As this Seventh Assembly is about to open, we turn to God for his guidance, wisdom and blessing. Let us pray. Ever-living God, your spirit leaves us, your children, confident to call you Father. Increase your spirit within us. Guide the Members of this Seventh Assembly and help them to work together for the good of all the people of the north. Bless their plans and their deliberations and bring them to success.

---English not provided

Father, we ask this, our grace, through Christ our Lord, amen.

---Drum Prayer

It is my understanding that the Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories is prepared to enter the chamber to open this session. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if Her Honour, the Deputy Commissioner, is available and prepared to enter the chamber and present her opening address?

Please be seated. Madam Speaker, honoured guests and Members of the Legislative Assembly, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Seventh Session of the 12th Legislative Assembly. This is the start of the 12th Assembly's final budget session. The session will be recessed later this week until February, when the Minister of Finance will present the government's operation and maintenance budget for 1995-96.

During this session, your government will also be presenting documents dealing with matters that must be addressed in order for the Northwest Territories to take advantage of its human and economic potential. Of particular importance are proposals designed to help restore human values, dignity and a sense of community wellness.

Madam Speaker, during the past few years, your government has changed the way it is organized and does business so that people at the community level have more control. It has also taken steps to make sure capital projects maximize northern jobs, training and business opportunities. Change has been difficult in many areas because of the impact on our budget of federal cutbacks and the threat of further reductions in the new year. In addition, we have a financing agreement with Ottawa that does not provide the territories with the tools to achieve a greater degree of self-sufficiency. Regardless, we have made considerable progress and we still have many economic opportunities, particularly in the area of the non-renewable resource sector.

But, all the efforts we are making in order to reach our economic potential won't mean anything unless we develop a consensus on how we want to see these resources controlled, managed and developed. The money and the jobs have to stay in the north and benefit our economy.

Madam Speaker, the population of the Northwest Territories is very small, compared to other parts of Canada, and we cannot afford to be fragmented in our approach or in the direction we are heading. Leadership in the territories must demonstrate a strong commitment towards working together to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, as this is a time for partnerships, trust and certainty. Individual interests are important, but they must be advanced in a manner that serves a common goal.

Madam Speaker, your government knows that it cannot afford to have a single focus in its approach to improving the economic well being of the Northwest Territories. Serious social problems have to be resolved in order to end the cycle of wasted potential and missed opportunity. The status quo is not an option. As a result, your government has an ambitious social agenda.

It includes income support reform; family law reform; a strategy to promote zero tolerance for violence and community wellness; steps to improve the delivery of child care and health services; and, initiatives to make sure communities can have greater control over government programs and services so they can solve the problems that are most important to them.

In addition, your government is mindful of the terrible impact of liquor abuse in the Northwest Territories and the need to replace an outdated liquor law that was created 25 years ago, and is difficult to understand and complex to administer.

As a result, a legislative action paper on rewriting liquor laws in the Northwest Territories has been prepared. The document is a result of a liquor law review that has involved extensive consultation in all regions of the territories. The review has listened carefully to northern residents, organizations and interest groups on how government legislation can be improved to help end the abuse and the resulting tragedies that are becoming far too frequent in the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, social problems in the Northwest Territories are not being tackled in isolation of each other.

The community wellness strategy is an unprecedented partnership in the territories that is being developed by a broad coalition of 30 social agencies, aboriginal and cultural organizations, women's groups, mental health services providers and government departments.

The departments of Health and Social Services; Justice; Education, Culture and Employment; Municipal and Community Affairs; Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs; and, the NWT Housing Corporation are working closely together in this process with the overall direction provided by the coalition.

These groups, despite their various mandates, share a common understanding about the seriousness of the problems faced by individuals, families and communities in the Northwest Territories. There is a shared vision of the direction in which we all would like to go in moving towards achieving healthier communities. One of those visions is the reform of our income support system.

Madam Speaker, income support reform is a complex issue that is being driven at a national level by a federal government that is determined to reduce expenditures and introduce efficiencies. The systems that are in place need to be reformed in order to end waste and to make sure they no longer create barriers to work and training opportunities.

Our system must give people the help they need to get back to work or into the workforce for the first time.

To make sure that this reform develops in a way that respects the priorities and needs of northerners, your government has established a number of principles to guide reform in the Northwest Territories.

Income support reform must link jobs and training, and encourage people to make responsible choices. It must respect northern culture, community direction and the integrity of families. And the reform must make the best use of available money, federal cost-sharing opportunities, and be fair and easy to access by people in communities.

Part of the work in the area of income support reform is in response to recommendations from the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. The next step is creation of a Ministers' forum on income support reform.

The forum will include representatives from business, labour and individuals involved in social reform. It will lead focus groups in the five regional centres to provide information, involve community people in discussions, and get public opinion and advice on the issues. It will conclude by providing its findings and recommendations to the Assembly at its February sitting.

Madam Speaker, social reform and making sure that residents can take the opportunities that are available to them requires an education system that opens the doors to opportunities.

A discussion paper that outlines a strategy to guide the development and delivery of education, culture and employment programs to the year 2010 and another paper seeking public input into creation of a new Education Act have already been tabled in the House.

In addition, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment will table a legislative discussion paper on the draft of a new Education Act this week. The paper will be used for further consultation and be followed by the presentation of a new Education Act.

