Thanks, Mr. Speaker. This is a question which has been asked to both Mr. Todd and Mr. Pollard, but it gets bounced around so I will ask the Premier. The Minnova project at Izok Lake involves the draining of a lake, the building of a mine site, the building of a great place to store concentrate, a sea terminal, tankers, and I know that the government was involved in at least a part of the project inasmuch as they contributed towards a study. I would like to ask the Premier, is our government contemplating becoming involved in this project in any form?
Debates of March 24th, 1993
Topics
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 23rd, 1993
Page 1130
Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1130
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Madam Premier.
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1130
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, I would like more clarification on that question. "In any form" what does that mean? I would just like to answer the question a little more clearly, if he can be more specific.
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1130
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Mr. Lewis.
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1130
Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre
In any form beyond whatever regulatory powers we have. I would like to ask the Premier, if in fact we intend to become involved in terms of either training programs, financial contributions or providing infrastructure. We will start with those three.
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1130
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Madam Premier.
Return To Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1130
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, as the Member knows, we have taken a very high profile to make sure that any project which goes on, even though we know, in many instances, the regulatory regimes is a federal government
responsibility, but certainly in terms of training, employment opportunities and people who want to be involved, we want to play a very strong part in making sure that the maximum benefits go to the people of the Northwest Territories. In terms of investment, we have not been asked to invest in the actual project. We do not anticipate that the company requires investment from the government because by and large it is our understanding that the project in itself, because of the commodities and the price of those commodities, financially can carry itself. We have an interest in the port facility because we would like to see that the port facility would be available for everyone's use. As some of the Members know, in the Yukon and Skagway there is a limited ability for anyone to use the port because the company owns it. So, we would like to make sure that in having the port facility, if it should be built, there would be access by others and not a monopoly by the company. Thank you.
Return To Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.
Supplementary To Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre
The third part of my question was to do with the infrastructure. Is it the intention of the government to make sure that the port facility, when it is developed, will at least be contributed to by this government so we can get access, even though it is 19 kilometres away from Coppermine, as I understand it?
Supplementary To Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Madam Premier.
Further Return To Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, at this point, it is not anticipated that the open access to the port facility requires any investment on the part of the Government of the Northwest Territories. We have not contemplated an investment, in making an investment toward the development of that port facility at this time, neither have we been asked. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Question 583-12(3): GNWT Participation In Coronation Gulf Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.
Question 584-12(3): Ownership Of Access Road In Izok Lake Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Transportation. There are implications that the mining company or companies may be opening a mining project in or around Izok Lake. Subsequent to that project, if the project is viable, or if productivity prevails, the company or companies may be building an all-weather road. If, in fact, the road is built, who would have the ownership over this road? Is it the federal government, territorial government or a mining company? I ask that, Mr. Speaker, because I want the public to have access to the road. There are other means that people could use that for, tourism, hunting, and so forth. Thank you.
Question 584-12(3): Ownership Of Access Road In Izok Lake Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
This is an area of a hypothetical question. Perhaps the Minister would like to shed some light on the background of this.
Return To Question 584-12(3): Ownership Of Access Road In Izok Lake Development
Question 584-12(3): Ownership Of Access Road In Izok Lake Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
John Todd Keewatin Central
My understanding of the current Izok Lake project that the company of Minnova, in their capital planning, has made provision for an ice road type of operation, at least, in the initial studies that have been done. The responsibility would lie with the Minnova group itself. We are endeavouring, as a government, to look at other considerations of an all-weather road. There is a possibility, as the Premier said earlier, of a port. While it is in the early stage of discussion, should there be a requirement for an all-weather road and should there be some involvement of the federal or territorial government in terms of providing some financial assistance, then I would view that as public infrastructure, which would then be open to, not only the mining industry or the mining group of Minnova, but to everyone in that particular area. I would like to stress that, at this time, it is very much in the planning discussion stage. Thank you.
