This is page numbers 504 - 532 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 2nd 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 chairman.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Titus Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Arvaluk, Hon. Michael Ballantyne, Mr. Bernhardt, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Mr. Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Ms. Mike, Hon. Don Morin, Mr. Nerysoo, Hon. Dennis Patterson, Hon. John Pollard, Mr. Pudlat, Hon. Tony Whitford, Mr. Zoe

--- Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 504

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Good afternoon. Orders of the day for Monday, March 30, 1992. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, the Hon. John Ningark will be absent from the House today to attend a regional meeting in Cambridge Bay on the plebiscite.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Ministers' statements. Mr. Allooloo.

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

It is with pleasure that I rise to announce that cabinet has approved requests from two Northwest Territories communities to change their names. On July 1, 1992 Spence Bay will officially become Taloyoak, and Snowdrift will officially become Lutselk'e.

A majority of the residents of Spence Bay signed a petition requesting that the traditional name for their community be officially approved. The name "Taloyoak," which means "caribou blind," was the name for the area before the community was established and has remained in use by the Inuit despite the existence of the name Spence Bay.

Mr. Speaker, the Lutsel K'e Dene Band passed a resolution requesting that the official name of Snowdrift be changed to Lutselk'e, the name which has been used for their area since long before the community was established. Lutselk'e means the place of the lutsel, which is a small fish common in the waters of the area.

It is our hope that all the people of the Northwest Territories and of Canada will begin to use these traditional names and in doing so help to preserve the history, culture and language of northern people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

I would like to recognize Norma Kassie, MLA for Old Crow in the Yukon, who is with us here today.

--Applause

Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Dent.

Success Of Caribou Carnival 1992
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 504

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the literally hundreds of participants, volunteers, sponsors and spectators that made this year's Caribou Carnival an unqualified success. This year's carnival proved so extremely popular, Mr. Speaker, that organizers report that attendance topped 5000 people between noon and 5:00 o'clock in the afternoon, Friday.

Mr. Speaker, although 300 to 400 volunteers were involved to one extent or another, special credit is deserved by Caribou Carnival Association: president, Jackie Coulther-O'Connor; past president, Bill Braden; treasurer, Brenda Donick; secretary, Michelle Andersen; and directors Marty Brown, Rob Roycroft, Jamie Watts, Katherine Robinson and Larry Babiuk, as well as staff members Melissa Daoust and David Radcliffe.

Of course, Mr. Speaker, the stars of the Caribou Carnival are the dog mushers who travel from across Canada and the United States to participate in the Canadian Championship Dog Derby. Members of the Yellowknife Rotary Club also deserve special credit for yet another superb job of managing the races.

I would like to extend special congratulations to Grant Beck of Yellowknife on his defence of his title of Champion in the Canadian Championship Dog Derby. Mr. Beck won this year's three-day championship with an overall time of 11 hours 52 minutes and 28 seconds.

The 12 contestants for Caribou Carnival queen and princess also deserve mention for the approximately $29,000 they raised from ticket sales. Congratulations to Vi Beck on her win as Carnival Queen, and to Carnival Princess Valerie Fillion who is a lifelong resident of Yellowknife and a grade nine student at St. Patrick's High School.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that Caribou Carnival is getting better and better every year. Thank you.

--- Applause

Success Of Caribou Carnival 1992
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 504

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Member's statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Letter Of Reference For Sandy Sanderson
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 504

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address a public concern over the recent letter of support I wrote on behalf of Sandy Sanderson, who is a student at our campus in Fort Smith.

The intention of the letter was to describe the character of this individual. It was at no time my intention to influence the justice system in any way, shape or form. Further, it was at no time intended to influence the courts or to indicate that I condone violence against women.

Unfortunately, these letters from political leaders were used to request an absolute discharge for an assault charge encountered by Sandy Sanderson. I know that if I had been asked for such a letter to be used in such a manner, I would not have written it. I also know, from the senior Mr. Sanderson, that if they had known these letters were to be used in this manner, under no uncertain circumstances would they have requested these letters describing the character of their son. It was stated by Mr. Sanderson, and I quote, "We never would have placed any individual in such a position." Knowing the honest person that he is, I believe him.

Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize to my constituents that I do not condone violence against women, nor do I condone violence against men or violence against a family. As a woman, I would not tolerate any type of violent actions against myself, nor any other woman.

Mr. Speaker, I would now like to read the letter that I wrote describing Sandy Sanderson and his home environment, dated January 16th:

"To whom it may concern: I am pleased to provide my personal views in support of my constituent, Sandy Sanderson. I have known Sandy Sanderson since he was born, and I know that as a youth growing up, he was always considerate and helpful.

"I recall Sandy working in the Legislative Assembly during sessions and recognize that he was an individual who was always willing to assist Members in their requests. The attitude that he displayed was one of a very courteous, mature and pleasant individual.

"In addition, I know that he has been provided with a very positive and caring family environment during his years of growth. His parents, Bob and Jean Sanderson, are a couple I have known all of my life. They have a very pleasant and positive attitude towards life, and I have always known them to be helpful to the less fortunate and considerate to individuals."

Letter Of Reference For Sandy Sanderson
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mrs. Marie-Jewell, your time has expired.

Letter Of Reference For Sandy Sanderson
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent from Members to conclude my Member's statement.

Letter Of Reference For Sandy Sanderson
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

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

Letter Of Reference For Sandy Sanderson
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you. "There is no doubt in my mind that one of their most important goals in life is to ensure their children are brought up with a secure, healthy and spiritual atmosphere.

"I realize Sandy was recently in conflict with the law; however, the situation does not deter me from expressing my opinion."