Madam Speaker, all of these initiatives will have an impact on addressing many of the social problems that must be resolved in order to move towards a greater sense of self-sufficiency.

No single individual or organization can solve the problems of today's society. The challenge is to work together in a positive fashion to make sure the potential of our human resources is realized and contributes to a sense of community wellness, dignity and personal accomplishment.

That is why your government's social agenda is based on a process of partnership -- a process of listening, learning and leadership.

On a personal note, Madam Speaker, over 20 years ago the Commissioner's Award for Bravery was established to recognize the sacrifices and heroic efforts of people who voluntarily place themselves in danger to help others.

I would like to take the opportunity to announce the names of 10 residents who have been recognized for acts of bravery in the Northwest Territories.

- Moses Aliyak of Rankin Inlet received the Commissioner's Award for Bravery at the Highest Level for rescuing his wife and nephew from a polar bear attack near their summer camp in July 1994;

- Three Cambridge Bay residents, Peter Evalik, Richard Evalik and Grant Corey, received the Commissioner's Award for Bravery at the Highest Level for saving Theresa Keadjuk and Mary Kilaodluk on January 1, 1993. The three men crawled through a smoke-filled house to find the women and drag them to safety;

- Peter Moosenose and Frankie Nitsiza of Wha Ti received the Commissioner's Award for Bravery at the Second Level for saving 11-year-old Larry Flunkie from drowning in Lac La Martre on August 12, 1993;

- Alfred Nitsiza and Lloyd Bishop received letters of commendation for their part in the rescue of Larry Flunkie. Mr. Nitsiza and Mr. Bishop performed two-man CPR on the boy when he was brought to shore; and,

- Dennis Klengenberg and Kevin Niptanatiak of Coppermine received letters of commendation for rescuing each other after their snow machine broke through the ice near the mouth of the Coppermine River on November 7, 1993.

Finally, Madam Speaker, during this session, a legislative program including the following bills will be introduced for your consideration. Amendments to the following acts will be advanced: the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Act; the Co-operative Associations Act; the Dental Mechanics Act; the Elections Act; the Fair Practices Act; the Income Tax Act; the Judicature Act; the Legal Profession Act; the Limitation of Actions Act; the Liquor Act; the Maintenance Act; and, the Petroleum Products Tax Act.

New bills include Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96 and the Miscellaneous Statutes Amending Act. Your government considers these bills essential to the good conduct of government business and I recommend passage of each of these acts.

Madam Speaker, I would now like to commend to you for your earnest consideration and wise judgement, the business of this House as I declare open the Seventh Session of the 12th Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

---Applause

Please be seated. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Father Mousseau for acting as chaplin today and for giving us his blessing. I would like to thank the choir from Mildred Hall under the directorship of Mr. Bill Gilday. I would also like to extend our appreciation for the participation of the Tree of Peace drummers. We will have an opportunity to hear them and the choir during the Deputy Commissioner's opening day reception later on this afternoon in the great hall.

I would also like to welcome the guests and the general public who have joined us today to mark the opening of the seventh session of this Legislature. Now I will commence orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq will be absent from the House today, tomorrow and Wednesday to attend a meeting of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board in Arviat. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am pleased, Madam Speaker, to make this statement in light of the presence of young people, both from the friendship centre and from Mildred Hall School.

Madam Speaker, the strategy for Education, Culture and Employment to 2010 is titled, People: Our Focus for the Future. Our future depends on our children and their ability to learn and make learning a part of their lives. They need to stay in school and be successful, and we, as parents and political leaders, need to support and encourage them.

We also need a system of education which emphasizes and enables the measurement of standards and quality in education. We need a system which enables collaborative decision-making at the school level, and supports communities to develop a vision for their schools and for their children's learning. We need to open up the education system through progressive legislative change.

The current Education Act, written in 1977, established a system of education, administered by government, which enabled communities to provide advice and make decisions through local education authorities. The Special Committee on Education in 1982 said that "the educational system shall provide the means for and assist in the development of programs to meet the educational goals of every community. Elected representatives responsible for education within the communities shall determine these goals."

As a result, the Education Act was amended to provide for divisional boards of education and community education councils. Since then, the act has been amended eight times and, still, parents and communities are saying that they are not really able to participate in the many important decisions made about their children's learning and in the decisions about the programs offered in their schools. Educators are saying that they need more training and more support to be effective in the classroom. Students are saying that they, too, have a role to play in their learning. Our education system needs to involve all partners in the learning process.

Madam Speaker, we have developed a legislative discussion paper on the draft of the new Education Act, which I will be tabling today for consideration and comment. It strives to balance the overall controls necessary to ensure educational quality and standards throughout the system, with local autonomy for the delivery of education. It builds an education model which is centred on students and learning, and emphasizes partnerships. The preliminary draft of this new act provides for a more flexible system of governance that strengthens decision-making in communities and improves accountability. This draft also recognizes that language and culture is the foundation of education.

Madam Speaker, a legislative proposal to develop a new Education Act was first approved in 1988, recognizing that this act was outdated. Research on legislative change in education and schools' acts across Canada began that year. Consultation on the changes NWT residents wanted to see in the new Education Act began in 1990 with the release of the discussion paper Help Improve the Education Act. This paper provided plain explanations of the legislation and asked people for their general comments.