Return To Question 584-12(3): Ownership Of Access Road In Izok Lake Development
Question 584-12(3): Ownership Of Access Road In Izok Lake Development
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 1131
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Time for oral questions has elapsed. Item 6, written questions. Mr. Dent.
Written Question 32-12(3): Awarding Of Contracts Under The Business Incentive Policy
Item 6: Written Questions
Page 1131
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a written question for the Minister of Government Services. Would the Minister responsible for the Department of Government Services and Public Works please provide me with the following information:
1. The hamlet of Broughton Island issued an invitation to tender for a water truck on December 7, 1992, would the Minister advise who was awarded this contract;
2. Would the Minister advise as to what responsibility his department has for ensuring that hamlets apply the business incentive policy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Written Question 32-12(3): Awarding Of Contracts Under The Business Incentive Policy
Item 6: Written Questions
Page 1131
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Item 6, written questions. Item 7, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Page 1131
Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
Mr. Speaker, return to Written Question 24-12(3), asked by Mr. Lewis, to the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, concerning the restaurant closures and hiring at Expo in Seville. Return to Written Question 30-12(3), asked by Mr. Koe, to the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, concerning the Fort Resolution saw mill.
Return To Question 24-12(3): Restaurant Closures And Hiring At Expo In Seville
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Page 1131
Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
The restaurant was shut down once because of a lack of customers when the Canadian pavilion was closed due to repairs being made to the Imax theatre. The restaurant was also closed for a day when Spanish authorities did not deliver meat and fish.
When NWT staff left, three local women were hired for two weeks until schedules could be redone.
Return To Question 30-12(3): Fort Resolution Sawmill
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Page 1131
Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
On March 11, the Member for Inuvik asked for a detailed report on the mill at Fort Resolution. Sawmilling had its start in Fort Resolution in the 1930s. The mill currently located in the community can be traced back to 1964. Most of the information requested can likely be found in the archives, corporate documents, in federal and territorial government files and in libraries. Before being able to properly respond, an extensive search will have to be made. The exact nature of documentation on the mill is unknown, therefore it is impossible at this point in time to provide even a time line as to when all of the information could be gathered and a proper response developed. A summer student will be hired to research and write a report that can be used to respond. The information requested will be provided as soon as feasible.
With respect to development corporation plans to reopen the mill, the development corporation board has approved that an offer to purchase be made to Nuni (Ye) Forest Products Limited. The offer contains a number of conditions, one of which is that the mill and the timber harvest permits be sold to a development corporation subsidiary for one dollar plus preferred shares equivalent to the appraised value of the mill. The offer has not been presented as of yet. Until it is accepted and conditions have been met, plans and a date for reopening of the mill are speculative.
Return To Question 30-12(3): Fort Resolution Sawmill
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Item 7: Returns To Written Questions
Page 1132
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Item 8, replies to opening address. Item 9, petitions. Item 10, reports of standing and special committees. Mr. Zoe.
Committee Report 18-12(3): Standing Committee On Public Accounts' Final Report On The Public Review Of Tabled Document 5-12(3), Report Of The Auditor General Of Canada On A Comprehensive Audit Of The Department Of Health
Item 10: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 1132
Henry Zoe North Slave
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to present the Standing Committee on Public Accounts' final report on the public review of Tabled Document 5-12(3), Report of the Auditor General of Canada on a Comprehensive Audit of the Department of Health.
At the request of the 11th Assembly, the Auditor General of Canada performed a comprehensive audit of the Department of Health in late 1991 and early 1992. The report was formally tabled in the Legislative Assembly on November 17, 1992, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for review.
The standing committee held public hearings in Yellowknife on January 6, 7 and 8, 1993. Subsequent public hearings were held in Rankin Inlet on January 25 and 26, and in Inuvik on January 27 and 28. Final public hearings and a public briefing by deputy ministers of various government departments were held on January 27 and 28, respectively. In addition, the standing committee has met on several occasions since November 1992 to consider written submissions and research material.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts wishes to acknowledge the many organizations and individuals who provided input to the public review. The amount of interest and levels of public participation far exceeded expectations and should, perhaps, be considered indicative of the importance of the audit findings. The standing committee very much appreciates the thoughtful comments and extensive documentation provided by those who appeared as witnesses or prepared written submissions. All input was taken into careful consideration by Members of the standing committee.
