This is page numbers 593 - 604 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 3rd 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 housing.

Members Present

Hon. Titus Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Mr. James Arvaluk, Hon. Michael Ballantyne, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Mr. Gargan, Mr. Koe, Mr. Lewis, Hon. Rebecca Mike, Hon. Don Morin, Hon. Richard Nerysoo, Mr. Ningark, Mr. Patterson, Hon. John Pollard, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Pudluk, Hon. John Todd, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 593

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Good afternoon. Before we proceed with orders of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to clearly state the chair's intention with regard to the point of order raised by Mrs. Marie-Jewell and the point of order raised by Mr. Morin on Monday, February 22, 1993.

The chair had hoped to have a ruling available yesterday, by the end of the day, or at the start of the session today at the very latest. However, the honourable Member's statement on behalf of herself, as chairperson and spokesperson of the Ordinary Members' Caucus, has given the chair cause for concern.

As I indicated to the House yesterday after the Member's statement, the chair must be allowed to take the necessary time to deliberate on a decision so as to be in a position to make a well thought out ruling. Rulings are important as they become precedent for proceedings in the House. In reviewing the unedited Hansard, her words indicated that the Member for Thebacha was speaking on behalf of the Ordinary Members' Caucus. I do not believe the Members of the Ordinary Members' Caucus see themselves as a lobby group to influence the Speaker's decision.

I would like to advise all Members that the Speaker's responsibility in ruling on a point of order is to base his decision on the legitimate facts presented in the House and recorded in Hansard. He cannot be influenced by events or comments which are made outside of this House. The Speaker is a servant of the House with authority given to him by the House. The impartiality of the Speaker is paramount without which the chair cannot carry on its responsibilities. The importance of the Speaker being the final arbitrator of points of privilege and order is a foundation of the parliamentary procedure.

I would like to offer citation 168, as contained in Beauchesne's 6th edition, "Reflections upon the character or actions of the Speaker may be punished as breaches of privilege. The actions of the Speaker cannot be criticized incidently in debate or upon any form of proceeding except by way of a substantive motion." This is not referring to me, Michael Ballantyne, this is referring to the office of the Speaker, your Speaker.

In regard to the comments made by Mrs. Marie-Jewell, I have taken the matter under consideration and will provide my ruling in due course. The matter, as far as the House is concerned, is under advisement and no further attempts should be made to try to influence the timing of the decision. As I said, I was upset after yesterday. I have had some time to reflect on what happened yesterday. I have been able to sit down with Mrs. Marie-Jewell. She has provided me with a letter of apology for her statement yesterday. I accept that letter and I accept the spirit in which that letter was given. I hope that all of us can learn a lesson that consensus government, at times, is difficult. The institution, the rules and the procedures are sometimes difficult. Ultimately, as I have said many times before, it will only succeed if the Members show courtesy and respect to each other and for the institution.

I will attempt to make my ruling on Mr. Morin's and Mrs. Marie-Jewell's points of order tomorrow. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The purpose of this statement is to keep Members up-to-date on the government's progress with the long-term staff housing strategy. So far, 150 employees across the Northwest Territories have expressed an interest in purchasing the government-owned units they occupy.

Fifty-seven tenants in the Baffin region have expressed an interest in purchasing their units, as well as another 57 tenants in the Keewatin region. In addition, nine tenants in Fort Simpson have expressed interest, along with 27 tenants in Inuvik.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Excuse me, Mr. Morin, there is a buzzing sound. Can we promptly deal with that? Please proceed, Mr. Morin. Perhaps you should start over.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The purpose of this statement is to keep Members up-to-date on the government's progress with the long-term staff housing strategy. So far, 150 employees across the Northwest Territories have expressed an interest in purchasing the government-owned units they occupy.

The contracts with appraisers will be completed by March 15, 1993. The appraisal project will be completed by April 30, 1993. At that point, detailed information on the cost of sale will be in the hands of all interested tenants. We want employees to have the opportunity to complete their purchases prior to July 1, 1993, when the new rent scale takes effect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT transportation strategy was tabled in this House in October of 1990, by the Honourable Gordon Wray. This strategy was presented as the first ever, comprehensive, long-term transportation plan for the north. Covering areas of federal as well as territorial responsibility, it was designed to respond to the needs and aspirations of the people of the Northwest Territories, into the 21 century.

