This is page numbers 73 - 93 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 1st 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 review.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Titus Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Arngna'naaq, Mr. Arvaluk, Hon. Michael Ballantyne, Mr. Bernhardt, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Mr. Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Koe, Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Ms. Mike, Hon. Don Morin, Hon. John Ningark, Hon. John Pollard, Mr. Pudluk, Mr. Todd, Hon. Tony Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 73

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Good afternoon. I would like to welcome to the Legislative Assembly, seated in the Speaker's Gallery, Her Worship, the Mayor of Fort McMurray, Mayor Collicott.

---Applause

Orders of the day for Thursday, December 12, 1991. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Northern construction activities, managed by DPW, can provide significant employment and training opportunities. I am committed to implementing new initiatives to increase the employment and training of aboriginal Northerners in the construction industry. DPW and other departments are supporting a construction worker training program designed for our younger people in NWT communities. The training could be certified by both Arctic College and the NWT Construction Association and would offer aboriginal workers a full range of construction skills training. We hope to deliver the program in association with planned capital projects in smaller communities.

Many of us as MLAs have lobbied for greater job creation and training of residents on local construction projects. I was successful in having government construction projects in my riding managed in ways that maximized the employment and training of residents. The department will continue to develop this community-centred approach to its activities.

We must look at each community's construction and maintenance programs for several years and put into place the resources to train local residents for the upcoming jobs and to prepare local businesses to participate. This will require greater co-ordination with other departments such as Education, Arctic College, Economic Development and the Housing Corporation. Communities will also need to be fully involved so that local benefits can be maximized from DPW activities.

Some construction companies may be worried that they might lost contract work as a result of these new initiatives. I am confident that we can involve the industry in this endeavour and that they can benefit, as well. The construction industry employs over 2000 workers annually. This includes over 1200 full-time tradespersons and almost 300 active apprentices. Jobs in construction can be long-lasting employment opportunities for many Northerners in the smaller NWT communities.

Before closing, Mr. Speaker, I would invite the honourable Members to call upon me with concerns that they have about DPW activities in their riding. Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Minister's statements. Mr. Ningark.

Ministers' Statement 13-12(1): Women's Directorate
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House, I am pleased to appear before you today in my new role as Minister responsible for the Status of Women. I have had the opportunity to meet with the staff of the Women's Directorate and the Status of Women Council and support the initiatives that are presently under way.

The prevention of violence against women continues to be in the forefront of everyone's mind. On December 6 a vigil was held in Yellowknife in commemoration of the 14 women killed in Montreal. Men also held a service at the same time here in Yellowknife to show their commitment to ending violence against women. In many places across the country men wore white ribbons to symbolize support, and I noticed men in this Assembly and in Yellowknife who were also wearing the ribbons in support of ending violence against women.

As Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate, I am concerned about child sexual abuse in the Northwest Territories. To address this problem, an interagency committee works toward identifying viable treatment options and resources.

Mr. Speaker, investigation of the needs of victims of violence is ongoing and is being addressed by the Department of Justice, the Women's Directorate, Social Services and non-governmental groups such as Arctic Public Legal Education and Information Society, the YWCA and the Native Women's Association.

---Applause

Ministers' Statement 13-12(1): Women's Directorate
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Ministers' statements. Mr. Allooloo.

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to announce the successful publication of a dictionary in the Gwich'in language. At the end of this statement, I will be presenting a copy of this dictionary to my colleagues who represent the Gwich'in people.

This is the first dictionary of the Northwest Territories in the Gwich'in dialect that has ever been published. The dictionary is the result of a co-operative effort by the Gwich'in people in Fort McPherson. I congratulate William George Firth and the many people, especially the elders, who worked with him to produce this dictionary.

This book, which is over 200 pages, contains entries for all of the parts of speech in Gwich'in. It also contains verb charts. It will be useful for language specialists, teachers, people learning to speak Gwich'in and interpreters/translators. It is written using the standard writing system for Gwich'in.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to note that funding for the research and publishing costs of this dictionary was made possible under the provision of the Official Languages Agreement that our government signed with the Government of Canada. I hope this dictionary of the Gwich'in language, along with the South Slavey dictionary which we published last year, will soon be followed by dictionaries for the other Dene languages. In order to preserve and revive our languages, we need many kinds of literacy materials, of which dictionaries are the cornerstone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Allooloo. Ministers' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to brief the House on several infectious diseases that have affected territorial residents during the past few months. I want to update Members on the status of these diseases.

The most serious outbreak was caused by an E-coli bacteria. E-coli can seriously affect the kidneys and, in some cases, other organs of the body. In the recent Keewatin outbreak, which lasted through the summer and into the fall, there were 166 confirmed cases. Most outbreaks of E- coli infection in southern Canada have been traced to a single infected food item. But in the Keewatin, no responsible food was identified, although the disease appeared to spread from person to person. Experts from the federal Laboratory Centre for Disease Control helped in this investigation and control of this illness. A review of this particular outbreak, which now seems to have run its course, is scheduled to take place in January.

Another notable infectious outbreak was caused by the measles virus. It also affected the Keewatin as well as the Baffin Region. Some cases of measles have also occurred elsewhere, and there are currently increasing numbers of affected persons in the Yellowknife area. Mr. Speaker, measles is an illness for which there have been vaccines since the 1960s. Before that, nearly all children got this illness while they were still young. When vaccines were introduced, it was thought that the infection could be wiped out, in the same way smallpox was eliminated. But that has not happened, probably because some people never received the vaccine, or they received one of the earlier types of vaccines that do not have a long-lasting effect.

Measles is highly infectious. It will continue to spread even if only a small number of people are not adequately vaccinated. As a result, territorial doctors and nurses are checking their records and urging people who were inadequately immunized to receive the newer vaccine. Many of those who need the newer vaccine are teenagers. The federal laboratory centre for disease control has also been studying this outbreak in the Northwest Territories, as well as similar outbreaks in Ontario and Quebec, in order to advise on better preventive measures.

Mr. Speaker, the AIDS virus continues to be a serious problem. Twelve cases have been reported, and there is still an urgent need for all community leaders to speak out about this fatal disease and to reinforce the individual message of last year's door-to-door campaign.

On the other hand, tuberculosis is an illness that is coming under better control. The number of identified infections this year is not very different from 1990. While vigilance and rapid intervention is still required, the number of infections has dropped from 56 active cases in 1988 to 22 last year.

Finally, one other infectious disease that has particularly affected territorial children, is haemophilus meningitis. New vaccines will soon be available, and arrangements are under way to provide them to territorial children early in 1992. It is expected the new vaccine will help to reduce the incidence of this disease.

Mr. Speaker, the control of other infectious illnesses depend on the care people take in what they do. One of these is botulism. Several cases of botulism were reported again this past summer. Teaching about the risk that results from preparing country food using plastic bags instead of using the old and safer ways of the elders will need to continue until this unnecessary illness and loss of lives is stopped.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts made by the staff of the Northwest Territories health system and others who have worked diligently in attempts to control the spread of these infectious diseases. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Gargan.

Victimization Of Native Women
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like many Canadians, Mr. Speaker, I was deeply moved last Friday, December 6, when men and women alike remembered the tragedy in Montreal. White ribbons help us remember that only two years ago, 14 women were slain by a man who was filled with hate.

Mr. Speaker, I find myself thinking a lot since then about the sort of hatred that would cause such a senseless slaughter. While this was no doubt the act of an irrational individual, it is also a reflection of the way women have been victimized over the years by Canadian society.

But, Mr. Speaker, I could not help thinking that, as horrible as the "Montreal Massacre" was, we should not overlook the fact that native people, and especially native women, have been victimized by violence ever since the European explorers first arrived in our land.

When I looked at the white ribbons we wore last Friday, I found myself thinking of Helen Betty Osbourne, brutally murdered by non-native bullies who were ignored by the law because their victim was of aboriginal descent.

Those white ribbons also made me think of Kitty Nowdluk Reynolds, victimized once by a sexual assault, and then victimized again by the Crown attorneys and RCMP officers who forced her to parade across the country in handcuffs and locked her in a van with her attacker.

I thought of Inuit women from communities in Northern Quebec who were forced to move to the High Arctic regions they did not know. They told of their hardship and the sexual victimization they endured at the hands of white policemen. Today they are still victimized; this time by a federal Minister who has called them all liars.

Later this afternoon I will table an account of conditions in Canada's only prison for women -- a dungeon-like institution where outdated correctional practices and medieval surroundings victimize our people once because they are women and again because they are native.

But no one wore white ribbons for Helen Betty Osbourne. No one wore white ribbons for Kitty Nowdluk Reynolds. No one wore them for the Arctic exiles or the for female inmates who have been killing themselves in penitentiaries, or for the women of Oka, or for the countless other aboriginal women who have disappeared or have been victims of violence in communities where no services exist.

Mr. Speaker, hatred against women is most virulent when it is mixed with hatred against a racial group. We cannot overlook the fact that while all women are subject to victimization, native women are at the greatest risk. Violence is not only a women's issue and not only a men's issue. There are elements that make it a racial issue as well, and we simply cannot pretend that this is not true. Only by talking about these truths openly will we ever come close to understanding the question that will challenge us throughout the 1990s: How can the people of the North live together?

Victimization Of Native Women
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Bernhardt.

Coppermine Concerns
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Ernie Bernhardt Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a result of a public meeting held December 4, 1991 in Coppermine, here are some of the concerns brought to me to address to the Government Leader.

More training opportunities for trades people to get training at the local level must be made available. They would prefer not to go to Fort Smith or Inuvik or other campuses but that these training services be delivered at the community level.

