This is page numbers 971 - 1001 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 chairman.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Titus Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Arngna'naaq, Mr. James Arvaluk, 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. Ningark, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Pudluk, Hon. John Todd, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 971

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Good afternoon.

Speaker's Ruling

Before proceeding to Ministers' statements, I would like to take this opportunity to deliver my ruling on the points of order raised by Mr. Gargan and Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Both points of order centred around responses that were given by the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi in his capacity as Minister of Justice. Mrs. Marie-Jewell asked, "I would like to ask the Minister if he would review his corrections division to give assurance to the public, in this particular case, that justice is seen to be done by the people of the Northwest Territories." Mr. Kakfwi responded on page 2543 of unedited Hansard for March 15, 1993 that "My view is that there are two Members of this Legislature who have taken a particular interest in this inmate. I understand that there is a perception on their part that there is not enough punishment for the offence which was committed. I do not see it as a great public concern judging from the lack of interest in other quarters." Mr. Kakfwi subsequently stated on page 2544 in reply to a supplementary question by Mrs. Marie-Jewell that, "There seems to be a fundamental difference of opinion, since I do not see anyone calling for a public inquiry asking for this gross injustice to be dealt with. I do not see anyone asking for some specific focus to be dealt with. I do not agree with the Member that she is the sole spokesperson for what the public thinks should be done in any case." Mr. Gargan took exception to these remarks as imputing hidden motives to his prior questioning on this issue. Similarly, Mrs. Marie-Jewell took exception to these remarks on the basis that the Minister appeared to implicitly suggest that she was not representing the concerns of her constituents.

I have reviewed the rules of this Legislature, our customs and precedents, and Beauchesne's Parliamentary Rules and Forms, 6th edition, in considering this issue. As both points of order were raised on the same issue, I will deal with both points of order in my ruling today.

I can find no expressed authority which would substantiate that either Member has raised a valid point of order. The Minister of Justice did not explicitly state that either Member had improper motives when questioning the Minister on this matter. Therefore, I rule that neither Mr. Gargan nor Mrs. Marie-Jewell have a point of order.

However, in reviewing unedited Hansard, I noted that the Minister, in responding to the Member's questions, made a series of statements that could be construed to be his personal value judgments. The status and authority of the position of Minister carries with it an extra burden of responsibility. A Minister's response to questions should be factual and be confined to stating matters of government policy. It is understood that when Ministers are answering questions, the opinions that they state are those of the government and not their personal opinions. Statements made by a Minister, that could be taken as personal opinions, may be viewed as provocative and may escalate the acrimony of a debate.

Finally, all Members of this House are representatives of their constituents. As representatives, we must assume in this House that they speak for, and on behalf of, their constituents at all times. Questions, whether asked by one or by many Members, should be responded to with equal respect. I urge all Members to be respectful of the legitimate views expressed by other Members in this House. Thank you.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Later this afternoon I will table the annual report for 1992 on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act as required by section 62 of the act.

I hope the 1992 annual report will give the public confidence that the transportation of dangerous goods in the Northwest Territories is well regulated. The report lists the types and volumes of dangerous goods that move regularly and without incident on the highway systems. It describes the ongoing activities of the department's highway transport officers to enforce the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and the cooperative response they have received from industry to comply.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report today more than half of the communities in the Northwest Territories have expressed an interest in the

community transfer initiatives. Indications are virtually all communities want, at least, a general workshop on the subject.

Mr. Speaker, to date over 30 communities have requested information about the initiative and many are proceeding with further exploratory discussions. At least ten communities have begun preliminary work with the community transfer working group and government departments on general transfer planning or specific transfer ideas.

Earlier this session I tabled Tabled Document 76-12(3), the Community Transfer Initiative Contribution Policy and Directive, which will make it possible for communities to request funding to assist them with conducing research and other work association with becoming involved in the initiative. You will be asked to approve a supplementary estimate to fund community proposals during 1993-94. The policy sets a $50,000 limit on each community contribution in order to permit us to fund between ten and 15 proposals.

Community proposals are usually submitted to the Ministry of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs after discussions or workshops have been conducted. The community transfer working group evaluates proposals and makes recommendations for review by the community transfer initiative steering committee. Based on final approval, a contribution agreement is then signed with the community.

