(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my colleagues. (Translation ends) I will be trying out my Gwich'in language throughout my presentation, so be prepared.
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Tribute To Mr. Tom Butters
Mr. Speaker, this being my first reply to the Commissioner's Opening Address, I would like to pay tribute to the former Member for Inuvik, Mr. Tom Butters.
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In 1970, when Mr. Butters was first elected, the constituency was called Western Arctic and was a lot larger than today. In 1970, Mr. Butters was one of only 10 elected Members, and we still had appointed Members to the then Council. The constituency was changed and called Inuvik in 1975 when the Assembly was first fully elected.
In his 21 years of service to the people of Inuvik and the Northwest Territories, Mr. Butters served on almost all of the standing committees and held 15 different ministerial portfolios. Mr. Butters served on the Executive Council from 1978 until he retired in 1991, with the exception of one year, in 1988. During that year he was not on cabinet he was instrumental in starting the ordinary Members' committee which became ajauqtit and now the ordinary Members' caucus.
He was a tireless worker and was a real ambassador for the Northwest Territories. He gave of his time and energies to serve not only the people of Inuvik, but of the whole Northwest Territories. I wish him and his wife, Peg, well and hope he finally enjoys his retirement. Well done, Tom.
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When I first put my name forward as a candidate for the election to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly and replace Tom Butters, I had many ideas and dreams. Since October 16, 1991, when I was elected, and in the intervening time, I have learned and experienced a lot. I have also had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people in Inuvik and many of the government officials and some of the current Ministers. These discussions and knowledge which I picked up have given me an opportunity to relook and rethink my plans and strategies.
However, many of the basic themes which I advocated still exist. I was elected by the people of Inuvik to represent them, and I intend to do that to the best of my abilities.
(Translation) I would like to say a little more on this. For the people of Inuvik who have elected me, that is why I am here today. I would like to represent them better. (Translation ends)
I stated that I will work toward revitalizing Inuvik as a business service centre, concentrating on tourism and other business services. I also stated that Inuvik must develop a vision and by revitalizing and enhancing Inuvik's entrepreneurial spirit, Inuvik can attract new businesses and government investment.
Inuvik has many people interested in its future and willing to volunteer or help develop the community into a place which not only has a strong economy but is a community with an improving lifestyle. An improved economy will assist in improving the quality of life, but everyone must ensure that all social and counselling support systems are also available.
Mr. Speaker, I have prepared a plan entitled "Inuvik Revitalization Plan" which I would like to present to this Assembly. I would like to make a qualification on this presentation in that these are Fred Koe's ideas and are something which I am working towards implementing with the support of everyone in this Assembly, in the government, in Inuvik, and in the surrounding communities.
Inuvik Revitalization Plan
Economic Overview
Until 1985, the Beaufort/Mackenzie Delta area enjoyed relatively steady economic activity from the hydrocarbon industries. The downturn since 1985 of hydrocarbon exploration dramatically affected the communities in the area, especially Inuvik, which had placed a great deal of hope on this industry to make the town a prosperous one. Inuvik is currently looking at new economic sectors to provide a stable economic base. Tourism, in particular, is a growing industry in the area. The delivery of services to Inuvik residents and nearby communities is also a solid component of the economy.
The hydrocarbon industry does have significant impacts on the amount of money individuals have and on the viability of Inuvik's service industries. The negative outcome of a decreased wage economy has been the rise in social assistance. In some communities social assistance has tripled in less than two years. Although high wages from the oil and gas companies created significant social and cultural problems, the alternative impact of increased social assistance on an individual's self-esteem is worse.
Social/Cultural Overview
The community of Inuvik consists basically of three ethnic groups: Gwich'in, Inuvialuit, and non-native. All three groups share a strong interest in the socio-economic development of the community. There is also an independent spirit based on entrepreneurial skills and community control that is common among the groups.
There are differences among the groups because of land claim negotiations and the various economic activities. However, with the settlement of the Inuvialuit and now Gwich'in land claims and the recent downturn of the hydrocarbon industries, the differences have drifted into the background, creating a new openness among the residents of Inuvik. The clarity of the rights and benefits of land claim agreements has also developed a greater trust between the non-native and native residents.
Political Overview
(Translation) There are three native groups in the Inuvik Region: Inuvialuit; Gwich'in; and Sahtu Dene-Metis. Each of these groups have on their current political agenda the restructuring of government. Irrespective of each group's position on self-government, the common element of the three groups is greater autonomy from the centralized government in Yellowknife. This is also the aspiration of Inuvik's residents -- not only for political control, but it will also strengthen the economy by local government spending. (Translation ends)
Revitalization Plan, Four Projects
The Government of the Northwest Territories' recent report, "Strength at Two Levels", outlines a basic method in which communities can achieve a greater degree of control over government programs and services. The intention of allowing the community to determine how the resources can be applied will give the community the opportunity to plan and develop projects to maximize employment and small business potentials.
Inuvik must continue to strengthen the relationships between ethnic groups and associated organizations. Dialogue between the organizations representing the aboriginal groups, the Gwich'in Band Council, Inuvialuit Community Corporation, and the town council, must be developed to plan and develop four projects which require the organizations' combined resources -- political, human and financial.
