I am in receipt of Mr. Legaree's resignation and it is in protest of the way Inuvik's bid was handled. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Item 6, oral questions. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to present the first report of the Special Joint Committee on Division.

Executive Summary

The special joint committee was established by Motion 14-12(5) of the Legislative Assembly on February 25, 1994. This report outlines some of the activities in which the special joint committee has been involved, indicates the main issues that have received consideration and presents a number of recommendations.

Over the past decade the people of the Northwest Territories have taken enormous steps in their political evolution. The highlights include responsible government, the acquisition of more province-like powers, land claims settlements and the passage of the Nunavut Act.

These are remarkable feats, of which the people of the Northwest Territories may justly feel proud. But these accomplishments give rise to further challenges that must be met before our tasks are complete.

We must ensure that division occurs in a way that is not disruptive, either to Nunavut or to the west. We must ensure that the fiscal base of the territories is not subject to continuing erosion in the period leading up to 1999 and that the incremental costs of division are met by the federal government. We face the challenge of designing -- through the Constitutional Development Steering Committee and the constitutional conferences -- a constitutional framework for the west. These goals must be met in a climate of severe fiscal restraint.

The remaining life of this Assembly will correspond to a period of crucial decision-making that will determine how division is to proceed. In January and February, the Nunavut Implementation Commission will be carrying out a process of community consultation, prior to finalizing a major report by the end of March. This report is expected to deal with such issues as a process for determining the location of a capital for Nunavut, the administrative design of the Nunavut government, training and human resource development issues and infrastructure requirements. It is intended to provide the basis for a federal Cabinet submission for the fall of next year. It is very clear, then, that in this period we must work closely with the NIC and with Nunavut Tunngavik on the Nunavut planning process and ensure that all the cost implications are identified and provided for by the federal government. This period is a window of opportunity. What happens may determine the direction of key division events over the next four or five years. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

For the western NWT, the next period will also be of critical importance. Here the challenge is for many diverse groups to work together to craft a governmental structure which can serve all, but respect the diversities between us. The Constitutional Development Steering Committee has been created as a forum where aboriginal and non-aboriginal interests, women's groups, tax-based municipalities and MLAs can work towards the goal of a governmental structure appropriate to the western NWT that can be put in place when division occurs. The holding of a major constitutional conference from January 19th to 22nd of next year, preceded by a period of community consultations that is already under way, will be a benchmark in this process. Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I would ask my co-chair, Mr. Todd, to present the balance of the report. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Antoine. While the division process will impact the west and Nunavut in different ways, there are common elements both east and west that are useful to remember. We have a common interest in ensuring that our funding base is protected. We have a common interest in decision-making through a consensual process. We realize, both east and west, that fragmented we will accomplish nothing, but that together we can do remarkable things. We face many similar problems of protecting our aboriginal cultures and languages, of improving social and economic conditions in communities, of training a workforce with the skills required for the 21st century. We face great challenges, but believe that we can meet those challenges.

The special joint committee has also given attention to some of the legislative and constitutional implications of division. Although existing territorial laws will continue in force in each territory after division, there will be a need for separate statutory consolidations. In addition, it is important that both Nunavut and the western territory receive representation in the Senate in accordance with Canadian constitutional precedent. While these issues may appear to be somewhat distant in time, they will be affected by decisions over the next 10 to 12 months.

The report of the special joint committee contains a number of recommendations to the Executive Council and others, based on our deliberations since February. As we have observed, we are entering into a period when critical decisions will be taken, and we must ensure that these decisions are carefully considered and in our fundamental best interests.

