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest yesterday as my colleague, Mr. Braden , had questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services and also his statement about alcohol and drug treatment residential facilities in the Northwest Territories. He put the question to the Minister and asked if it was an indication, that being our performance in the past four years, was an indication that residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities in the Northwest Territories are no longer a priority for our continuum of care. I think a lot of residents have that sense, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister was very careful to point out that our strategy has been to focus attention at the community level, to make sure that we have adequate salaries for alcohol and drug workers so that we have more people willing to work in the field, and his opinion that it made sense to work more closely with the existing facilities that we have.

I think we all recognize that with our limited resources we're not going to see new dollars poured into capital. It isn't realistic to think that we're going to find bags of money or new treatment facilities, but that doesn't mean, Mr. Speaker, that we can't do something. We've got this serious need for residential treatment and I think it's at the same time that we're seeing falling custody numbers in all of our young offender facilities right across the territory.

The Department of Justice, I think, is indicating that they had a mere 21 young offenders in custody in the Northwest Territories as of September 15th. A lot of that is due in large part, Mr. Speaker, to the Youth Criminal Justice Act changes and our change in philosophy that came into being on April 1st of this year.

Mr. Speaker, I guess to sum it up, we really have made a decision not to incarcerate young people for many crimes if we don't have to. To try to deal with them in our communities, have community sentencing options, extrajudicial measures available for sentencing and this is a philosophy that certainly not everybody agrees with. I think maybe it's easier for us to stand here and say we have a more enlightened approach now and much more difficult if you've been a recent victim of a crime.

Mr. Speaker, this is a philosophy that will bear out over time as longitudinal studies show that incarcerating young offenders simply doesn't deal with the problem. Mr. Speaker, we've got these dwindling numbers in our young offender facilities and an increasing need for alcohol and drug treatment. I know the Department of Justice is looking at reprofiling some of our facilities. I think they've done so recently at the River Ridge Facility in Fort Smith. They've got a short term option they're looking at there, Mr. Speaker.

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

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Need For Residential Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centres

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1112

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Bell , you may conclude your statement.

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Need For Residential Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centres

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1112

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Certainly I think this is what the Department of Justice has to do is to make sure that if we don't have the numbers then we look at other ways to make use of those facilities. I think the Arctic Tern facility in Inuvik, which cost a lot of money and is relatively new, has less than 20 percent occupancy.

Mr. Speaker, what we have is Health and Social Services needs facilities, the Department of Justice has some facilities that are not full and I think this makes the case that we really need to have a social envelope Ministers committee. I'll be asking the Minister questions later in the day about the number of times that the social envelope Ministers have met in the past life of this government. Hopefully he'll be truthful with me because I don't think it has been very frequent.

Certainly the Department of Justice, I think, is doing what they can to reprofile these and assess the need the best they can, but it should be at a government level. The Housing Corporation should be talking to the Department of Justice, should be talking to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, which should be talking to the Department of Health and Social Services. I don't think that's going on.

We have the Housing Corporation stuck with the Somba K'e facility because we've got no clients out there, Mr. Speaker, just as a further example. I know that our government has spent $120,000 through the Housing Corporation since June of 2002. No clients out there, Mr. Speaker. It speaks to a real interdepartmental disconnect in my mind and, I think, the minds of residents of the Northwest Territories. It needs to be straightened out and I'll have questions for the appropriate Ministers. Thank you.

---Applause

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Need For Residential Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centres

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1113

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Nitah .

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Recognition Of The Metis Nation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1113

Steven Nitah

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to talk about the Northwest Territories Metis Nation. As we all know, the Northwest Territories Metis Nation is one of the aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories and in Canada that are negotiating with the territorial government and the federal government on contractual arrangements between the three bodies.

The Deh Cho reached its agreement that was signed in 2002 and is something of a worry for the Metis Nation. They feel the Government of the Northwest Territories is not living up to that agreement and are, in fact, reneging on that agreement, Mr. Speaker. I promised them that I would help open up dialogue between the two organizations and this is one of the ways that I plan to do so, is to raise the issue in the House. If our governments are entering into agreements with other governments, this government has to live by those agreements; bottom line, Mr. Speaker.

On September 19th, Mr. Speaker, the Powley case out of Sault Sainte Marie in Ontario, a Supreme Court decision, recognizes Metis rights as aboriginal rights with the same weight as treaty rights. That is more reason why this government has got to play a more serious role in dealing with the Metis Nation.

I congratulate the Metis people for persevering and fighting for their rights all these years. Where at one point in time they were not getting any rights at all, now we have the Supreme Court decision that says they have rights just as much as treaty Indians. My position has always been that we're all one family and that Supreme Court's decision is consistent with my philosophy here and, I believe, the philosophy of a lot of Northerners.