It is hoped that these three community organizations will work together on these projects. What is needed now is a strong commitment of support from the central government and a willingness to assist in the planning and development stages. It is also important to immediately allow Inuvik to consider the reallocation, consolidating and the prioritizing of projects in Inuvik before decisions are made for Inuvik by the central government.
I have started discussions with these organizations in Inuvik to begin the revitalization of Inuvik's infrastructure and socio-economic development. There is a general spirit of co-operation between the groups and a desire to implement projects to achieve common goals rather than political positions.
Early in the new year, informal meetings will be held between the three organizations. It is hoped that a steering committee can be formed to arrange for consultation workshops and meetings with other community organizations to ensure feedback from a wide range of community interests such as the churches, chamber of commerce, youth groups, friendship centre, native women's group. The consultation process will develop a sense of ownership of these projects.
In the long term, working together on common goals will facilitate discussions to address political agendas such as the Inuvialuit regional government proposal, Gwich'in self-government framework agreement and the Government of the Northwest Territories community self-government initiatives. Common goals should be translated into specific projects to act as catalysts in the overall comprehensive development of the community. There are four projects which can be used to provide focus to sector development in Inuvik:
The Aurora Campus of Arctic College can provide relevant programs to meet the education and training needs in Inuvik and within the region through extension delivery. The Gwich'in training plan and the Beatty report describe an integrated system of employment development and income support which will provide the vehicle to direct existing funds in a more productive manner. Specific courses will also build the capacity of Inuvik residents to take control of the other projects identified.
A visitors/cultural centre will provide focus to tourism development and be a catalyst for the implementation of a common tourism work plan to take advantage of this new market.
A new recreation facility for sports and cultural events will strengthen bonds between the various groups and provide a needed social focus for our youth.
A business development centre for the production of arts and crafts and the sale of local products will provide basic support for local businesses to serve tourists, government and the communities. The project shall also provide a badly needed profile to the renewable resource sector development.
Mr. Speaker, it should be stated that each of these four projects is part of the government's current budget estimates. What the residents of Inuvik need is the support of this government to plan, re-profile funds and have a direct participation in the development of these projects.
I would like to go into a little more detail on some of these projects and some of the related initiatives. The short-term benefits of the projects are obvious: employment, skills development and economic enhancement. The major purpose of these projects, however, shall be for the long-term benefits in the development of various economic sectors and to strengthen the unique nature of Inuvik by bringing people together. The Commissioner's Opening Address speaks to a renewed effort to build a more effective government which, in partnership with the communities, will build a stronger northern society. These projects, with government support, will implement the goals clearly stated and supported by Inuvik residents.
I will now describe some of the four projects and some of the related initiatives which shall flow from the four projects and enhance economic sectors in a comprehensive manner as well as strengthen the cultural and social fabric of Inuvik.
Education And Training
Although Arctic College has delivered training initiatives in the region for many years, it is apparent that greater effort must be given to literacy and life-skills training in order for individuals to gain the basic skills to take technical trades and professional training. The overall long-term goals are to invest in literacy, life skills and upgrading to advance the individual's capacity to acquire trades and professional skills, and to build long-term capabilities in the community to govern their affairs and generate increased local employment.
The Gwich'in, specifically, have detailed this goal in a training plan and have over the past year started the process of co-ordinating government efforts to meet this goal through a regional management training board. It may also be worthwhile to examine the Native Women's Association life-skills training courses and develop a life skills coaches program for the Northwest Territories.
Arctic College also suffers financially because of the loss of programs. In addition to Arctic College and other training delivery agencies' literacy, life-skills and upgrading components, long-term education and training needs of the Inuvik Region can be met through the provision of professional training courses. One of these is the teacher education program. A program similar to the Dogrib teacher education program is needed in the Inuvik area. Each of the aboriginal organizations have a common need for the program. It is in the interest of government to build a home-grown teaching staff which can deliver relevant cultural instruction.
With the Inuvik Hospital nearby, it makes sense to develop local staff by providing a certified or diploma nursing training program. This will produce long-term cost savings to government and more effective preventative health programs to the smaller communities nearby by training local residents and saving money on the recruitment of southern nurses.
Another one is the community administration training. The combined efforts of MACA, Arctic College and the communities are needed to develop a local administration staff to take on the responsibilities of community and aboriginal self-government initiatives. A spin-off effect of this type of training is that it will also meet the administration needs of land claims implementation.
On entrepreneurial training, because of land claims and the potential growth of tourism and service industries, there is a need to develop entrepreneurial skills to ensure that small businesses have management capabilities to develop their businesses.
On tourism training, with a visitors/cultural centre and the eventual implementation of a common tourism work plan, there will be a need for competent tourist services. Hospitality, guiding and outfitting courses will produce a work force that can greet tourists in the manner which continues to encourage the growth of this industry.