The recommendations of the special joint committee are in keeping with the assessment that is sketched above:

-we agree with the assessment of the NIC that the original date proposed for the federal Cabinet submission on Nunavut -- that is, March of 1995 -- is unrealistic and should be deferred, as suggested, to September;

-a consultative mechanism needs to be developed by the Government of the NWT to allow individual departments to provide advice to the NIC;

-all government departments need to begin now to develop comprehensive implementation plans for division;

-training strategies, both for Nunavut and the western territory, are required and incremental funding must be identified for training and human resources development;

-Mr. Speaker, the business incentive policy must be applied to Nunavut infrastructure, and the responsibility for the management of infrastructure construction should be transferred to the Government of the NWT;

-funding options for the two territories require further consideration and discussions should be begun with the federal government on the recovery of incremental costs;

-a statute revision bill should be enacted at the next session of the Legislative Assembly to provide for the appointment of a Statute Revision Commissioner; and,

-the Executive Council should pursue the issue of Senate representation with the federal government to ensure that both Nunavut and the western territory are represented in the Senate of Canada after 1999.

Mr. Speaker, prior to proposing the motion for receiving the report of the Special Joint Committee on Division, our report is very lengthy, Mr. Speaker, therefore, I seek unanimous consent to consider the report read, as presented, and printed in Hansard.

The Minister is asking that the report be considered read, presented and printed in Hansard. Are there any nays? There are no nays.

Summary Of Recommendations

1. That the timing of the federal Cabinet submission on the establishment of Nunavut be deferred until September 1995 in accordance with the recommendation of the Nunavut Implementation Commission.

2. That the Government of the Northwest Territories develop a consultation mechanism to allow individual departments, agencies, boards and corporations to provide advice to the Nunavut Implementation Commission on the manner in which programs can most effectively be delivered in Nunavut after 1999.

3. That the Government of the Northwest Territories direct each of its departments, agencies, boards and corporations develop a comprehensive implementation plan for division.

4. That the Government of the NWT work with the other parties to the division process to develop a training strategy for Nunavut public government.

5. That requirements for adequate incremental training moneys be identified in the process leading up to the 1995 federal Cabinet submission.

6. That delivery arrangements for incremental training moneys be developed in a collaborative process with the parties to the establishment of Nunavut.

7. That the Government of the NWT begin the development of a training strategy appropriate to the western NWT in collaboration with the parties to the western constitutional process.

8. That suitable arrangements be made to transfer the responsibility for the construction of Nunavut infrastructure to the Government of the NWT, up to 1999, and the Government of Nunavut, after 1999;

9. That the business incentive policy of the Government of the NWT, as amended from time to time, be applied to the construction and maintenance of all Nunavut infrastructure.

10. That available funding options for two distinct territories be assessed, including transition arrangements for an interim period following 1999, consistent with the constitutional evolution of the NWT and the provisions of the Nunavut political accord.

11. That discussions be initiated with the federal government on the recovery of "reasonable incremental costs" incurred by the Government of the NWT from the establishment of Nunavut.

12. That the Government of the NWT ensure that the issue of incremental costs be resolved in a satisfactory manner through the 1995 federal Cabinet submission.

13. That the Executive Council request the Department of Justice to prepare a statute revision bill for consideration during the First Session of the 13th Assembly;

14. That the said bill provide for the appointment of a Statute Revision Commissioner with the responsibility of preparing the statutes of Nunavut and the western territory.

15. That the Executive Council secure the agreement of the Government of Canada that the costs of preparing the legislative revisions be regarded as "reasonable incremental costs" within the meaning of part 8.3 of the Nunavut political accord.

16. That Nunavut and the western territory receive separate representation in the Senate of Canada;

17. That the Executive Council address the issue of Senate representation with the federal government prior to the 1995 federal Cabinet submission on Nunavut.

Introduction

The Special Joint Committee on Division was established by Motion 14-12(5) of the Legislative Assembly on February 25, 1994. Since its establishment, the special joint committee has held a total of 12 meetings as well as a number of administration meetings.

The special joint committee delivered its first report to Members at the April 11 to 14, 1994 strategic planning workshop in Fort Smith. A further report was provided to Caucus on August 19, 1994.