So I encourage the government to continually be vigilant in their dealings with all aboriginal governments, including the Northwest Territories Metis Nation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Recognition Of The Metis Nation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1113

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Mahsi, Mr. Nitah . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Health Benefits For Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1113

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I raised the question to the Minister of Health and Social Services about a constituency issue that has been outstanding for three years with no end in sight, it appears.

Mr. Speaker. I have another one today which the Minister has failed to act upon for almost the same length of time and it has to do with providing health insurance coverage for those suffering from Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome.

Mr. Speaker, I first wrote to the Minister in the fall of 2001 and made statements and asked questions in this House. At the time, the requests were over $800 in reimbursement which was rejected. The Minister indicated that he was undertaking a review of extended health benefits, as well as the list of specified diseases and conditions that would qualify for coverage. Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, he felt compelled to give me a little carrot to hang on to, because in this particular case we're talking about a child who needed to be diagnosed and treated by a special pair of glasses so she could read properly and learn.

Since then, Mr. Speaker, I have written a number of letters and e-mails to the Minister and he has assured me that he would do a thorough review of the benefits and let me know. The latest letter that I received from the Minister is dated March 28, 2003, and I quote, "All of the concerns that Members have expressed about the supplementary health benefits programs during the current and previous sessions of the 14th Legislative Assembly has been documented. These are being addressed during the review that is currently underway. I will be bringing forward a progress report on this review to the Standing Committee on Social Programs prior to the upcoming session in June."

Mr. Speaker, it's now September and I haven't heard a thing and I have checked with the members from the social programs committee and I don't believe he has done such reporting. Mr. Speaker, for two years now the Minister has stated that in all things he must make careful, measured steps. We can't act in haste; we need to do it carefully and do it right. I would suggest to the Minister, Mr. Speaker, the clock is about to run out and the time to act is now, and I expect an answer from the Minister about his coverage and the results of his review immediately. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Health Benefits For Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1113

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Kakfwi .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize today in the gallery the secretary to Cabinet, Liz Snider, and her aunt from Hamilton, Ontario, Elizabeth Maus.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Handley .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Minister for the public service, I would also like to recognize the Premier 's award recipients, and particularly those who are sitting in the gallery today. I won't name everyone, but the ones in the gallery I recognize: Anne Gunn, Keith Hickling, Karyn Hicks, Joe La Ferla, Mike Kalney, Brent Rausch, Ted McLeod and Len MacDonald. I'd like them to rise and be recognized. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Ootes .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

Jake Ootes

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a constituent of mine and an employee of our Department of Education, Culture and Employment sitting over on my right, Sue Glowach.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize constituents of mine sitting in the gallery. Joseph La Ferla who has already been recognized, and his wife, Gertrude La Ferla, who is also a long-term civil servant. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Roland .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's not very often I get to recognize somebody from the community of Inuvik so, Mr. McLeod and Mr. MacDonald, welcome to this Assembly.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to say welcome to everyone who has come here this afternoon. It's good to see you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho , Mr. McLeod .

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Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Finance , regarding the issue of taxation for First Nations people. I wanted to ask the Minister if he could tell us if any personal or property taxes or fees levied against the First Nations people are being used for education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. McLeod . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Handley .

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Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, it's my understanding that there are, in some cases, situations where parents are asked to pay fees in the schools for extra things that are needed in the system, but all parents are being asked to make those payments. I also understand that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is reviewing their policy on that. In addition, all property owners in the Northwest Territories are billed for an education tax. This is a tax of general application and goes into the general revenue; it doesn't go directly into education or into a specific service. Thank you.

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Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod .

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Supplementary To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, this year I had a number of constituents bring the property tax invoices in and it clearly states on the invoice that education taxes are being applied to aboriginal people, regardless of if you have children in school or not. I'd like to ask the Minister if he's aware that this is happening, and if he could tell us what portion of that is being applied to the schools. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. McLeod . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, yes, people who are paying taxes on their property will also be paying a portion that is for education. As I mentioned before, this is a tax of general application. The money we collect from education taxes goes into general revenue, and then we pay for the costs of education out of the consolidated revenue fund. The amount that we collect in total, Mr. Speaker, from education taxes right across the Territories is about $3.5 million. In total, this government spends roughly $200 million on education. So some of that money is for education but, as I say, it goes into the general revenue fund and then is voted by this House. It doesn't go directly to education as such. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod .

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Supplementary To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1114

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, it's not clear. My understanding is that this government receives transfer payments from the federal government to honour the treaty agreements the federal government has, and those transfer payments are clearly identified as money for education. Then, at the same time, we have invoices that are going out to the communities and to aboriginal people, treaty people, that state they have to pay a school tax. So in a sense this government is double dipping.

