This is page numbers 581 - 607 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 6th 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 units.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Hon. Silas Arngna'naaq, Mr. Ballantyne, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Mr. Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Koe, Mr. Lewis, Hon. Jeannie Marie-Jewell, Hon. Don Morin, Hon. Richard Nerysoo, Mr. Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. Patterson, Hon. John Pollard, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Pudluk, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Good morning. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Rebecca Mike will be absent from the House today to attend a meeting of Ministers of Municipal Affairs in Toronto. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

The Northern Rental Purchase Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the northern rental housing program. The northern rental purchase program had its origins in the Eskimo loan program of the 1950s where, in the eastern Arctic and northern Quebec, employees of the federal government and other interested parties were given the option of moving into rental/purchase units. Rents varied from $2 to $67 per month.

The program was then introduced into the western Arctic by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in the 1960s, basically to provide adequate, safe housing to returning TB patients. Before the introduction of public housing to the Northwest Territories in 1974, the housing stocks in the Northwest Territories were built by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

The northern rental purchase program which this government inherited upon taking responsibility for housing programs in the Northwest Territories was set up in such a way that tenants could apply money and rent towards the basic price. Credit from rent paid would then reduce the purchase price of the house. Major improvement costs would be added to the final purchase price and a depreciation amount would be reduced from that final purchase price. The house could then be purchased by the tenants using a combination of cash and credit. In some cases, a mortgage would have to be obtained. In all cases, the buyer would have to obtain some sort of title to the land that the house was to be situated on or have the unit moved to another lot.

This entire program, while it still does exist, has enjoyed a limited amount of success. The major reason for the lack of success of the program is the fact that the units the Housing Corporation inherited from DIAND were poorly constructed and hardly worth...

Madam Speaker, my time is up. I seek unanimous consent to continue.

The Northern Rental Purchase Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

The Northern Rental Purchase Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker, and mahsi, colleagues. The major reason for the lack of success of the program is the fact that the units the Housing Corporation inherited from DIAND were poorly constructed and hardly worth the tenants buying when one took into consideration the amount of money that would have to be spent to bring the house up to code. In addition, once a unit is upgraded using funds from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the unit, by virtue of the contribution agreement, has to be taken off the rental purchase program stock and placed on the public housing stocks.

It is basically a vicious little circle. Although a tenant might be able to afford to buy the unit they are living in, they would not be able to afford the repairs. The Housing Corporation has had to rely upon contribution agreements in the past with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and has, by necessity, taken the path of least resistance. It is cheaper to remodel the old units into proper units; however, the only source of funds available dictates that the units must become part of public housing stock.

So, although people are now living in units that meet minimal, acceptable standards for living, the units are no longer available for purchase. The rental purchase program has now been replaced by other programs such as HAP and the new access to housing program. There are still units available for purchase under the rental purchase program but, as all the units were constructed in the 1960s and early 1970s, it is not economically feasible for tenants to purchase, given the cash outlay necessary to bring the units up to an acceptable standard. There has also been a significant number of units that have been abandoned due to fire and disrepair.

Madam Speaker, this is an interesting program and it raises a lot of questions which I will be pursuing later with the Minister responsible. Mahsi.

The Northern Rental Purchase Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

Assistance For Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 3: Members' Statements

October 27th, 1994

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Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. First of all, I would like to thank the Member for High Arctic. I would like to support his previous statement with regard to child abuse. There are quite a few children who have been raised as victims of child sexual abuse. I know they are suffering. So, Madam Speaker, I am standing today for us to deal with victims of child abuse. We are not going to try to put them on the spot, but try to cure them. We have to try to review our misgivings for that reason. We have to pursue victims' assistance further for children. We have to work harder because we know they are suffering and that diseases can carry on for the remainder of their life. If there is any way we can help them further, that is part of the reason why I am standing up today, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Assistance For Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Member's Statements. The honourable Member for Amittuq, Mr. Allooloo.

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Titus Allooloo Amittuq

(Translation) Good morning, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to announce that I just came back from an economic meeting in Rankin Inlet sponsored by Nunavut Tunngavik, as well as the Government of the Northwest Territories. (Translation ends)

The conference was an astounding success. Over 200 delegates attended from all walks of life: there were young people making contributions to the conference; elders speaking their own native tongue making contributions; representatives of women's groups; church groups; small businesses from the communities and regions; and, multinational corporations such as mining companies, airlines and banks. Throughout the week, the meeting rooms were filled with positive energy. Everyone had something worthwhile to contribute whether they were an elder, a student or a community leader.

During the week, we worked together to develop a plan for achieving economic stability in Nunavut. Although the conference's major theme was economy, several issues were identified that we as Inuit, or the population of Nunavut, will have to overcome in order to make ourselves economically viable and stable. For example, Madam Speaker, we could have the most solid financial plan for Nunavut, a solid educational strategy and a solid transportation strategy and if we don't deal with the social problems such as substance abuse, family violence, sexual abuse and social breakdown, we will be no further ahead.