Proposals have also been received in 1992-93 and four communities were approved to receive funding through service contracts. The hamlet of Cape Dorset received $50,000, the town of Inuvik $18,000, the Tetlit Gwich'in Council $35,000 and the incorporated community of Arctic Red River $6,000 for their preliminary work. We are currently reviewing the Fort Good Hope and Pond Inlet proposals and a joint submission from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Gwich'in Tribal Council.

The turnover of the gas/water/sewage system to the town of Norman Wells is near completion. The Gwich'in are pursuing several transfer related initiatives while also developing a general framework agreement for community transfers.

Within government, the community transfer working group is continuing to brief departmental, regional and community GNWT staff at every opportunity. Departments and regional offices are in the process of appointing lead contacts and organizing themselves to participate in the initiative with the coordination of the community transfer working group.

Efforts have begun at headquarters and in the regional offices to compile information regarding GNWT program and service delivery for each community. This information is used by communities in deciding whether or not they wish to take on the responsibility for design and delivery of specific program areas.

As the first few communities proceed toward transfer agreements utilizing their own approaches, the parameters of the initiative and the manner in which we will resolve the many issues involved will become clearer. It is this evolutionary process we have encouraged and I believe the interest and involvement of communities to date proves this is the correct approach. I encourage honourable Members to attend community workshops whenever they have an opportunity.

Later today, I will table a chart which shows whether the community transfer working group has conducted community workshops and information sessions. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

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

Social Assistance Food Allowances
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 972

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the social assistance food allowances. Mr. Speaker, many citizens of the Northwest Territories, many honourable Members of this House, and now recently the Status of Women's Council of the Northwest Territories have voiced their concerns about the current inadequate levels of social assistance food allowances.

As of October, 1992, the social assistance allowances for a basket of food for a family of four people for one month is equivalent to about 60 per cent of the actual cost. This means that a family, theoretically, can only eat for part of a month or do without certain meals or snacks each day. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable.

The current Minister of Social Services has stated that there will be no increases in the food allowances in the fiscal year. How does she expect people, especially ones with no other alternatives, to maintain a livelihood at the current food rates? The Status of Women Council states in a recent issues letter, one which I will be tabling later today, "The present system not only condemns recipients to a life-style well below the poverty line, it effectively kills any incentive people may have to help themselves." Mr. Speaker, our people are crying for help and it is up to this government to seriously consider their pleas. Mahsi.

Social Assistance Food Allowances
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 972

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the past few weeks I have raised with the Minister of Justice the issue of what is perceived as preferential treatment given to an inmate of the territorial corrections centre in Fort Smith. I have had to resort to asking questions over and over again to the Minister, because of the inadequacy of the responses which I have received.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents have voiced their concerns loudly to me. They see an inmate who was very recently convicted, as of a result of a highly public fraud case, being granted the privilege of attending a management studies program at Arctic College. Make no mistake about it, Mr. Speaker, attendance at a post-secondary institution is a privilege for many of my constituents.

My questions to the Minister of Justice on this issue are not intended to suggest that a particular inmate should be given harsh treatment or treated differently from other inmates.

Rather, my questions are directed to discover the criteria and policies currently in place regarding any inmate who wishes to pursue post-secondary education, to enter into the work release program, or to leave a correctional centre for any reason. I recognize that each case must be dealt with its own merits, however there must be some criteria, some guidelines, to guide the civil servants in the corrections division who make decisions in this area. Their decisions can not be made in a vacuum.

Mr. Speaker, until I receive a satisfactory answer from the Minister, I will continue to pursue the issue regarding policies and criteria within the corrections division. I recognize the Minister has forwarded some information today, and I will be reviewing this information before I proceed with further questioning. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Winter Cities Forum, 1993
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 973

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in January of 1991, Yellowknife's mayor, Pat McMahon, and her delegation attended the winter city forum in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario, where they were successful in their bid to bring the winter cities association conference to Yellowknife.