We're getting money from one source -- the federal government -- and we're also applying a tax to people who have an agreement, who have a treaty with the federal government. I believe it's a contravention of the treaty. I would like to ask the Minister to explain how that works, because we have two sources coming in. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. McLeod . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, the only money that we get that is specifically for aboriginal people and a treaty right is for aboriginal health care. That is the only money that is linked directly to a treaty right. All of the other money that we get in the Northwest Territories through our formula is for all residents, it's not broken down to so much for treaty people and so much for other people. We get an amount of money based on our population and other factors, but it's for everyone. So there's only the one program that I can think of off hand that is strictly for aboriginal people, and that's for aboriginal health. There's none for education as such. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Your final supplementary, Mr. McLeod .

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Supplementary To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, could I get the Minister to confirm then that this government receives no money for aboriginal education from the federal government? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. McLeod . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, we, through the formula, get funding for all residents in the Northwest Territories, so we get money for everyone; treaty people, non-treaty people, everyone. But that money is not broken down and identified specifically for status and treaty people versus for everyone. So we do not get money for treaty people specifically. I think we do operate a university/college entrance program. There's some money that we manage for the federal government, but that's a program we do on their behalf, it's not money that comes through our general revenue. But other than that, there is none that I'm aware of. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Question 344-14(6): Taxation Of First Nations People

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services with regard to my Member's statement. Mr. Speaker, as we all know looking through the budget, this government increased the amount of money by $26 million for Health and Social Services to the tune of $226 million in 2003-2004. Yet, Mr. Speaker, we see a decline in programs and services that are essential to services such as health and social services, alcohol and drug programs and also policing. Mr.

Speaker, we, again, have a situation in the Mackenzie Delta communities where communities are put on notice that only emergency services will be provided. When will this government learn that we have a problem and find a solution to that problem? Can the Minister tell us what is the government doing to find that solution?

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Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member has pointed out, it is a problem. There is a problem most acutely in some of the smaller communities, especially in the Inuvik region. Mr. Speaker, we've made arrangements, short-term arrangements with the UNW, so we can hire agency nurses. We have committed to a review of the classification of nurses to hopefully better compensate them once that classification review is done. That work is expected to be completed by Christmastime. So we put in millions of dollars trying to beef up salaries of alcohol and drug workers.

We put in money for mental health workers and we intend to recruit those positions which are empty and work on arrangements in communities for those people who are currently in place to get them to take advantage of the new classification. Thank you.

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Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko .

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Supplementary To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister touched on the point that I would like to make. We are seeing that programs and services are declining and the positions aren't being filled by this government. We have money allocated to communities sitting with health boards. What are you doing to ensure that those health boards don't sit on dollars that should be implemented for programs in communities? Why is it that dollars aren't making their way to those communities and having those positions filled to provide these essential services?

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Supplementary To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I met two weeks ago with the board chairs and the senior staff of the department and authorities. One of the issues that was on the table was the vacancy rate, especially among the alcohol and drug workers that are going to be rolled over into community wellness workers. Now that the classification has been done and the job descriptions written, I have asked that we make every effort to put that money to use. It's retroactive to April 1st and the board chairs and CEOs were there and they have committed to do that very thing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko .

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Supplementary To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1115

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the problems we've had in the Inuvik region is we have had situations where they have had to pay out of their own pocket to go to the Inuvik Regional Health Centre, in some cases getting medevaced out of the health centre because of not being diagnosed in our communities. They've made the effort on their own to travel to the regional hospital to get this service. As a department, are you willing to compensate those people who have taken it on their own to find that service at the Inuvik Regional Hospital where it's not being provided in our communities?

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Supplementary To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to commit to a review of every case the Member can bring forward outlining that specific issue and we will give it a thorough review and consideration. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Your final supplementary, Mr. Krutko .

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Supplementary To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister prior to the adjournment of this House, could he come back to this legislature and explain how the government could cope with the situation we've seen again in the Mackenzie Delta communities where we've had closures of our health centres to strictly emergency services? I would like to ask the Minister who is responsible for health services, what is this government doing to ensure that will not happen again next year?

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Supplementary To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will commit that prior to the rise of this House, I will get the information requested by the Member to him in writing outlining the steps being taken to address issues he's raised.

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Further Return To Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Question 345-14(6): Decline In Health And Social Services In Smaller Communities

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Hay River is the second largest community in the territory and its hospital serves half of the NWT's communities. Mr. Speaker, I would like to know if the Minister thinks that the H.H. Williams Memorial Hospital is being used to its potential considering that no dental surgeries have been performed for five consecutive months. I want to know if the Minister is aware of this and does he have any plans or suggestions to remedy the situation? Thank you.

