This is page numbers 363 - 398 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 4th 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 facilities.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Arngna'naaq, Hon. Michael Ballantyne, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Mr. Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Koe, Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Hon. Rebecca Mike, Hon. Don Morin, Hon. Richard Nerysoo, Mr. Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Pudluk, Mr. Whitford

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 363

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Minister's Statement 42-12(4): Retirement
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 363

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to inform Members that Mr. Larry Elkin, President of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the government's longest serving deputy minister, has informed us of his decision to retire from public service on January 4, of next year.

Mr. Elkin has served and strongly supported the interests of the Northwest Territories, in various capacities, over the past 30 years.

He joined our government in 1970, as the assistant regional director in Inuvik, after working with the federal government as a northern service officer in Ottawa, and then in the capacity of an area administrator in Coral Harbour and later, Rankin Inlet.

Mr. Elkin moved from Inuvik to Yellowknife in 1972 to become the chief of program policy and planning and, a year later, he became the director of planning and program evaluation.

He was appointed director of the Department of Local Government in 1976 and became deputy minister of Public Works in 1981, a position he held until assuming his current responsibilities in 1991.

Since joining the territorial government, Mr. Elkin has served many Ministers, Mr. Speaker, including myself.

I have always found him responsible and faithful to the goals and objectives established by the government and a person who always gave more than a fair share of his time and expertise to help solve many of the problems we have faced over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure Members will join me in thanking Mr. Elkin for his dedicated years of service and wish him and his wife a healthy and enjoyable retirement. Thank you.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 42-12(4): Retirement
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 363

The Speaker

Thank you, Madam Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the Department of Education, Culture and Employment received the child day care program from the Department of Social Services on April 1, I announced that we would be reviewing the program and holding a symposium to consult with child day care providers and individuals using and interested in child day care services. I would like to bring you up to date on my department's progress on these initiatives.

Through the interim child day care program, the Government of the Northwest Territories provides subsidies for users of day care and support to child care providers through start-up and operating subsidies and training.

The child day care program provides linkages to other programs offered by my department, by assisting some parents in taking advantage of employment and training opportunities and by creating employment and training and business opportunities within the child care field for residents of the Northwest Territories. The Child Day Care Act and regulations establish standards of safety, health, program content and staff qualifications for child day care facilities and a system of inspecting and licensing to enforce these standards.

In late September, a first-ever Northwest Territories symposium called, Caring for Our Future, was held in Yellowknife for child day care providers and people concerned with child care from across the territories. It was well-attended, with 86 delegates participating. These people were from communities both with and without licensed child care facilities. This enabled broad consultation with virtually every community in the Northwest Territories.

The symposium was designed to serve a number of purposes. First and foremost, we wanted comments on the existing program and recommendations to develop a new program policy.

The symposium also furnished opportunities for professional development on topics identified by child day care providers.

These included, first aid by St. John Ambulance, cross-cultural program planning, self-esteem, family day homes, creative art ideas and storytelling. I was impressed with the enthusiasm, hard work and commitment demonstrated by all attending the symposium.

The policy development workshops addressed program philosophy and standards, culturally relevant training and programming, levels of funding and access to funding, attracting and retaining qualified staff, and partnerships.

Some of the recommendations from these workshops can and will be implemented immediately. These include, coordinating activities between day care centres and agencies such as public health and St. John Ambulance and the development and distribution of a child day care newsletter. Other recommendations will be considered in the development of a permanent child day care policy proposal for the Northwest Territories. These include, recommendations relating to eligibility and funding assistance for parents and day care facilities, as well as recommendations concerning training and standards.

Finally, there are recommendations that are long-term in nature, such as the construction of child day care facilities, which require careful thought and will be considered in the development of the department's strategic plan. I will table a copy of the summary of recommendations later today.

In addition to consulting on the program through the symposium, the department is currently reviewing the history and administration of the existing program. This review will give a detailed account of the patterns of program funding since 1989, and will help to confirm or identify problem areas in funding.

Analysis of recommendations from the policy workshops, as well as information from the program review, will be used to develop a new child day care policy for the Northwest Territories. Consultation with interest parties will continue throughout the policy development process.