The government must develop a good working relationship with private industry to encourage environmentally sound development of our mineral and renewable resources while creating employment and training in areas relevant to the future of our area.

There must be more exposure of our young people to the outside world and the opportunities available to the public sector in training, employment and life. Examples are Expo, student exchanges and school trips. Focus should be on longer term, such as a span between 20 and 50 years, because of the explosion in the number of our youth and the lack of resources that exist in the following areas: training, employment, social and economic development, housing and school in general.

More money is needed for economic development at the grassroots level such as funding for restaurants, beauty salons, clothing stores, and so on, and to encourage the building of these facilities capable of handling these businesses.

I would like to table these at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Coppermine Concerns
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the front page of yesterday's Globe and Mail it was reported that the recently elected government in British Columbia has, and I quote, "recognized the political legitimacy of aboriginal title and the inherent right of aboriginal people to self-government."

Mr. Speaker, BC is now the third province in Canada, besides Ontario and New Brunswick, to publicly support aboriginal people's inherent right to self-government. I think this is remarkable, because all three of these provincial legislatures are run by non-native people.

It is remarkable because this Legislature is run by aboriginal people, yet we have not publicly stated our support for that inherent right of aboriginal self-government. It is remarkable because our Executive Council, headed by an aboriginal person, and with aboriginal Ministers, is incapable of getting any closer to that inherent right of aboriginal self-government than coming up with a plan to delegate a limited form of municipal self-government, called community transfer agreements, to our aboriginal communities.

Mr. Speaker, this Legislature should be taking the lead in this country in recognizing aboriginal people's inherent right to self-government, instead of making public statements that somehow aboriginal people who express this right are somehow taking a stand. I would, rather, suggest that those government leaders in this House who will not publicly support aboriginal people's inherent right to self-government are the ones who are taking the stand by not recognizing in a substantive manner the rights we have as aboriginal people. Mahsi cho.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

Founding Members Of Inuit Tapirisat Of Canada
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Mr. Speaker and Members, I would like to make a special recognition of the founding members of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. It was 20 years ago this past August, in 1971, that the Inuit of the Inuvialuit Region, Kitikmeot, Keewatin, Baffin and Northern Quebec, got together for the very first time to establish an Inuit national organization. Prior to this time, the Inuit had never organized through association. It is through the founding of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada that the land claim process is happening, that constitutional talks, political development and many cultural and language programs have been promoted and implemented.

The founding members are as follows: Jacob Oweetaluktuk, Povungnituk, Nunavik; Lena Pedersen, Coppermine, Kitikmeot; Ed Berthe, Fort Churchill, Manitoba, now deceased; Ipeelee Kilabuk, Pangnirtung, Baffin; Tagak Curley, Coral Harbour, Keewatin; Joanasie Nuliuyuk, Ivujivik, Nunavik; Eliyah Menarik, Montreal, Quebec; Mike Panika, Coral Harbour, Keewatin; Raymond Ningeocheak, Coral Harbour, Keewatin; Willie Adams, Rankin Inlet, Keewatin; Noah Qumaq, Salluit, Nunavik; Silasie Cookie, Kuujjurrapik, Nunavik; Mary Cousins, Iqaluit, Baffin; Peter Komingook, Coppermine, Kitikmeot; Josiah Kadlutsiak, Igloolik, Baffin; Meeka Kilabuk, Pangnirtung, Baffin; Rosemary Nuttanaatiaq, Cambridge Bay, Kitikmeot; Simonie Alainga, Iqaluit, Baffin; Joanasie Salomonie, Cape Dorset, Baffin; Sarah Seeloo, Baker Lake, Keewatin; Wallace Goose, Holman Island, Kitikmeot, now deceased; Hugh Ungagai, Baker Lake, Keewatin, now deceased; Sally Martin, Baker Lake, Keewatin; and Hon. Jean Chretien, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs at the time. The first elected board of directors were Lena Pedersen, Tagak Curley, Mike Panika, Raymond Ningeocheak, Noah Qumaq, Josiah Kadlutsiak, Meeka Kilabuk and Wallace Goose. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Founding Members Of Inuit Tapirisat Of Canada
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Publication Of "canada North Of 60"
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Following the lead of the Member for Slave River, I would like to announce the publication of a book

which I have given to my friend, Mr. Allooloo, to look at. It is a book called "Canada North of 60." The inspiration for it came several years ago when two people from Germany came to the Territories, to Rankin Inlet, saw a wonderful girls' soccer team which they decided they wanted to take to Hamburg, Germany. When they saw what a wonderful part of the world we live in, they decided that this would be a tremendous subject for a big book on the North, so that the English and German-speaking world could really see what a favoured part of the world we live in.

This book was published this fall in Canada by McClelland and Stewart. In addition to some incredible photographs, I should like to point out that the people that put this book together, did all the writing and so on, were northern people: Ethel Blondin; Ann Hanson from Iqaluit; Jack Anawak; Eric Watt, a local person; John Bayly. In fact, nearly everybody who has contributed to this book is known throughout the Territories.

The unfortunate thing, Mr. Speaker, is that unlike Mrs. Marie-Jewell, I am not able to give everybody a copy because it is a very expensive book; it costs $65. It was produced by German book producers; it was published by McClelland and Stewart; it was printed in Malaysia using Swiss technology and is now available in book stores right across the country. And for those people who have a special friend who they would like to give a copy to, it is available in the local book store.

I should point out, Mr. Speaker, I have absolutely no financial interest in this particular publication and I am only doing it as a public service notice. Thank you.

---Laughter

Publication Of "canada North Of 60"
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Christmas In The Keewatin
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Christmas is coming upon us very quickly. On this occasion all the people will be celebrating the birth of one of the most influential persons in history. During this time of the year many people will celebrate by exchanging of gifts. This is possible for those people who can afford to buy these gifts. In my constituency the majority of the local people are not able to afford these gifts as a result of the high unemployment as well as the inability to get into the system of higher learning.

This is not to say the people will not celebrate Christmas. As always, Inuit will celebrate Christmas regardless of their dilemma. I hope that this government will be able to assist me and members from the Keewatin to improve the employment in my area, and enable more people to enjoy Christmas more. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Christmas In The Keewatin
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Whitford.

Return To Question O9-12(1): Additional Nurse For Chesterfield Inlet
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Arvaluk on December 10th, regarding an additional nurse for Chesterfield Inlet. The former Minister of Health, Nellie Cournoyea, discussed this matter with Mayor Kadluk of Chesterfield Inlet and the chairperson of the Keewatin health board, Bette Palfrey, at a meeting during the opening of the new health centre at Chesterfield Inlet this October. That conversation was confirmed in a letter from the Minister to Mayor Kadluk dated October 25, 1991. An agreement was reached that the situation would be addressed in the short term by providing increased casual nursing relief support to the Chesterfield Inlet nursing station from within existing resources. In the longer term, the Keewatin Regional Health Board will review its current budget to determine if an additional full-time nursing position can be created for the Chesterfield Inlet Health Centre through reallocation of salary dollars currently designated for contract nurses and/or overtime.

The honourable Member referred in his question to a letter from the Mayor of Chesterfield Inlet. Department of Health staff received the letter on December 9 and will respond to the mayor before the end of this week. Thank you.

Return To Question O9-12(1): Additional Nurse For Chesterfield Inlet
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Returns to oral questions. Oral questions. Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

My question is for the Minister of Public Works. Mr. Speaker, on April 11, 1990, the 11th Assembly passed a motion asking the government to bring forth a policy that allows only northern companies to bid on government contracts. It is a motion that both the new Minister of Finance and the new Minister of Public Works are well acquainted with since they moved it. Could the Minister tell me if he is still committed to the intent of this motion?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Morin.

Return To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

Return To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Supplementary, Mr. Todd.

Supplementary To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Could the Minister, then, inform this House what steps his department has taken to implement the policy?

Supplementary To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Public Works, Mr. Morin.

Further Return To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the present time, the Minister of Finance and his department, along with my departmental officials, are looking at the implications of it.

Further Return To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Further supplementary, Mr. Todd.

Supplementary To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Given that when the motion was passed there was a request that this policy be reviewed by the standing committee on finance by August 15, 1990 and that the implementation of the policy be brought forward to the Executive Council and implemented by September 1, 1990, when does the Minister expect this policy will be fully implemented?

Supplementary To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The Minister of Finance will take the question.

Further Return To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, I think if the policy, as it is coming forward right now, were looked at by this House, it would not be acceptable because it does not address the concerns of that particular motion. It still does not say the kinds of things that people in this House have said, so we are looking at it again. As the Minister said, my department and his department will be working together to bring the matter forward to cabinet sometime in January to address this issue and still allow some flexibility with government spending. We would propose to put this before the standing committee on finance sometime in February. Thank you.

Further Return To Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Question O67-12(1): Commitment To Northern Preference Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, just to follow up on the questions from Mr. Todd. Recognizing that there is no specific policy developed, would the Minister of Finance be able to advise this House as to what measures are being taken with respect to ensuring they use northern businesses as much as they can? Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Return To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Item 5: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is an existing business incentives policy. I am afraid to say, sir, that it does not always work in favour or northern contractors. I freely admit that. I think Members on the other side are aware of that, as well. I guess in the meantime, before we can get a new policy before cabinet and take it to SCOF, the Members should be assured that we will do everything we can as Ministers to indicate to our departments that supporting northern business is supporting businesses that employ northern people, and it is the thing that we wish to be done. It is going to have to be a little bit on faith in the meantime, Mr. Speaker, and if Members are aware of instances where those kinds of things are not being adhered to, then they should inform the appropriate Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Supplementary To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Recognizing that there is no specific policy with respect to northern purchasing -- that was the initial question asked -- and we all recognize that there is a business incentive policy and the way it is being applied causes concern to this House, and this is the purpose for formulating the other policy, Mr. Speaker, I would like to question the Minister to determine whether or not he is considering formulating a directive to the departments to ensure that the concerns of northern purchases are followed through with by the respective departments. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Finance.

