This is page numbers 715 - 743 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 6th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was chairman.

Topics

Members Present

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

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Minister's Statement 51-12(6): Trade Mission
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

This evening, Madam Speaker, I will be leaving Yellowknife to participate in Prime Minister Chretien's trade mission to Asia. Madam Speaker, the purpose of the mission, with visits to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, is to highlight and strengthen Canada's trade relationship with China.

With over 1.2 billion people and an average growth in gross domestic product of over nine per cent in the last 10 years, the Chinese government has shown great interest in developing commercial relations with Canada. The trade mission will allow Canada to cultivate that interest and to examine areas of economic cooperation.

The mission includes a special trade forum, involving the Prime Minister and Premiers, during the annual general meeting of the Canada China Business Council. More than 300 Canadian business people, including Andy Clark of Clark Builders and Canadian International Builders, will be attending the general meeting in Beijing. Mr. Clark's firm has a number of housing projects in Beijing. Another Yellowknife firm, Ferguson, Simek and Clark, is also active in the area.

Madam Speaker, members of the territorial government's delegation include Mr. Roland Bailey, deputy minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and Mr. Geoffery Soh, an economic planner in that department. The plan is to promote northern products and investment opportunities during the many meetings that have been arranged during the 10-day trade mission. We will also be promoting Chinese participation in the prospects north conference to be held in Yellowknife next September. There will also be opportunities for informal discussions on domestic and territorial issues with other Premiers and the Prime Minister.

Madam Speaker, during my absence from Yellowknife, the Hon. John Pollard will be acting Premier and acting Minister responsible for Health and Social Services. The Hon. Stephen Kakfwi will be acting Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. I have asked the Hon. Don

Morin to be the acting Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate. Thank you.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 51-12(6): Trade Mission
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Rebecca Mike will be absent from the House today, tomorrow and Monday to represent Cabinet at the memorial service in Iqaluit and to spend some time with the people in the community. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Kivallivik, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Minister's Statement 53-12(6): Fur Pricing Program
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to announce the start of a new program for fur harvesters. The fur pricing program improves upon and will replace the existing fur incentive subsidy.

The fur pricing program is part of the NWT fur strategy which is based on our harvesters marketing the highest quality fur they can produce. Through the fur pricing policy, the Government of the Northwest Territories will guarantee to pay harvesters a fixed minimum price for pelts that are in good condition and handled properly. The species included in the program for the 1994-95 harvesting season are seal, coloured fox, Arctic fox, marten, mink, muskrat and beaver. These species were selected because their numbers are healthy enough that they can stand the pressure of increased harvesting.

Pelts that are in poor condition, stretched improperly, damaged or poorly skinned will not be eligible for the guaranteed prices, but this fur will continue to be handled through the fur advance program, as has always been the case in the past. The Department of Renewable Resources will offer ongoing harvester education workshops in all regions which cover proper pelt handling techniques.

This new program is slightly different from the initial proposal reviewed by fur harvesters earlier this summer. The new program responds to the request from fur harvesters that the program maintain the fall payment. This means that harvesters will receive a set amount, according to the price schedule, when the pelt is brought in and a second instalment which will be paid just prior to the start of the next harvesting season.

Madam Speaker, as the government supports northern business and at least one-third of raw pelts are marketed through private fur vendors such as cooperatives, we were careful not to disrupt this market with our pricing. We have set the first instalment to harvesters as near to actual free market price for the pelts as possible. The second instalment will be paid to both harvesters who sell their fur through the Department of Renewable Resources and to those who sell their fur privately. In this way, harvesters who sell privately are not penalized and private fur vendors will not be adversely affected by the government's higher prices for raw furs.

Through the fur pricing program, harvesters of good quality fur will receive an increased price for their pelts, whether they sell them through Renewable Resources or a private fur vendor. The objectives of this program are to entice more people to participate in fur harvesting; to promote the harvest of good quality fur to assist in the market of NWT fur as the best money can buy; and, to provide a fair price to Inuit for seal pelts which, since the mid-1980s, they have not received. The guaranteed price schedule will be revised each year after consideration of current harvest levels, fur bearer population levels, market prices and the potential cost of the program.

Madam Speaker, I believe this new program, which goes into effect immediately, will encourage residents to return to the honourable occupation of harvesting fur and ensure the production of good quality fur to expand the NWT fur industry. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 53-12(6): Fur Pricing Program
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to announce that November 13 to 19, 1994 is National Addictions Awareness Week. During this week, events will take place in communities across the Northwest Territories to raise awareness about addictions, advertise programs and services that are available to those who need help dealing with additions issues, and promote activities that are alcohol and drug free.

The problem of addictions in the NWT is becoming more serious and more complex. Cross-addictions, where a person addicted to one substance is also addicted to another or several others, are now appearing. In addition to alcohol, solvents, drugs and tobacco, gambling addiction is an increasing concern. National Addictions Awareness Week provides an opportunity for all of us to consider the impact of addictions on northern families and communities, and to learn about healthier lifestyles.

During National Addictions Awareness Week, community alcohol and drug projects, treatment centres and many other concerned individuals, groups and agencies work together to promote healthy lifestyles that exclude alcohol, other drugs, tobacco and gambling. This year, in recognition of the International Year of the Family, many groups are focusing on healthy family living.

I encourage all NWT residents to get involved in the variety of activities that have been planned in communities throughout the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Export Of Bear Gallbladders To China
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I've been asked by one of my constituents to raise this issue. Since the Premier is going to China and China is the recipient of the gallbladders of bears, I would like to ask the Minister of Renewable Resources since, according to the record, there have been a large number of bears killed in the barren lands over the years, whether there is any evidence that the gallbladders have been removed from these animals for export to such places as Hong Kong and China.

Export Of Bear Gallbladders To China
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

---Laughter

Allocation Of Housing Based On Needs Survey
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As everyone in the House knows, I have a major concern about the way the Housing Corporation allocates new units to the communities of the Northwest Territories. Madam Speaker, while I appreciate the job the Minister is doing with the limited resources available to this department, I, nonetheless, firmly believe that the allocation of housing according to the 1992 needs survey is flawed.

If, in fact, the allocation of housing is based on the 1992 housing needs survey, it seems to me, Madam Speaker, that the number of houses built in each community each year would remain constant. Every year, Madam Speaker, since we have implemented the allocation of housing based on the needs survey, we have reviewed the number of units that each community was to receive for the upcoming fiscal year. So why is it, Madam Speaker, if the entire process of allocation is based on the 1992 housing needs survey, that when it comes to the actual construction year, the allocations are again changed from the forecast in the main estimates?