This report is provided to the Assembly to inform Members of some of the issues that the special joint committee has been considering and to advise the Assembly and Executive Council as to certain conclusions and recommendations upon which the Members of the special joint committee are agreed.

The Challenge

The people of the Northwest Territories have accomplished enormous political and constitutional tasks in the past decade. We have seen steady progress through the attainment of responsible government, the gradual acquisition of province-like powers and responsibilities, the settlement of aboriginal land claims, the decision to establish Nunavut and to frame a constitution for the western territory.

On April 1, 1999 we will have two territories. We will thus have accomplished one of our greatest aspirations. But this great aspiration is also a great challenge. It will require our concentrated attention to ensure that division occurs in a way that is not disruptive to our citizens in Nunavut and in the west, that our financial stability is not eroded in the process and that the federal government meets all its obligations under the Nunavut political accord, and other agreements and understandings, in a timely manner.

The year 1999 is now less than five years from us, and we do not have the luxury of extra time. It is important that the division planning process proceed quickly and that it be guided by a clear political vision.

This report is of an interim nature and is not intended to articulate that vision. But it does state some of the key tasks to which the special joint committee has given attention, outlines some of the work that is currently under way and indicates steps that need to be taken in the period ahead.

Establishment Of Special Project Panels/Working Groups

The special joint committee's terms of reference provide it with the authority to establish special project panels on matters where specialized advice and expertise or a common information base may be required.

Consultation has taken place at the officials level with the Nunavut Implementation Commission (NIC), Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), the Constitutional Development Steering Committee (CDSC) and the federal government on the setting up of a number of panels or working groups on a range of division topics. The Executive Council, through the Division Review Secretariat, has also been consulted on these initiatives.

A Coordinating Committee of Officials, with representation from all of the groups noted, has been established to oversee the working groups. On the advice of the coordinating committee, the special committee has approved the formation of four special project working groups, with an agreed membership, to address the following issues:

-Nunavut infrastructure;

-human resource planning and training for Nunavut public government;

-administrative structures for Nunavut public government; and,

-financing two territories.

It is intended that the working groups complete their agreed research projects by the end of this calendar year. At that time, an assessment of the data gathered will be made and further research needs determined. The special joint committee will therefore provide further details on the status of the working groups, and the outcome of the research, in a future report.

Nunavut Sivummut - Rankin Inlet Economic Conference

The mandate of the special committee contemplated a working group on economic opportunities arising from division. However, following consultation through the Coordinating Committee of Officials, it was decided to limit the number of working groups to the four areas noted, as these were considered to require the most immediate attention. Nevertheless, to ensure some focus upon the economic area, the special committee provided the NTI with financial assistance to organize a conference in Rankin Inlet on October 25th to 27th entitled "Nunavut: Building Our Economy Together."

This conference was attended by approximately 140 people including representation from NTI, NIC, the MP for Nunatsiaq, the Senator for the NWT, four MLAs, private sector interests and federal and territorial officials.

Over the three-day period, this large and diverse gathering succeeded in articulating the elements of a "common vision" for the future development of Nunavut. These were that the social ills affecting Nunavut society are a priority which must be addressed; that formal education, the completion of higher grades and continuation into post-secondary education must be encouraged; that practical training applicable to the job market must be developed; and, that students must be given support and preparation for participation in the workforce.

The NTI intends to analyze the information brought forward by the conference delegates and to create an economic development action plan based on the common vision. The special joint committee regards this as an important initiative toward the end of ensuring that social, economic and political development reinforce and strengthen each other in a common process. The special joint committee intends to give further attention to economic development, as a vital part of the division process, in the new year.

Rescheduling Of March 1995 Federal Cabinet Submission On Nunavut

When it approved the establishment of Nunavut, the previous federal government also decided that the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development should return to Cabinet in March of 1995 for further direction on the creation of Nunavut. In particular, major funding allocations for division were not made by the federal Cabinet in 1993.