Mr. Speaker, this is a fine piece of work. As Minister of Transportation, I want to go on the record as stating that I fully support the goals, principles and objectives of this strategy. I fully intend to build on the foundation laid by my predecessors.

I will begin by updating this transportation strategy. I believe it is timely to do so for a number of reasons. First, I believe it simply needs to be made current. A surprising number of the short-term priorities in the strategy have already been accomplished, particularly in the area of airport, highway and marine facility improvements. This will allow other priorities to be brought forward. Further analysis, new ideas and better cost estimates should be incorporated. The strategy must also recognize changing conditions and the fiscal realities on both the federal and territorial governments.

Secondly, I believe it is time to consult with our constituents to ensure that the strategy accurately reflects their needs and priorities. I know that the 1990 strategy has stimulated much thought and provoked many new ideas. I want to ensure that these ideas are captured and considered in our update.

Finally, I want our efforts to focus on clearly achievable short and medium term objectives. Some of the proposals in the strategy have been called too ambitious, perhaps unrealistic. We are tempted, after less than three years, to be disappointed with progress. Let us remember, however, that this strategy was intended to be visionary. It looked well into the future, 20 years and beyond. To some extent, I think it was too far-reaching for the federal government to accept.

I do not intend to rewrite the transportation strategy, nor do I intend a lengthy or costly process. I intend to clearly identify our realistic short and medium term objectives. We will do this in full consultation with northerners. The result will form the basis for negotiations with Ottawa.

I will be looking for the support and assistance of all Members to ensure that this transportation strategy update reflects the needs and aspirations of all northerners in all regions. I intend to keep transportation high on the northern agenda. I intend to get in on the federal agenda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, the federal government recently announced a ten per cent reduction in grants and contributions programs.

Unfortunately the federal government has informed us that they intend to apply their reduction to the Canada-Northwest Territories agreement for French and aboriginal languages. This means we could lose about $1 million next year in contributions to language services and programs in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the procedure used to advise the government of the cuts demonstrates a disregard for both the terms and spirit of the agreement. Our officials were advised of the reductions when they arrived in Ottawa to review the proposed spending plan for 1993-94. More importantly, the time jeopardizes the timely approval of our 1993-94 budget prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. This will mean a delay in initiating approved projects.

Mr. Speaker, I have communicated our dissatisfaction about this arbitrary reduction to Secretary of State, Monique Landry. We have asked for the matter to be reviewed immediately.

While our government supports the need for fiscal restraint, cuts applied to already underfunded initiatives raise concerns about the will of the current federal government with regard to aboriginal people and its support for the international year of indigenous people. I will keep Members of this Assembly up-to-date on any developments on this matter. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Minister's Statement 44-12(3): Electrical Rates
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was asked about the impact of the staff housing strategy on the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

When tenants of staff housing begin to pay for their own electricity on July 1, they will be paying the lower domestic rate rather than the government rate presently being charged.

The change in rate class will affect the Power Corporation in two ways:

- revenue collected from user-pay tenants will be reduced by about $1.2 million dollars on an annual basis. Because of the three-month delay in implementation, the impact for 1993-94 will be less than $1 million; and,

- tenants will qualify for the territorial power support program, which is funded by dividends paid by the corporation. Power support program costs are expected to increase by about a $1.1 million on an annual basis. Because of the three-month delay, the increase will be about $1 million.

Mr. Speaker, the annual reduction in revenue is a very small portion of the corporation's total revenue from electricity sales, which is expected to be $96.9 million for 1993-94 - even with user-pay in effect.

During the past year, oil prices have stabilized, inflation has declined and the corporation has significantly reduced its operating costs. As a result, any increase associated with user-pay will be largely off-set by these cost reductions.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to predict how long oil prices will remain stable. However, I can assure you that any increases in rates by the Power Corporation - for whatever reason - are subject to approval by the Public Utilities Board.

Mr. Speaker, during our deliberation on the new staff housing strategy, calculations across all departments were made on the impact. Rather than have individual Ministers attempt to put forward individual submissions, I have asked the Minister of Finance to provide to the Members a comprehensive paper on all impacts and figures that we have available. Thank you.