The winter cities association mission statement is geared towards a better winter life-style. The common goal of transforming winter from an obstacle into an economic opportunity and making winter cities more liveable emerged simultaneous in cities as far flung as Minneapolis, Sapporo, Toronto, Edmonton and Yellowknife. The first conference was organized in 1978 in Minneapolis. The first international conference was hosted by Sapporo, Japan with the theme of "light must come from the north."

The theme of the conference this year is, "north in transition, remedies, not problems." It will take place March 22 to 25, 1993, and bring together delegates from: Russia, China, Denmark, Norway, Alaska, Yukon, the southern United States, across Canada and the Northwest Territories. Panel discussions and workshops will be centred around three sub-themes: transportation - the key to northern economic development; tourism in the north - trends and opportunities; and, northern settlements - design and the use of innovative technologies.

Concurrent with the conference, Mr. Speaker, a trade show will be held at the Yellowknife community arena. Exhibitors from many companies and organizations interested in the north will be displaying their special talents and unique products. The contacts, exchanges of information, development of new ideas, promotion of services, business ventures and opportunities to learn about some of the challenges and opportunities in the north that will be generated from an event such as this will be endless. I would encourage Members of this House to attend winter cities forum, 1993, and visit the trade show in the Yellowknife community arena to better accommodate the public...

Winter Cities Forum, 1993
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 973

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. I would like to commend you on your traditional Irish vest. Mr. Lewis, Members' statements.

NWT Women's Property Rights After Divorce
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 973

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Members in this Assembly, we are expected to deal with issues which are of interest to all people of the Northwest Territories. Members' statements give us the opportunity to address specific constituency issues.

Mr. Speaker, a family law review was done in 1988, since it was clear that the Northwest Territories was lagging far behind other jurisdictions in creating modern up-to-date legislation. I know the Special Committee on Health and Social Services feels we cannot wait much longer for changes to legislation and will make recommendations for change.

My major concern, however, over the past five years, Mr. Speaker, has been on property rights for women. There seems to be no guidelines for judges in determining the division of property following divorce. One of my constituents, Mrs. Marie Ruman, who is now dead, came to see me regularly and was persuasive in her arguments that in the area of property rights, Northwest Territories women did not enjoy the same equality as women in other parts of Canada. Other women in recent months have urged me to pursue this issue with government in this Assembly. It is a major issue for women, which is sometimes overshadowed by the more dramatic abuses of women that appear in our newspapers every day. I shall introduce a motion in this Assembly next week urging the government to complete its family law review, and to propose legislation which is up-to-date and reflects modern reality. Thank you.

NWT Women's Property Rights After Divorce
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 973

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize in the gallery, Mr. Jack Anawak, Member of Parliament for the Nunatsiaq riding.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise in this Assembly today to speak about the first grade 12 graduating class from Thomas Simpson School in Fort Simpson.

---Applause

This graduation in Fort Simpson is possible because of the grade extension initiative undertaken by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs. Mr. Speaker, this is an historic event. The students should be congratulated for their success. These graduates are setting the example in leading the way for young students from the region.

On June 5 and 6 of this year the grade 12 graduating class will be holding its graduation ceremonies. The students, parents and other interested parties have been working very hard, since November of 1992, to raise their own money to hold this exciting event. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to say that the graduating committee has invited the Minister responsible and myself to participate in the celebration of this special event. As a Member of this Legislative Assembly, I would like to convey best wishes for the future success to these proud students and their parents. Mahsi Cho.

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 475-12(3): Policy For Lottery Licences
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 974

John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a question, asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on March 12, related to policy for lottery licences.

Lottery licences are not issued to native bands or Metis locals. Lottery licences may be issued to recreation or cultural committees set up by these organizations. When initial applications for licences are received from such recreational or cultural committees, information on the membership of the committee is provided by the applicant and must not be restricted to a particular group of people.

The Elks and Legion service clubs are open for membership to the general public.

To be considered charitable under the NWT Lotteries Act, organizations must be run substantially by volunteer efforts for the benefit of others and not for self-help purposes or personal benefit for members. Such organizations must provide a benefit to a significant portion of the community and must be open for membership to all members of the general public.

