This is page numbers 107 - 142 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 community.

Topics

Question 66-12(6): Progress On Policy For Respite Care
Item 6: Oral Questions

October 5th, 1994

Page 124

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. It again relates to Tabled Document 59-12(5), which is the response of the government to the final report of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. In response to one of the recommendations to an interim report, the government, in this document, committed to having Health and Social Services work closely with the Council for Disabled Persons on a policy for respite care which would be finalized early in the 1994-95 fiscal year and implemented in 1995-96. I would like to ask the Minister what progress has been made by this joint committee.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Health and Social Services, Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I will take that question as notice.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the sale of staff housing -- I'm not sure who that is, whoever that is -- about the sale of multi-plex units in Iqaluit and other communities in the Northwest Territories. If there are employees interested in purchasing multiple units, is the Government of the Northwest Territories open to selling those multi-plex units in constituencies like mine? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

Return To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, we are interested in selling those units.

Return To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Supplementary To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I should have known it was Mr. Morin who was responsible, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the problem that's posed in my riding is that some people who are interested in purchasing multiple units don't have the privilege of living in those units, and some people who are living in those units are not interested in purchasing them. So I would like to ask the Minister, since he is committed to encouraging the sale of those multiple units, if he will undertake to work with his colleague, the Minister of Personnel, to see that employees who are living in those units and not interested are gently eased out and offered alternative accommodation, and those who are interested in taking the plunge are allowed to move into those units so they can be eligible to purchase them. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

Further Return To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It has been made very clear to myself by Cabinet that they are interested in selling all government housing. I am supposed to deal with it on a community-by-community basis. Whatever it takes to sell those units in Iqaluit, I will be pleased to work with the Member and get my department to work with Personnel and with your community to try to sell those units. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Supplementary To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

I'm very pleased to hear that, Madam Speaker. I think that what would be required in my riding -- and I will be following this up with the Minister -- now that the offers have been made to invite employees to purchase single detached units, it is now timely that offers be made and deadlines be extended so that employees who wish to purchase the multiple units can make applications. Is that the kind of process the Minister has in mind, whereby an invitation will be given with a certain deadline so that interested employees can express their interest and get the ball rolling? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Government Services and Public Works, Mr. Morin.

Further Return To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Like I said previously, we would be happy to work with the Member and with the Department of Personnel to try to accomplish selling the units in Iqaluit. If that means extending deadlines, we'll look into that. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Question 67-12(6): Sale Of GNWT Multi-plex Housing Units
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 124

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. The time frame for oral questions has expired. Item 7, written questions. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to two Ministers, as there is some overlap. It is to the Minister of Health and Social Services and the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.

1)Where are the locations of elders residences owned and/or operated by the GNWT? What are the levels of care provided in these residences?

2)How many rooms and bed spaces are available in each of these residences? 3)How many vacancies are available in each of these residences as of September 30, 1994?

I ask, Madam Speaker, that the two Ministers undertake extensive consultation with each other in preparing the response to this question. Thank you.

---Laughter

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.

Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wish to table a Petition No. 1-12(6) signed by 33 employees of the Baffin Correctional Centre in Iqaluit, expressing their concern that the proposed changes to the public sector pay and benefits will destroy the fragile economy of the Baffin. Thank you.

Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions

Page 125

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 10, petitions. The honourable Member for Kivallivik, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions

Page 125

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wish to table Petition No. 2-12(6), from the community of Arviat with 134 signatures, regarding the requirement for a new Anglican church in the community. I would like to read the petition, Madam Speaker.

The Anglican church here in Arviat is too old and not well insulated. There is not enough room for the people. It was almost closed down by the fire marshal due to the hazards. Therefore, in order to get a new church, we have to raise $200,000. After we have raised $200,000, we would then be given another $200,000 to build the new church by the Anglican diocese of Canada. As we all know, there is a lack of room during special occasions such as Christmas, New Years, weddings, funerals and Easter. We, the undersigned, are asking for your support towards a new Anglican church. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions

Page 125

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Zoe.

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to present the report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. It reports on the review of the financial statements of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General for Canada for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1993.

Executive Summary

Madam Speaker, the public accounts for 1992-93 were tabled in the Legislative Assembly in November of 1993 and the Auditor General's report was received in April, 1994. The Standing Committee on Public Accounts conducted its public review of the report on June 20 to June 23, 1994 and also met on August 25, 1994 to prepare this report for the Legislative Assembly.

The public review initially consisted of a follow-up on issues and concerns of the standing committee from the previous year. Much of the focus was on the emerging role of the office of the Comptroller General resulting from the organizational changes within the government. The committee is concerned that combining the office of the Comptroller General with the Secretary to the Financial Management Board not lead to problems with respect to crucial information flow and accountability. In addition, the committee examined the audit and evaluation functions and noted that high priority must be given to staffing and allocation of sufficient resources to fulfil evaluation objectives. The Finance committee of the Legislative Assembly should ensure that adequate checks and balances are maintained in the system and that evaluation subscribes to the highest levels of integrity and objectivity.

It was also noted that there had been an increase in the occurrence of fraud being perpetrated against the government, the investigation of which resulted in the diversion of substantial resources away from the regular audit activities.

The committee discussed several issues noted in the Auditor General's report with the Comptroller General. Among these were the implications and impacts of the health billings dispute, the pay equity dispute, and the policing costs associated with the Royal Oak labour dispute. In light of the potential negative impact on the financial stability of the government, the committee encourages a conservative and responsible approach to financial planning and management.

