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

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

Ministers' statements. Mr. Allooloo.

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.

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.

Member's statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

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."

Mrs. Marie-Jewell, your time has expired.

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

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

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.

Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

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...

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.

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

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

Members' statements. Mr. Arvaluk.

Members' statements. Mr. Gargan.

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

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

Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three responses. The first is a return to Question O410-12(2), asked by Mr. Pudlat March 3, 1992, and raised again Friday. Mr. Speaker, this return was previously made on March 4, 1992, in response to Question O212-12(2) asked by the Member.

A community hall for Sanikiluaq is not currently in the department's capital forecasting plan. A number of years ago the community was asked whether they wanted a new arena or community hall, and they chose an arena as their priority. The Department of Education had plans at that time for the construction of a gymnasium. The new gymnasium was completed in 1988. The new arena is-currently scheduled for completion in 1994-95. With the community receiving these two facilities, it is unlikely the department will be able to include construction of a community hall in our budget in the foreseeable future. However, the design and siting of the new arena will allow for the future addition of a community hall when it becomes feasible.

This is a return to Question O296-12(2), asked by Mrs. Marie Jewell on March 9th. Mr. Speaker, the following breakdown of assessment revenue is based on the 1990 audited financial statements and not 1991, as that audit has not been completed and approved by the Auditor General's office. The order of breakdown is from highest to lowest by industry class, and perhaps I will just recite the percentage:

Construction, 26.30 per cent; mining, 20.70 per cent; transportation and communication utilities, 14.13 per cent; public administration, GNWT, 10.03 per cent; services, which includes business and professional services, hotels, motels, camp caterers, security, janitorial services, et cetera, 9.70 per cent; public administration, other, 6.97 per cent; oil and gas, 6.29 per cent; trades, 5.35 per cent; renewable resources, .53 per cent. Total revenue, $19,714,000, at 100 per cent. So the GNWT assessment for 1990 comprised 10.03 per cent of the total revenue for that year.

This is a return to Question O51-12(2), asked by Mr. Todd on February 17th. The Workers' Compensation Board is unable to provide actual dollars spent on rehabilitation in the South as the accounting system does not track the distribution of moneys spent on rehabilitation by worker's residency. Based on the assumption that 65 per cent of workers reside in the South after injury, it is estimated that they consume up to 65 per cent of moneys spent on rehabilitation. Rehabilitation includes retraining.

Using this estimate, of the $2.5 million spent on rehabilitation in 1991, up to $1.9 million was expended in the South. Of this amount, 66 per cent was paid out in rehabilitation benefits such as home modification, independence aids, tools, vehicle modification, special financial assistance, residential aid, relocation allowance, excluding compensation payments and medical aid costs.

The remaining costs represent expenditures such as payment of academic training, provision of vocational assessment, work conditioning and counselling services, to name but a few. For northern workers, unfortunately these services are non-existent in the North and for the most part have to be purchased in the South. It is estimated that the rehabilitation division had to spend up to $200,000 last year in sending northern residents south for rehabilitation programs. Whenever possible, they have tried to import the expertise on a case by case basis to minimize cost to family disruption. These rehabilitation costs exclude the cost of early medical treatment and expense of travelling south for surgery and specialized medical opinions. The board's goal is to have the injured worker return to the workplace as quickly as possible as it will reduce long-term claim and compensation costs. Thank you.

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Speaker, I have three returns. The first was asked by Mr. Koe on March 6th, 1992, regarding the status of the NWT Business Loans Board, Mr. Speaker. On October 1, 1991, when the new Business Credit Corporation Act was proclaimed and the Business Loans and Guarantees Act was rescinded, the directors of the Business Loans Fund Board resigned, and a new slate of directors was appointed.

Since the size of the new board was reduced from 12 to nine, and since several of the directors held positions on other boards, some changes were made.

The new board of directors consists of: Mary King of Hay River; Anthony Chang and Stephen Hurst of Yellowknife; Allan Woodhouse and Thomas Webster of lqaluit; Mark Kalluak of Arviat; Gordon Peters of Holman Island; Wilfred Wilcox of Cambridge Bay; and Rod Hardy of Fort Norman.