The application from the Fort Smith Warriors hockey team for a licence to raise funds to host an all-native hockey tournament was denied on the same grounds as an application from the Fire Fighters curling association to host a national fire fighters curling bonspiel. In both cases, membership of these groups were restricted and the use of the proceeds of the lottery events was considered to be of a self-help nature.

Return To Question 475-12(3): Policy For Lottery Licences
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 974

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Mike.

Return To Question 465-12(3): Family Violence Prevention Workshops
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 974

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question 465-12(3), asked by Mr. Charles Dent on March 11, 1993, regarding family violence prevention workshops.

The Department of Social Services has been offering training sessions to community workers in the areas of family violence and child sexual abuse. Most of the training initiatives are directed at shelter workers, community social workers, RCMP, mental health specialists and other agencies working in the area of domestic violence. The training session in Rankin Inlet is an example of the department's commitment for training initiatives for community workers in the areas of child sexual abuse and/or family violence.

A counselling level I course will be held in Yellowknife on March 16 to 25, 1993. Nine participants from various communities in the Northwest Territories will attend this session which is part of an ongoing four year training initiative for shelter workers. In the fiscal year 1993-94, eight to ten training sessions will be held in various regions for shelter workers. These sessions are specifically designed for community family violence workers and include sessions on healing, counselling techniques and an overview of family violence.

On March 21 to 26, 1993, there will be a conference on family violence and child sexual abuse entitled "Strengthening Our Communities." This conference will be held in Fort Simpson and will provide community workers with an understanding of child sexual abuse from an aboriginal perspective. These workshops are ongoing and held in most communities throughout the Northwest Territories. A conference will be held in Hay River on April 3 to 6, 1993, entitled "The Spirit of Northern Healing." Family violence and child sexual abuse will be addressed at this conference. The Department of Social Services is contributing to this conference which is a cooperative effort between many departments and agencies. An inter-agency workshop for the Baffin region is being planned for some time in the coming year.

As you can see, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Social Services is committed to providing community workers with the necessary skills and training to address family violence and child sexual abuse at the community level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I have more returns to make, if I may.

Return To Question 465-12(3): Family Violence Prevention Workshops
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 974

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Continue, Ms. Mike.

Return To Question 500-12(3): Status Of New Health Facility For Inuvik Region
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 974

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question 500-12(3), asked by Mr. Koe on March 16, 1993, regarding status of a new health facility for the Inuvik region.

Mr. Speaker, representatives of the Inuvik regional health board and the Department of Health met on February 25, 1993, to commence development of a health plan for the Inuvik region.

The Inuvik regional health board will take the lead role for the development of the plan in collaboration with the Shihta regional and Beaufort/Delta community leaders. The Department of Health will provide the support needed for the planning process, which is to be completed in April, 1994. Specific planning for the replacement of the Inuvik regional hospital will begin after the regional health plan is completed.

Return To Question 504-12(3): Status Of Meeting Re X-ray Machine At Inuvik Hospital
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 974

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

I have a return to Question 504-12(3), asked by Mr. Koe on March 16, 1993, regarding status of meeting re X-ray machine at Inuvik regional hospital.

Mr. Speaker, on February 25, 1993, members of the Inuvik regional health board and the Departments of Health and Government Services and Public Works met to develop a plan of action for the replacement of the X-ray machine at the Inuvik regional hospital. It is proposed that the replacement unit be installed and be operating by October, 1993. In the meantime, all X-ray units at the Inuvik regional hospital are fully operational and are being used in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 504-12(3): Status Of Meeting Re X-ray Machine At Inuvik Hospital
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 975

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Allooloo.

Further Return To Question 244-12(3): Tender For Fire Suppression
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 975

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have return to oral Question 244-12(3), asked by Mr. Gargan on February 17, 1993, with respect to tender for fire suppression.

The contract with Evergreen Forestry Management Ltd. has been in existence since 1988 and will expire on September 3, 1993.

I am pleased with the level of service provided by the company and am aware of the value of this contract to the native people of Fort Providence and Hay River. There is an excellent working relationship with the company. It is my intention to enter into a long-term sole source contract with Evergreen Forestry Management Ltd. after the 1993 fire season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.