Further Return To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Item 5: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, I am always somehow apprehensive, where there is a clearly defined policy, clearly defined rules and regulations for government employees to abide by, about overriding that thing by a straight directive. I think what we would prefer to do is to say to our people that are managing these projects that we want, as much as possible, to see those businesses that are northern, that employ northern people, to get the benefits of the contracts let by this government, within reason, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps I could just say to the House that we could send out a directive that ensures that the present policy is adhered to and if there is ever a situation that is quite close, then having it referred to the Government Leader's office may be the way to resolve the issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Further supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Supplementary To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, with regard to my initial question of asking if the Minister of Finance will consider formulating a directive, and as I had indicated recognizing that there are concerns with the way the current policy is being applied, the Minister of Finance stated that he is apprehensive about formulating a directive; but I am concerned with the lack of a formal directive to go with northern purchasing. There is a concern that there is no consistency when applying the policies, or there may be no consistency in applying the rules, so therefore I would like to know if the Minister of Finance will consider formulating a directive to ensure that northern purchasing is fully and conscientiously adhered to when we are expending public funds for purchases of goods in the North. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Finance.

Further Return To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
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John Pollard Hay River

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I will send out a directive that ensures that we are adhering to the existing business incentive policy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
Question O68-12(1): Measures For Ensuring Northern Preference
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mr. Arvaluk.

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Government Leader. On August 23, at a public meeting in Hay River, the 11th Assembly's standing committee on finance asked the Executive Council to immediately initiate an independent investigation into the awarding of petroleum delivery contracts. Subsequently, the former Government Leader announced that a consultant, Ben Anderson, had been retained to investigate this matter. Mr. Speaker, will the Government Leader please advise the House regarding the status of Mr. Anderson's investigation?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Ms. Cournoyea.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I will have to take that question under notice as I have not received the report yet.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government Leader has made assurances to this House that Members would have an opportunity to review an implementation strategy before recommendations from the report "Strength at

Two Levels." Can the Government Leader advise the House whether the changes in six positions in the Personnel department earlier this week were related to streamlining recommendations from the Beatty report and if so, why they were made prior to the House seeing an implementation strategy?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

Return To Question O70-12(1): Relation Of Changes In Personnel Department To Beatty Report
Question O70-12(1): Relation Of Changes In Personnel Department To Beatty Report
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, all I can say is I just heard about that yesterday. To my knowledge it had nothing to do with streamlining. This is generally a normal happening in government within the department, that these changes take place. We have not implemented a lot of our consolidations as of yet, so this would be a separate issue that would be normal government procedures on their day-to-day activities.

Return To Question O70-12(1): Relation Of Changes In Personnel Department To Beatty Report
Question O70-12(1): Relation Of Changes In Personnel Department To Beatty Report
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last few days have been dominated by discussion of the Beatty report. I would like to ask the Government Leader, since this report really would involve a massive reorganization of government and the Government Leader has indicated she would like to move on it quickly, has she had a chance to consult with our constitutional commission to make sure that the work that is in this report will relate to and not contradict what is going on with another government funded commission, which may result in constitutional arrangements with a completely different separation of powers?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, as I said before, whether there was a report "Strength at Two Levels," whether there was a report or not, the things that we are doing today would have to be done anyway. In the last election, as you know, the question was: Where is the government spending their money? Are we making the best use of the funds that we have? Do the funds of the GNWT reflect the aspirations of the community and the programs and services that have to be delivered in the communities. Whether or not there was a report, given this position, this exercise in terms of streamlining the central agencies, would have had to go on anyway.

All the Members of the Legislative Assembly when they went and sought election were told, and it was very much reported, that there was a very strong feeling that the funding that we have as a total in government, could be utilized better at a community level and for the clients that we are serving. So I think what we should consider at this point in time is not necessarily what is in the report, but what the government must do to respond to the electorate and our clients. Thank you.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Would the Government Leader not agree that the report "Strength at Two Levels" recommends a delegation of authority, through negotiations between one level of government and another, so that local government could assume responsibilities which have nothing at all to do with constitutional guarantees. This is just simply a matter of us deciding how much you could do at this particular time. Is that really a proper characterization of what the government intends?

Supplementary To Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, yes.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 78

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, has the government planned to put in place a system, so that everybody throughout the NWT will have equal opportunity, even though we will not have constitutional guarantees, an equal opportunity to assume those responsibilities locally that they would like to have, so that everybody would be treated, in a sense, in a manner in which a constitution would give them guarantees of assuming these powers.

Supplementary To Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 78

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I could not answer that question because the commission right now is dealing with that issue in terms of the constitution and the set-up of a political body. I would be predetermining what a commission out there is presently doing. I cannot do that.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Lewis, last supplementary.

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Would the Government Leader then be open to a proposal to refer this particular report "Strength at Two Levels," to the constitutional commission, to see if what is being proposed in this report will not be at variance with what the commission has found to date and where it seems to be heading in terms of providing the level of guarantee at the local level of the provision of Government Services.

Supplementary To Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 78

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 78

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, when the report was received it was distributed as soon as possible, at which time everyone, including the commission, has a copy. Thank you.

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Question O71-12(1): Consultation With Constitutional Commission On Beatty Report
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This has been a week filled with talk of restraint and gestures showing restraint. Earlier this week the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism was questioned about employees flying first class to Spain. I would like to ask the Government Leader: Will the

government issue a directive immediately requiring all employees to fly economy fare when trips must be taken on short notice and requiring the travel is planned, whenever possible, to take advantage of advance booked, reduced rate tickets?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

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Question O72-12(1): Economy Class Air Fares For Government Personnel
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Page 79

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Certainly, Mr. Speaker.

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Question O72-12(1): Economy Class Air Fares For Government Personnel
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Page 79

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Speaker, in some jurisdictions when the Government pays for tickets, any travel points that accrue from that ticket go into a government pool and those points can then be used to purchase tickets in the future. Will this government undertake to institute a policy whereby all travel points from airline tickets from Members of the Legislature, government employees, or people who work for boards, commissions or agencies funded by the government, and ensure that points and airline tickets paid for by the government go into a pool for use by the government in the future?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

New question. Ms. Cournoyea.

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Question O73-12(1): Accrual Of Air Travel Points For Government Use
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Page 79

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, we realize that the federal government has instituted this policy and at this point in time this is one of the issues we are presently dealing with to see how we could take advantage of that.

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Question O73-12(1): Accrual Of Air Travel Points For Government Use
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Page 79

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In respect to the capital process there was a comment in respect to the Government Leader yesterday when we were debating a motion, that it was general agreement that the planning process and some sort of delaying of next year's budget, was to allow for input from Members with respect to developing capital items to be addressed in their constituency. I would like to ask the Government Leader how she anticipates the ordinary Members will be involved in the capital planning process for the upcoming budget.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I would like the Minister of Finance to respond to that question because there has been some discussion on how we can best accommodate that. Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

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Page 79

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are presently behind in putting together next year's budget as I think everyone in the House is aware. I have talked to Mr. Todd, chairman of the standing committee on finance. We propose that when the standing committee on finance is reviewing the capital estimates in January or February, that we would then start discussion on the capital and O and M estimates for the following year. We would come up with a process at that time whereby MLAs would be involved in whatever is happening in their particular constituencies, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Question O74-12(1): Involvement Of Ordinary Members In Capital Planning Process
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 79

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to the Legislative Assembly, students and teachers from the native women's adult education training program.

---Applause

Oral questions. Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. On Monday, the Minister told this House that the NWT Power Corporation has been, on an ongoing basis, reviewing their operations since the transfer from the federal government. I would like to ask the Minister if this internal review includes reviewing the cost effectiveness of capital projects delivered since the transfer.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, Ms. Cournoyea.

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Question O75-12(1): Internal Review Of NWT Power Corporation
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 79

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, yes, that has been part of their ongoing review on some of the projects that were taken over initially, and the cost that had been attributed to those particular capital projects.

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Question O75-12(1): Internal Review Of NWT Power Corporation
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Supplementary, Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, could the Minister, provide the results of this review?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Ms. Cournoyea.

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary Question O75-12(1): Internal Review Of NWT Power Corporation
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 79

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for Education. When the Education Act was written, it was begun in 1971 and was not finished until February of 1976, so I would like to ask the Minister that since a project was begun by Mr. Kakfwi to write a new Education Act, could he tell the House where that process is right now? What is the stage we are at in rewriting the Education Act?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Allooloo.

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Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 79

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is aware, the previous Minister solicited information from community members and regional organizations that are

dealing with education. My department has put together a collection of those concerns and we have consolidated them. We have sent them back to the community educational boards and councils to tell the communities, since they are the voices of the regional community boards throughout the Northwest Territories.

What we are trying to do now is to put together an information package so that the communities and the regional boards are informed as to where we are going with our Education Act. We will continue the work that was started by the previous government to see where changes should take place in the Education Act. Thank you.

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Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

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Page 80

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Would it then be the intention of the Minister of Education to have this act completely rewritten before we begin looking at a different delivery system for education, so that it could be delivered locally instead of on a regional basis as it is in most cases right now?

Supplementary To Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 80

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Education.