The department held workshops for each board and divisional board of education, and each board continued to consult with people in the communities within their jurisdictions. The responses received, together with the findings of the research and a review of court decisions in the area of education as a result of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of Canada, provided direction for the preparation of the next consultation document.

Voices: Direction for Improving the Education Act was tabled in March, 1994. This paper made 50 proposals for change, and people were again asked to consider them and provide their comments. Detailed responses were received from 26 organizations and 35 individuals. In addition, about 15 general letters were received and comments were also provided by participants in focus groups for the development of the strategic plan and through other education conferences and meetings. Madam Speaker, we are still receiving comments on the proposals made in the last consultation paper. Consultation on the development of a new Education Act, has really been ongoing since the Special Committee on Education was established in 1980.

This legislative discussion paper on the draft of the new Education Act contains a preliminary draft of the legislation for comment. It also contains notes which summarize the purpose and content of each section of the draft act. The draft act begins with a preamble, then addresses students and parents, educators, communities' cultural diversity and governance, and concludes with the finance and administration of the education system.

Madam Speaker, the act proposed that it would introduce access to an education program as an entitlement for students age five to age 21. It proposes to introduce student responsibilities as well as the entitlements and responsibilities of parents.

It introduces a new section on language of instruction and language taught for discussion, and it recognizes section 23 of the Charter of Rights of Canada. As well, it introduces new structures of governance.

The paper proposes to simplify education structures by establishing an authority for a district or community called a "district education authority," and a structure for a division called a "divisional education council." The duties and powers of these education bodies are outlined, and each district education authority and divisional education council and its specific duties and powers would be established in regulation. A sample regulation is included in the appendix.

Madam Speaker, this is a consultation paper designed to encourage discussion and provide further direction to improve this piece of legislation. Before the Education Act is introduced, Members of the Legislative Assembly, education agencies and northerners need time to consider the changes and to review the legislation in draft form. This act is of interest to many individuals and organizations.

We recognize that it may be difficult to get a consensus on the details of the act, as most individuals have opinions on education. But it should be possible to develop consensus around the main themes of change which emphasize students, partnership, language and culture, local autonomy for the delivery of education, standards and improved accountability.

Madam Speaker, this Assembly has stated that education is a priority and I believe that developing and considering this legislative discussion paper on the draft of the new Education Act demonstrates that priority. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Before we go to the next Minister, I would like to recognize the MP for Nunatsiaq, Mr. Jack Anawak, in the gallery. Welcome to our Assembly.

---Applause

Item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Again it is my honour to get up and speak about the whole matter of rewriting of liquor laws in the Northwest Territories, particularly in the presence of our Deputy Commissioner, Madam Speaker, because she and her husband have worked tremendously hard over the past several years to encourage the reduction of liquor abuse and use in communities.

Madam Speaker, later today I will be tabling a legislative action paper entitled, "Rewriting Liquor Laws in the Northwest Territories." I am pleased to bring this document forward during Addictions Awareness Week, when thoughts are already focused on finding ways to minimize alcohol abuse in our northern communities.

Today's legislative action paper is a result of the comprehensive review of territorial liquor laws initiated in December 1993 by the Department of Safety and Public Services. Public consultation has been a key feature of this initiative. Individuals and groups in all regions have made suggestions for improving the way liquor should be regulated in the Northwest Territories. These ideas have now been summarized in the legislative action paper.

Madam Speaker, I should stress that the completion of this document does not represent a conclusion of the liquor law review, but rather a focusing on the continuing discussions now under way to plan our new liquor laws.

Madam Speaker, the legislative action paper sets out five guiding principles that this government believes should form the framework for our new liquor laws.

First and foremost, new legislation should make it clear that liquor is a regulated product that can only be used according to conditions laid out in the Liquor Act and regulations.

Second, our new liquor legislation should not be developed in isolation. An effective liquor control system is one of the many factors that can contribute to community wellness and its impacts on health and social policy, community development and many other areas.

A third principle emerging from the liquor law review emphasizes the importance of finding "made-in-the-NWT" solutions to northern problems. We should not be trying to copy regulatory models from other provinces' legislation.

Fourth, a priority should be placed on ensuring that our legislation is effective. This means that liquor control measures must be regularly evaluated to ensure they are working. It should reflect community priorities and empower local measures for liquor control.

Finally, new legislation should be balanced. It has to be recognized that for many northerners, liquor is seen as an incidental, pleasurable and self-controlled part of one's social life. For others, it can come to represent only helplessness, fear and despair.

New liquor laws will need to respect the lifestyle differences and the varying personal needs that exist in northern society.

---Applause

Madam Speaker, these five principles will guide the development of our new Liquor Act. In addition, public consultation identified many new approaches, strategies and systems that could be incorporated into that guiding framework. These public recommendations are outlined in the legislative action paper, not as government plans, but as options that might be considered by the Legislative Assembly and its committees during the review of this document.

Many of these public recommendations would represent significant change to the way liquor is regulated in the Northwest Territories and would involve the reform of our liquor control agencies. Decisions on which specific measures should be incorporated in the new act will depend largely on feedback received from the review of the legislative action paper.