Tourism
Mr. Speaker, I mentioned that tourism was another major growth industry. Regional tourism strategies have been outlined several times in the past, but strategies have failed to focus on the tourist's practical needs. The construction of a visitors/cultural centre could involve the following potential occupants:
The Department of Culture and Communications with a museum, Inuvik Native Band and Metis Local, Parks Canada, Inuvik Visitors Association, Delta/Beaufort Visitors Association, and you can also house a regional library there. Other users of the space could be federal Fisheries, Department of Education, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Science Institute of the NWT. All can use the building for displays or information disbursement.
Generally, the theme of the building must include the distinctiveness of the cultural groups of Inuvik and information for tourists. There should also be adequate outdoor space for displays, activities and parking. The construction of this building in a central location will provide for office needs of various related tourism or cultural departments or organizations and provide a focus to tourism development in the area.
The organizations that occupy the centre can continue to assess tourists' needs to determine what potential businesses can be created or supported to enhance the marketing and servicing of tourists when they arrive. Two other projects under way that will also assist in the development of the tourism industry are:
Inuit Circumpolar Conference
The Inuit Circumpolar Conference is scheduled for next summer. It will be an international event with large cultural dimensions, and it is important for government to invest in this initiative in order to capitalize on marketing opportunities. It has been government strategy in the past to market at large southern expositions, but this conference will provide a unique opportunity to draw tourists to a northern cultural event and build a reputation in the area as a major tourist attraction. Government should promote this event in a similar manner as they have with Vancouver and Seville Expos. Financial support to the town's and the Inuvialuit's efforts must be provided to ensure increased marketing of this event.
Campbell Lake Park
Another development under way is the Campbell Lake park. The Gwich'in final agreement has facilitated the establishment of this park. The development of this park will provide an eco-tourism focus to the Delta/Beaufort as well as increase facilities for recreational vehicles and camping. Increased capital and program resources will speed up the development and establishment of this long overdue park.
Small Business Development Initiatives
Mr. Speaker, I would like to now focus on some small business development initiatives. Several attempts in the past to build facilities for the enhancement of renewable resources have failed, mainly because of grand schemes and over-extended supply for limited demand. The crafts and renewable resource product producers can concentrate on a local market, and with expanded tourism and southern markets, the producers can expand their small businesses and cottage crafts industries.
The turnover of the old liquor store as a centre for the development of small business can be the catalyst to expanding businesses in various sectors. It is also important to note that a lot of small businesses fail because of the lack of ongoing business and management support mechanisms.
The centre for small business will focus on the provision of the following: a discount warehouse for hunters, trappers and crafts supplies; provide for office support for small businesses, as well as to the general public; provide for the marketing of crafts and other products; be a centre for the allocation of orders as a result of successful marketing; and hopefully sell renewable resource products.
The centre may need continued government support, but there are various organization which exist to provide support to businesses. Some of these are the chamber of commerce, community futures program, Inuvik business development program, the government's Economic Development personnel and the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit CAEDS business development operations which can support the ongoing operations and maintenance costs of small businesses.
As some businesses develop and expand into viable operations, support services such as reception, secretarial and financial services can also operate with greater profit motives. Increasingly, the centre for small businesses will become a co-operative association of small businesses.
Capital Projects
Mr. Speaker, another consideration related to small businesses is the ability of Inuvik's small construction businesses and their ability to take on large government and oil and gas industries capital projects. Capital projects should be planned in such a way as to maximize the involvement of the local industry and local people. For example, instead of construction of capital projects in one year, perhaps it should be spread over several, or a single contract can be broken into several so that local businesses can successfully compete and bid on these projects. Another approach is to investigate how the community and/or businesses can take on ownership of buildings.
This does not require a great deal of planning and allows for community control and ownership for the project, creating totally local benefits. The Dempster Highway maintenance and reconstruction is a good project in which government should consider the breaking up of the maintenance and construction contracts for the highway into several smaller contracts. This will enable local businessmen to successfully bid, provide for training and allow for the retention of benefits within the region.
Recreation
Mr. Speaker, I would like now to focus on some of the recreation initiatives. Inuvik needs recreation facilities for a number of social and cultural reasons. The community must undertake a comprehensive fund- raising campaign to match available government funds. The community should also examine and plan how other community capital requirements may be integrated with such a facility and ensure the economic viability of this project. Many things can take place in a large complex, such as large conferences and trade shows, community hall type facilities such as dances and bingos and large regional and local sporting events.
The concept of an Inuvik recreational facility has been on the drawing board for many years. There has never been a question of need; the only one has been one of finances. Because of the economic downturn, the town council has lost a lot of tax-based income to support a large project of this nature.
A concentrated effort by community organizations and residents must be undertaken to raise finances to undertake this projects. However, there should also be some effort by central government to examine other potential operational capital efficiencies to a recreational facility. Extension of government's allocated funds available to Inuvik for this facility must be given so efforts can be made locally to organize and develop this project.
Mr. Speaker, this concludes my presentation, and I thank the Members for listening to me. I hope that over the next four years we can work together for the benefit of all our constituents and, in my case, especially for the residents of Inuvik, who have felt quite left out over the past few years. I alone cannot achieve these goals and plans, so I need everyone's help and guidance. Mahsi cho.
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