The delay in establishing the Nunavut Implementation Commission (NIC) and other factors have since made the March 1995 target date unworkable. In particular, this deadline does not allow sufficient time for the process of community consultation and consensus-building that the NIC must carry out in order to develop its recommendations.

The special joint committee's co-chairs met with their NIC and NTI counterparts on May 31, 1994 to review this issue. On September 19, 1994 the chairperson of the NIC wrote to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the president of NTI and the Premier to recommend that the federal Cabinet submission be rescheduled to September of 1995. By letter dated October 26, 1994, the Premier advised the other parties to the Nunavut process of her support for this proposal.

Recommendation 1

That the timing of the federal Cabinet submission on the establishment of Nunavut be deferred until September 1995 in accordance with the recommendation of the Nunavut Implementation Commission.

The GNWT's Role In The Preparation Of The Federal Cabinet Submission

As noted in the previous section, all major parties in the establishment of a new Nunavut government have recommended that the federal Cabinet submission on Nunavut be rescheduled to September 1995. It is our understanding to meet this deadline, the comprehensive report that the Nunavut Implementation Commission will submit to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, that will assist in the submission of the set of recommendations to the federal Cabinet, must be completed by March of 1995. This is only four short months away.

The GNWT, through the Division Review Secretariat, is working with the Nunavut Implementation Commission to provide detailed information of a financial, structural and program nature to assist the NIC with this report.

At the same time, the special joint committee understands that officials of the Nunavut Implementation Commission will be meeting with deputy ministers and other senior managers next week. We are of the view that such meetings are critical as NIC begins to develop its comprehensive report, a document that will outline in great detail the administrative structure and financial costs of the new Nunavut government. We encourage a more coordinated process to ensure that deputy ministers and other senior managers, who are now responsible for the provision of government programs, provide advice directly to the NIC during the development of this document.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of the Northwest Territories develop a consultation mechanism to allow individual departments, agencies, boards and corporations to provide advice to the Nunavut Implementation Commission on the manner in which programs can most effectively be delivered in Nunavut after 1999.

At the same time, the special joint committee recognizes the importance for each department of the GNWT to have a comprehensive operational plan and trained management staff in place to continue to deliver programs in Nunavut and the west in an effective and efficient manner after April 1, 1999. It is our view that each department should have a comprehensive implementation plan in place to ensure that this will occur.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of the Northwest Territories direct each of its departments, agencies, boards and corporations develop a comprehensive implementation plan for division.

DIAND Nunavut Training Budget

Another issue which emerged shortly after the Fort Smith workshop concerned federal financial support for training initiatives to prepare Nunavut residents for public sector employment opportunities. Although significant progress has been made in improving the recruitment of Nunavut residents within the territorial public service, Nunavut poses new challenges and new opportunities. Among the most important tasks we face in the period to 1999 is that of ensuring that Nunavut residents have the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to staff the Nunavut public service.

Recognition of the importance of training and human resources planning is contained in the Nunavut political accord, which states that "investing in people is of greater value than investing in infrastructure." Effective investment, however, whether in people or in infrastructure, requires sound analysis and planning as well as a source of funds.

In the latter regard, DIAND has made funding of $420,000 available for fiscal year 1994-95, to be directed through contribution agreements to support Arctic College and GNWT programs. A further $2.5 million is available for allocation in 1995-96. This funding is incremental to existing federal and territorial training moneys and was secured by DIAND through the 1993 Cabinet submission. Incremental funding beyond fiscal year 1995-96 is expected to be determined by the federal Cabinet through the 1995 submission. The special joint committee was pleased to note the utilization of Arctic College to provide this additional training.

It is critical, for further training funding to be secured and effectively utilized, that a training strategy be developed to cover the establishment of Nunavut. This strategy can most effectively be developed on a cooperative basis between the NIC, NTI and the federal and territorial governments.

With regard to the western NWT, although the situation is more complex, a beginning needs to be made towards the development of an effective training strategy that can be meshed with the process of western political development.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of the NWT work with the other parties to the division process to develop a training strategy for Nunavut public government.