Have the housing needs in a given community changed since the 1992 survey? Madam Speaker, how do these allocations change from year to year? If they are building, for example, 13 units in Hay River or three units in Fort Providence, shouldn't the allocations remain the same for the next year, or at least remain constant until the next housing needs survey?

Madam Speaker, the entire process of allocation, particularly in communities where there exists a viable rental market, disturbs me. It is, I believe, the smaller communities and those without a rental market that require our help. As the Minister indicates, there are a number of communities nearing Yellowknife's status as a community that are not eligible for funding under programs available in the NWT Housing Corporation.

I have concerns that these communities will continue to receive units under the Housing Corporation's program, even after they have been designated as having a viable housing market.

Madam Speaker, I would like to get unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Allocation Of Housing Based On Needs Survey
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Allocation Of Housing Based On Needs Survey
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker, honourable Members. I have a concern that these communities will continue to receive units under the Housing Corporation's program, even after they have been designated as having a viable housing market, as a matter of political expediency.

Madam Speaker, the Minister has stated on numerous occasions that the allocation of housing based on the needs survey was the only way of ensuring an equitable distribution of limited housing program dollars; that basing allocation on the needs survey also ensured that the number of allocations for a community would not be influenced by the political process; and, that all residents of the Northwest Territories would be treated fairly.

I don't believe that the housing programs are being distributed in an equitable manner. I believe the residents of my constituency are getting the short end of the stick. Mahsi cho, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Allocation Of Housing Based On Needs Survey
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Need For Expediency In Devolution Of Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today the Premier is heading off to be part of a very important trade delegation to China. It is a sign of the times how much the Northwest Territories has grown over the years that our Premier now, as a matter of course, is considered equal to Premiers across the country. I think it is a very important trip to us, even though the Northwest Territories won't be selling Candu reactors in China -- the Prime Minister might be -- we have an opportunity to look at trade opportunities with China but, more importantly, our Premier will have an opportunity to be with the Prime Minister and the Premiers for a long period of time, away from Ottawa.

She will be able to have frank conversations with the Prime Minister to remind him of the solemn commitments he has made to the Legislative Assembly and the people of the Northwest Territories. It was right here a year ago when the Prime Minister promised that he would devolve programs to the Northwest Territories at a speed decided by us. Mr. Lewis brought that again to the House's attention very recently.

I think that there is a very important reality that all of us in the Northwest Territories have to accept. I know there are certain groups in the territories that are against devolution. The reality, because of the mountain of debt that the federal government faces, the federal government over the next two or three years is going to be gutting a lot of their programs. And if we don't get those programs devolved to our government in the next two or three years, there will be nothing left but empty shells. For those who say that we have to wait until we've decided our constitution in the future, I think we're only deluding ourselves. I say, take the programs, take them now so we'll have resources. In due course, we'll decide how those programs should be apportioned among the governments of the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, I will be going on beyond the next 15 seconds. Can I seek unanimous consent to complete my statement?

Need For Expediency In Devolution Of Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Need For Expediency In Devolution Of Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I feel rested after that slight pause.

The Government of Canada also has raised serious expectations in the north with division. The reality is, unless our government and the new government in Nunavut are able to get adequate incremental funding to pay for division, all of us are going to have a tough time in the next four or five years. I think the Prime Minister should be reminded again of that solemn promise to the people of Nunavut: that Nunavut will happen smoothly and with the support of the federal government. It's not a time to be talking about cutting back before we're even there.

The Prime Minister and also the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs have made very solemn commitments about self-government. Minister Irwin has promised to each and every group in the Northwest Territories many, many things. It's time now to say exactly what is possible here in the Northwest Territories. We hope when the Minister comes and addresses this House, he will clarify some of these issues. We can't keep raising expectations if two or three years down the road there is no money and there is no political will.

So I would hope that the Premier will remind the Prime Minister of the solemn promises that the Prime Minister has made, the expectations that have been raised in the Northwest Territories and, at this point in time, the Prime Minister is held in great public esteem by the people in the territories and the people of Canada. He is the only Prime Minister we've had who has actually served as a Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, and he, better than anybody in that Cabinet, understands the realities of the north. I really hope that at the end of this trip our Premier will be able to report to us that the Prime Minister will live up to the commitments that he and his Ministers have made to the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Need For Expediency In Devolution Of Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Organ Donor Cards On Drivers' Licences
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Good afternoon, Madam Speaker. It's good to be back. Madam Speaker, it was terribly disappointing to hear last month that the Minister of Transportation was not willing to look again at the donor signature cards as part of the NWT drivers' licence.

Organ Donor Cards On Drivers' Licences
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Some Hon. Members

Nay, nay.

Organ Donor Cards On Drivers' Licences
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

It was hard to understand this when it is typically available nearly everywhere else in Canada. I hope that my statement will encourage him to try again, and that my words and the words of the people I serve will be heard by those who makes these decisions.

To begin with, let us be perfectly clear. We are not seeking or speaking of a high-cost program. This is not an attempt to place unreasonable expectations on existing medical facilities. It is understood that our medical services will not be available or have the capacity to perform transplants in our health centres or even here in our Stanton hospital for some time to come. We are not seeking the establishment of medical research centres that are rivals to anywhere else, at least not in the area of organ and tissue transplant. There are many other areas that northern medical centres can and should devote their resources to. Transplants are not expected to be performed in the Northwest Territories.

However, in our population, we have people who die tragically young. We have people who travel extensively and often to major centres. We have people who, perhaps, for serious medical reasons, will spend time and perhaps even die while in a medical centre in the south. In light of this, premature, unexpected death can and does occur while one is in or near the environment of a large medical facility equipped to perform such transplants. Northern people can contribute to those who are in need, we have already and we wish to continue. Northern people can also receive the gift of life through the organ and tissue transplant program.

How many people have received the benefit of a corneal transplant, thus restoring lost eyesight through disease or accident? Madam Speaker, I would seek unanimous consent of yourself and of Members to continue.

Organ Donor Cards On Drivers' Licences
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to continue with his statement. Are there nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Whitford.

Organ Donor Cards On Drivers' Licences
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. In the north, there is a growing concern. The rugged lifestyle and life on the land can and often does lead to eye injury. The adaptations that people have made to their working environment have caused an increase in eye damage. The use of power tools -- just in the carving industry alone -- causes great concern to people who work with eyes. In certain cases, damage can be repaired and eyesight restored through corneal transplant. How many people with diabetes and needing dialysis have had to leave their home communities for this treatment; people who can possibly have a kidney transplant and return to a normal lifestyle.