The second one, Mr. Chairman, was asked by Mr. Zoe on February 27th concerning the deferral of large capital contracts. Although no formal policy exists on informing communities and Members of the Legislative Assembly of deferrals or delays to large capital projects, it is the practice of Ministers and departments to inform communities when such deferrals or delays occur.

To increase the involvement of communities and MLAs in the capital planning process, the government has implemented process changes that formally provide for community and MLA input at set points in the process. These points are at the outset of the planning process and at the time when draft department capital plans are completed.

The third one, Mr. Speaker, was asked by Mr. Antoine on March 9, 1992, regarding the number of trees required to make one million board feet. On average, Mr. Speaker, 10,000 to 12,000 trees are required to produce one million board feet of lumber. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Returns to oral questions. Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to Question O189-12(2), asked by Mr. Gargan on February 27, 1992, regarding highway patrol operations. On Thursday, February 27, 1992, the Member for Deh Cho asked me on what day of the week motor transport officers conduct mobile patrols on the highways.

The day that motor transport officers are out on mobile patrol results from their rotating shift schedule. Their first responsibility is to keep the weigh scale open for truck inspections. The shift schedule for each officer is six shifts on duty and two days off, followed by another six shifts on and three days off. The six and two, six and three shift schedule does not match the seven day calendar week. In this way, the one day in six an officer is assigned to patrol duty always changes as the officer keeps repeating the shift cycle.

With the department's present staff of six highway transport officers stations in Hay River, the Member should expect that on most days of the seven-day week, there is one officer out on an eight-hour shift of patrol duty. As I explained, because of the rotating shift schedule, the day when there is no patrol is always changing.

I have another return, to Question O254-12(2), asked by Mr. Gargan on March 4, 1992, concerning the status of the management board at Akaitcho Hall. While it is true that there have been a number of different people supervising Akaitcho Hall during the past few years, the advisory board has always had the support of the Department of Education. Recently, due to a change in staffing assignments, responsibility for Akaitcho Hall has been assigned to the operations, training and development division. The former director of board development, who had been working with the Akaitcho Hall board, has taken on the position of director of curriculum services.

The director of operations, training and development is presently working with Akaitcho Hall administration and the advisory board to improve procedures and staff guidelines for the supervision and care of students. Staff job descriptions will be carefully examined to ensure that their responsibilities are stated clearly. The department will also conduct a full operational review of the Akaitcho Hall residence in May 1992. The review will locus 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.

The Akaitcho Hall Advisory Board will be fully involved in this review. The preliminary planning with board members will take place during the next few weeks. Thank you.

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to Question O409-12(2), asked by Mr. Dent on March 27th, on whether or not the senior employees of the NWT Power Corporation had just received a 10 per cent salary increase. The employees of the NWT Power Corporation have received no salary increase since April 1, 1991, at which time the increase was 5.02 per cent. The salaries of the chairman, president and vice-presidents decreased January 1, 1992. The corporation is presently preparing for bargaining with the Union of Northern Workers for the fiscal year 1992-93. The current contract expires March 31, 1992.

Mr. Whitford.

Returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Last Thursday, I asked the Minister of Health, recognizing that medical procedures used at the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital subject women to unnecessary pain during a procedure, and recognizing that the Minister of Health is initiating a review, if he would consider directing his department to develop a directive which would eliminate unnecessary pain which is imposed upon women who have abortion procedures taken through the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. The Minister at that point had indicated, "Yes." I would like to know whether or not the Minister can assure this House that the directive has been implemented.

Minister of Health, Mr. Whitford.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to ask the Minister of Health if, after reviewing much of the media reports that have been available to him and some of the comments made to him by medical practitioners who provide services in the area of proper procedures for abortions, whether or not the Minister is prepared to allow for a public hearing or inquiry into general procedures for this medical procedure in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a supplementary question for the Minister of Health. In light of all the complaints that have come forward within the last week, why is the Minister not prepared to allow a general inquiry to hear the concerns of the women of the Northwest Territories?