Recommendation 5

That requirements for adequate incremental training moneys be identified in the process leading up to the 1995 federal Cabinet submission.

Recommendation 6

That delivery arrangements for incremental training moneys be developed in a collaborative process with the parties to the establishment of Nunavut.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of the NWT begin the development of a training strategy appropriate to the western NWT in collaboration with the parties to the western constitutional process.

Construction Of Nunavut Infrastructure - Northern Benefits

While the extent of additional infrastructure construction required for Nunavut is still in the process of determination, it is critical that the benefits of this construction not be reaped primarily by companies located in southern Canada using an imported workforce. The Government of the Northwest Territories has a management regime in place and has the technical expertise to handle such construction. In addition, through its Business Incentives Policy (BIP), the Government of the NWT has developed procedures and policies to ensure northern and local benefits. The BIP is currently being reviewed through a process of public consultation to ensure its effectiveness in this regard.

Currently, DIAND's Nunavut Implementation Secretariat has the planning budget and the project leader responsibility for the construction of additional territorial infrastructure required for Nunavut. The project management responsibility for this infrastructure has been assigned to Public Works Canada (PWC). In addition, PWC has both the project leader and the project management responsibility for any additional federal infrastructure required as a result of division.

Following consultation with NIC, NTI and the Executive Council, the special joint committee therefore recommended to the Premier that the federal government should transfer responsibility for the construction of Nunavut infrastructure to the GNWT, through to 1999, and the Nunavut Government, after 1999. On this basis the Premier wrote to the Minister of DIAND on August 19th to convey a firm statement of the Government of the NWT's position on this matter.

Recommendation 8

That suitable arrangements be made to transfer the responsibility for the construction of Nunavut infrastructure to the Government of the NWT, up to 1999, and the Government of Nunavut, after 1999.

Recommendation 9

That the business incentives policy of the Government of the NWT, as amended from time to time, be applied to the construction and maintenance of all Nunavut infrastructure.

Formula Negotiations And Incremental Costs Of Division

Another matter which the special joint committee has addressed involves advice to the Minister of Finance on division issues and the relationship of these to the negotiation of a new federal/territorial formula financing agreement.

The current formula financing agreement is scheduled to expire on March 31, 1995, and discussions are in progress on a successor agreement. As all are aware, a climate of "fiscal constraint" is now pervasive. A serious concern on the part of the special joint committee is that the federal government's commitment, given in the Nunavut political accord, to fund "reasonable incremental costs arising from the creation and operation of the Government of Nunavut" will be devalued by adjustments to the formula or by funding erosion in other areas. Such funding erosion has already been experienced in the critical area of housing.

In this context, the special joint committee has conveyed to the Minister of Finance the view that it is imperative that extraordinary costs accruing to the Government of the NWT relating to education, training, human resource development and infrastructure, and other incremental costs incurred in the process leading up to the establishment of two territories, be recovered from the federal government. A further issue is posed by incremental costs that may arise from the negotiation of self-government in the western territory. Such incremental costs, arising from federal commitments and the special constitutional status of the aboriginal peoples, must likewise be met by the federal government. In addition, careful analysis needs to be made of the future funding arrangements that may apply to the two territorial governments after 1999. At the present time, it is not at all clear how the present formula arrangements could apply in the context of division, and this issue requires scrutiny.

The special joint committee is advised that, in response to these representations, the Financial Management Board Secretariat has directed that managers track all division-related expenditures, including time spent on division-related activities. The Financial Management Board has also issued directives that all expenditures for service benefits and all revenues be coded for geographic assignation.

Data to permit further analysis of the type of formula arrangements that might be applicable to two new territories after 1999 is currently being gathered under the auspices of the working group on financing two territories.

Recommendation 10

That available funding options for two distinct territories be assessed, including transition arrangements for an interim period following 1999, consistent with the constitutional evolution of the NWT and the provisions of the Nunavut political accord.