Without any doubt, we are seeing an increase in the incidence of diabetes among aboriginal peoples. What will become of these people? Organ and tissue transplants have changed, improved and, indeed, have saved lives of many and include improving the quality of life of many. When will this be available to northerners, not only to receive but to contribute.

Certainly, there are cards that could be signed and kept in a wallet, but this is not enough. When the government supports the concept of transplants, the information will be readily available to everyone. In every province, when organ donation signature cards became part of the driver's licence, the waiting lists for transplants in that province decreased dramatically. It takes a huge effort in public education so that individuals, medical personnel, family members and soon all will understand the need and the tremendous value of such a program. The Government of the Northwest Territories, our government, must endorse these efforts at providing the best possible life for all northerners.

I urge the government to reconsider and to implement voluntary donor signature cards with the NWT driver's licences. I am sure I could get people who know how to do this to assist if there are any problems that they may see. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Organ Donor Cards On Drivers' Licences
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Zoe.

Canadian Regional Parliamentary Seminar
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Mahsi. Madam Speaker, in 1994, Canadian regional parliamentary seminar, sponsored by the Canadian Regional Council of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, was held in Ottawa from October 30th to November 2nd. Mr. Whitford and I attended a seminar on behalf of Members of this House.

Madam Speaker, the theme of this seminar was parliamentary government in the age of restraint. We participated in discussion on internal economy committees, the size of legislators' salary pension and allowances; and, the cost of technology. As well, I had the privilege of speaking on the topic of Parliamentary scrutiny of expenditures. I took the opportunity to explain our unique model of consensus government, as it is applied to our budget process.

While my speech directly addressed the special nature of our non-partisan Legislature, it also allowed us to explain some specific northern issues to other legislators, especially our federal counterparts. Our profound dependence on the federal government for revenue means our budgeting process is quite sensitive to federal spending cuts, issues such as cuts in social housing funding, threatened cuts to official language funding and general concern about cuts to formula financing from Ottawa, make a significant difference to our government's fiscal policy.

Whenever representatives from this House meet with other Canadian legislators, we have the opportunity to educate them about the north and about the special challenges we face here. Mr. Whitford and I made the best of this opportunity and I sincerely hope that we were able to make a difference with our federal/provincial colleagues at this particular seminar. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Canadian Regional Parliamentary Seminar
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, periodically, when the House is sitting, I get an opportunity to visit my home constituency of Inuvik. This weekend I was there and I had an opportunity to have a public forum in one of the establishments with people in Inuvik. It is an opportunity to share a cup of tea or coffee and talk. Madam Speaker, the main issue that I found on this trip was their concern about education: about the role of the students, where they are going, how they are progressing, as well as the roles of teachers, parents, community education councils, the divisional board and Arctic College.

Madam Speaker, education is life-long learning. Through that learning process, some people progress, some stay the same and some people regress. But the tools to help are what we have in our classrooms and in our learning institutions.

The goal in the Northwest Territories is to try to educate people, so that they progress into meaningful jobs, such as teachers, nurses, doctors, accountants and lawyers; any profession or trade that can contribute to their own well-being and the economy in the north. So we have to pay heed to the concerns raised by parents and students. All too often we forget to talk and consult with those who are impacted the most and those are the students themselves.

There is a new education strategy in place now and there is proposed legislation. I am saying I hope everyone who is concerned gets an opportunity to look at these documents, if they can read them, or have someone interpret them, and have an opportunity to state their concerns in developing the new legislation and education strategy. Mahsi.

---Mahsi.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Kivallivik, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 272-12(6): Policy For Walk-in Freezers
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Gargan on October 27, 1994 regarding policy for walk-in freezers.

The person who will conduct assessments of community freezers is Mr. Mike Stevens. Mr. Stevens will assess the conditions and use of freezers by communities, ways to increase cost-effectiveness of existing freezers and needs of communities without freezers.

Regional centres have been contacted with regard to the most appropriate dates for various community meetings. The tentative schedule is as follows: Inuvik area, November 7th to 10th; Fort Simpson area, November 15th to 17th; Keewatin, November 21st to 25th; South Slave area, November 29th to December 1st; Kitikmeot, December 5th to 9th; North Slave, December 13th to 15th; Sahtu, January 10th to 13th; Baffin Island area, January 17th to 27th. So for Mr. Gargan's benefit, Mr. Stevens should be in his specific area from November 29th to December 1st. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 272-12(6): Policy For Walk-in Freezers
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Madam Premier.

Return To Question 255-12(6): Increase To Social Assistance Rates
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I have a number of returns. The first return is to an oral question asked by Mr. Pudlat on October 26, 1994 regarding increase to social assistance rates.

There has been an increase in the number of recipients who need social assistance. Figures comparing the last two fiscal years indicate that, for the total Northwest Territories, the number of heads of household receiving assistance increased from 8,580 in 1992-93 to 8,777 in 1993-94. That is a two per cent increase. Not every region has experienced an increase. In fact, the number of heads of household receiving assistance decreased in 1993-94 in the Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Inuvik and Kitikmeot regions.

The social assistance food allowance was increased by eight per cent in April, 1991 and by another five per cent in October, 1992, in response to the increases in the food price index. Another review was conducted in October of 1993, which resulted in further increases for some families. For example, a family of four received an average increase of 10 per cent to food allowances.

The Department of Health and Social Services has not conducted any surveys on recipients of social assistance, but it does monitor the number of people receiving assistance on a monthly basis. As part of the income security reform initiative, a wider cross section of NWT residents, including social assistance recipients, will be asked for their views on the adequacy of the existing program and recommendations for change.

Return To Question 166-12(6): Access Of Speech Therapy Services By Children
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ningark on October 18, 1994 regarding access of speech therapy services by children.

In February 1993, after reviewing their waiting lists, clinical assessment records and resources available for speech therapy, Stanton Yellowknife Hospital advised the school boards that priority of service would be given to new referrals for preschool children and to adults and children in small communities.

This priority focuses resources on intervention to save communication problems in the preschool years so that the child is better able and prepared to learn in school. It is during this time in the child's development that speech pathology is most effective.

Referring agencies and parents are provided with an explanation as to why services for school age children are not provided by Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. Parents or caregivers may obtain a referral from their family doctor for services in the south which are funded as an insured service.

The department is working with Stanton Yellowknife Hospital to explore options for enhancing the level of services available.

Further Return To Question 165-12(6): Study On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 719

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Antoine on October 18, 1994 regarding baseline study on fetal alcohol syndrome.