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Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
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Page 80

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, in the "Strength At Two Levels" report there were references made to the educational boards, Arctic College and the community based educational boards. The government is now reviewing that report and we will ultimately have to wait for the direction that cabinet would give the Department of Education. After all that is resolved, after the government knows where education is going, the work would begin to update, along with the regional community educational boards, the Education Act. Thank you.

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Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Your second supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

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Page 80

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since all this information has been collected over the last couple of years from interested groups right throughout the Territories, before a new act would be drafted, could the Minister indicate -- I do not need all the details -- whether in fact, on the basis of that information that has been collected to date, people, generally, would like to see the education system more or less continue in the direction it has been in the past, by delivering it on a regional basis?

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Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 80

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Education.

Further Return To Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 80

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Yes, we have collected concerns from the communities. In writing a new Education Act we will be using the information that we have received from the communities, as well as the organizations that are interested in education throughout the NWT. Thank you.

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Page 80

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Your last supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

I will try the same question again, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister confirm, based on the information that has been collected on the delivery of education, that people are generally satisfied that it should continue to be delivered through what have been called divisional boards of education. Will he confirm that that is what he has found people are in favour of, on the basis of the work that has been collected to date?

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Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
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Page 80

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Education.

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Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
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Page 80

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What we found was that people throughout the Northwest Territories generally are very interested in the educational system. Since education to the northern people is new, especially in my region, people are getting into the education system and the parents are very interested. We found that the community people are very interested in taking part and also in determining what their kids' education will be in the future. Based on the government direction which will be given to the Department of Education, and based on the concerns that were raised during the process that took place last year when the department solicited information from the communities and regional boards, we will determine what will be the best method to educate the kids who are attending school currently, as well as the future students.

Further Return To Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
Question O76-12(1): Progress On Rewriting Education Act
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Page 80

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Government Leader. Earlier today I made reference to the fact that three Canadian provinces are now on record as supporting aboriginal people's inherent right to self-government. Will the Government Leader in this House publicly state her support for the inherent right of aboriginal people to self-government?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, to pay due respect to my colleague, the Minister given the responsibility for intergovernmental constitutional and aboriginal affairs is planning to make a statement tomorrow or Monday. I would prefer to ask the honourable Member to await that statement.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The question is taken as notice. Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Public Works. This week residents of the town of Inuvik were notified that effective January 1, 1992, the cost of utilidor-delivered water will rise from $50 to $55 a month for most of the residents of Inuvik. Is this increase of water rates in Inuvik an isolated case, or are other communities in the NWT similarly affected?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Morin.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have a clue about that. I will check it out. I will take it as notice.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The question is taken as notice. Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Transportation. I did address the concern during the 11th Assembly regarding the possibility of a spill and perhaps even having an emergency SWAT team centred somewhere around Providence. My question is not regarding that particular situation.

There was an accident last month close to Alert, where a Hercules plane went down about 20 kilometres from the community, but there was not too much the community could do with regard to trying to save the people who went down with that plane. Are there plans by this government to address the whole situation of unforeseen things like this, that we do have the necessary resources to redress that situation?

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the Member is questioning the emergency response the government has. This area of responsibility is with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The Minister of Municipal Affairs is not here. Madam Government Leader.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I will take the question as notice.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources. In recent statements in this House the Minister made mention of the Northern Accord. During question period yesterday the Minister stated that she will have a response to a question raised by my honourable colleague here that in an update of the status of the Northern Accord which we are still waiting for. What is the current status of the Northern Accord negotiations?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Madam Government Leader.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I realize I did say I would bring it today or tomorrow. I just did not have time to complete the response and I will have it ready tomorrow for sure.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The question is taken as notice. Mr. Arvaluk.

James Arvaluk Aivilik

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education. He is also the Minister of Culture and Communications. This is in regard to the funding given to education. He is aware that with education we deal with mathematics and language. Funding is given to education, and for the cultural inclusion programs, I think they are given a lower amount of funding. Will this be increased later on?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Education.

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Page 81

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have talked to my department in regard to funding for education. There are programs in the communities and in the different regions that are available in cultural inclusion. The funding that is given to the communities is being dealt with by my department. They are trying to fix it so the communities are more satisfied.

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Arvaluk, supplementary.

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Page 81

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the review of this department becomes available, will he be tabling it in the House?

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Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 81

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Education.

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Mr. Speaker, what I have asked my department to do is to tell me what sort of moneys for cultural inclusions programs are given out to the communities. I have asked them to give me that information and also to see if we could find a better method of funding cultural programs in each community. Once that information is available, I will probably have to go back to the divisional boards, at least to the communities' educational authorities, to find out what would be the best way to use those resources that will be of the most benefit to the communities. Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Social Services. Mr. Speaker, in reviewing the Hansard, I am still not content with the types of answers that I am getting from the Minister of Social Services. I asked twice previously this week with respect to whether or not the Minister of Social Services feels that the Department of Social Services needs a total review, and I would like an answer.

Therefore, my question remains the same. Does the Minister of Social Services feel that the Department of Social Services requires a total review? Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

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Page 82

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, no.

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Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
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Page 82

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

With that, Mr. Speaker, recognizing that the Minister for the Department of Social Services has changed, but the department is still the same, the programs are still the same, the concerns of social issues are probably still the same in the North, I would like to know why he feels that the Department of Social Services does not need a total review. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 82

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Further Return To Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
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Page 82

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I indicated some time ago that I have numerous briefing books and I am trying to review all of the existing programs and trying to visit all of the staff that I can, the headquarters staff and the people that work in the areas, to get a first-hand view of what programs we are dealing with. I would like an opportunity to conclude my review and my briefings and such before I can make any kind of decision like that. For the time being, I do not intend to have it fully reviewed.

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Second supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

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Page 82

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to know why the current Minister of Social Services publicly made statements that he felt the Department of Social Services required a total review. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 82

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Whitford.

Further Return To Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
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Page 82

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was not in charge then, and I am in charge now, and I feel that time is needed to have a good close look at all of the programs and talk to all of the people.

Further Return To Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
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Page 82

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Third and last supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

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Page 82

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, regardless of whether he was in charge then when he made those statements, he still made a statement that the department required a total review. I am somewhat concerned that a public figure such as an MLA can just talk for nothing like the Minister has in the past, and now try to get out of it by saying that he is in charge. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask, does the Minister of Social Services honestly feel that the Department of Social Services needed a review in the past and still requires that review today? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
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Page 82

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Further Return To Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
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Page 82

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Well let us not take this personally. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the former Minister for her indulgence to be able to go over the department in the form that I would like. I would like to review these programs, as I said. At the time I was on the other side of the House I was fair to the Minister; I always gave her the benefit of the doubt, and I ask that same thing. I realize that there has been a very substantial review of the whole government, including the departments I am responsible for, Mr. Speaker, and I would like that same opportunity, to be able to appraise all of the programs and the services that we deliver and match these with the recommendations or the views of the "Strength At Two Levels" report. I would like that opportunity as well, to undertake that over a period of time.

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Question O82-12(1): Need To Review Department Of Social Services
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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Social Services. On Tuesday, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Social Services, when I asked if he was willing to table the report of the riot at the Yellowknife Correctional Centre -- Christmas is just around the corner, Mr. Speaker, and January 1st is less than a month away so I am a bit concerned about what might happen in the event that a riot does take place again. My concern right now is that we do not have a tabled report. I would like to know the reasons why the riot took place in the first place. There had to be some dissatisfaction, there have to be some issues that the inmates were concerned about that the government refused to address, which led to the riot at YCC. I do not know what the reasons are, so I would like to ask the Minister whether or not he would be willing to table this dry-reading document that he feels is not important, but it is important to me, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Return To Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess it is true that words come back to haunt you sometimes, but when I did say that the report was dry, it was probably in the context that I have had a lot of reading to do over the last couple of weeks. One of these bits of reading happened to be that report, and I did review the report, but because I did think that since the previous Minister had tabled the executive summary that would have summarized sufficiently to satisfy the public's interest in what had happened, I did not go into it in detail. Subsequent to that, I am going over the report in more detail. I have a lot of people to consult yet, as my predecessor did, and I will discuss this report in depth with my officials and with the RCMP. I will then make a decision as to whether or not this report will be tabled, but I can tell you right now that it will not be tabled before the anniversary of the riot.

Return To Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister whether or not the situation that led to the riot has been resolved, and with Christmas and New Year coming that we will not run into the same situation which would have lead to that riot. Are the inmates satisfied with the way things are going with regard to whatever their demands are?

Supplementary To Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Further Return To Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In response to the last part, I do not know whether or not we can ever get inmates in an institution satisfied. I recently received a letter from an inmate on an issue that Mr. Lewis had raised yesterday expressing concern at the fact that they had to use a razor more than once. It is things like that that cause some dissatisfaction. But I am not sure that the same conditions prevail this year as did last year. There is a certain amount of tension that arises through being institutionalized during a normally festive season. But that goes with the territory and I am confident that the same conditions are not there this year that were there last year. I am confident that we will not see a reoccurrence of the situation last year.

