Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. I would urge the Minister of Justice to move quickly in analyzing this federal court decision and in developing a proactive strategy for government action in this regard. Thank you.
Debates of Feb. 27th, 1992
Topics
Inmates Voting In Elections
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 165
The Speaker
On behalf of the Assembly I would like to welcome the president of the NWT co-operatives and its board of directors, Mr. Bill Lyall.
---Applause
Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.
1992 Canada Day Poster Challenge Winners
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 165
Tony Whitford Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yellowknife South, to recognize four special young people. They are the winners of Canada Day Poster Challenge this year, three of whom are from my riding.
The first place winner is Patricia MacVicar, 11 years of age, from Yellowknife; second place winner is Sonny Lenoir from Fort Simpson, age 17; third place is Jason MacVicar from Yellowknife, age 14; and the fourth place winner is Elizabeth Wilson, age nine, also from Yellowknife.
The first place winner, Patricia MacVicar, and her parents have been invited by the Secretary of State to the official Canada Day ceremony on Parliament Hill on July 1st of this year. Along with the 11 other provincial/territorial finalists, Patricia will be flown to Ottawa courtesy of Canadian Airlines International. As you know, Mr. Speaker, Canada will be celebrating 125 years of Confederation this year.
The other winners will receive monetary rewards for their achievements. Buffalo Airways of Yellowknife and Hay River provided courtesy flights for Sonny Lenoir's flight from Fort Simpson to Yellowknife to attend a reception to be held later today.
Mr. Speaker, 1992 NWT Canada Day committee received no less than 350 entries for the contest, a record number, this year. All of these students who entered this challenge are to be congratulated.
I would also like to commend the 1992 NWT Canada Day committee whose representatives include the honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe; its president, Lynda Comerford; and vice-president, Ms. Theresa Handley, who worked so hard to put this and other activities together to celebrate Canada's birthday this year.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite all Members to join us in this lobby today at 4:00 o'clock for the presentation of awards and to view the very impressive artwork done by these youngsters from across the Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
1992 Canada Day Poster Challenge Winners
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 165
The Speaker
I would also like to add that Mr. Bill Lyall is a former Member of this Legislative Assembly. Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat.
Two Residents Of Sanikiluaq In House
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 165
Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South
(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome two people from Sanikiluaq, since I represent this community. Johnny Cookie, a member of Nunavut; also Lucassie Arragutainaq, a board member for Arctic Co-ops. I would like to welcome these two people to the Assembly. They are representing Sanikiluaq. Thank you.
---Applause
Two Residents Of Sanikiluaq In House
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 166
The Speaker
Members' statements. Members' statements. Mr. Arngna'naaq.
Snow Problems, Baker Lake
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 166
Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak a little bit about the snow problems that we have in Baker Lake. As most people may be aware, the amount of snow in Baker Lake is a major problem. In some years there have been houses which have been completely covered by snow. The only way in which one could tell there was a building in that area was because there was a chimney sticking out of the snow. As a matter of fact, snowmobiles have driven over these houses. These conditions are not only hazardous, they are unacceptable. There was a project which was started a number of years ago. This project was to build a snow fence on the northwest side of the community, in the older section of the community. Today, the new area of the community is now being built with the prevailing winds in mind; however, the older section of the community is still being covered with snow today. I would just like to point out that the snow fence which was started a number of years ago has not been completed, and this is a concern that I would like to make Members aware of. Thank you.
---Applause
Snow Problems, Baker Lake
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 166
The Speaker
Members' statements. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Whitford.
Return To Question O134-12(2): Child Sexual Abuse Specialist Position For Kitikmeot
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 166
Tony Whitford Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Arvaluk on February 24, 1992, and it deals with a child sexual abuse specialist position in the Kitikmeot. There are only four child sexual abuse specialist positions to cover all regions of the Northwest Territories. The positions are in Fort Simpson, Inuvik, Iqaluit and in the Keewatin. The position in Fort Simpson is filled by a local resident. Interviews have been held and an offer made for the Inuvik position, and interviews are scheduled for the Keewatin and Iqaluit positions during the first two weeks of March.
The co-ordinator of the child sexual abuse program has offered training and treatment throughout the Northwest Territories prior to hiring the specialists. Once the positions are filled, she will also be able to concentrate on those regions without a child sexual abuse specialist. Training for the RCMP, social services and health care providers was completed in Cambridge Bay for the Kitikmeot Region. Extensive service has been given in Pelly Bay, Spence Bay and Cambridge Bay by the co-ordinator. The child sexual abuse specialist positions were part of the freeze on staffing; however, they were released due to the necessity of this needed service. Thank you.