Mr. Speaker, I had hoped to table a proposed child day care policy during this session. However, a thorough review of the program and public consultation is essential if we are going to develop a policy that meets the needs of Northwest Territories residents. The process is well under way, and I plan to have a new policy proposal finalized this winter, which will be ready to be tabled at the winter session of this Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Minister's Statement 44-12(4): Community Policing
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 364

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about community policing. The Department of Justice is actively looking at ways of making certain that the policing needs of communities are met. The priorities of the department are priorities that have been suggested to us by the communities and regions, and by Members of this Assembly. These priorities are: a greater presence of native people as police officers; a greater role for community members in the policing of their communities; and, the safety of all community members, especially those who are more vulnerable. These goals are consistent with the goal, of the Department of Justice and the government, of ensuring that communities control the delivery of services at the local level and with the goal of addressing violence in our society through a policy of zero tolerance.

Fort Good Hope has already put forward the names of its proposed community constables, and plans are made for them to go to the RCMP academy in Regina for training, early in the first part of 1994. At this point, Coral Harbour is having a little difficulty recommending enough participants for the program, but we intend to proceed with a similar pilot project either there or in another community in that region.

We were most disappointed when the previous federal government, at the end of their mandate, cancelled the aboriginal constable development program, an initiative that was useful in providing assistance to a number of aboriginal northerners who are currently serving in northern communities. We will be encouraging the new federal government to reconsider this decision.

We believe that NWT communities may also wish to consider policing alternatives which would provide them with even greater authority over their own police services. Officials from the Department of Justice met just last week with representatives of the RCMP and the federal Solicitor General's department, to identify exactly the kind of support we can expect from the federal government in pursuing our goals.

The federal First Nations policing policy was developed to meet the needs of Indian reserves in southern Canada. Based on earlier meetings that my officials have held with federal representatives, we have been concerned about the inflexible approach which would have meant that many NWT communities would not have been included under the new policy. We continue to have some concerns, given the federal policy of excluding Metis from the application of aboriginal programs, but we are satisfied that now there is sufficient flexibility that we can work together with the Government of Canada in presenting a complete range of options to our communities and regions.

One of the options that the Solicitor General has put forward involves tripartite agreements for RCMP services, between the federal government, the territorial government and a community. This would continue RCMP services, but would provide for greater community control, and would include a commitment to provide an aboriginal police officer to the community within a specified time. Before the end of this fiscal year, we hope to complete a framework agreement with the federal government, to enable these tripartite agreements to be developed.

These tripartite agreements are only part of the picture, though. It will also be possible for communities or regions to move toward the development of independent policing services. I support making this option fully available. Of course, there will need to be a local consultative process to determine that whatever is developed meets the needs of all community members. If a community or region wished to move toward a fully independent police service, a transitional plan would be developed, to allow for experience to be gained locally, before RCMP services are terminated. Alternatively, there may be mixed RCMP/community policing models which communities or regions may wish to consider.

Before a detailed presentation on these options is made available to Members, to groups and regions, we will be seeking firm commitments from the federal government, concerning global issues related to these changes. For example, we wish to ensure that capital assets belonging to the RCMP, such as houses and detachment buildings, would be transferred to community police agencies. This is an issue which is somewhat unique to the north, because in the south, detachments are rarely located on Indian reserve lands.

Our intention is to develop a clear description of the range of options available, the role of the community and of each level of government, and the steps which would need to be taken. This would be the basis for presentations to communities and regional groups next spring. Community justice specialists in all the regions can play a facilitating role in these presentations, along with senior staff of the Department of Justice.

All of these actions could bring about major changes in policing. As this work develops, we will also need to consider whether it is necessary to have a Northwest Territories Police Act. This could provide the framework for local policing authorities, and for setting policing standards which require all police services to meet a basic level of public protection.

Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to be able to tell Members about these exciting prospects for community policing in the north. I will welcome the comments and advice of all Members as this work proceeds. Thank you.

Minister's Statement 44-12(4): Community Policing
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 365

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Mike.

Minister's Statement 45-12(4): Food Allowance
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 365

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to correct a statement which I made in this House on Monday, November 29, 1993. When I referred to the increases in the social assistance food allowance, I said that there had been an increase in the allowance in April, 1992. That was in error, Mr. Speaker. The increase of 5 per cent in the food allowance was effective October 1, 1992. Thank you.