Further Return To Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Question O83-12(1): Request For Report Re Disturbance At Yellowknife Correctional Centre
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will address my question to the same Minister but on a different issue. During the fiscal year 1990-91 the Department of Social Services distributed approximately $21.6 million in social assistance expenditures to residents of the NWT. This is pretty straight forward stuff. However, what is not straight forward is that a small percentage of this money went to individuals living in southern Canada. According to his department there were 156 persons spread out across Canada, from British Columbia to New Brunswick, who collected social assistance payments from this government during the last fiscal year. Is the Department of Social Services still supporting people in southern Canada with social assistance money?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Member for bringing this matter to my attention. I am not aware of any program that we have to support persons outside the NWT borders under the present programs that we operate. There may be exceptional circumstances which allow for some consideration to be made, again as I said, under exceptional circumstances, and I will endeavour to find out where these 156 individuals are and under what conditions they are receiving any assistance. So I would like to take this question as notice and get back to the Member, perhaps in a letter, because I assume that the House will not be sitting beyond next week and it may take some time to get this information.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The question is taken as notice. Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Social Services. In response to the honourable Member for Thebacha, I thought I heard you say that you intend to meet all the staff of the department before formulating some plans for review of the department. Is it your intention to meet all the staff before getting on with the job of delivering services to all the residents of the NWT?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Return To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

I realize that I may have been very broad in what I said there, but I do have an intention of meeting as many of the staff as possible to review concerns. That is not to say I am going to only consult with staff. I already met most of the headquarters people and I do enjoy that very much, because I am a social worker by profession. I do enjoy very much, whenever I travel, to visit the area offices and talk with the people who are out in the field delivering the programs. But not only will I be talking to people from my department, but as often as possible, I will also consult with the ordinary Members and constituencies, on issues that may impact on any kind of recommendations, and the directions that the department will go in in the future.

Return To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Koe, supplementary.

Supplementary To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, do you also intend to meet all the clients of the department?

Supplementary To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Further Return To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

I think the questioning is getting a little out of hand. I do not think I intend to meet everybody in the world...

---Laughter

But I very much enjoy meeting people, and I think the Member is being mischievous. But I do enjoy meeting staff, and I am saying I think sometimes you can get a good picture by visiting the communities and visiting the area office. Yes, I suppose I will get to meet, from time to time, clients. But it is not to say that I am intervening -- people like to talk to me because I am a personable person. So I will meet as many people as I can, and if they are interested in talking to me about my departments and my work and my views, well, if I have the time, I certainly will be proud to do that.

Further Return To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, a recent distinguished paper had an editorial praising the new Minister and in that editorial it talked about the Minister visiting clients and looking into their fridges and freezers to see what they had available to eat. This is why I ask the question. Do you intend to go to all clients, check their fridges and freezers to see what they have to eat?

---Laughter

Supplementary To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Social Services.

Further Return To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 83

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

If invited.

---Laughter

I am not responsible for editorials in distinguished newspapers, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Question O85-12(1): Minister Meeting Staff And Clients Of Social Services
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Oral questions. Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We seem to forget very soon that we have identified the economy as probably the huge problem that we have never really resolved, and we now have a new Minister for Economic Development. The previous Minister of Economic Development identified a plan, a strategy, and I would like to ask the new Minister what plans he has to create wealth in this part of the world, and not just take in each other's laundry, not just simply move government money around. What plans does he have to really develop an economy in the NWT? In a broad sense, because he is now putting together a budget which has to reflect what he wants to do.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Minister of Economic Development.

Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 84

John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, the first thing I would like to do is to get our government to spend more money in the NWT and less of it south of the 60th parallel.

---Applause

Secondly, Mr. Speaker, I have been known as one of those people who have said on many occasions that we have to make the pie bigger. You heard the Government Leader yesterday announcing that there is a lot of interest in mining in the NWT at the present time. You heard her announce that there is going to be some drilling taking place in the Beaufort, in the Delta. Those are large-scale things that hopefully will employ a lot of northern people.

Tourism remains still an industry that is quite large. It employs a lot of people, so I will be trying to enhance the tourism industry. We are hoping that we are going to be able to start marketing arts and crafts out of the NWT and buy up more of those things as a government and keep more of those people busy who are presently not able to sell their arts and crafts.

In the new year MLAs will be getting a letter from myself encouraging them, when they are in Yellowknife, or when I am in their constituency, to sit down with me to discuss an economic plan for their own particular constituency. I am prepared to meet with MLAs on a regional basis, as well, if they want to talk about regional economic development. I expect the MLAs in this Legislative Assembly to be a part of telling us how to promote the economy of the Northwest Territories as I think they have just as big a stake in it as we do, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Lewis, supplementary.

Supplementary To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

The previous Minister for Economic Development and Tourism indicated that there were three ways in which we could really increase wealth here. We could do it, as the Minister has pointed out, through tourism; we could it through arts and crafts; and we could do it through renewable resources; but to date I have heard the major activity is going to be in non-renewable resources, which makes sense to me as well.

My question to the Minister is this, is he still committed to doing the kinds of things that are done in the Third World -- and we do have a Third World economy -- are we committed to doing the same kinds of things that Mr. Wray did, spend four million dollars to develop some kind of strategy in Spain so that we can tell the world how wonderful we are? It reminds me very much, Mr. Speaker, of those Third World countries where you get aid from some foreign country and then you build a monument to the king so it makes you feel good. I see the Expo thing very much along those lines. Is the Minister, in fact, committed to that kind of an approach to giving the Territories a profile in order to create the wealth that we would like to see in our part of the world?

Supplementary To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 84

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Question period has concluded, but I will let the Minister respond to this one question.

Further Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think economic development starts at home, it starts in the Northwest Territories, it starts in the communities and it starts with this government. I think we are interested in not so much being part of the economy when we try to start businesses, we are interested in people owning businesses, operating them themselves; we are interested in creating opportunities for people to gain wealth and we should be there as a facilitator, Mr. Speaker.

I know what the Member is saying about the Seville issue, and I would have to say that tomorrow you will listen to me make a reply to Members in this House with regard to questions on Seville, so I would ask him to be patient until then. If he is asking this government if we have plans to go clamouring around the world trying to promote the Northwest Territories, I would have to say no. I think we are interested in starting at home, working at home, looking at southern Canada, looking at this continent and trying to make an economy out of what we have here as opposed to just globe-trotting and trying to put in a presence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The time limit for oral questions has expired. Item 6, written questions. Written questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Further Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to Item 5, oral questions.

Further Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Unanimous consent is being requested. Are there any nays?

Further Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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An Hon. Member

Nay.

Further Return To Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Question O86-12(1): Minister's Plan To Develop An Economy In The Nwt
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

There is a nay. The request has been denied. Item 6, written questions. Written questions.

Item 7, returns to written questions. Returns to written questions.

Item 8, replies to Opening Address. Replies to Opening Address. Item 9, petitions. Mr. Zoe.

Item 9: Petitions
Item 9: Petitions

Page 84

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to table Petition 2-12(1), a petition to the Government of the Northwest Territories to fund the construction of an airport in Rae-Edzo. The petition comprises 173 signatures.

Item 9: Petitions
Item 9: Petitions

Page 84

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Petitions. Petitions. I wish to inform the House that the Chair has noticed that yesterday Mr. Pudlat provided the House with a document under the item, petitions. I have reviewed this document and find that it is not a petition and have therefore ordered that it be considered as a tabled document. Therefore it will become Tabled Document 12-12(1). I can inform Mr. Pudlat that by making this a tabled document it has become an official record of the Assembly and he has met his obligation to his constituency on this matter. Petitions.

Item 10, reports of standing and special committees. Reports of standing and special committees. Item 11, tabling of documents. Mr. Lewis.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 84

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table Tabled Document 13-12(1), An Act to Amend the Liquor Act. This is a bill which I tried to introduce in 1988. It will provide

enabling legislation so that an individual, anywhere in the Territories, who wants to do it with the approval of the local government organization, could establish a brewery in that particular part of the world. I intend to introduce this as a Private Members' Bill in the February session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Tabling of documents. Mr. Zoe.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table Tabled Document 14-12(1), a newspaper clipping from the Globe and Mail with regard to the BC Government recognizing aboriginal land title.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Tabling of documents. Ms. Cournoyea.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table Tabled Document 15-12(1), Northwest Territories Power Corporation Annual Report 1990-91, Planning Power for the Future; the continuing challenge. Thank you.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Tabling of documents. Mr. Pollard.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table Tabled Document 16-12(1), my undated letter of resignation to the Hon. Nellie J. Cournoyea, Government Leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Tabling of documents. Mr. Bernhardt.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

Ernie Bernhardt Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table Tabled Document 17-12(1), which I referred to in my Member's statement.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Would you please indicate to the House what the document is, Mr. Bernhardt?

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

Ernie Bernhardt Kitikmeot

It is a copy of a letter.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Could you speak into the microphone and just give us a very brief outline of the subject matter.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

Ernie Bernhardt Kitikmeot

It is a concern from the hamlet council of Coppermine.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Okay, Mr. Bernhardt. Let the record show that it is a concern. Members can read what that concern is. Tabling of documents. Mr. Gargan.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table four documents. I would like to table Tabled Document 18-12(1), an article written by Fran Sugar and published in the Canadian Women's Study Journal. The article documents the shameful conditions faced by female inmates of native descent in the Canadian penitentiary system. I wish to table Tabled Document 19-12(1), a document of the First Nations Circle on the Constitution, "Speak Now For Our Future." I would also like to table Tabled Document 20-12(1), a community kit, and Tabled Document 21-12(1), with regard to the schedules of the hearings that will be held in the Northwest Territories.

Item 11: Tabling Of Documents
Item 11: Tabling Of Documents

Page 85

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Tabling of documents. Tabling of documents. Item 12, notices of motions. Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, December 16, 1991, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik, that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended to change the daily adjournment hour from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m; and further that the amendment become effective with the first sitting day of the second session of the 12th Legislature.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to proceed with my motion today. Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Notices of motions. Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, on December 16, I will be moving the following motion: Now therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for North Slave, that this Legislative Assembly recommends that the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs consider allocating funds for the construction of a garage in Kakisa as a high priority in the department's capital plan. Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Notices of motions. Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, December 16, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the following Members be appointed to the special committee on constitutional reform: Mr. Ernie Bernhardt, Mr. Sam Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Brian Lewis, Hon. Dennis Patterson.