Recommendation 11

That discussions be initiated with the federal government on the recovery of "reasonable incremental costs" incurred by the Government of the NWT from the establishment of Nunavut.

Recommendation 12

That the Government of the NWT ensure that the issue of incremental costs be resolved in a satisfactory manner through the 1995 federal Cabinet submission.

Legislative Requirements Arising From Division

The special joint committee requested a review by the Department of Justice of the legislative requirements arising from division.

These revisions could be accomplished by the appointment of a single Statute Revision Commissioner with the statutory authority to prepare legislative revisions for both territories.

Recommendation 13

That the Executive Council request the Department of Justice to prepare a statute revision bill for consideration during the First Session of the 13th Assembly;

Recommendation 14

That the said bill provide for the appointment of a Statute Revision Commissioner with the responsibility of preparing the statutes of Nunavut and the western territory.

Recommendation 15

That the Executive Council secure the agreement of the Government of Canada that the costs of preparing the legislative revisions be regarded as "reasonable incremental costs" within the meaning of part 8.3 of the Nunavut political accord.

Constitutional Issues

There are references to the "Northwest Territories" in a number of constitutional documents which should be modified to refer to Nunavut and the western territory. Of particular importance is the Constitution Act (No. 2), 1975, which provides for a single Senator to represent the Northwest Territories. Unless this act is amended by 1999, a constitutional anomaly will be created whereby two jurisdictions are represented by a single Senator. In accordance with Canadian constitutional practice, Nunavut and the western territory should each receive representation in the Senate.

In order to ensure that this issue is addressed by the federal government, it should be raised in senior bilateral discussions. While this issue is not of compelling urgency, it is an issue on which discussions should commence.

Recommendation 16

That Nunavut and the western territory receive separate representation in the Senate of Canada.

Recommendation 17

That the Executive Council address the issue of Senate representation with the federal government prior to the 1995 federal Cabinet submission on Nunavut.

Public Information Initiatives

The special joint committee's terms of reference specifically state that it will not undertake any public information programs on division issues. Rather, the committee may contribute material to public information programs initiated by other participants in the division process.

At the request of the Division Review Secretariat, consideration was given to a modest proposal to produce a brochure or flyer which primarily intended to identify participants in the division process, their mandates and contacts for further information. The proposal also included preparation of text on division which could be inserted in MLAs' constituency newsletters.

The special joint committee recommended that preparation and distribution of the brochure or flyer and newsletter text should be the responsibility of the Assembly's public information office.

The former has been distributed to the public through NWT newspapers in late June and early July. The latter is available to MLAs upon request.

Consideration will also be given to ongoing contributions by the special joint committee to public information initiatives such as the Nunatsiaq News special report on Nunavut which contained reports on implementation of the Inuit land claim and activities of NIC and other Nunavut organizations. Consideration will also be given to contribute to the public information that will be produced by the Constitutional Development Steering Committee.

Liaison With Other Participants In The Division Process

Formal and informal contact between the co-chairs and their NIC/NTI counterparts has been productive and while there are no plans to institute regular sessions, agreement has been reached to meet as required to deal with outstanding concerns or issues before they become major problems.

The special joint committee will be seeking a briefing on the CDSC process once plans are confirmed for the upcoming constitutional conference.

The special joint committee's support staff are in regular contact with their counterparts in the Division Review Secretariat which is the "window" into the administration on division issues. Officials have also maintained contact with and participated in meetings of representatives from all participants in the division process, including NIC, NTI, CDSC and the federal government.

Members are advised that the special committee helped to facilitate a briefing by CDSC chairman, Mr. Koe, at the June Nunavut leaders' meeting in Iqaluit. In addition, the special committee has assisted the Nunavut Caucus in preparing for Nunavut leaders' meetings.