Madam Speaker, this new legislation will have to set out all the definitions, systems, institutions, standards, general procedures, offences and penalties necessary for liquor control framework in the Northwest Territories. In working toward this goal, we will continue to listen carefully to northerners' ideas about improving the regulation of liquor. We still have a big job ahead of us; yet, it is a task that I look forward to sharing with the Legislative Assembly and its committees.

We will need the recommendations and support of honourable Members in order to create a better Liquor Act. By continuing to work together, in communities and in this House, I am certain we will succeed in developing legislation that is effective, balanced and reflective of northern priorities. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Keewatin Central, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Since the Prime Minister's strong statement of support for further devolution to the Government of the Northwest Territories, Members of this House have expressed a great deal of interest in the status of the northern accord. I would like to take this opportunity to update the Members on the most recent developments on this important initiative.

Over the past several months, I have met individually with the leadership of all major aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories: Nunavut Tunngavik; the Deh Cho First Nations; NWT Treaty 8 Council; Dogrib Treaty 11 Tribal Council; Metis Nation; the Sahtu Secretariat; the Gwich'in Tribal Council; and, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

I am pleased to inform this House that all of these organizations have agreed to meet in Yellowknife on December 14, 1994 to begin formal discussions on the northern accord to determine if we can reach a common position that we can move forward on with the federal government. The purpose of the initial meeting was to decide goals and objectives of the discussions between the Government of the Northwest Territories and aboriginal organizations, to outline guidelines and procedures for future meetings and to establish a more formalized process to encourage aboriginal involvement in the northern accord.

It is our hope we can reach a common position with all aboriginal groups on the northern accord early in the new year. We would then be in a position to submit a formal proposal to the federal government for devolution of these responsibilities to the people of the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, I would like to assure the Members of this House that the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to taking responsibility for non-renewable resource development in the Northwest Territories, while at the same time respecting aboriginal and treaty rights. We hope to accomplish this through negotiation of a northern accord with the federal government. I will keep Members of this House informed as the process unfolds.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I would like to express my personal appreciation to all the leaders of those aboriginal organizations for agreeing to meet to determine if we can move forward on this important initiative in a spirit of cooperation and trust. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Welcome. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize His Worship, the mayor of Gjoa Haven, Uriash Puqiqnak and his wife Lorraine.

---Applause

Madam Speaker, I also would like to recognize Nick Carter, regional director of the Kitikmeot region.

---Applause

Thank you.

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. William Greenland of Inuvik. William used to be the sub-chief of the Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council. He is now the new program manager for CKLB radio station.

---Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Members, the House will now have a short recess to join the Deputy Commissioner for the reception that she has so kindly arranged.

---SHORT RECESS

I will call the House back to order. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, during the last year the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly passed a milestone in his career; David Hamilton served 10 years as Clerk.

---Applause

At that time, the deputy speaker and I thought we would try to find an appropriate gift to give to David on behalf of all the Members. It has taken some time, but at the conclusion of Mr. Pudluk's words we have a gift for Mr. Hamilton.

I would also like to pay tribute to David's wife, Kate, and his two daughters, Judith and Lisa. David, as you know, works very, very long hours. He has travelled a lot and has been in a lot of stressful situations...

Hear, hear.

...and he has had tremendous support from his family. I think not only do we owe David a vote of thanks and gratitude, we owe his family also a vote of thanks and gratitude.

---Applause

David, as have many people in this room, came up through the ranks of local government. David served in Cambridge, Aklavik and Fort Simpson, which is where I first met David in the late 1970s. He became Clerk Assistant in June of 1980, and last year there were a number of Members' statements because David celebrated 10 years as Clerk.

David has, over the years, provided advice to Speakers, to committees and to individual Members of the House. He has been responsible for the smooth flow of information from the Cabinet to the Legislative Assembly. David was also responsible for the amazing logistics of moving this Legislative Assembly across the territories. We met in gyms and schools and in various locations. To the outside, it all seemed very, very smooth, but I think all of us know the incredible complexity of moving this organization around the territories. Behind all of that was David Hamilton.

David has also been a very strong link to the Canadian Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Madam Speaker, could I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

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

This Legislative Assembly, probably more so than other Legislative Assemblies in the country, plays host to an amazing array of people. We've hosted a number of Prime Ministers, Ministers, ambassadors, captains of industry, distinguished persons from across the country and around the world and, again, David always played a very important role. We've become known throughout the country as probably the greatest host Legislative Assembly.

I think to all of us, David is an absolutely essential component of this Legislative Assembly. He's helped, as I said, a succession of Speakers, Premiers, Cabinets and Members go through an amazing period of evolution in the Northwest Territories. It has also been an extraordinary period in Canadian history. I think we're all very proud -- I know we are -- of the fact that we run a unique Legislative Assembly in eight official languages with our consensus system. David's sense of humour, energy and ability to deal with a multitude of complex issues simultaneously has helped all of us through some difficult times.

David is an advisor, an organizer, a social worker, travel agent and, most importantly, to all of us, a friend. Madam Speaker, when the dean of the House, Mr. Pudluk, concludes his Member's statement we have, what we think, is an appropriate gift for our Clerk. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The honourable Member for High Arctic, Mr. Pudluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just to elaborate a little bit more on Mr. Ballantyne's statement, I, too, am very proud of what our Clerk has done. I also wish to rise today to congratulate our Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. He has been here for 11 years now. In 1975 I first was elected as Member for High Arctic. David became our Clerk in 1983, as a newcomer to the Legislative Assembly.

