This is page numbers 602 - 615 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 boundary.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Titus Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, 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, Mr. Nerysoo, Hon. John Ningark, Hon. John Pollard, Mr. Pudluk, Mr. Todd, Hon. Tony Whitford

--- Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 602

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Good morning. Orders of the day for Friday, April 3, 1992.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Need To Improve Signage At Nwt/bc Border
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism has expressed his willingness to consider ideas from Members in tourism matters. I have a couple of suggestions today. A couple of weeks ago, I was driving back from Whitehorse from the Arctic Winter Games. I came through British Columbia and had to cross the border between British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. I noticed a big difference between the BC side and our side. On the BC side of the border the roadside was dominated by a large, attractive sign that says, 'The Supernatural Splendour of British Columbia Welcomes You.' On the NWT side, there was a rickety, little sign warning drivers not to hit the bison. A little further on there was another sign that said, "Hunting is Not Allowed within a Kilometre of the Roadway." A little while later it said that seatbelts are the law. It was not until a turn in the bend a couple of kilometres past the border that you see a faded, old sign saying, "The Northwest Territories Welcomes You."

This is not much of a welcome, Mr. Speaker. Honourable Members will know that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Highway. There will be increased tourist traffic up and down the route. I believe that the decisions tourists make about how long to stay in a place -- and even how much money to spend while on vacation -- is at least partially dependent upon their first impressions. We are not creating much of an impression with the way our highway roadside is set up, Mr. Speaker.

It is important to me because it is my constituency that they first enter, and I believe it is one of the friendliest and most welcoming areas in the Northwest Territories. We are hoping to attract more tourists with the beauty and tradition of our land and not leave them with the feeling that they have just driven another stretch of highway on a long trip.

I would like to encourage the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, as well as the Minister of Transportation, to review the appearance of the border crossing and consider building a small welcoming centre -- even a temporary one -- on a trial basis...

Need To Improve Signage At Nwt/bc Border
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Antoine, your time is up.

Need To Improve Signage At Nwt/bc Border
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

I seek unanimous consent to, conclude.

Need To Improve Signage At Nwt/bc Border
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

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

Need To Improve Signage At Nwt/bc Border
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you. I would like the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, as well as the Minister of Transportation, to review the appearance of border crossings, and consider building a small welcoming centre -- even a temporary one -- on a trial basis to commemorate the 50th year associated with the Alaska Highway. This would be a welcome endeavour on our part for the Northwest Territories, especially my constituency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Need To Improve Signage At Nwt/bc Border
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have had very intense debate over the last week over health care in the Northwest Territories. I would like to relate to Members a very short anecdote about a very good friend of mine. His name is Merlyn Williams. About a week and a half ago, in British Columbia, he was involved in a very nasty traffic accident. The vehicle he was driving, together with his wife, Joyce, rolled over four times in an area near Revelstoke. They were in hospital, very, very badly injured, for some time. He was given pain killers and all kinds of medications so that the pain would be lessened, Eventually, he was able to come back to Yellowknife to be at home and to get treatment from our local hospital.

I would like to thank the hospital for identifying the source of his pain, which they were not able to identify in the South. He had broken several bones in his neck, which were identified at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital, and he is now getting the care that he should have been given in the first place. Thank you.

--- Applause

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to make a couple of comments with regard to the matter of health care. I believe Members here are all too knowledgeable of the debate that has taken place on the question regarding the services and surgical procedures at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. I want to say, having read yesterday's Globe and Mail, that the issue is not going away. In fact, it is getting worse rather than better. I think there are many, many complaints that I would like the Minister of Health to review. Even more so, I Would encourage her to seriously consider the recommendation or the matter that I raised yesterday, in which I requested a public inquiry. I do not think it is simply a matter that can be dealt with as an independent review without the people that have been affected by the service, having an opportunity to have their say and having their expression of concern and recommendations as to the procedures that are occurring. The simple fact is that

the services are being provided to every constituency in the Northwest Territories and that each Member has to express a concern with regard to the service -- not to suggest for one moment, Mr. Speaker, that we should not improve the service -- that we have to ensure the safety and security of those people that are to receive the services that we in this Assembly argue as a right for every individual in the Northwest Territories. I wanted to make these particular remarks before we conclude this discussion.