The Special Committee on Health and Social Services recommended that the department undertake a clinical study to determine the number of children affected by fetal alcohol syndrome and its effects in the Deh Cho region. This recommendation was given serious consideration.

After reviewing the literature and speaking with other jurisdictions, concerns were raised about the accuracy and usefulness of such surveys. Rather than conducting a full-blown survey, it was felt that information on the problem could be collected in other ways. As a first step, the NWT bureau of statistics is working closely with the federal government in collecting information of the health of Canadian children and Canadians in general. Starting this month, the NWT bureau of statistics will be interviewing approximately 1500 NWT households to administer the national population health survey and the national longitudinal survey of children.

Results from the survey will be analyzed by the Department of Health and Social Services to determine the prevalence of various biological, social and economic risk factors in children and to monitor the impact of such risk factors, stressful life events and protective factors on the development of these children. It is expected that results from the survey will be available in the summer of 1995. This should provide useful information about fetal alcohol syndrome in the Northwest Territories.

Return To Question 177-12(6): Actions Taken By GNWT To Ensure Zero Tolerance
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I have a further return to question asked by Mr. Gargan on October 19th regarding actions taken by the Government of the Northwest Territories to ensure zero tolerance.

On October 25, 1994, the Hon. Stephen Kakfwi tabled a document entitled Zero Tolerance for Violence: A Status Report. The status report described a number of initiatives that are in place or being developed by departments to help achieve zero tolerance for violence.

Currently, victims of all forms of family violence, including physical and sexual assault, have varying options depending on the services available in their community. There are nine safe shelters in six regions, funded by the Department of Health and Social Services. These shelters provide emergency living, security and counselling services for victims and their children. The shelters are located in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Taloyoak, Cambridge Bay, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Fort Smith, Hay River and Yellowknife. The communities of Aklavik, Fort Good Hope and Fort Providence receive contribution funding to provide violence prevention and public awareness services.

Madam Speaker, family violence prevention training for shelter workers is in the fourth year. It has been provided through federal funding. Shelter workers who receive this counselling and healing training become more skilled in helping victims of violence. A total of 60 workers have been trained this year.

Community social workers and community health nurses are the front-line workers who most often deal with victims of violence. Now that these workers are in the same department, it will be easier to develop effective ways of working together to provide better services to victims. This will be extended to include all community workers wherever possible. Madam Speaker, by working together as a team, community workers will be more effective in helping victims and their families. A mental health specialist is located in each region and is responsible for working with communities in the development of action plans to address a variety of mental health issues, including violence prevention.

There is a significant linkage between alcohol and drug abuse and family violence. The Department of Health and Social Services provides funding to deal with addictions, including the funding of 42 community alcohol and drug projects and four treatment centres. In addition, about $500,000 is spent annually on southern addictions treatment through funding from the federal government. The Department of Justice is participating in a federal/provincial/territorial effort to amend the criminal code in order to provide better protection to victims of violence.

Program areas in the Department of Justice directly related to violence are the victims' services program and the treatment of offenders. The Justice department provides financial support to community-based victim service providers in four communities. Additional support is given to a variety of other victim-related initiatives, through the victims' assistance fund. The department also employs correctional psychologists. Much of their work is with violence offenders or offenders who, themselves, experienced violence or abuse. The department also funds youth justice committees and employs regional community justice specialists.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has a number of strategies to address violence. These include the family violence interagency team workshops, the family life component of the school curriculum, a teaching guide for the teen sexual assault help book, and programs in the school such as non-violent crisis intervention and anger management.

We need to find better ways to work in partnership with communities, non-government organizations, and others to address the issue of violence in northern society. As outlined in the status report from Mr. Kakfwi, violence prevention issues are being addressed by the community wellness strategy. The community wellness strategy will place violence in a broad context, rather than isolating it and trying to deal with it as a single issue. The strategy will address the full range of social and mental health issues, including family violence.

The departments of Health and Social Services, Justice, and Education, Culture and Employment are working closely together to develop the strategy. Direction is being provided by representatives of community, non-governmental and aboriginal organizations from across the Northwest Territories. Madam Speaker, the community wellness strategy will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly during the Seventh Session. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 177-12(6): Actions Taken By GNWT To Ensure Zero Tolerance
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 721

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services for her response. I was in Hay River yesterday, Madam Speaker, and had an opportunity to meet with a gentleman who was running the shelter program in Hay River. I also understand that the Department of Renewable Resources is renewing its contribution agreement with the shelter, with the exception of about $29,000, I believe, which is going to be cut short.

The shelter program is about 500 per cent over capacity. They have to provide not only shelter, but also provide for the victims who are there in the shelter. I understand that the regional social service worker is not willing to give further assistance to operate the shelter. I would like to ask the Minister how committed this government is with regard to contribution agreements to the shelters, or are shelters in Iqaluit, Rankin, Taloyoak, Cambridge, Inuvik, Tuk, Fort Smith and Yellowknife going to see the same kinds of cuts to their contribution agreements?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Health and Social Services, Madam Premier.

Return To Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 721

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, in relation to the specific project that the honourable Sam Gargan is referring to, I would have to look at that and try to respond to that specifically. I think some of the communities are suggesting to us that with a redeployment of some of the resources, there could be a better access and a broader access if we could do that. So I would prefer that we deal individually with each project area. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 721

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 721

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you. In this case, I would like to make reference only to Hay River where there is a shelter. It's operating out of the high rise. I understood, yesterday, that this gentleman who is also a volunteer in that centre has been told that the office in Hay River is not willing to contribute more. So this year they're going to be short about $29,000 in order to provide that service. I would like to ask the Minister if she would look into the shelter in Hay River specifically.

Supplementary To Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 721

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Further Return To Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 721

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I will commit to address the issue. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Question 324-12(6): Contribution Agreements With Family Violence Shelters
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 721

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I note that the Minister of Personnel is not here, so I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Finance. My question is regarding the staff housing strategy. The strategy has been in place now for over five years in some regions, but in the past two years it has been implemented in Inuvik, Baffin, Keewatin and Kitikmeot regions. The basic strategy is to sell government housing using several principles for fair and equitable distribution; I assume on the same basis in all the regions. My question to the Minister of Finance is, what is the status of implementing this strategy, especially in the eastern Arctic and Inuvik regions?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Return To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and good afternoon. Madam Speaker, the strategy is being implemented across the Northwest Territories. It has met with more success in some areas than it has in others. There have been, as recognized by Cabinet, some difficulties in certain communities. I think we're open to looking at problems in certain areas on a case-by-case basis, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. It has been my understanding that the strategy would be implemented fairly and equitably in the territories, and on a similar basis in each region. My question is, can the Minister confirm whether this is true?