Return To Question O134-12(2): Child Sexual Abuse Specialist Position For Kitikmeot
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 166
The Speaker
Returns to oral questions. Mr. Allooloo.
Further Return To Question O43-12(2): Review Of Policies And Procedures Of Akaitcho Hall Residence
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 166
Titus Allooloo Amittuq
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an answer to an oral question asked by Mr. Antoine on February 17, 1992, with respect to the review of policies and procedures of Akaitcho Hall Residence. The Member for Nahendeh requested a review of all policies and procedures regarding the supervision and care of the students staying at the Akaitcho Hall Residence.
The Department of Education is currently working with the Akaitcho Hall administrative staff to improve the procedures and staff guidelines for the supervision and care of the students. This will include a review of staff job descriptions to ensure that their responsibilities are stated clearly. As well, the department will conduct a full operational review of the Akaitcho Hall Residence in May, 1992. The review will focus on all aspects of operation, including the goals and objectives of the residence, training of staff, recreation and weekend activity programs for students, student leave procedures, and student support and participation in the operation of the residence.
We will do all we can to make sure that Akaitcho Hall provides the support and supervision a student needs. Thank you.
Further Return To Question O43-12(2): Review Of Policies And Procedures Of Akaitcho Hall Residence
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 166
The Speaker
Returns to oral questions. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.
Question O172-12(2): Secretary/manager For Jean Marie River
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 166
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs regarding the community of Jean Marie River. Last July the secretary/manager left the community, and the department knew well ahead of time that this person would be leaving, and up to date this position has not been filled. As a result of that, there are a lot of problems within the community in terms of taking care of the administration of the community financially and project wise, and I know the problem there is that there is no co-ordination. Is the department going to be filling this position soon? Mahsi.
Question O172-12(2): Secretary/manager For Jean Marie River
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 166
The Speaker
Mr. Minister.
Question O172-12(2): Secretary/manager For Jean Marie River
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 166
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, I will have to take that question on notice and get back as soon as I can. Thank you.
Question O172-12(2): Secretary/manager For Jean Marie River
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 166
The Speaker
The question has been taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Todd.
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
February 26th, 1992
Page 166
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for the WCB. Section 1 of the Workers' Compensation Act defines the YMIR, year's maximum insurable remuneration, as $40,000. This means that no matter how much money a worker has been earning at the time of his injury, he will never be paid any more than $40,000. Mr. Speaker, it appears to me that this situation is rather unfair, particularly to the high income earners who suffer permanent disability injuries and must try to meet existing mortgages, pay the bills, and look after their children.
My question to the Minister is, since becoming Minister, has he received, by way of a formal motion or resolution of the Workers' Compensation Board, a recommendation to adjust the YMIR by amending the Workers' Compensation Act?
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 166
The Speaker
Mr. Patterson
Return To Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 166
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, to answer the Member's question in its narrowest sense, no, I have not received a formal recommendation from the Workers
Return To Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 167
The Speaker
Supplementary, Mr. Todd
Supplementary To Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 167
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you. In that case, will the Minister therefore make a commitment to introduce an amendment to the Workers' Compensation Act, during the second session of the 12th Assembly, which would adjust the earnings ceiling to an appropriate level in the YMIR?
Supplementary To Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 167
The Speaker
Mr. Patterson.
Further Return To Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 167
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, following discussions with the Workers' Compensation Board on this issue, I did ask the board if they would give me advice about what would be an appropriate level. They are reviewing the matter and, once I get that advice, I will proceed as expeditiously as possible to take the matter to cabinet and to this House to be dealt with.
It is a rather easy amendment to make, Mr. Speaker, but it does have financial implications that have to be studied carefully. I cannot guarantee next session, but I will work toward that goal. Thank you.
Further Return To Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Question O173-12(2): Adjustment To Ymir For Workers' Compensation Board
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 167
The Speaker
Oral questions. Mr. Zoe.
Question O174-12(2): Deferral Of Large Capital Projects
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 167
Henry Zoe North Slave
My question is directed to the Minister responsible for the Department of Finance. Could the Minister inform this House whether or not there is a process in place to inform a community and the appropriate Member when a decision is made to defer or delay large capital projects?