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Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The chair was a bit concerned with the beginning of the question, however the second part of it let the Minister deal with that. You were asking an opinion and you shouldn't ask an opinion. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Hay River is a key part of the health and social services system. The health centre there figures prominently in the services that we provide. It's funded to provide dental surgery. It is an issue, as the Member has pointed out in her Member's statement today. There is a backlog there and attempts have been made to hire a GP anesthesiologist. It's not one that we have a solution for as we are in a similar situation in many other areas of service delivery. Is Hay River being used to its full capacity? No.

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Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. The chair is having some difficulty in picking up the sound here today. I hope the honourable Member got that answer. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I heard the Minister say he does not have a solution for the problem right now with respect to dental surgery. So in light of that, Mr. Speaker, considering an offer that the office manager of the Hay River Dental Clinic has made, she feels that the situation is dire enough for dental surgery that perhaps the clinic could hire their own nurses and anesthetists in order to take care of the backlog of emergency dental surgeries. Mr. Speaker, I am wondering if the government would fund a private clinic to cover the costs for what should be a publicly funded core service. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the deputy minister for the department met in early September in Hay River with the Member for Hay River North , as well as the lady who runs the dental clinic and there was a discussion about the concerns. Out of that discussion, I understand, came a plan for the manager to sit down with the CEO and the health board in Hay River to discuss this issue and they haven't yet had a chance to do that. That meeting I don't think has yet to take place. I have had discussions with Mr.

Delorey this morning about the concerns that I passed on to the deputy to make sure the meeting does take place so we can see what kind of common ground there is to address this issue.

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Further Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1116

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is - and I will repeat it again - if the Hay River Dental Clinic thinks that they have access to nurses and...If the health board can't hire these people and they think they can, will the government fund a private clinic to go out and do this work, so that it can be done in a timely manner? I know about the meetings and I know about the problems with recruitment and retention by the Hay River Health Board, but people's teeth are rotting in their mouths as we speak, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, when that meeting was concluded with the deputy, the MLA and the Hay River Dental Clinic, there was a plan, as I understand it, to connect up with the Hay River Health Authority which has funding to deliver the service, which I have yet to meet with the Hay River Dental Clinic to see what can be arranged. I think that's the step we should follow. If there is a plan that does come out of that, I am sure it will be acted on. At this point, I think it's premature for me to stand up and intercede before that meeting has taken place and we have the benefit of the full information from that meeting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Your final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my office also had presence at that meeting. Mr. Miltenberger mentioned Mr. Delorey 's office. Of course, we really work very closely together in Hay River and I appreciate that, but I would also appreciate it if he would keep me advised because this is an issue that's also important to my constituents. So will the Minister commit to apprising me to the outcome of that discussion and if it is not something that can be dealt with in a timely manner, we can revisit the offer of the Hay River Dental Clinic? Could the Minister confirm that's correct?

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Supplementary To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to apologize to the Member for implying that she's not involved or interested in these particular issues. It was an oversight on my part. I recognize in the House that she's very vigilant in putting forward her constituents' concerns. I will keep her apprised of whatever takes place in this area, as I will the Member for Hay River North . Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Question 346-14(6): Dental Services At H.h. Williams Memorial Hospital In Hay River

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Roland .

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Question 347-14(6): Consolidating Contracts For Computers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following my Member's statement in the area of government's purchasing programs, it has been for some time now that the government has started to use central purchasing as a way of reducing some of its cost, namely in the area of the technology services centre, as a way of pooling its resources from all departments. Mr. Speaker, something we have to consider is what are we doing to our small business throughout the Northwest Territories.

Referencing the contract earlier, for example, that just closed recently, September 23rd, for purchases of 112 computers, 45 of which were supposed to be delivered to Inuvik. The contractors in the small communities are disadvantaged, number one, for cost of transportation on some of the goods, but it's always more difficult to compete against a larger company that has a higher volume. That's one of the benefits of being in the capital. You are on the doorstep of government and can win a lot of their contracts.

I would like to know from the Department of Public Works and Services, is there intention to break up any of these computer contracts so that smaller businesses can have a chance to bid and win? Thank you.

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Question 347-14(6): Consolidating Contracts For Computers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

The Speaker

Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The honourable Minister of Public Works and Services , Mr. Steen .

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Return To Question 347-14(6): Consolidating Contracts For Computers

Question 347-14(6): Consolidating Contracts For Computers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1117

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department is well aware of the concerns raised by the Member and raised by the business sector as well. However, Public Works did take the issue to the Senior Management Preference Committee with regard to how to award the BIP preference in relation to where the computers were going. In the first instance in March, all computers were going to Yellowknife, so Ye