Supplementary To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Further Return To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

John Pollard Hay River

Certainly, Madam Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories tries to implement its policies fairly and squarely across the Northwest Territories but, as I mentioned in the previous answer, if there are instances where there are problems in a particular community or region, we try to address them on a case-by-case basis. So if there are problems that the Member knows of, if he brings them to my attention, I'll endeavour to get him an answer. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

Fred Koe Inuvik

I guess I'll be more specific. It's my understanding that houses in Inuvik were sold in one area with some criteria, and then houses in Iqaluit are being sold on a different criteria. That's why I asked if the strategy was going to be implemented equitably and fairly. If that's not the case, then have the rules changed? Are units in Inuvik being sold on the same basis as the units in Iqaluit and Rankin?

Supplementary To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Further Return To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

John Pollard Hay River

Madam Speaker, I'll do some more work on the issue that the Member raises, but my understanding is that the difference may be in whether it's a multi-family dwelling or whether it's a single-family dwelling and that may be causing some differences across the territories. As I say, if the Member wants to give me the specifics, I'll certainly address the question. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Question 325-12(6): Implementation Of GNWT Staff Housing Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my question is directed to the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services. On October 18, 1994, I asked the honourable Minister a question regarding the interpreter services for a patient travelling south, especially mothers who are not able to speak English; unilingual mothers, that is. In her return to my oral question, the honourable Minister stated, and I quote, "the medical travel policy does not provide escorts for unilingual escorts escorting children."

Madam Speaker, I feel the policy penalizes the unilingual mothers who want to accompany their children travelling south. I think every mother has the right to travel with their children, especially when the child is going for a medical check-up, sometimes for a very, very serious case. The mother may be hesitant to travel with the child because she feels that she may not be able to make it to the destination.

My question to the honourable Minister, Madam Speaker, is would the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services provide me a copy of the medical travel policy of her department? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Health and Social Services, Madam Premier.

Return To Question 326-12(6): Provision Of Medical Travel Policy
Question 326-12(6): Provision Of Medical Travel Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I would be pleased to provide the policy document. Thank you.

Return To Question 326-12(6): Provision Of Medical Travel Policy
Question 326-12(6): Provision Of Medical Travel Policy
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 722

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and it relates to his Minister's statement yesterday on the implementation of

the infrastructure program. The Minister has said that all communities in the NWT have been assigned funding allocations. I would like to ask the Minister, since I brought it up to him in the past that there are two communities in my constituency, unorganized communities, of Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet that haven't received an allocation under the infrastructure program. I would like to ask the Minister at this time whether or not he recognizes their needs and will be willing to address this. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Return To Question 327-12(6): Implementation Of The National Infrastructure Program
Question 327-12(6): Implementation Of The National Infrastructure Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes.

Return To Question 327-12(6): Implementation Of The National Infrastructure Program
Question 327-12(6): Implementation Of The National Infrastructure Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Madam Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Renewable Resources. The Minister was in Hay River with me yesterday, so he knew what was happening there during the day when we were on the reserve. We had people from Renewable Resources, as well as a representative from Fisheries and Oceans, meeting in Hay River. At that meeting, I had an opportunity to talk to two biologists who said they had just heard at that meeting about what has been happening with the fish in the river; the dead fish that I mentioned about three weeks ago. The biologists said this was the first time they had heard about it. Does the Minister's department have any dialogue with Fisheries and Oceans when these kinds of things occur?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am not aware of any particular incidents where our biologist would have been made aware by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. To my understanding, it is the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which is a federal department, who would be responsible for this type of incident in any of our waters. Whether they passed this information on to our biologists, I am not aware of that. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

The problem I have, Madam Speaker, is that I don't know who is responsible for environmental contamination. I believe that the Minister did say that it was the Department of Fisheries and Oceans that was responsible. My problem is I don't know where the territorial government stands with regard to the consultation that should be taking place in order to address the issue when it does occur.

Supplementary To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. With regard to the incident that has occurred with the fish in the Mackenzie River, it is the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to find the cause.

With regard to the fish that appeared to be dead on the river, as far as I could tell, and the information that I have received indicates that the warming of the water may be a partial cause for the fish dying in the river. But to date, I don't have any definite answers as to why this occurred. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, it still doesn't address my question with regard to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. That is a federal program. I don't know where the responsibility of the GNWT starts and ends and the federal government takes over. I don't know whether we should be expressing their concerns if the territorial government is not going to act on it in some capacity. Jean Marie River, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence and I suppose the ferry personnel were all aware of the incident on the river. So someone must have reported it. I just wanted to know where it goes from there. Does it go through the territorial government and then onto the federal government? Is there a communication gap that we should be addressing?

Supplementary To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The responsibility of the territorial government, to this point, has been observer status, where we receive information from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans about the incident that occurred on the river. It is the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to find out the causes for the dead fish that were found on the Mackenzie River. As far as I understand, Renewable Resources has observer status and if there is some way that we can assist, then that is about all we can do at this point.

It is the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to find out the causes for the dead fish and then to try to resolve the problem. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 723

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I don't know what happened during the middle of July when these dead fish were in the water, but I didn't say much about it because I was still travelling between communities. Other communities must have seen what was happening in the river at that time. In my travels, I usually take water out of creeks as opposed to the Mackenzie River, in the event that there is something in the water that isn't supposed to be there. My final supplementary is, during the time the fish was being found in the water, what was the reporting relationship that occurred? At one time, I had a 100-page report on a small spill that happened in Providence. Has the department had any kind of dialogue with the federal department to find out what was in the water that was causing these fish to die? It wasn't happening in any other lakes where there were fish.

Supplementary To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To my knowledge, there were communities that were reporting dead fish in their communities. However, they reported the fish to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, who are rightly responsible for finding out what happened to the fish. The dialogue the department would have with Fisheries and Oceans is that our officers would be reporting these occurrences to them. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Question 328-12(6): Renewable Resources Communication With Fisheries And Oceans
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It has been brought to my attention, Madam Speaker, that over the past year there has been a decline in Barrenland Grizzly Bears. The mining industry is being blamed for bumping off a lot of these animals, to such an extent that one of the officials in the Department of Renewable Resources, Mr. Andy McMullan, gave an interview last September on CBC denying this. He claimed only one of these animals had been killed in defence by someone who is connected with the mining industry. Will the Minister confirm that there has been a decline in the number of Barrenland Grizzly Bears? That is the information that we are getting from people who are spending their time on the barrenlands.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Return To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To my understanding, the Barrenland Grizzly Bear is an animal which the department has been observing, but the population of the Barrenland Grizzly Bears has been something that the biologists were not able to confirm. At this point, to the best of our knowledge, I believe they have realized that there is a lower number of grizzly bears and the Department of Renewable Resources, over the summer, put in a camp where a bunch of the mining activity is taking place at this point, and are trying to find out exactly what did take place. At this point, we don't really know whether there was a natural decline of grizzly bears, but it is something that the department is trying to find out. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Supplementary To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. It's very difficult to determine whether there's been an increase or a decrease unless you've studied something over a period of time. So I would like to ask the Minister then, is this issue of the state of that population of grizzly bears being studied as a project within his department?