At the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to proceed with this motion today.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you. Notices of motions. Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, December 16, I will move the following motion: Now therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin Central, that the Legislative Assembly strongly support and recommend the construction of an airport in Rae-Edzo to be a high priority for inclusion in the Department of Transportation's multiyear capital plan.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Notices of motions. Notices of motions.

Item 13, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 14, motions. Motion 23-12(1). Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker:

WHEREAS the community of Kakisa has held many discussions in recent years with the Department of Renewable Resources about the possibility of receiving a walk-in freezer;

AND WHEREAS the department is in the process of developing a policy regarding freezers for communities;

AND WHEREAS this need for such a community freezer for Kakisa still urgently exists;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kivallivik, that this Legislative Assembly recommends that the community of Kakisa's need for a walk-in community freezer be considered a priority for inclusion in the Department of Renewable Resources' five-year capital plan;

AND FURTHER, that the long-awaited policy concerning community freezers be formalized by the cabinet.

Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Your motion is in order. To the motion, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the former Minister of Renewable Resources is aware of the dialogues that I have had with him. As recently as July, the Minister did indicate that they have been discussing the policy on walk-in freezers with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and DPW, and it is going to be a cost- shared thing. However, in communities with a population of over 300, they have received grants for walk-in freezers. Fort Providence has one, and I believe that in a lot of other communities where traditional activities are a very important part of the community life, those kinds of facilities have been established.

I understand that the policy is not in place yet, but in the event that it is put in place, I would like the department to consider Kakisa as one of the communities on their list of priorities to receive one.

I hope Members will understand that Kakisa is a very traditional community. When they go on hunts, they go as a community. In the fall when they go on moose hunts, the whole community does that during the week. In a small community like that it is pretty difficult when you have seven or eight moose and nowhere to store them. So that is one of the reasons.

The other thing is that one of the activities of Kakisa is that they do have a bit of what is known as commercial fishing. They sell fish in Hay River to the Freshwater Fish Marketing Board. What they have right now is a building that they use, and the planes or trucks bring in the ice, and they put it in this building to keep the fish fresh. But the ice does not last more than two days, so this is a continuous problem for them, to keep getting ice from the Freshwater Fish Marketing Board. If there were a walk-in freezer, it would save a bit of money on this delivery of ice from Hay River every other day.

I ask Members to support the community of Kakisa in obtaining a freezer.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Seconder, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seconded this motion because I believe that wherever there are aboriginal people there is always a requirement for some kind of freezer, because most aboriginal people do their hunt in the fall and not necessarily when it is frozen out there, when you are able to freeze things outside. In my area there are instances of botulism, created by unpreserved native foods. I believe that freezers play a very important role with aboriginal people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

To the motion. Mr. Pudluk.

Motion To Amend Motion 23-12(1)

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sorry I cannot speak too well because I just got back from the dentist. I still have some concern, as I indicated yesterday, about the allocation of funds for the regions. Therefore I would like to make an amendment to the motion: To add the following after "Renewable Resources' five-year capital plan": ...provided that any allocation of funds comes from the total funds identified for the Fort Smith Region and not from planned allocations of other regions of the NWT."

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you. Do you have a seconder? Mr. Arvaluk. The amendment is in order. To the amendment. The mover has decided not to speak to the amendment. Mr. Arvaluk.

James Arvaluk Aivilik

I will try to articulate as well as my colleague, Mr. Pudluk. We had an understanding that we would have a fair and equal discussion through our standing committee on finance and through other means such as committee of the whole. What are the regional and community priorities? I certainly will be talking to MLAs from the Keewatin on our regional needs and commonalities, to prevent unfair distribution of capital funds. In this consensus government we have to be very careful in all the regions, all the communities, that some are not left out or some get too much. That is why we have regional disparity even in our own riding, the Keewatin. To prevent this from happening, this amendment is necessary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Pollard.

John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, I am concerned at the implications of these motions to our capital plan and to the way the government spends money in the NWT, simply because it should be done on the basis of need. We must realize that at times across the NWT some regions have a greater need than others, and if we were to start carving up a capital budget and saying this region gets this much and this region gets that much, I think it would take away from addressing the needs of people.

I understand the mover of the amendment; I understand exactly what the Member is doing. I guess he is saying that if you want to move things around in your region, okay, but do not let it affect my region. I understand that, but I think we are going to be trying to work through MLAs and through the standing committee on finance to address the issues of the capital plan.

I said earlier today in the House, and I stand by it, that we will be talking to MLAs with regard to the way that they want the economy to go in their particular regions. Let us face it, capital plans mean capital buildings, mean things that may produce revenue, and they are tied directly to the economy. So, Mr. Speaker, I just want to express the concern that we are beginning to balkanize the NWT as far as the capital plan is concerned, instead of doing it on the basis of need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you. To the amendment. Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I understand the intent of the motion and naturally it is a condition in order to support my motion. If it is not supported, then my motion would not be supported. I understand what the Member is suggesting. The Fort Smith Region it is a large region. It also includes Yellowknife, the Dogrib communities, the Deh Cho communities which is composed of 10 communities, the South Slave region which are also composed of four communities. So we are talking about a large region. But at the same time, all those regions have walk-in freezers. There are only a few little places that do not have that facility.

So I do not know if he is suggesting that in the Fort Smith Region, since we have about 30 communities, that we are designated 30 walk-in freezers. What are we going to do with the extra 29 that is there? Do we still keep it then? That is the suggestion of the amendment.

I am saying I agree with the Finance Minister. It has to be based on need, and I think the need is there in Kakisa. I agree with the honourable Member, but if we start regionalizing, it might mean some regions will have a lot more than they know what to do with.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

To the amendment.

An Hon. Member

Question.

Motion To Amend Motion 23-12(1), Carried

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Question is being called. All those in favour? Opposed, if any? The amendment is carried.

---Carried

To the motion as amended. Question is being called. Mr. Gargan, would you like to do a summation?

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, during the election I wrote a bunch of letters that I did not address to any particular Minister until a week ago. I wrote the Minister of Renewable Resources on November 25th with regard to my request to have a walk-in freezer for Kakisa. I have not received any response. But I would hope they do develop a policy between MACA and DPW. At least, if you have a policy in place, you could have some guidelines to follow with regard to the granting of those. Thank you.

Motion 23-12(1), Carried As Amended

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

That concludes debate. All those in favour of the motion, as amended? Opposed, if any? The motion as amended is carried.

---Carried

We still have a number of items on the order paper. I suggest we take a short recess.

---SHORT RECESS

The committee will come to order. Motion 24-12(1), Serving of Alcohol at Government-Sponsored Functions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Prior to going through my motion I would like to put forth two minor amendments.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Excuse me. You have to read your motion; then I have to declare your motion in order. At that time it will be in order to make amendments. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you. Mr. Speaker:

WHEREAS the problem of abuse of alcohol is affecting many individuals and families in the NWT;

AND WHEREAS if individuals continue only to talk about alcohol abuse and take no concrete action;

AND WHEREAS it is imperative that every action should be taken by elected officials to play their part;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly and the Government of the NWT should not be providing alcohol free of charge at sponsored events;

AND WHEREAS public funds should not be used to provide alcohol free of charge to people attending government sponsored functions;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin Central, that this Legislative Assembly adopt the policy that public funds should not be used to provide alcohol at government or Legislative Assembly events.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mrs. Marie-Jewell, before I move whether or not your motion is in order, I just want to make it clear that you will not be able to amend your motion yourself. Somebody else can do it. If you are comfortable with that, I will rule your motion in order. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

On second look, Mr. Speaker, my motion is acceptable and does not require an amendment. I put this motion forward because of the fact that over the years I have noticed and I have recognized that the abuse of alcohol in our society has affected, as I stated in my motion, many families; and I strongly believe it is the stem of many of the social problems we face in the North. I am concerned that elected officials, as leaders, always want to talk about, always want to indicate, that alcohol abuse is a problem, but I also want to say that they are reluctant to take concrete action in respect to addressing this concern.

I believe that in order to address this as elected leaders of the NWT, we should set an example; and set an example by not allowing any types of functions that will provide liquor free of charge to individuals. I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not taking the opportunity away from individuals at government functions to have alcohol. They can certainly serve alcohol, but I believe they should pay for it and we should not be using public funds to provide alcohol at functions on behalf of the government.

Licences Issued Recently For Government Functions

Mr. Speaker, I requested some research in respect to the numbers of licences that were issued for government functions in the past couple of years. The NWT Liquor Licensing Board issues two types of special occasion licences. One is called a "resale" licence, which allows for any organization to purchase alcohol beverages and sell them, like a cash bar. Another one is called the "ordinary" licence, which allows an organization to serve alcoholic beverages without having to sell it. When I asked the Liquor Licensing Board the number of each type of special occasion licence sponsored by any government department, hospital board, power corporation, or boards of education, there were 44 ordinary special licences issued since December 1989. Now 44 may not seem to be a lot, but there were 44 functions that we allowed government agencies, boards, the Assembly, to provide alcohol free of charge to individuals.

In regard to special licences, it was substantially lower; it was 28. So if people had to pay for the alcohol, the licences issued were a lot lower. I do not think that is right.