I will be tabling in this House, at the appropriate time, an article from The Globe and Mail with regard to that specific issue.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to rise today to indicate that I know we are going to be adjourning today until June. I also want to state, as a Member, that this session has been productive to some degree; however, I do want to state publicly that I am somewhat disappointed with cabinet and some of the Ministers' lack of ability to respond to some of the concerns raised by Members. I want to state to the Minister of Social Services that I was truly disappointed in his inability to reply to our concerns regarding the issues brought forth to the House. I want Members to know that I feel I would be doing a disservice to the public if I leave this House and not address some fundamental concerns of the public.

Therefore, I want Members to be aware that today, I, as a Member, will be requesting consent to deal with a motion of non-confidence in the Minister of Social Services. Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

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

Further Return To Question O487-12(2): Legality Of Hunting Polar Bears From The Air
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 603

John Ningark Natilikmiot

I have a return to a question asked by Mr. Arvaluk on April 2, 1992. The Member is correct in stating that polar bears may not be hunted from an aircraft without the authority of a wildlife research permit. The department intends to issue a wildlife research permit for the telazol study. The hides of these bears may still be sold by the hunters' and trappers' association members using the tags from their quota. Thank you.

Further Return To Question O487-12(2): Legality Of Hunting Polar Bears From The Air
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin.

Further Return To Question O471-12(2): Contracting With Community Businesses To Provide Computer-aided Design/drafting Services
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 603

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to Question O471-12(2), asked by Mr. Dent on April 2, 1992. The design work for the reclamation of the tailings pond at Rankin Inlet was considered to be a first-of-a-kind pilot project and was completed in house on a leased computer system.

Return To Question O477-12(2): Assurance That Dpw Will Not Expand Computer-aided Design Section
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

I have a return to Question O477-12(2), asked by Mr. Dent on April 2, 1992, The department will not expand its computer assisted design and drafting capabilities where these can be

contracted with the private sector. Thank you.

Return To Question O477-12(2): Assurance That Dpw Will Not Expand Computer-aided Design Section
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 603

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea.

Further Return To Question O465-12(2): Status Of Northern Accord
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 603

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I have two returns. The first is a return to Question O465-12(2), asked by Mr. Koe on April 1. When finalized, the Northern Accord will provide for a transfer of powers and responsibilities over the management of oil and gas. Management of economic benefits will be an integral part of these responsibilities. Benefits are not an outstanding issue in relation to the Northern Accord. Following is a summary of how this issue has been resolved:

The Inuvialuit and TFN have received assurances that the accord will not interfere with their ability to negotiate participation agreements or Inuit impact benefits agreements in accordance with the provisions of their respective claims.

The Hon, Tom Siddon, Minister of Indian Affairs, has made the commitment to transfer, through the Northern Accord, the additional legislative authority to provide for aboriginal subsurface benefits agreements with respect to oil and gas settlement lands. This government has, in turn, committed to including provisions establishing Gwich'in subsurface benefits agreements in the oil and gas legislation that it would introduce. to the Legislative Assembly following the signing of the accord.

The Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has been consulting with the Gwich'in Tribal Council in drafting these provisions, which are to be modelled after the proposal raised by the Gwich'in during their claims negotiations. Further discussions are scheduled for April 14. 1992.

For those areas not subject to claims agreements, this government would not support the issuance of any new oil and gas exploration rights without the endorsement of the affected communities on terms and conditions relating to benefits, or on any other relevant issue.

Return To Question O464-12(2): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 603

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

A return to Question O464-12(2), asked by Mr. Koe on April 2, 1992. Mr. Speaker, on February 20, 1991, during the eighth session of the 11th Assembly, I indicated that the government's support for improving health benefits for Metis. I also indicated that there were several steps required before the government could make a decision on expansion of health benefits for Metis residents. These steps included the development of a definition of Metis mutually acceptable to the Metis Nation and the government; a survey to determine who meets the criteria in the definition; specification of the additional benefits; calculation of the costs; and an Executive Council decision on expanded health benefits for Metis.

The previous Executive Council considered the matter further on October 21, 1991, and deferred the item to the cabinet of the 12th Assembly in light of constitutional, legal, financial and other factors.

Mr. Speaker, the provision of Metis health benefits remains under consideration by cabinet. The ability of the government to extend these benefits will be considered as part of the 1992-93 budget review process. Thank you.

Return To Question O464-12(2): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 603

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Returns to oral questions. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Antoine..

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism with regard to a concern raised by one of my constituents with regard to hotel operations. Can the Minister tell the House if there is such a thing as a licence for tourist accommodations, and if there is, is there a fee attached to that? Thank you.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Pollard. There were two questions, so you can respond to the first or use your own discretion.