Supplementary To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Right now, we are doing a number of studies, especially in the areas where mining activities are taking place. But, specifically to study Barrenland Grizzly Bears is not a project that the department is doing at this point. They are doing studies on grizzly bears in conjunction with other animals that live or survive in the areas where the mining activities are taking place. But, specifically to study grizzly bears is something that the department does on an ongoing basis, but to my knowledge there is no definite information that we have on grizzly bears and the population. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Supplementary To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 724

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Many years ago, I lived very briefly in British Columbia before I came north. I read about the tremendous amount of trade that went on between Chinese people who came up after the California gold rush, settled in the middle part of British Columbia and bought a tremendous number of products from a group of people called the "Carrier people." An aboriginal tribe called the Carrier people who are very similar in language and custom to the Slavey people. One of the products was the gallbladders of bears. I'm pretty sure that that kind of commerce doesn't happen on our barrenlands, but I would like to ask the Minister, is there any evidence at all that of the 30-odd bears that were killed last year -- some of them by hunters, some of them by outfitters -- whether, in fact, there was any evidence that gallbladders -- because in these big bears they're pretty big gallbladders -- are being taken out for trade purposes.

Supplementary To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To my knowledge, the bears that were caught within the Northwest Territories were caught legally; any bears that may have been caught in any lands within our jurisdiction were caught for the purposes of their pelt. We are not aware of any killings of bears specifically for the purposes of acquiring the gallbladders. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Question 329-12(6): Decline In Barrenland Grizzly Bear Population
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Justice, Madam Speaker. Recently, the federal Minister of Justice was here, and the issue of the recent Supreme Court decision using drunkenness as a defence was brought up by me. At that time, the legal experts across the country said it was so narrowly defined to not worry about it. But I read, with some dismay recently, in the last two or three days, in Alberta, it was actually used to acquit an individual who was accused of assaulting his wife.

My question to the Minister of Justice is, it seems to me the Canadian justice system is hurting its own credibility and sending out harmful, mixed messages to the public, and it's setting us all back as we're trying to deal with serious concerns with alcohol abuse and violence. Would the Minister be prepared to communicate with the federal Minister, our concern about the new case and to urge him to move quickly to bring in whatever legislative changes are needed to plug this serious loophole in the Canadian justice system? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Return To Question 330-12(6): Supreme Court Decision Re Drunkenness As A Defence
Question 330-12(6): Supreme Court Decision Re Drunkenness As A Defence
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The concern that the Member raises is one that is shared by all jurisdictions across the country. We have also been in touch with the federal Minister's office to express our concern.

What we understand is that there is going to be a discussion paper released fairly soon that will look at possible reforms to sections of the Criminal Code that deal with the defence of drunkenness, and that there's a discussion paper to be released fairly soon that will lead us into some discussions of all jurisdictions across Canada to come to some agreement on possible amendments to the Criminal Code dealing with this section. Thank you.

Return To Question 330-12(6): Supreme Court Decision Re Drunkenness As A Defence
Question 330-12(6): Supreme Court Decision Re Drunkenness As A Defence
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation. Madam Speaker, we've heard that the Department of Transportation is negotiating with the federal government for the takeover of Arctic A airports. I think, given the pronouncements we've heard from the federal government on proposed cutbacks to airports across Canada, that this is probably a very good idea to pursue at this time.

My question has to do with consultation. This government has spoken often about consultation. I know that the Minister, in particular, has a stated policy of politics of inclusion. So I understand that there's been some extensive consultation in areas like Cambridge Bay -- I hear that departmental officials met with the hamlet, local transport people, KIA, NTI and the chamber of commerce. I would just like to ask the Minister, has that level of consultation taken place in all the other communities like Yellowknife, Hay River, Simpson, Iqaluit and so on?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I certainly hope so. Thank you.

Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Supplementary To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I certainly hope so, too.

---Laughter

I was almost speechless. Would the Minister assure this House that he will check with his officials and ensure that if, for instance, municipalities and local chambers of commerce in those other communities have not been briefed on the department plans, that that will be done within the next two weeks?

Supplementary To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

John Todd Keewatin Central

It's not often I catch my friend breathless, however...Madam Speaker, it's my understanding that there has been extensive consultation across the Arctic with municipalities, aboriginal groups, airlines, et cetera, about the transfer of nine Arctic A airports from the federal government to the territorial government. That's my understanding. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 725

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Supplementary To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Supplementary to the Minister. In the consultations that have taken place, I understand that in Yellowknife there is some interest in an airport authority. Has the Minister encountered this interest in other communities as well, and will this sort of approach be given consideration?

Supplementary To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

John Todd Keewatin Central

It's my understanding that Yellowknife is the only airport and the only jurisdiction that has asked for some consideration to be given to a transfer to local authorities. I should say, let there be light, and there was light.

Further Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

Some Hon. Members

Ohh.

Further Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

John Todd Keewatin Central

Anyway, Madam Speaker, I should say that I have been in discussions with the Hon. Doug Young with respect to this issue. I intend to pursue the current course of action, that is, to seek an arrangement where we could transfer all nine Arctic "A" airports. At that time, we will give due consideration to discussions about local authority.

Further Return To Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Question 331-12(6): Consultation On Transfer Of Arctic A Airports
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Renewable Resources, and it has to do with the issue Mr. Lewis brought up earlier about the barrenland grizzly population. It seems that in the Cambridge Bay area there has been some increased sightings of them over the past summer, so possibly they are migrating northeastward.

I would like to ask the Minister, since there have been concerns raised by Members of the community because the sightings are around commercial fishing areas and summer camping areas of the people of the community, if he's aware of the increased Barrenland Grizzly Bear sightings in the Cambridge Bay area. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Return To Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am not aware of the movements of bears. I don't know that the departmental biologists who study bears are aware of the exact movement of bears. I know they have used radio collars, especially on polar bears, to determine movement, but whether they used this for barrenland grizzlies, I'm not aware. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Supplementary, Mr. Ng.