He made a few mistakes back then but, in 1994, after 11 years, I realize he has not made mistakes since; although he is losing hair. I would like to thank him very much for assisting us. He has never said no to me when I needed assistance, even after today. Although he has worked long hours in the Legislative Assembly, he has never shown any fatigue.

The Eighth Session of the 12th Assembly could be my last time as a Member. I know, even after I'm gone, he will constantly be here working and assisting Members of the Legislative Assembly. I personally would like to thank him for having helped me all these years while I was a Member here. I'm only talking about the good things about the Clerk, but perhaps, in the future, I will be making some comments that are not so good. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Madam Speaker, I wasn't going to make a statement today but, as we were sitting here, I noticed that my wife Della was in the gallery and she was wearing a very bright red jacket. I noticed that there were members of the RCMP also wearing red and it made me think of last week when we saw people wearing red poppies. Suddenly, something struck me that has never struck me before.

The word November comes from a word that means blood month. The blood month was the time when you killed animals, slaughtered them, and put them away for the winter. That's what the origin of the word November is. It struck me that that was an unusual coincidence, that we have Remembrance Day during this month, but also this is the month -- and this is the main part of my statement, Madam Speaker -- when there are a lot of people out there hunting animals.

This is the time of the year when animals begin moving south and there are many hunters out there. It made me think of that way of life and the people who are hunting, the blood that is being shed. And, it is my fervent hope and belief that, during this month, people remember the three most important words,

I suppose, for the hunter. Those words are safety, safety and safety. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today with regard to Remembrance Day last week. Last week we made a number of statements in remembrance of those people who went to war. Now, Madam Speaker, during Remembrance Day, we remembered those who went to war,

died and left their families. I was born during the time the war started. I wasn't even aware that there was a war going on in the world. Even the fellow Inuit people in the region weren't aware of this awful thing that was happening in the world.

However, after we learned that such a war was going on, we were very thankful that our fellow Canadians went to war to save our democracy; the democracy that we know today. We have to go through a lot of hardship in our lifetime, but today I wish to remember those people who went to war, so that we could have a better life today. I am thankful that we can live peacefully today and work together. I wish to work with the Members in the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, on November 3rd I requested in this House an allocation under the Canada/NWT infrastructure program for the unorganized communities of Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment committed to addressing the issue.

On November 7th, I received a letter from the Honourable Richard Nerysoo advising me that Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet are not recognized communities by our government. They are considered outpost camps by Municipal and Community Affairs.

The letter further advised that under the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement, one of the requirements is that a community be recognized by the government in order to participate in the program. Secondly, that communities demonstrate an ability to fund ongoing O and M costs of projects funded under the program. The bottom line is the GNWT deems these communities as ineligible.

The Honourable Richard Nerysoo offered to provide $5,000 per community out of his department's capital budget. However, given the high operating costs and accessibility costs in these communities, I would suggest that if $5,000 were accessed, it would do little to add or improve any infrastructure in these communities.

Madam Speaker, I have spoken previously to the lack of attention to the needs of the two smaller unorganized communities in my constituency. Although the Honourable Don Morin, Minister of the Housing Corporation, has committed, in this House, to addressing the housing needs of the two communities, the rest of our government, besides maintaining the status quo, has not attempted to address any of their additional needs.

The issue of an allocation, under the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement, I have raised and the lack of initiative of the government to attempt to address the issue to make these communities eligible is clearly indicative of what I believe is our government's indifference to the residents in our smaller communities.

Madam Speaker, it is obvious to me how I would attempt to address the eligibility requirement. Firstly, why not ask the federal government for clarification or an exception to these two unorganized smaller communities? Failing that, what about allocating resources to the base community of Cambridge Bay to be utilized by Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet residents?

It is my understanding that there is a continency amount allocated in the total funding for the infrastructure agreement. What is the purpose of this reserve if not to address situations such as this?

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker, honourable colleagues. Madam Speaker, recently I brought forward the needs and requests of the residents of Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet: the need to establish community freezers; and, the need to address housing issues. These needs have been recognized by the GNWT and I hope will be addressed in the immediate future.

Madam Speaker, although there are approximately 60 and 22 residents of Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet, as compared to approximately 1,100 in Cambridge Bay and Coppermine, I don't treat their needs any differently. In fact, I may have even worked more diligently towards the needs of the smaller communities. I am disappointed in that I don't believe the government has made any serious effort in attempting to allow these communities eligibility under the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement. Eligibility under this agreement could have addressed the housing or community freezer needs.

Our government currently supports and services both Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet whether they recognize them or not. The residents of these two communities may not be represented by a council, but their needs are no different than those of other NWT residents.

Madam Speaker, I ask the government to reconsider their decision and make some serious efforts towards allowing Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet eligibility under the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement to meet some of the needs of their residents. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, first I would like express my appreciation to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for his statement on the northern accord. I applaud his efforts to include all the aboriginal stakeholder organizations in the

decision-making process for the implementation of this important accord.