This is the letter that I submitted on behalf of Sandy Sanderson. Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize, again, that my letter was intended to describe the character of the family and of the individual. It is clear from my letter that this is what I have done.

It is my hope that my constituents take the time to understand and believe that it will not deter me from my stand; that I do not condone violence against women, men or the family; nor will it diminish my ability to ensure that the issue of violence against women will not be overlooked in this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I do want to indicate that I have learned a very valuable lesson from the comments and criticisms about my actions. I will be careful and cautious, and give more consideration to my letters of support in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Members for taking the time to listen, and my constituents, in particular, for taking the time to understand. Thank you.

Letter Of Reference For Sandy Sanderson
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

Abortions At Stanton Yellowknife Hospital
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge the courage of Ms. Ellen Hamilton of Iqaluit. Ms. Hamilton is a woman who was taken into Stanton Yellowknife Hospital for a therapeutic abortion. She was subjected to unreasonable and unacceptable levels of pain and discomfort as a result of hospital surgical procedures. Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely offensive that any woman should have to endure the sort of experience which Ms. Hamilton was subjected to.

Mr. Speaker, there has been a concern that women all across Canada have too often found themselves feeling as though professional people have failed to treat them properly or listen to their wishes. This, I believe, is a reflection both of the arrogance which underlies much of professional community and of the way society undervalues women's ability to make their own choices.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that Ms. Hamilton took a bold and courageous step when she came forward to disclose her mistreatment at the hands of the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. This is not only something that happened to Ms. Hamilton. The Status of Women has received a large number of comments from other women who have felt abused by the procedures employed by the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital when performing abortions. I applaud these women for coming forward. I think it is important that they should feel supported and understood in raising their concerns.

I may say that I am dismayed by the way the hospital board and its medical professional personnel seem to be more interested in denying the significance of these reports in trying to justify the procedures, questioning the accuracy of women's statements and hiding behind the veil of their professional jargon and positions. Instead, they would be better advised to listen to their female patients and to put their energies into correcting these problems, rather than being defensive about them. It think it is important that the women of the Northwest Territories should feel comfortable in standing up to southern trained professionals...

Abortions At Stanton Yellowknife Hospital
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.

Abortions At Stanton Yellowknife Hospital
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

The Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Ms. Mike.

Abortions At Stanton Yellowknife Hospital
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 505

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is important that women of the Northwest Territories should feel comfortable in standing up to southern-trained professionals when we feel as though we have not received the most appropriate treatment, and I would hope that the actions of the women who have come forward can serve as models for each of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Abortions At Stanton Yellowknife Hospital
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 506

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Mr. Arvaluk.

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the special CEC meeting held on February 18, Mr. Rob Anderson informed Chesterfield Inlet that Victor Sammurtok School would be reduced from five teacher positions to four, and that the number of classroom assistants would be reduced from 2.0 to 1.5, due to fiscal restraint being imposed on the approved budget.

In reviewing the funding formula as issued by the Department of Education, Chesterfield Inlet discovered that, based on 83 students, the enrolment in Victor Sammurtok School as of September 30, 1991, the community is entitled to 4.37 teachers based on the ratio of one teacher to 19 students. Chesterfield Inlet is further entitled under formula funding to .5 student support teachers. This adds up to a total of 4.87 teachers which should be rounded, according to common department practice, to 5.0 teachers, not the 4.0 that the community were told they would have.

Mr. Speaker, because of the time allotted, I will be pursuing this further with the Department of Education during the question period. Welcome back to the House, Mr. Minister.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Mr. Gargan.

Hockey Match Results
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 506

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to inform this House of the courageous performance given by the L.A. Senators in an exhibition hockey match with the Yellowknife Media All Stars during Caribou Carnival. Mr. Speaker, the L.A. Senators played the Media All Stars to a nine-nine tie, although the goal in the dying seconds was disallowed which would have given us a glorious victory. Unlike basketball, Mr. Speaker, it appears that in hockey any shots that are made before the final buzzer do not count.

I should point out that the L.A. Senators were leading for most of the game. However, the Media All Stars used its usual tactics of waiting for the perfect opportunity to irritate the politicians. The media waited until we were tired and overconfident, and then they struck.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate our face-off specialist, Ms. Rebecca Mike, for winning almost every face-off she took.

--- Applause

I would also like to congratulate the Hon. Dennis Patterson for restraining himself. I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister did not deal out any vicious checks to either his teammates or his opponents.

--- Laughter

Mr. Speaker, I would like to mention that if an NHL players' strike occurs, the L.A. Senators are ready and willing to fill in.

Finally, I would like to mention that it is agreed by the media and the Members that we would keep this cup here in your office for six months, and the media will then take it for the next six months. I would also like to thank Roy Dahl for organizing this historic event, and I would hope we continue that event again. Thank you.

---Applause

Hockey Match Results
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 506

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

I think we are seeing the beginning of a tradition. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Kakfwi.

Return To Question O368-12(2): Government Employees Holding Business Licences
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 506

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

I have a return to Question O368-12(2) asked by Mr. Gargan on March 25, 1992. We are aware that people working in the public service hold business licences to operate other businesses. These people have permission under the rules in the public service regulations. The rules are that no employee shall carry on any business or employment outside the public service in which a) the employee exploits unduly and for personal gain, acquaintance with other employees or persons with whom the employee has become acquainted in the course of employment in the public service; b) there may be a conflict between the duties the employee is required to perform in that business or employment and the duties the employee is required to perform in the public service; or c) the employee makes unauthorized use of information acquired as a result of employment in the public service or of property or facilities owned by Her Majesty in the right of Canada or the Government of the NWT.

Employees are required to notify their deputy minister if they wish to carry on any outside business or employment. The deputy minister will deny permission if one of these rules is broken.