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, how does the Minister of Health see that an independent, private review is going to hear from the women of the Northwest Territories and the concerns they have about this particular procedure?

Mr. Whitford.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Health how he is going have input from medical practitioners about the particular process or procedure, now that it is to be considered by the independent, private review.

Mr. Whitford.

Oral questions. Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Health. In the Edmonton Journal of Saturday, March 28th, there was an article headlined, "Anesthetic Essential -Morgentaler." This is a fellow who has been a very strong advocate of proper medical procedures with regard to abortions. Yet, at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital, Dr. Suzanne Perkins stated that almost all of their abortion patients are sedated with some kind of pain killer. What does 'almost all of their patients" mean? Does it mean 99 per cent, or 50 per cent? We do not have the figure in here. I would like the Minister to inform me of the percentage.

Mr. Whitford.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will try it this way. On the same page it says that the hospital staff always use a local anesthetic on abortion patients. Which one is correct? All of the time, or some of the time?

I think it would be difficult for the Minister to interpret what is in a media report. Mr. Whitford.

Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health. Northerners are concerned about the procedures being used to perform abortions at the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. Recognizing that there have been reports that women are having to endure unreasonable levels of pain when they receive an abortion at the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital, and recognizing that there are facilities in southern Canada to which female patients could be referred for this surgical procedure, has the Minister taken any action to advise the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital to stop performing abortions until after the completion of the review?

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Have there been any abortions or D and C procedures at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital since March 24th?

Mr. Whitford.

Mrs. Marie-Jewell,

Mr. Speaker, I am really appalled and astounded that a Minister of this government, when we question, basically states that they do not have the authority to tell the doctors what to do, in their response. I cannot indicate how disappointed I am in hearing that type of remark, The Minister of this government has a statutory obligation to ensure that medical procedures that are maintained or are used in the Territories are acceptable to people of the North.

Therefore, I would like to ask the Minister of Health, since he indicated in this House that a directive to relieve pain would be given to women that abortions are performed on, has he produced this directive?

Mr. Whitford.

Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Mr. Speaker, I do not believe the Minister has understood my point. I would like to let the Minister know that as a Minister, the authority to ensure that adequate standards are maintained in the hospital, is his responsibility. I would like to ask the Minister if he can advise the House whether his failure to prepare a directive is a refusal on his part to exercise his statutory authority.

Mr. Whitford.

Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

If the Minister had just stated now that he will not issue a directive, then why did he state, *Yes," on Thursday when I questioned him in this House, asking him if he will develop a directive which will eliminate unnecessary pain which is posed on women that have abortion procedures taken through the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital?

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

I believe this is my final supplementary, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister again, why did he state in this House, "Yes," he will issue a directive, develop a directive, that will eliminate unnecessary pain imposed on women, and today states to us that he cannot do that? Why did he say "Yes" in this House last Thursday?

Mr. Whitford.

Oral questions. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to pursue the matter of authority of the Minister of Health. I have before me the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act, and 5(e) says: "Subject to this act, the board may..." -- the board in this particular case is the THIS Board, that was replaced to be the Minister -- "...may license, supervise and inspect hospitals in the Territories and ensure that adequate standards are maintained in the hospitals." Would the Minister indicate to me what this means in terms of services that are being provided for abortion procedures in hospitals?

Mr. Minister.

Exactly.

Supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Minister of Health not think that he has the power and authority to procedures?

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Does the Minister of Health not think that he has the power, the authority, and the legislative responsibility, or the responsibility, to set standards and direct boards of health to maintain certain types of medical standards and medical practices in their hospitals?

Mr. Whitford.

Final supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Final supplementary on this matter of authority. Does the Minister, in listening to his response, not feel that he has the legislative authority to instruct hospitals to maintain certain standards?

Mr. Whitford.

Oral questions. Ms. Mike.