Madam Speaker, in the Deh Cho, there has been considerable pressure upon the communities of Kakisa and Fort Providence to open the Cameron Hills area to oil and gas development. It seems to me that the federal government is offering the oil and gas industry strong support for opening this area for exploration.

I would like to publicly thank the oil and gas companies for recognizing our interest in the area and not pursuing any exploration programs. Once the issue of jurisdiction is resolved in the area, I am confident we will be able to work with the oil and gas companies to develop the area's potential.

In a related matter, Madam Speaker, a diamond exploration company was granted to do some test drilling just north of Fort Providence. The permission was granted by the federal government. People in my constituency had some very valid concerns about the lack of consultation with the community about the drilling program. A meeting was held between the community and Gerle Gold Exploration Company. At this meeting, an agreement was made not to proceed with the drilling program at this time. I would like to thank Gerle Gold for the time to hear and act upon Fort Providence's concern. I would also like to thank the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for his commitment to aboriginal organizations in the Northwest Territories in ensuring that they are more involved in the implementation of the northern accord.

I would also like to state that although I have seen a better relationship developing between the government and the aboriginal organizations, I still have a single concern regarding the implementation of the northern accord. The concern is that the land in the Northwest Territories receives priority consideration over the mining industry. The environment has always and will forever be the priority of the aboriginal people. Aboriginal people have a special relationship with the land.

Madam Speaker, can I get unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

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

Thank you, Madam Speaker and all the Members. Aboriginal people have a special relationship with the land. It must be stressed that before any new mining or energy programs are developed, the government must ensure that environmental impact studies and reviews are completed and the results concluded that no harm will come to our land, the animals or our people.

This is the only way, Madam Speaker, that we can protect our land for future generations. The land and our people must take priority over the mining industry. Mahsi cho, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Aivilik, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My statement today concerns a matter I raised last week in the House. It deals with the responsible use of our renewable resources and maximizing the benefit to northern residents from that use.

Currently, the status of the Southampton caribou herd is such that a quota of 4,000 animals has been identified for commercial harvest. Residents in my constituency would like to take advantage of that opportunity to harvest these caribou.

Discussions between the Coral Harbour Hunters' and Trappers' Association, Economic Development and Tourism, Renewable Resources and the NWT Development Corporation have been going on for quite some time in order to plan a commercial harvest.

At first, a fall hunt was planned, but the latest proposal calls for a spring hunt to harvest the remainder of the quota. I also noticed that an offer has been made on the sale of caribou for the Development Corporation who will then undertake to market the meat after processing.

If I'm not mistaken, the price of these fine caribou will amount to -- I think I was told $1.25 per pound, payable to Coral Harbour residents.

Now I understand that there are costs involved in processing. What concerns me is that the final sale price of the meat may not be high enough to offset the processing costs with considerable left over. If this is the case, where do the profits go? In accordance with Economic Development and Renewable Resources's philosophy of this government, Madam Speaker, they should be returned to the community residents.

I will be following up on this issue with the appropriate Minister during question period. It is my hope that the plans are concluded and the hunt is carried out successfully, not only for the benefit of Coral Harbour residents, but for the future health of the caribou herd so that it may sustain our people for generations. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, at 8:00 am on November 16, 1885, nearly 109 years ago, Louis David Riel was born at Regina, Saskatchewan, and is today buried on the grounds of the basilica in St. Boniface, Manitoba.

For generations, Canadians have been intrigued about this man who forged the essence of Metis rights for new generation Metis Canadians. Only in recent years, under the leadership of the Right Honourable Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, has Riel's sentence of traitor to his country been commuted in favour of and in recognition of Riel as a man who fought for Metis rights, formed a provisional government, was provisional governor of the province of Manitoba, and who was elected to the honourable position of Member of the Canadian Parliament.

After the Riel resistance movements in Saskatchewan, Canadian Metis were often ostracized and, not unlike other world nations of peoples, dispersed throughout the United States and into Canadian provinces and territories. Then the Northwest Territories Metis populations grew, not only in the pre-fur trade era, employed as scowsmen and helmsmen, interpreters, carpenters and entrepreneurs, but also continued family alliances in the post-fur trade area forming permanent settlements in all regions of the Northwest Territories. Some of the Metis traditions and customs brought to the north by the Red River Metis who married into northern Metis families are melded with northern Metis traditions and customs and are still seen and heard in the creative arts and crafts and music of new generation northern Metis.

The impetus for northern Metis to gain recognition of Metis rights in community, regional, territorial, national and international forums has resulted from the hope and aspirations begun by Louis David Riel, that all Metis have individual and collective rights that can be fully and equally recognized as other world countries and nations.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Mahsi. The Metis Nation and the Metis Heritage Association are requesting support for recognition of northern Metis political and cultural hopes and aspirations, and in recognition of national leader Louis David Riel.

So, on November 16th, please remember this great leader. I also hope that together we can work towards the promotion, preservation and enhancement of northern Metis history, heritage and culture, and for the advancement of northern Metis rights. Merci beaucoup.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Keewatin Central, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize a good friend of mine from Rankin Inlet, Mr. Moses Aliyak. The Deputy Commissioner, Helen Maksagak, announced in the throne speech earlier today that Mr. Aliyak would be receiving the Commissioner's Award for Bravery at the Highest Level.