Supplementary To Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister if his departmental officials could consult, possibly, with the Hunters and Trappers Association in Cambridge Bay on whether this is a real problem that might have to be addressed by the department. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The departmental officers are usually in contact with all HTAs and, certainly, I will find out whether this is the case and whether the HTA in Mr. Ng's area has made any reports on these occurrences. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

The House will recess for five minutes, and I will stop the clock.

---SHORT RECESS

Further Return To Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Question 332-12(6): Barrenland Grizzly Bear Sightings Near Cambridge Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi. Yesterday, I asked some questions about the new education strategy. My intention was to try to find out how the information on that strategy will be dispersed to people in the north, and whether they are going to be helped to understand what is in those documents. It's no good if we have a good strategy developed if the people can't understand it. It then doesn't serve its purpose. I support the strategy and the initiative, but I believe we have to do more work to get the information out to people in the Northwest Territories.

My question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment is, yesterday in the House the Minister stated that the copies of the strategy were sent to all the chiefs, leaders, school boards and organizations in the north. Is it the Minister's intention that these people are to be the ones who are to relay information about the strategy to the grassroots people?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 726

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. So that there's no confusion, Madam Speaker, I think Members should be aware that the development of this document was, in many respects, one of the longest and most detailed consultative processes we have undertaken. It took almost two years, actually, to conclude its development.

It is our intention to continue to work with the divisional boards; they have been apprised of most of the details of the document, since much of the document is a reflection of the work that we have been doing in conjunction with the boards. What I have considered doing is meeting again with the boards to advise them because, in many respects, they are going to be involved with the actual implementation and the development, in conjunction with our department, of the policies that are to follow.

The next important component of the strategy, of course, is the Education Act. That document will hopefully be, as I indicated, brought before this Assembly so that additional consultation can take place, in conjunction with the Standing Committee on Legislation.

Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi. The method of distributing information through band offices, through divisional boards and other governmental offices is probably, what I would consider, a new traditional way for bureaucrats to get information out. That enjoys some degree of success. Another method is to have town hall meetings and to meet in people's houses, which is the old traditional way. My supplementary is, will the department be using other methods of communication to ensure that information in the strategy gets out to the grassroots people?

Supplementary To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We're looking at all alternatives. In fact, one of the things we are trying to do, as a result of consultations of the department in conjunction with IBC on the matter of technological information networking, is have IBC host a town hall type of meeting right across the Northwest Territories on TVNC. This will be one of the first major items of discussion on the technological networking system that will involve schools and communities. We are experimenting with the idea of a town hall meeting in conjunction with TVNC and IBC, which is coordinating that event.

Further Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi. There has been a lot of work done. As the Minister mentioned, it has been two years in the making and we now have a printed document called a strategy. There could be a tendency on the part of bureaucrats to say, we have done the work, here's the strategy and that's it. I say that people in the north want to know what is happening. We've come up with a strategy, we've given our input, we've printed a document, so what's going to happen now with our children, in terms of education?

Can the Minister assure me that there will more discussions with parents about the implementation of this strategy?

Supplementary To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, just so the general public knows, there was even a forum of students who discussed the document. It was our view, and certainly my view, that student contribution to the development of education programming in the north was very, very critical.

And, just so that Members are aware, when we had the national forum on education in Montreal, it was on my encouragement and insistence that we had a representative of the student population of the Northwest Territories. I believe, as the honourable Member believes, that the students are critical to the success of the strategy. I do want to say to the honourable Member that I want to give credit to those people who did a lot of work. Sometimes we have a tendency of saying they are bureaucrats and, as such, they don't pay a lot of attention to the communities. But, in this particular case, I would have to say to the honourable Member that the staff, particularly Helen Balanoff, who was the coordinator of this initiative, paid a great deal of attention to the need of this government to respond to community needs.

I believe that we cannot allow the document to just sit in the government offices, as the honourable Member has pointed out, and we will continue to ensure that communities are a part of the process. However, I want to also say that the time for work has to begin. Some of it has begun, but we cannot sit still and hope that everybody else is going to do the job. We have the instructions and the advice; we're going to get on with doing the job, not at the expense of the communities, but in conjunction with the communities.

Further Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. That's nice, and I hope not at the expense of our children, the students in the system. Let's assume that all the work that has been done now is the basis for something. The Minister made reference to the fact that there is a new Education Act being developed. So, my final supplementary to the Minister is, what is the status of the development of the new act?

Supplementary To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 727

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members are aware that during the past session I tabled a document entitled Voices: The Refinement and Establishment

of a New Education Act. That particular document has been discussed with the boards of education and has been sent to all the communities. We have received some very, very good advice. As a result of that advice, we've developed a draft piece of legislation and a summary of the legislation so the people can understand what is in the document. That document will be before the Cabinet, hopefully, within the next two weeks, after which time, I will bring it forward for tabling and referral to the Standing Committee on Legislation for additional public consultation.

Further Return To Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To Nwt Residents
Question 333-12(6): Communication Of Education Strategy To NWT Residents
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to make reference to the direction of improving the Education Act called, "Voices." I understand that this document has been translated and distributed, also. Of the distribution that you did, how many actual responses did you get with regard to this document?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Return To Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Madam Speaker, I can indicate that copies of the document were sent to all the chiefs and councils, all the hamlets, CECs, board of education, community organizations, et cetera. I don't know all of them, but they were sent.

On the matter of the detail of how many were received, I will have to take that portion of the question and provide additional information to the honourable Member.

Return To Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, September 23rd to the 25th, we were in Taloyoak and we saw several boxes of these documents in translation form as well as in English sitting in the hamlet office. One of the boxes wasn't open. The other one might have had one copy taken. I am concerned that even though a lot of copies are sent to the major organizations, the people who are directly affected by the new act aren't getting the information. Does the Minister double check to ensure the documents that are sent to these major organizations are not sitting on a shelf somewhere and they are being distributed to the communities.

Supplementary To Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am always under the impression that you have to have some faith in the organizations in the communities to distribute the documentation. It is part of the letters that are sent. It is up to them to help us distribute the documentation. We rely on their support and advice on the matter.