Minister's Statement 44-12(3): Electrical Rates
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

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

GNWT Deficit And Reallocation Of Funds
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is budget time again. This year we are faced with an unprecedented financial situation. All northerners are concerned about the deficit, Mr. Speaker. Measures such as the payroll tax, the new staff housing policy, even if they cannot be refined and made workable, will not address the entire problem. Northerners also face the unequal distribution of government money to all the territories. Excesses exist in some regions, as some are being paid with funds that should have been allocated to others. Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is going to have to take a serious look at how to bring about better use of the dollar. Sooner or later, we are going to have to face difficult decisions about spending cuts.

I have often wondered what Members from the Baffin and Keewatin must think when they see $700,000 going to pay for a service each year that is not all that effective and is not a priority for the people in my region. Think of what could be done in those off-road communities with that $2 million, Mr. Speaker. I am sure that I do not have to remind the current Minister that, on March 6, 1992,...

GNWT Deficit And Reallocation Of Funds
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Gargan, your allotted time has elapsed.

GNWT Deficit And Reallocation Of Funds
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to continue my statement.

GNWT Deficit And Reallocation Of Funds
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

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

GNWT Deficit And Reallocation Of Funds
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I am sure that I do not have to remind the current Minister that, on March 6, 1992, this House passed a motion recommending that the Department of Transportation re-examine all its policies for a cost benefit basis in light of the fundamental needs of residents of the Northwest Territories. I want him to know that we are not getting value for money with the highway patrol. It does not address our fundamental needs. As a Legislature, we are going to have to decide whether we want to be in debt or move ahead. If it is the latter, we will have to make cuts to programs and services that are presently beyond our financial means. I propose, by downsizing highway patrol operations, we will eliminate current duplications of services and achieve a more even distribution of dollars to all the regions of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

GNWT Deficit And Reallocation Of Funds
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Resignation Of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This afternoon, we will be closing early. I would like it to be noted that this is not to celebrate the end of the tenure of the Prime Minister of Canada.

---Laughter

---Applause

I would like to make a few comments about this gentleman. Mr. Speaker, we have had many debates over the last few years about consensus government and other alternatives. We have had a Prime Minister who was in power for nine years, has had two majority governments and has been absolutely clear about his vision. He has had tremendous discipline with this caucus, yet his government has not been successful. He introduced, as he promised, a goods and services tax at a time when we were in a recession, when interest rates were high, and people did not buy anything. As a result, he did not collect much money. We cannot go back to the manufacturer's tax because manufacturing has moved now because of the other plank in the platform, the free trade agreement. We find it is very free now. It is so free, in fact, that we no longer have a manufacturing sector in this country as strong as it was in the 1960s and 1970s. The final plank in the platform, which was absolutely clear, was to do with constitutional renewal. As we found out, although politicians have agreed and had a clear vision as to what they wanted to do, it was rejected by the people. Unless we do, in this House, the things that the people approve of and concede make sense, we will face the same problem. You can set up any structure you want and it will still be doomed to failure. However, we must say to the credit of the man, he was clear, unequivocal and did what he thought was right. Thank you.

Resignation Of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Resignation Of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to acknowledge the Prime Minister's announcement of his decision to step down today. I know that Mr. Mulroney is not the most loved person in Canada or even in this Legislature. I know that my comments may be coloured by my personal party affiliations, but I think he deserves some tribute on the day he announces his retirement. I was privileged to know Mr. Mulroney personally. I have always found him to be a very engaging person. It is a shame more Canadians did not have the opportunity to meet him one on one. I was always impressed that he never forgot the name of my youngest child, who he met on his visit to Iqaluit. He always asked me about my son Alexander, even when I was meeting with him on important state matters. Those kinds of things are significant and perhaps mark the man's humanity and personal attributes.

Also, Mr. Speaker, while I was privileged to serve this House for four years as the Government Leader, I did feel that I received respect, courtesy and friendship from the Prime Minister even as we dealt with very difficult issues, primarily those relating to the Constitution. I know that there are many serious outstanding issues now extant between our government and the federal government today: the formula financing, the health billings dispute, aboriginal language funding cuts, et cetera.

However, today I would like to mention some of the achievements of this Prime Minister. There was a major shift towards devolution of powers to allow northern people to take greater control over their lives in areas such as fighting forest fires, health services, the Power Corporation and commitment to negotiate the northern energy accord. I think all of these represent progress towards acquisition of province-like powers and self-government.

Resignation Of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Mr. Patterson, your allotted time has elapsed.

Resignation Of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

I would like to seek unanimous consent to continue.

Resignation Of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

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