Madam Speaker, this award is presented to residents of the NWT who voluntarily risk their lives to an extraordinary degree in saving or attempting to save the lives of others. This certainly describes the actions of Moses this past summer.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Aliyak was at his camp this past summer with his wife and his grandson when they were surprised by a polar bear. To protect his family, Mr. Aliyak reacted immediately; rushed to the polar bear and struck it over the head. Fortunately, Mr. Aliyak escaped with only minor bruises and cuts.

I'm sure the Members of this House will join me in recognizing the bravery and courage of Mr. Aliyak who unselfishly risked his own life for his family. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. (Translation) I will be saying this in my own language. This week is Alcohol and Drug Awareness Week. People all over the NWT will be doing things to bring attention to the problems or the cause of alcohol and drug abuse. There are many problems that go along with this addiction. Many people have become aware of alcohol and drug addiction in so many different ways. Many people know they have a problem with alcohol and drugs, but are unable to stop. There are people who have stopped using alcohol and drugs.

Some people are trained now in the north to help people with addictions. Centres have now been built by the government to house programs on alcohol and drug addictions. I know a lot of people have gone for treatment. Still, there is a need...(Translation ends)

...died from alcohol abuse by drinking gas line anti-freeze. Just recently, three more people died in the community of Sachs Harbour from drinking ethyl alcohol. These are people who should be aware of the dangers of the abuse of alcohol. Yet, in this day and age, we still have it. So, this awareness week is a good week to bring these types of problems to the attention of our people.

Last summer, the Deh Cho First Nations declared the year to be dedicated to community healing. The leaders of Deh Cho realized and recognized that healing is necessary to have strong communities. We need strong communities to deal collectively with the challenges we have before us in the north.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. The division of the Northwest Territories into Nunavut and the western Arctic requires all of us in the communities to be strong people. The development of a constitution in the west -- which I still call Denendeh -- requires that each community develop holistically so as to be in control of their own lives.

The Deputy Commissioner today stated very eloquently in her throne speech, "to help restore human values, dignity and a sense of community wellness." This is exactly what leaders in the Deh Cho had in mind when they spent the whole week talking about healing in the communities. We are all aware that the problems of alcohol and drugs cause a lot of problems in our communities. We all realize we have to work together to try to deal with this problem.

(Translation) Today, what I want to say is that there is going to be one week set aside to really think about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. It is good to talk about it and get involved in the recognition of this week. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. Honourable Member for Tu Nedhe.

Madam Speaker, I request unanimous consent to return to Ministers' statements.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to return to Ministers' statements. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Later on today, the new social housing rent scale will be tabled. The new rent scale has been designed to help the people in communities who need social housing the most. Low income families will see their rents lowered or stay the same. A total of 30 per cent of tenants in social housing will see their rents increase. These 30 per cent are the higher income tenants who can afford to own their own home. We simply cannot afford to subsidize these high income tenants at the level we are now.

The existing rent scale charges are very low maximum rents in the so-called non-home ownership communities. This means that people with incomes high enough to afford home ownership have no incentive to move. This contributes to overcrowding and the housing shortage which is so severe in many communities.

That being said, Madam Speaker, a new rent scale is long overdue. Over the years, in many reports and consultation meetings, tenants, community leaders and MLAs have urged that the rent scale be changed. In the recent district consultation meetings held across the NWT, many suggestions were made for changing the rent scale and we have included those suggestions wherever possible. The Special Committee on Social Housing and all MLAs have voiced concerns and suggested changes. The rent scale tabled today addresses many of these concerns.

The new rent scale will be applied in the same way in every community, Madam Speaker, and will treat all tenants fairly and equally, regardless of where they live. All rents will remain affordable. All tenants will pay less than 30 per cent of their household income for rent. There will be no across-the-board increases in rent. In fact, most tenants will pay less rent. High income tenants will be encouraged to become home owners. This will free up much needed social housing for low income families who need to get a house. Education and employment will be encouraged.

Madam Speaker, the new rent scale recognizes the high cost of living in remote communities and there will also be deductions for units in poor condition. Implementation of the new rent scale will be gradual. Major rent increases will be phased in over the next four years. The first increases and all decreases will take effect April 1, 1995.

Madam Speaker, housing is in great demand in our communities. We must keep our social housing program for lower income families and ask our higher income families to move to home ownership. I believe the new rent scale is fair to all tenants. I appreciate the input of tenants, local housing organizations, the Advisory Committee on Social Housing, MLAs and the public in the development of the new rent scale. Mahsi cho, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin Central, Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today on behalf of my constituents to especially thank Mr. Ludy Pudluk for his hard work during the last 19 years as the Member for High Arctic.

---Applause Madam Speaker, in my first year as a trainee interpreter back in 1978, I remember Mr. Pudluk did not speak English. Today, he often rises in this House to make Members' statements or ask questions in English. In his Member's statement about David Hamilton, he is correct in saying that he has grown older and perhaps more wise. In the early part of the interpreters' career he used to make us very nervous every time he stood up to talk in Inuktitut as a lot of us were not experienced interpreters from Inuktitut to English.