Future Activities

The period from now until the federal Cabinet submission on Nunavut, expected in the fall of next year, will be critical. The special joint committee must continue to work in cooperation with the NIC, NTI and other northern interests to ensure that our vision of the way division should occur is a common one, and one that is conveyed to the federal government forcefully and effectively. Especially critical areas for attention are human resources development and training, responsibility for infrastructure construction, the securing of reasonable incremental costs, the protection of the existing fiscal base and a satisfactory resolution of constitutional issues.

In the western NWT the process is at a different evolutionary stage. However, the special joint committee sees as critical the consultative process that the CDSC is now undertaking in western communities, and the first of the two proposed constitutional conferences.

It also important that the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development clarify his policies to northerners with regard to the western constitutional process and its relationship to such other processes as self-government and the inherent right. It is difficult for the CDSC and the special joint committee to clarify the options for western constitutional development given the uncertainty that is now current with regard to federal intentions.

Please proceed, Mr. Todd.

Motion To Receive Committee Report 1-12(7) And Move To Committee Of The Whole, Carried

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the Special Joint Committee on Division. Therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the first report of the Special Joint Committee on Division be received by the Assembly and moved into committee of the whole.

That is a motion, but we don't have a quorum. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question.

The Clerk has rung the bell. The motion is in order. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 93(4) and have the first report of the Special Joint Committee on Division placed on the order paper for committee of the whole today. Thank you.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 93(4) and place the report in committee of the whole today. Are there any nays? There are no nays.

The report is referred to committee of the whole for today.

It has been a long afternoon and I've been called a Madam and a Chair, and a few other things. But, now we've been called to join Mr. Kakfwi who will be making a presentation, I believe, during the break. So, we will have a short break and will continue the business of the House after we've had a 15-minute rest.

---SHORT RECESS

We're on item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS, the residents of Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet have infrastructure needs similar to those of all other NWT residents;

AND WHEREAS, their needs have been ignored by the Canada/NWT community allocations under the national infrastructure program;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik, that the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories consider an allocation of $50,000 total to the communities of Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet under the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ng. The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are 60 residents in the community of Umingmaktok and 22 residents in the community of Bathurst Inlet. Even though these communities are not formally recognized as communities by the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories does provide a school in Umingmaktok, including a teacher, housing through the alternate housing programs, health care, social services, funding for northern games and the POL supply to both of those communities.

There are other communities in the NWT that are of the same or smaller size that have received an allocation, even though it may be the minimum allocation of $25,000 under the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement. I don't believe it is fair to exclude other communities because of their designation or lack of official recognition by our government. The communities of Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet have identified needs for infrastructure. Recently, they've requested that there be community freezers placed in their communities because they don't have any power there, so they need some kind of food storage over the summer months.

As I've mentioned before, they have additional housing needs that haven't been attended to over the years. And another recent issue that has come forward from the community of Umingmaktok regards their school. They have asked that their school be renovated because it was built in 1977. It is 1,047 square feet and while it may have been adequate when it was built, since the growth of the community, it is no longer adequate.

Finally, I think that the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement currently has an amount of $800,000 identified as a contingency fund for addressing special needs and I think this particular circumstance would warrant that they be eligible under this fund. So, I would like to ask all Members to support this motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ng. To the motion. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to be supporting this motion. I agree that traditional communities, even though they aren't recognized by this government, should get the necessary funding that is required to make life a little better and a little easier for people who choose to live in these communities. It is not a community recognized by the government; however, this is a traditional community which has been there for many, many years.

I recall that when we were in Cambridge Bay for our workshop a couple of years ago, we went to the elders' centre and many of the elders who spoke talked about how they weren't from Cambridge Bay but they were from other communities that no longer exist. They talked in a longing way that they would still like to be in these places. Unfortunately, they were moved to this big centre. These are two communities who are choosing to remain.

There is a contingency fund in the Canada/NWT infrastructure agreement of $800,000 and the request in this motion is for a small portion of that. As a result, I support this motion 100 per cent, that they should get the funding that has been requested. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Is there anybody else who wants to speak to this motion? Mr. Patterson.