Mr. Speaker, I was somewhat concerned, when you look at the community breakdown for the issuance of special occasion licences, which is a type of licence which is issued to any government department, hospital board, for special occasions, Yellowknife in itself had 18 ordinary licences issued with which they sponsored functions that people did not have to pay for alcohol. There were 18 different functions, and they had 15 where they allowed the sale of alcohol at these functions, a cash bar. Fort Smith had three ordinary licences, where they provided alcohol free of charge, and they are so generous there that they did not have any licences for resale. But in Iqaluit they had 16 ordinary licences, 16 free functions where alcohol was given free to individuals, and five resale licences. Hay River had one function with three resale licences. They must not believe in giving anything away free. But Rankin Inlet had four functions that they provided alcohol free of charge and four functions where the alcohol was purchased. Inuvik had one licence where the alcohol was provided free of charge, and they sold alcohol at one function. Fort Simpson had one function where they provided alcohol free of charge, and they did not get any resale licences.

Most government receptions, suppers and meetings in Yellowknife and in regional administrative centres would likely be held in a hotel or a restaurant, where generally wine is provided, and they would likely be held in a dining atmosphere. They do not need a licence because the hotel already has one. So it is very difficult to track how many functions like that were held, but I can imagine there was quite a high number of them. I would not even be surprised if they came into the hundreds.

Government Sending Out Two Messages Re Alcohol

Mr. Speaker, my point is the fact that we send two messages out to the communities of the Territories. We sent one message by basically stating that as a Department of Social Services we request them to provide funds to deliver alcohol programs to address the abuse of alcohol in the North. We are basically saying that we can give you money to address the problem, but at the same time it is okay for us as government or as a Legislative Assembly to hold functions where we can serve alcohol, and I believe that is wrong.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that if we want to seriously address some of the social problems in the North, and if we want, particularly, to attempt to address the problems of alcohol abuse in the Territories, that we as a government and as a Legislative Assembly have to firmly believe that because of the problems we face in the North with respect to alcohol, if we want to have any functions that are sponsored with public funds, alcohol cannot be provided free of charge. People should have to pay for alcohol.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that Members of this Assembly are willing to take concrete action on addressing alcohol abuse in our society and to lead the way by setting an example and support this motion to discontinue the provision of public funds to be spent on the purchase of alcohol at government functions. With that, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Ms. Mike.

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Mr. Speaker, I think everything that needs to be said has been covered by Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Thank you.

An Hon. Member

Question.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Question has been called. Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to support this motion, bearing in mind that throughout the Territories this has been identified as a problem, and we all know that there is an unlimited demand for free service. The government has even found this itself. If you give it for nothing, then everybody wants more and more and more, and that is why you have all kinds of chargebacks even within the government: This department does a job for another department, and they charge them for it, because if you give it for nothing they will demand and demand more things than you are really capable of providing.

However, I would point out that it would be a sad thing if we cannot provide hospitality to other people in the way that we are given hospitality by people from all over the country. When we travel, people are very nice to us, and so on, so it may be, Mr. Speaker, that we are going to have to ask Molsons, as I have done many times when we put on a function for one of the organizations in the city that needs to put on some kind of an event and we need sponsorship, we go to Molsons and they say, "Sure, we will supply you with so many cases of beer, and that will be our contribution."

This Legislature will get all its booze, if you like, free from the company that will provide it so you can put on your function. The only problem with that, Mr. Speaker, is that you are going to have to put up a big banner, wherever you are holding it, that this is, in fact, supplied by Molsons, just the same as any sports organizations have to do when they put on their functions.

What I would undertake to do, Mr. Speaker, is that when we do establish our first brewery in the Northwest Territories, I will undertake to ask that company to provide beer free of charge to those major functions that we put on so that we can, in fact, extend hospitality to other people in the same way that we are offered it when we go to other places. It is for that reason that I understand what the Member is trying to do: You want to limit things; you do not want to have an unfettered demand for free service; so we will find ways around the problem in order to accommodate what the Member would like to do. Thank you. I support the motion.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. I can assure Members that there will be no banner in the immediate future hanging from our Legislative Assembly. To the motion.

An Hon. Member

Question.

Motion 24-12(1), Carried

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

---Applause

Motion 25-12(1), Establishment of a Tax Reform Commission, Mr. Gargan. Mr. Gargan has indicated that he does not want to proceed today. Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I made today with regard to changing the sitting hours?

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, colleagues.

WHEREAS concern has been expressed regarding the sitting hours of the Assembly;

AND WHEREAS Members require additional time to undertake constituency duties;

AND WHEREAS the present sitting hours prevent Members from family and personal commitments;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended to change the daily adjournment hour from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.;

AND FURTHER, that the amendment become effective with the first sitting day of the second session of the 12th Legislature.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Zoe, your motion is in order. To the motion.

An Hon. Member

Question.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Question is being called. All in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Motions. Item 15, first reading of bills. Mr. Pollard.

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Natilikmiot, that Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Adoption of the French Version of Statutes and Statutory Instruments Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The motion is in order. All those in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 3 has had first reading. Mr. Pollard.

John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Amittuq, that Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1991-92, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The motion is in order. All those in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 2, Borrowing Authorization Act, has had first reading. Mr. Pollard

First Reading Of Bill 2: Borrowing Authorization Act
Item 15: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that Bill 2, Borrowing Authorization Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

First Reading Of Bill 2: Borrowing Authorization Act
Item 15: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Your motion is in order. All those in favour? Opposed, if any? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 2 has had first reading. First reading of bills. Mr. Koe.

First Reading Of Bill 2: Borrowing Authorization Act
Item 15: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to Item 14.

First Reading Of Bill 2: Borrowing Authorization Act
Item 15: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Unanimous consent has been requested. Are there any nays? Proceed, Mr. Koe.

Revert To Item 14: Motions
Revert To Item 14: Motions

Page 89

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with my motion today concerning the appointment of Members to the special committee on constitutional reform.

Revert To Item 14: Motions
Revert To Item 14: Motions

Page 89

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the special committee on constitutional reform was established by Motion 17-12(1) on December 9, 1991;

AND WHEREAS Rule 89(2) establishes the membership of a special committee at five Members;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable to name Members to the special committee;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the following Members be appointed to the special committee on constitutional reform: Mr. Ernie Bernhardt, Mr. Sam Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Brian Lewis, Hon. Dennis Patterson.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Your motion is in order. To the motion.

An Hon. Member

Question.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Question is being called. All those in favour? Opposed, if any? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Item 15, first reading of bills. Item 16, second reading of bills. Mr. Pollard.

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, I would seek consent to deal with second reading of Bill 1.

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The Minister is requesting consent to give second reading to Bill 1 today. Are there any nays? There are two nays. Consent has been denied. Second reading of bills. Mr. Pollard.

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, I would seek consent to deal with second reading of Bill 2, Borrowing Authorization Act.

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The Minister has requested consent to give second reading to Bill 2. There are two nays. Request has been denied. Second reading of bills. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Second Reading Of Private Members' Bill 4: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin Centre, that Private Members' Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill would disallow increases to certain indemnities paid to Members under the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, for a period beginning April 1, 1992 and ending March 31, 1993. Thank you.

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Your motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

An Hon. Member

Question.

Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills
Item 16: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Question is being called. All those in favour? Opposed, if any? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Private Members' Bill 4 has had second reading and will be moved into the committee of the whole. Second reading of bills. Item 17, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters. Ministers' Statement 2-12(1), Living Within our Means; Ministers' Statement 5-12(1), Community Transfer Initiative; Committee Report 1-12(1), Report of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions; Committee Report 2-12(1), Report of the Standing Committee on Legislation; Tabled Document 3-12(1), Strength at Two Levels; and Private Members' Bill 4, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, with Mr. Arvaluk in the chair.

Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

The committee will come to order. Yesterday we had Ministers' Statement 2-12(1) and Tabled Document 3-12(1). What is the committee's wish? Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee would wish to defer our discussions on Tabled Document 3-12(1) and Ministers' Statement 2-12(1) until next week and would like to discuss Committee Report 1-12(1) and Committee Report 2-12(1). Thank you.

Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

Is the committee agreed?

Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

We will proceed with Committee Report 1-12(1), Report of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions, report on interim measures for the management of the board appointments. Mr. Koe.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. The standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions included a single recommendation in their first report to the 12th Assembly. I would like to propose the following motion:

Motion To Postpone Filling Membership Vacancies On All Government Boards And Agencies, Carried

I move that the Government of the NWT postpone filling membership vacancies in all government created boards and agencies until after March 31, 1992; and further, that where it is clearly in the public interest to reappoint members of boards and agencies, that these appointments be made for the shortest possible term.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

Your motion is in order. Mr. Koe.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

Fred Koe Inuvik

I think the intent of this motion is very clear. The Beatty report recommends that consideration be given to some major changes in government created boards and agencies. It not only recommends changes to the organization of certain boards, but also to the whole way of thinking about such bodies. These changes will require considerable discussion and review if they are to be made in a sound and reasonable fashion.

We believe that during this review period it will be important not to make additional appointments to boards and agencies. It would neither be fair nor good management practice to be making board appointments when the whole system is under review.

The committee is recommending that appointments be postponed until after March 31, 1992. If it is absolutely necessary for these appointments to be made, then we are suggesting that any appointments or reappointments be made for the shortest term possible. Mahsi cho, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

Thank you, Mr. Koe. To the motion, Ms. Cournoyea.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, I would like to compliment the committee on its work and its diligent look at the concerns on the many boards and agencies that we have in the NWT. The government has no problem with the recommendation. It complements the kind of thinking that we have had on some of the requests that have been raised by the general voter of the NWT. So once again I would like to compliment the committee on their work and suggest that the recommendation be supported.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

Thank you. To the motion.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

Question being called. Those in favour? Opposed, if any? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Does that conclude the standing committee's report?