As well, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the Deputy Auditor General of Canada and his officials from the Edmonton regional office, who provided assistance during pre-review briefings and also appeared as witnesses during public hearings.
Based on its review of the Auditor General's report, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts is concerned about many aspects of the management of the Department of Health. Serious problems exist with respect to working relations with health and hospital boards, deficient information systems and human resource management.
At the base of all these weaknesses, however, there appears to be a single underlying fault. Presently, the Department of Health has an inadequate sense of direction, poorly defined priorities and no bench-marks against which to measure its progress toward defined goals. The Department of Health is in dire need of a well-developed, consensually-supported strategic plan.
The absence of planning impacts on almost every aspect of departmental operations. There is confusion about the roles and responsibilities of health and hospital boards, community expectations for aboriginal participation in health careers have not been met, departmental management is crippled by an array of uncoordinated and incompatible information systems, and the department seems mired in a "crisis-response" mode that precludes forward thinking.
Within this context, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts is of the opinion that the comprehensive audit presents a valuable framework for targeting areas for attention and improvement.
Yet, the standing committee found the nature of the management response to the report rather disconcerting, noting that the Department of Health provided little information about how it planned to implement even those recommendations with which it agreed. During public hearings, departmental officials made a point of questioning the methodology and context of the report, although they had not bothered to raise those considerations in their formal written response. The result was that the standing committee was left with some confusion about whether the findings and recommendations brought forward by the Auditor General would, in fact, become priority considerations of the department.
Members of the standing committee also became concerned with the manner in which information about certain aspects of the report was presented by some departmental officials during public hearings.
Accordingly, to date, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts has been disappointed in the quality and presentation of certain parts of the department's management response. The standing committee proposes to make a stern position on these matters so that its expectations are clear, not only to the Department of Health, but to the other government departments and agencies that will participate in future reviews of audit findings or public accounts.
In addition, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts is bringing forward extensive recommendations on matters identified by the Auditor General. In most cases, the standing committee's recommendations coincide with those of the Auditor General. Although there are some notable exceptions where differing viewpoints were received during public hearings.
With respect to the organizational structure of the health system, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts is concerned about the unacceptable state of role confusion and conflict which characterizes the department's working relationship with health and hospital boards across the Northwest Territories. The standing committee is of the opinion that much of the problem lies in the level of centralized control that has been exercised over the years since transfer, and it is hopeful that the process of establishing a "master memorandum of understanding" between the parties will help to clarify the management responsibilities of each one. In allowing more regional control over health facilities, programs and services, the standing committee recognizes that the department will need to review and possibly amend budget control directives.
During its review, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts explored the Auditor General's suggestion respecting structural changes that could improve efficiency within the Department of Health. As a result, the standing committee is proposing that certain financial management activities within the department should be consolidated within a single division.
In many ways, Mr. Speaker, the key challenge for the Department of Health will be to address its need for better planning for the future. The Auditor General has indicated that the department is caught up in the planning to plan posture. New approaches can be realized through the final completion of a small functional review of departmental structure and operations, revitalization of workload assessment initiatives and the development of a strategic plan.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts also ...
Committee Report 18-12(3): Standing Committee On Public Accounts' Final Report On The Public Review Of Tabled Document 5-12(3), Report Of The Auditor General Of Canada On A Comprehensive Audit Of The Department Of Health
Item 10: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 1133
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
Point of order.
Committee Report 18-12(3): Standing Committee On Public Accounts' Final Report On The Public Review Of Tabled Document 5-12(3), Report Of The Auditor General Of Canada On A Comprehensive Audit Of The Department Of Health
Item 10: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 1133
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Point of order, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.
Point Of Order