We have started talking about these issues and we must continue...Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and colleagues. We must continue talking about these problems at the community level and working towards solutions; solutions that come from within the community. The professionals from outside could help us, but the real answer is the community has to deal with the problems and find solutions.

Once we are healthy again, outside investors will feel more confident investing in Nunavut. Madam Speaker, several other important themes emerged: the need to focus on education, particularly; making use of what is available today such as distance learning facilities. Taking university courses through distance learning technology. We also spoke of the importance of protecting our environment and preserving traditional values and using traditional values to go ahead and develop our Nunavut. During the Nunavut leaders' summit to be held in January in Gjoa Haven, we intend to explore some of these options further.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I would like to share with you a phrase that someone used during the closing of the conference. "When I believe it, I will see it. If we strongly believe that this future we are planning for ourselves is attainable, it will surely come to pass." Thank you.

---Applause

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Rcmp "g" Division Annual Awards Ceremony
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, Members are probably wondering why there are chairs set up in the great hall in front of our chamber doors. I wondered that as well this morning, Madam Speaker, and I made some subtle enquiries. I am pleased to inform the House that I have here a leaked, Protected "A" classification document from the RCMP. It informs the detachment that there is going to be an annual awards ceremony for "G" division.

It says, "Once again, we want to publicly acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our members and employees by holding a proper and befitting ceremony for such an event. We will gather to witness the following Members receive awards as indicated: long service medal, gold, 35 years, Sergeant Don Newman; long service medal, bronze, 25 years, Inspector McLeod; Staff Sergeant Chris Bergman; Staff Sergeant Rod O'Brien; long service, medal, 20 years, Staff Sergeant Dave Grundy; Sergeant Butts, who is also receiving the CO's commendation; Corporal Morash; Corporal Ron Jones; Corporal Forsythe-Erman and Constable Moffitt." The ceremony, according to the memo, will be held in the great hall at 1500 hours; in layman's terms, that is 3:00. "Dress will be Review Order #1 c/w stripped Sam Brown." I think that is the belt and sash they wear. "Medals for all ranks."

Madam Speaker, this is good news because people don't recognize the fact that RCMP are dedicated people. They work hard for people in the north and I have been familiar with them -- on a friendly basis, I must say -- for the last 35 or 40 years. I used to deliver laundry to them in Fort Smith when I was a kid. I have had a good acquaintance with them over the years and I would like to take this occasion, because I know some of them personally and I am sure...Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

Rcmp "g" Division Annual Awards Ceremony
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Rcmp "g" Division Annual Awards Ceremony
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know some of them personally and want to say to them this is indeed a great occasion and I would encourage Members to take some time to go and shake their hands after the ceremony at 3:00 this afternoon. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Rcmp "g" Division Annual Awards Ceremony
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I, too, have just returned from the conference organized by Nunavut Tunngavik called Nunavut Sivummut: Beyond Tomorrow. This conference, which was attended by delegates from all over Nunavut and southern Canada, spent three full days working very hard to examine issues and strategies to ensure a better economic future in Nunavut.

The delegates included Inuit community leaders, NTI executives and board members, representatives of regional Inuit associations, development corporations, banks, co-ops, mining companies, federal and territorial governments and several MLAs who were able to get away for the session. As in large meetings of this kind, a very important part of the meeting was the networking that took place behind the scenes. I'm sure that the seeds of many joint ventures and other initiatives have already been sown at this conference.

Madam Speaker, I was struck by two things about the meeting. Firstly, the high degree of optimism and confidence with which all delegates looked to the future and, secondly, the high degree of consensus reached on the major challenges and solutions ahead. The major focus of discussions and recommendations were on strategies to deal with social issues; particularly, less reliance on outside, professional help and more reliance on the strong base of human resources already in our communities to deal with healing.

There was a very strong emphasis on more job-oriented education strategies, on the urgent need for trades training, on the need to have more professional training, and the need to motivate and develop a trained workforce, beginning with our youth. There was also a great emphasis on reducing transportation costs and providing more access to capital. Delegates focused on small business, privatization, less bureaucratic and more decentralized business assistance programs. There was also widespread agreement on the merits of a northern mineral accord to capture resource revenues, and much talk about reducing the reliance on government.

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Mr. Patterson, your time has lapsed.

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

I would request consent to conclude my statement, Madam Speaker.

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There was much talk about reducing the reliance on government and the reliance on social assistance, especially for young people.

Madam Speaker, I want to extend my congratulations to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. I think this is one of the first major events they have organized, other than ceremonies celebrating the signing of the land claim agreement. I especially want to congratulate their economic advisor, Mr. Tagak Curley who organized this meeting, for pulling off a very successful, productive conference. I would also like to thank the Honourable John Todd, his department and the Government of the Northwest Territories for major financial support, along with many important corporate sponsors.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to receiving the economic strategy document which will result from this conference. It is expected to be released by the end of this year. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

Nunavut Tunngavik Economic Development Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.