Later on today, Madam Speaker, I will be tabling a newspaper clipping dated January 1979, with a picture of Mr. Pudluk with a lot more hair on him. The title of the article says "Government to Study Eastern Arctic Fishing Industry." It is because of his consistency on this issue that I think my constituents have been able to earn wages from the fishery. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 4, Members' statements. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would like to first of all thank you for inviting an elder from the Hay River Reserve who was unable to come, Mr. Daniel Sonfrere. In the gallery today is the chief of Fort Providence, Mr. Greg Nyuli. Greg has been the chief now for about two years.

---Applause

He's also, since 1921, the only chief who is single.

---Laughter

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Aivilik, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the absence of the Minister responsible for Renewable Resources, I would like to address my question to the Premier. She then, of course, may delegate it to the appropriate Minister responsible for Renewable Resources today. There is a strong and serious conservation issue on Southampton Island. The Department of Renewable Resources has advised the local hunters that if there is not a major culling of the caribou herd, the herd will die off from lack of food. Local hunters are prepared to cull the herd. Experienced hunters know that the best time of the year to cull the herd is in the fall. Why is the government waiting until April to bring the portable abattoir to Southampton Island?

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I'll take the question as notice. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am going to ask the devolution commission since the hamlet are acquiring community transfers of social services in Cape Dorset...I know that they are very pleased with the fact that they have acquired these responsibilities. Maybe he knows that the hamlet of Cape Dorset has already acquired four departmental responsibilities. I would like to know if he knows how well they have done so far. Thank you.

Thank you. Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Personnel. There has been a consultative process set up for the review of the affirmative action policy. The process is under way and an initial meeting was held on October 24, 1994. Various organizations were invited to this meeting. My question to the Minister is what aboriginal organizations were invited to participate in the meeting held on October 24th?

Thank you. Minister of Personnel, Ms. Mike. Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. That does fall under the Financial Management Board, Madam Speaker. Good afternoon. Madam Speaker, I believe I've sent the list around to Members and I'll do the same again for Mr. Koe. It was a rather long list and I can't recall from memory, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Can the Minister responsible then indicate briefly what were the terms of reference for this review?

Thank you. Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Madam Speaker, there were no terms of reference other than the fact that we were seeking input from interested groups who were affected across the Northwest Territories by the affirmative action policy on how we should go about reviewing this policy because it was a commitment by the government of the day that the policy would be reviewed in this particular year. We were asking for their input on how the process should go. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Following these preliminary discussions, has the government decided on the process to follow to review the affirmative action policy?

Thank you. Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Pollard.

No decision has been made yet, Madam Speaker. There will be another meeting of that particular group, but as a polling of the people who we believe are most affected before we decide on a process. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. There has been some criticism by some of the groups that were involved in the initial meetings that they weren't going to be involved in a meaningful way. Is the Minister taking those comments into consideration, and is the Minister going to involve the aboriginal organizations in a meaningful way in the review of the affirmative action policy?

Thank you. Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Madam Speaker, if I had not meant to involve those groups and seek their counsel then I would have just gone out and done the review internally. It is, I believe, incumbent upon this government to consult with the people who are most affected and ask for their input. I believe it will probably end up in some public consultation as well, at least in the regional centres. Not only will we be talking to the territorial organizations, but I think we will be able to get to the regions and allow the public and organizations at the community level to give us input as well. So, yes, there will be involvement. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there is a treaty elder who lives in Dettah charged with killing a caribou at the end of the Ingraham Trail. This elder lives alone in his log cabin and he doesn't speak or read English. He is apparently very hurt and very confused by the charge. He believes that his treaty rights protect his right to hunt. Because the Minister of Renewable Resources isn't here, I will direct my question to the Premier.

Will the Premier look into this case and report back to the House the particulars of this case before we recess this session? Thank you.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

I will take the Member's question and report back tomorrow. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Justice. During the past year, the communities of Inuvik, Aklavik, Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic have been working towards the establishment of a Mackenzie Delta Legal Services Committee. I understand that all the paperwork has been done and the new society is awaiting formal approval. Can the Minister advise this House as to the status of the application to establish the Mackenzie Delta Legal Services Committee?

Thank you. Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. I understand that all the documents have been signed, but no money has changed hands yet. Can the Minister indicate when the formal contribution agreements will be signed?

Thank you. Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. Will the Minister make this a priority to ensure that the agreements are signed and money gets transferred so they can hire their director? Mahsi.

Thank you. Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Madam Speaker, when the Government of the Northwest Territories signed the block funding agreement with the city of Yellowknife, the Minister of the day agreed that the government continue to fund the deteriorating downtown sewer and water system of the city of Yellowknife. My understanding is there have been negotiations between the city and the government and discussions between the Financial Management Board Secretariat and the Minister. Could the Minister of MACA inform this House of what she has done to live up to the commitment of her department to the city of Yellowknife?

Thank you. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The commitment I made at the time Pat McMahon was mayor is still in effect. The new mayor and I have been trying to find a date for us to meet so the talks could continue. To date, we haven't finalized it because my schedule hasn't allowed it. But hopefully sometime towards the end of this month, I will be meeting with the mayor of the city of Yellowknife to discuss this further. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Last month, the Public Utilities Board held hearings in Yellowknife on phase II of the general rate application of the NWT Power Corporation. I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board whether the board plans any further hearings on this specific application. Thank you.

Thank you. Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't believe there is any intention to hold any specific meetings with respect to these hearings. There is an intention to go out into the communities, as was suggested last week, for future hearings, but not at this time. Thank you.