Committee Report 1-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Agencies, Boards And Commissions
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

The Chair James Arvaluk

We will go to Committee Report 2-12(1), Report of the Standing Committee on Legislation, Report on a Review of the Legislative Process for the 12th Legislative Assembly. Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 90

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In our proposal it is proposed that confidential draft versions of bills should no longer be considered by our standing committee meetings which are closed to the public. The "closed door" cannot remain shut when we are considering legislation for the NWT. Instead, the standing committee on legislation proposes that the cabinet should have the prerogative to publicly introduce any bills which it considers ready for the House and proceed to give notice of first reading. Procedures for first and second reading of bills will remain as they were during previous Assemblies.

Once a bill has been read for a second time, it will automatically be referred to a committee comprised of the chairmen of all five of the Legislative Assembly's standing committees. This chairmen's liaison committee will arrive at a consensus on which the standing committees should undertake a formal review of the bill.

It is anticipated that most bills would be referred to the legislation committee, although financial bills dealing with taxation, borrowing authorization, revolving funds, assets and debts management and so on, would be referred to the standing committee on finance.

The standing committee on legislation will review bills referred to it in meetings that are open to the public. Specific procedures may be used to hear from public witnesses or receive written submissions from the public whenever it will assist the committee review. As was customary during the 11th and earlier sessions, the Minister sponsoring the bill will have an opportunity to present the legislation to the standing committee and respond to any concerns raised by committee Members. A clause by clause review of the bill will take place with the Minister. The standing committee and the sponsoring Minister will be able to arrive at a consensus for amending the content of specific clauses, but the bill may also be amended by a motion passed by the Members of the standing committee.

Once the review is completed the standing committee will report that the bill is ready for consideration by the House, and the bill will be referred: into the committee of the whole. Where amendments have been made during the committee's review, the bill will be reprinted so that Members of the Legislative Assembly are able to review any changes made since the bill was passed at second reading. It is proposed that the rules should state that there should be at least 24 hours between the time a standing committee reports a bill as ready for the House and the time it is considered in committee of the whole.

It is proposed that bills should remain at the committee stage for no more than 120 days. If the standing committee does not complete its review in that time period, the bill will automatically be referred to committee of the whole without the standing committee's report.

General comments and clause by clause review will take place in committee of the whole consideration as it has during the previous Assemblies. Amendments to clauses will be considered at that time. These could potentially include amendments which return clauses amended by the standing committee to the way they were when the bill passed second reading.

Members of the Legislative Assembly who wish to sponsor private Members' bills will be accorded the same consideration in the track one process, as cabinet Ministers who sponsor government bills. As the cabinet has the responsibility to ensure that territorial legislation meets drafting standards and to administer statutory requirements, it will be incumbent on the standing committee on legislation to ensure that a priority is placed on considering government input into any private Members' bill during the committee review process.

At its meetings on December 2nd and 3rd, the standing committee on legislation agreed that this proposal would result in a truly public process while enhancing the opportunity for consensus decision making and a sound examination of the merits of each bill.

Motion To Adopt Standard Legislative Process For Review Of Bills, Carried

Therefore the standing committee on legislation recommends that the standard legislative process for the review of bills in the House and by standing committees be adopted, and I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 91

The Chair James Arvaluk

The motion is in order. To the motion.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair James Arvaluk

Question is being called. All those in favour? Opposed, if any? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the process track two is being suggested a procedure for reviewing legislative action papers.

The standing committee on legislation also recognizes that in some cases the government may wish to seek the opinion of Members of the Legislative Assembly on potential legislative initiatives before they are drafted as bills and introduced in the House. Similarly, ordinary Members who are thinking about sponsoring a private Members' bill may wish to propose preliminary ideas before proceeding to the drafting stage. The standing committee on legislation proposes that a second track should be adopted as a mechanism for allowing communication to take place on legislative principles and priorities ahead of time.

It is proposed that the Legislative Assembly should recognize the concept of a legislative action paper. This will be a written description of elements which could be contained in legislation in a standardized format, outlining principles that could become a future bill. An initial draft of clauses could be attached if the government believed it would assist in the review of the document. Ordinarily this would be provided for the House under tabling of documents, at the discretion of the sponsoring Minister or ordinary Member, although there should be nothing that would prevent the public distribution of a legislative action paper prior to tabling.

The main objective of this second track would be to provide a vehicle through which the standing committee on legislation, ordinary Members and the public at large, to provide feedback on potential legislation before the bill is actually drafted. In the case of the standing committee on legislation, each legislative action paper would be considered in open public meetings and feedback would be provided in the form of a report submitted to the House under reports of special and standing committees.

After this feedback has been forwarded, the government or ordinary Member will be able to draft the bill and proceed to formally introduce it to the House. The bill will then follow the track one process and will be referred to the sanding committee on legislation after second reading.

At its meeting on December 2 and 3, the standing committee on legislation agreed that the use of legislative action papers would provide a flexible vehicle for the public review of legislative concepts and highlight the advantages of our consensus style of government.

Motion To Adopt Procedure For Reviewing Legislative Action Papers, Carried

Therefore, the standing committee on legislation respectfully recommends, and this is my motion as well, Mr. Chairman, that the procedure for reviewing legislative action papers be adopted.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair James Arvaluk

Thank you, Mr. Arngna'naaq, your motion is in order. To the motion.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair James Arvaluk

Question is being called. All those in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Mr. Chairman, I have just two more and they are short. In the review of delegated legislation, the standing committee on legislation proposes to take a more active role in the review of regulations. The committee may ask sponsors of bills to bring forward significant proposed regulations at the time new bills are under review or at a subsequent time. As well, twice yearly, the standing committee will undertake a selective review of existing regulations. The committee will monitor the Northwest Territories Gazette for the publication of new regulations and may undertake a review of any which are of particular interest. An additional option will be for the cabinet to seek committee and public input on proposed new regulations by forwarding them for review by the standing committee on legislation. In each case, the standing committee will place a report of its review activities before the House under reports of standing and special committees.

Motion That Standing Committee Undertake Regular Review Of Delegated Legislation, Carried

Therefore, the standing committee on legislation recommends that the standing committee on legislation undertake, as part of its terms of reference, the regular review of delegated legislation, and I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair James Arvaluk

Thank you, Mr. Arngna'naaq, the motion is in order. To the motion.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair James Arvaluk

Question has been called. All those in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

You have one more report, Mr. Arngna'naaq?

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On implementation, the standing committee on legislation recognized that certain proposals for revising the 12th Assembly's legislative process, if passed by this House, will require amendment to the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Motion To Refer Report To Standing Committee On Rules, Procedures And Privileges, Carried

Therefore, the standing committee on legislation recommends that the report of the standing committee on legislation on its review of the legislative process for the 12th Legislative Assembly be referred to the standing committee on rules, procedures and privileges to prepare the necessary rule amendments to implement all foregoing decisions, and I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair James Arvaluk

Your motion is in order. To the motion.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair James Arvaluk

Question is being called. Ms. Cournoyea.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Just to take note that I think the report addresses a number of concerns that our government has had with the legislative process, especially with regard to the increased public consultation. I would like, as I did with the other committee, to commend the committee on its work and say that certainly with the government's situation in terms of the more openness and the prior discussion of these bills, and also the tabling and the process, it certainly will allow broader public consultation. I feel that this time I should commend the committee for doing excellent work. Thank you.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair James Arvaluk

To the motion.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair James Arvaluk

Question is being called. All those in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Thank you, Mr. Arngna'naaq. That concludes your report. Does the committee agree that this report is concluded? Agreed?

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair James Arvaluk

Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, I would like to move to report progress.

Committee Report 2-12(1): Report Of The Standing Committee On Legislation
Item 17: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair James Arvaluk

The motion is in order and it is not debatable. All those in favour of the motion? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Thank you. I will now rise and report progress.

Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 92

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 18, report of the committee of the whole. Mr. Arvaluk.

Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

December 11th, 1991

Page 92

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Committee Report 1-12(1) and Committee Report 2-12(1), and wishes to report that Committee Report 1-12(1) and Committee Report 2-12(1) are concluded, with five motions being adopted. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the chairman of the committee of the whole be concurred with.

Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 92

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Is there a seconder to the motion? Mr. Pudluk. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Item 19, third reading of bills. Third reading of bills. Item 20, Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 18: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 92

Clerk Of The House

Mr. Speaker, meetings for remainder of the day: immediately after adjournment, a meeting of all the ordinary Members, followed by a meeting of the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions. Meetings for tomorrow morning, December 13, 1991: at 8:00 a.m. of all Western Members; at 9:00 a.m. of the ordinary Members.

Item 20: Orders Of The Day
Item 20: Orders Of The Day

Page 92

Clerk Of The House

Orders of the day for Friday, December 13, 1991.

1. Prayer

2. Ministers' Statements

3. Members' Statements

4. Returns to Oral Questions

5. Oral Questions

6. Written Questions

7. Returns to Written Questions

8. Replies to Opening Address

9. Petitions

10. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

11. Tabling of Documents

12. Notices of Motions

13. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills

14. Motions: Motions 25-12(1), 26-12(1), 27-12(1), 28-12(1), 29-12(1), 30-12(1), 31-12(1) and 32-12(1)

15. First Reading of Bills

16. Second Reading of Bills: Bills 1, 2 and 3

17. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters: Ministers' Statement 2-12(1); Ministers' Statement 5-12(1); Tabled Document 3-12(1) and Bill 4

18. Report of Committee of the Whole

19. Third Reading of Bills

20. Orders of the Day

Item 20: Orders Of The Day
Item 20: Orders Of The Day

Page 93

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 13, 1991.

---ADJOURNMENT