Minister's Statement 45-12(4): Food Allowance
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 365

The Speaker

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Minister's Statement 46-12(4): Heritage Legislation
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 365

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The heritage resources of the Northwest Territories are important non-renewable assets that require comprehensive legislation to ensure their protection and preservation for future generations. Existing legislation has become seriously outdated, particularly in light of new directions in the heritage field, current political and economic realities, land settlement agreements and modern land development practices.

To address these issues, my department is developing new heritage legislation. After considerable research and consultation with other departments, Education, Culture and Employment has developed a number of options for this legislation.

These options are presented for discussion in a paper which will be used for consultation this winter with claimant groups, and other established culture and heritage groups in the Northwest Territories. I will provide a copy of this document to each Member of the Assembly. The department will use the information received through consultation, to develop a legislative action paper. The department is prepared to start consultation with interest groups. I expect to table the action paper proposing specific recommendations for new legislation, during the next session of the Legislative Assembly. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 46-12(4): Heritage Legislation
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 365

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Changes Required To The Apprenticeship Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 365

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to talk about the apprenticeship program which is available under this government. There are individuals who are interested in entering the program, from small and remote communities, but are unable to meet the need as quickly as they would like.

The problem is, Mr. Speaker, for example, a journeyman plumber from the region comes to my community and he spends approximately 200 hours per year there. There are potential students who are interested in the apprenticeship program but the requirement is, Mr. Speaker, not acceptable to the people in the small communities. Journeyman plumbers spend approximately 200 hours in the community. According to the system, if the student wants to be eligible to attend these technical institutes, he would have to have 1,800 hours to be eligible. In order for the person to attend the southern institution, my calculation tells me the person would have to spend about nine years in the community, under the supervision of a journeyman from the region. The problem is, if you live in a small community, you are penalized. I would like the appropriate Minister to seriously look at changing the system in order to make it more accessible to individuals who are interested in remote and small communities. Thank you.

Changes Required To The Apprenticeship Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 366

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Mr. Lewis.

Accomplishments Of Mr. Larry Elkin
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 366

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the comments made by the Premier about Mr. Elkin, who announced his retirement yesterday. He's a constituent of mine, Mr. Speaker, and a former colleague. In fact, we've known each other for well over 25 years.

We have paid tribute to other deputies in this House, and I remember many of us made comments about the contributions of Mr. Jim Bourque. I won't go over the chronology of events already covered by the Premier, but I should make reference to one or two issues, Mr. Speaker, that may be valuable for people to know.

When Mr. Elkin went to take the northern service officer course in Ottawa, in 1964, it was under the direction of a man called R A J Phillip, known as Rajah. He decided he was going to try to create a northern core of well-trained people, who would have experience in just about every level of government in Ottawa, right throughout the federal public service. Then, when they went north they would be very, very well trained to do the jobs they were going to do. Mr. Elkin spent the year in what was called the northern university. People who went through it were called GNUs. You became a GNU after you did this one year program in Ottawa. Then you were sent to a community, as a settlement manager or a northern service officer.

In Mr. Elkin's case, he was sent to Coral Harbour and Rankin. The idea was that you would make your mistakes in a couple of places and not have to live with them. That was the theory. You went to one place, obtained experience, then if you screwed up, at least you wouldn't have to live there for the next five or ten years and live with it. So, it was a way of giving people experience in that setting.

I first really got to know Mr. Elkin in 1967, when I was living in Igloolik. I had bumped into him the odd time and he had always struck me as being a fresh-faced young school boy. He looked pretty young. I was a bit of a rebel in those days. I know it's hard for you to believe, Mr. Speaker. But in those days, I was a bit of a rebel.

---Laughter

I remember Mr. Elkin. He was the assistant regional director. I can't remember what the incident was, but I remember in Igloolik it was a cold day, just before Christmas, and he straightened me out just like that. I couldn't believe...

Accomplishments Of Mr. Larry Elkin
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 366

The Speaker

Mr. Lewis, you allotted time has lapsed.

Accomplishments Of Mr. Larry Elkin
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 366

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

I seek unanimous consent to continue with my short statement, Mr. Speaker.

Accomplishments Of Mr. Larry Elkin
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 366

The Speaker

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Lewis.

Accomplishments Of Mr. Larry Elkin
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 366

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

I was just coming to the exciting bit, Mr. Speaker, about being straightened out by what I thought to be a very young fresh-faced person, who looked as if he was just out of high school. I thought, by God, this person is tough, and he is a person of substance. From that day on, I learned to respect this individual.