The Auditor General noted that there had, once again, been delays in the preparation of financial statements, particularly those of consolidated entities, such as the NWT Development Corporation and the NWT Business Credit Corporation. Dependence upon subsidiaries' statements, and lack of internal resources were cited as the primary reasons for the delays. The Auditor General suggested allocating more resources to the office of the Comptroller General to assist these entities. However, the Comptroller General advised the committee that additional resources have been allocated to the entities, themselves, to address the situation.

The Auditor General noted a number of overexpenditures in 1992-93 due to a variety of factors. In general, the committee discussed the overexpenditures with the appropriate officials and encourages departments and agencies to identify potential resource needs at an earlier stage wherever possible, so they can approach the Legislative Assembly for supplementary funding. Tabling a comprehensive listing of payments to suppliers and contractors on a quarterly basis will also enable the Legislative Assembly to monitor financial resources more closely.

The committee discussed the government's cash position in 1992-93 with the Department of Finance and noted that, while the situation has improved compared to the previous year, in 1993-94, the deficit in the cash position was roughly $38 million. In addition, forecasts for 1994-95 predict a deficit in the cash position of $78 million at year end. The committee stresses that, given the present situation, the potential impacts of health billings, pay equity, and police costs disputes, the cash position must be closely monitored and up-to-date information provided on a regular basis to the Legislative Assembly and to the Finance committee.

In chapter three, of the Auditor General's report, some problems were noted with the recording of capital expenditures. According to the financial administration manual, expenditures are to be recorded in the year they are incurred, not when they are actually paid. On a number of occasions, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs did not accrue liabilities for work performed in 1992-93 in municipalities because the contribution agreements weren't signed until the following year. The committee is concerned that proper accounting procedures are followed and that authority of the Legislative Assembly to approve capital planning and spending is not circumvented.

In its 1991 report, the Public Accounts committee made several recommendations regarding the development of an assets control system for the Government of the Northwest Territories. While such a system is the responsibility of each department, the Public Works and Services model is the most widely used. Generally, departments are in various stages of implementing inventory control systems for both capital and controllable assets.

Closely related to inventory control is the issue of custodial storage and warehouse procedures which was raised by the Auditor General in 1991. The Department of Public Works and Services is presently conducting a review of these procedures which will include an inventory of all government warehousing facilities and stock currently being maintained, and a plan for privatizing warehousing. The current practices of maintaining and storing valuable artifacts were discussed, and there are indications that the GNWT policy is required in this area. Due to the specialized nature of the facilities also required for abstract storage, it is anticipated that the pending privatization plan will address this issue.

Another related issue that concerned the committee is the future direction of records management and storage. The committee felt that, if storage space is limited, it would be wise to investigate alternative methods using the latest technology at the same time that departments are encouraged in addressing the operational requirements of records management such as, what to keep and for how long.

Approximately 40 per cent of the total unconsolidated government expenditures in 1992-93 were grants or contributions. In consideration of such a large portion of the government's budget being given mostly to boards and agencies to deliver programs and services, it is imperative that financial controls and accountability are maintained. The Department of Health and Social Services assured the committee that communication and working relationships will be addressed and improved through the negotiation of the master memorandum of understanding to be completed by December 1994.

Similar issues were highlighted with respect to boards of education. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment informed the committee that six of seven boards have signed MOUs as the base of their relationship with the department. However, the department is currently revising the Education Act which is expected to provide a legislative framework for the boards' responsibilities and define accountability mechanisms.

The committee discussed several other issues noted by the Auditor General with the relevant departmental officials. The possibility of further investigating the use of video-conferencing technology to cut down on travel and other costs was examined, and a future requirement in public accounting sector for assessing and recording restoration costs incurred through environmental liability were discussed with both the Comptroller General and the Department of Renewable Resources.

In order to address a number of these issues and deal with specific areas of concern, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts made the following recommendation.

Recommendation 1

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the office of the Comptroller General, investigate the possibility of engaging the service of a forensic auditor for the sole purpose of dealing with attempts to defraud the government.

Regarding the health billings, pay equity and policing cost disputes, Madam Speaker, we made a number of recommendations.

Recommendation 2

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Legislative Assembly receive regular briefings from the appropriate officials on these and any other issues in dispute which have the potential to seriously impact the financial resources of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Recommendation 3

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Department of Public Works and Services, on behalf of the government, provide a comprehensive listing of payments over $5,000 made to suppliers and contractors by the Government of the Northwest Territories on a non-cumulative quarterly basis to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly within 45 days.

Recommendation 4

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the government review the capital planning process, and the role of the Legislative Assembly and priorize capital expenditures, and present options for ensuring legislative spending approval while improving process flexibility.

Recommendation 5

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Department of Personnel, in cooperation with NorthwesTel, implement a pilot project in Yellowknife to test the cost-benefit of using video-conferencing technology for staffing procedures.

Recommendation 6

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Department of Personnel, in cooperation with NorthwesTel, assess the option for expanding the use of video-conferencing technologies as recommended in the travel management report.

Madam Speaker, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on the review of the financial statement of the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the report of the Auditor General of Canada for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1993.

Motion To Receive Committee Report 5-12(6) And Move To Committee Of The Whole, Carried

Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kitikmeot, that the report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts be received by the Assembly and moved into committee of the whole. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.

An Hon. Member

Question.