I won't go through the details of his career with this government, but I believe the way in which he was trained, Mr. Speaker, may give us some ideas about how we may want to produce senior people in our public service, because we've made a big issue of it many times.

Over 30 years, these are some of the accomplishments of Mr. Elkin, Mr. Speaker. While he was responsible for the Program Planning Evaluation Department, which was part of the Executive at that time -- it was almost like the deputy of the Executive -- he was responsible for the coordination of the project to develop and construct the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Museum, which was very controversial at that time. It went through, it was built and that's another story.

While he was the deputy minister of Local Government, he spearheaded the development of community government throughout the territories. During this period, more than 17 communities became incorporated, taking over the governing of their own affairs.

Over the last five years -- and we're all aware of this, Mr. Speaker -- he was responsible for the overall coordination of development, design and construction of the new Legislative Assembly building. Not many people know that.

While deputy minister of Public Works and Highways, he developed the effective structure in Public Works and Highways for design and construction, for the vast majority of government infrastructure, including schools, sewer and water systems and housing. These have been used as examples, by other northern countries, of the way things should be built.

He was also chairman of the Construction of Canada/USSR Arctic Sites Exchange Program, and helped to establish good working relationships with the Russian government and the northern republics. He also established the NWT as a leader in design and construction in this northern environment. He established close working relationships between Canada and the USSR, as the chairman of this committee on many items relating to the Arctic.

He has served many Ministers, Mr. Speaker, at this level of deputy minister for the past 20 years, a remarkable achievement. Among my colleagues, he was known as the mandarin. He was the mandarin of mandarins because he had survived so long. It's a remarkable achievement. In my opinion, Mr. Speaker, if you're looking for somebody who could pass on skills to those bright young people who want to be successful mandarins, this is the person you should look at as a resource. He should not be wasted because he does not intend to leave this community. His kids are here. His grandchildren are here and he is committed to doing what he can, I know, to make the north a better place to live. Thank you.

---Applause

Accomplishments Of Mr. Larry Elkin
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 367

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to tell the Legislative Assembly about my trip this week to Europe and Brussels, Belgium, to speak at the conference on Responsible Wildlife Resource Management, held November 29 and 30, in the European Parliament. Accompanying me, was the deputy minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Joe Handley.

The conference was organized by the European Bureau on Conservation and Development. This non-profit organization supports the concept of sustainable use of resources. The conference was intended to provide an opportunity for Members of the European Parliament to hear from those responsible for wildlife management throughout the world. Participants came from Europe, Africa, Greenland, Australia, United States and Canada, all with an interest of maintaining trade in renewable resource products with Europe. This conference was especially important to us, in the Northwest Territories, because 85 per cent of wild fur is sold to the European market.

People we met and talked with include, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of non-governmental organizations including animal welfare groups, and officials from various governments within the European Parliament.

The European Parliament is a big organization which is very complex, with elected representatives from most of the European countries, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Switzerland and Austria. Each country has representatives, through their allotment of Members of the European Parliament. The parliament reviews laws and regulations proposed by the European Commission, which is like our civil service. The top decision-making body is the European Council of Ministers, who take advice from the European Parliament before passing the laws and regulations which set out agreements on economic, cultural and political interests of their common goal. Each country, while being independent, agrees to cooperate in ways that satisfy the interests of their constituents.

The European Council of Ministers, the European Parliament and the European Commission are continually lobbied by interest groups which are against the harvest of furs and so forth. The fur industry is of particular interest to European Parliament, largely because of the lobby efforts by animal welfare and animal rights groups. These groups are active in each country and have been effective in reminding Members of the European Parliament that unless animal rights legislation is passed, with humane trapping, the politicians will face consequences, in their constituency, during their next election.

Mr. Speaker, may I ask consent to finish my statement?

The Speaker

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Members of the European Parliament, like MLAs in this Legislative Assembly, try to listen to all viewpoints and make their decisions, based on the best information available.

As I said earlier, 85 per cent of our wild fur trade is with Europe. We can not sit back and let animal welfare advocates in Europe influence their politicians so that we may face a ban on wild fur products, like what happened to seal products in the early 1980s.

An Hon. Member

Agreed.