Further Return To Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Question 334-12(6): Responses To "voices" - Direction For Improving The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education. In 1977, we passed an Education Act. Subsequent to that, in about 1981, we set up a Special Committee on Education to examine in what ways the education system could be improved. The act was changed because it was felt that what would really make the difference is local control of education. That was the theme. If you did that, then all our problems would be solved. Since that was about 10 years ago and we have had 10 years of experience with the results of the work that was done in 1981-82 to make the big changes, what went wrong that required us to set off on another campaign to create another act?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 728

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I can't say that anything went wrong. There is always a need to improve. If you recall, as deputy minister at the time, that there was a suggestion by the Assembly that there was a need to re-evaluate where we were going in education. As a result of that, the Special Committee on Education was established to articulate the concerns of the Assembly. What occurred is clear. There was basic core programming necessary for us to deliver programs and to meet the standards that had been set up nationally. What was absent in the core was a reflection of language, culture and heritage that we needed to improve upon.

Secondly, is the issue of the provision of support for authority to schools on a regional basis. Yellowknife had had a board since the 1950s. They saw, in that case, a greater autonomy and more accountability on the part of the people in the community. With respect to that, the assessment that was made was a need to transfer more authority. What is clear, as a result of that, is there has been some very significant success. We still don't want to get rid of the core programming. That is essential. We need to improve upon our heritage culture element. We need to recognize the information networking systems across the north. The whole issue of an early childhood learning system, we don't have. There is the issue of improving student achievement, which all Members have tried to articulate quite clearly in this House. And, there is the issue of the improving access of adults to learning and education. We have done that and we need to move on to the next stage.

In response to that, what is clear is that there is still an absence of authority in the communities. We need to improve upon that.

Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Supplementary To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The issue of programs is really a policy matter and isn't specified in the act. That is something that isn't laid out in an act, otherwise you could change it all the time. Having had experience of 10 years, with the result of a massive inquiry into what things were right and wrong, what is the key element in this new strategy that will redress what was wrong with the act that was revised in 1983-84?

Supplementary To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we have to realize that there are many circumstances that have changed. Technology has changed. It allows us the decision of more grades in the communities. There is the use of language, culture and heritage programming in our schools. Early childhood development was really never part of any educational programming in the north, other than kindergarten. We have seen a need for us to change our child care programming. We have also needed to recognize that despite some of the criticisms, there is a great increase in comparison to what has occurred previously, in the number of students in high school programming; we now have more people in school.

We also have to deal with adult programming. Again, how do we do it. We also have to deal with bridging learning and work; creating community learning and those are elements that are important in addressing programming for the future.

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Supplementary To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

There are all those issues, Madam Speaker. Increasing grades in communities; programming in schools; improved technology, et cetera. That has nothing at all to do with legislation. It is to do with policy and what you want to do as a government. What was there in the act that prevented all these things from happening before? I see that as a matter of policy, not as a matter of legislation.

Supplementary To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you. Maybe then, we haven't really seen the problems with the legislation because there are changes that have occurred on an ad hoc basis . We have amended the legislation to a point where sections in the legislation contradict one another. What we are trying to do is improve that situation, and also improve the ability of divisional boards and CECs to assume responsibility for educational programming as has been the case in Yellowknife for many years.

The way the Education Act reads right now, there is only one section -- and Mr. Koe pointed out that students are important -- that deals with students in the old Education Act. It is our view that we should outline clearly the rights and responsibilities at the front of the Education Act, not at the middle and not at the end, where it is right now. Other issues are the rights and responsibilities of parents and another is more authority being given to the communities. Those are issues that need to be addressed and require changes.

And, as I have said, there are sections that are contradictory at this particular juncture.

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Supplementary To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Okay, I will take my pick out of three or four. Madam Speaker, since the Minister has raised the issue of all the contradictions in the act, can he give me one example of a contradiction. Then I will be happy and I will sit down.

Supplementary To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

That's very simple, Madam Speaker. Nothing in the act allows the community, where there is only a band council, to assume the responsibility for educational authority. Rather, we have to create the situation of having a CEC. That is contradictory in that the bands, in some cases, want to assume the responsibility for education and right now, under our legislation, it doesn't allow us to do that.

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 729

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, yesterday the Legislature passed Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act to change the name of Government Leader to Premier. I would like to ask whether or not there are any legal implications with the definition remaining the same in the aboriginal languages, or has that been addressed by the government, since, legally, the Official Languages Act is still a recognized document in this Assembly.

I would presume a definition would have to be quite clear when it is translated, too, by our translators. Has that been addressed at all, since the definition in the aboriginal languages will still remain Government Leader?

Further Return To Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Question 335-12(6): Rationale For Rewrite Of The Education Act
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 730

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi. He didn't indicate who the question was for, but he did indicate that he wanted to know whether there has been a legal definition. And legal interpretation is under the responsibility of the Minister of Justice.

Mr. Gargan, could I ask you to rephrase your question? Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Yes, I see that question period is over now, too. I just wanted to find out, Madam Speaker, because we changed the definition from Government Leader to Premier and because we have an Official Languages Act for defining aboriginal definitions, if we have a legal problem here. As far as aboriginal people go, the definition remains the same, even though we have changed it in English.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

The chair is having a problem with your question, Mr. Gargan. I recognize what you are attempting to seek out, that is to determine whether or not there are any legal implications of the name change. We can't ask for legal opinion of a Minister, but I interpret that your question is more directed at whether there have been changes to the Official Languages Act. I am of the thinking that it may come under Official Languages, which would be, I believe, under the Premier.

Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I will take that question as notice.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Time period for oral questions has lapsed. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Madam Speaker, I have a return to Written Question 14-12(6) asked by Mr. Ng to the Minister of Justice concerning policies, statutes and regulations as they may apply to by-law officers.

1. What NWT statutes, regulations or policies are by-law officers authorized to enforce?

By-law officers are authorized to enforce the by-laws of the municipal governments which appoint them.

By-law officers are also an "officer" as defined in the Motor Vehicles Act and the All-terrain Vehicles Act and as such, have the power to enforce the relevant sections or regulations under those acts.

By-law officers may also enforce the Curfew Act, and may be called upon to assist election officials under the Local Authorities Elections Act.

Policies, by definition, are not enforceable as laws, and by-law officers have no authority with respect to policies.

2. What legal protection over and above that of an ordinary citizen is afforded by-law officers in NWT municipalities under:

(a) the Criminal Code; and,

(b) any NWT statutes, regulations or policies?

By-law officers have no legal protection over and above that of an ordinary citizen under the Criminal Code. By-law officers are not "peace officers" for the purposes of the Criminal Code.

By-law officers have certain powers under municipal by-laws and the above-referenced legislation which are not given to ordinary citizens, and as such are legally protected from civil or criminal action respecting the lawful execution of those powers. Section 321 of the Motor Vehicles Act expressly provides that "officers" are not liable for any loss or damage caused by anything done or not done by them in good faith in the performance of their duties or in the exercise of their powers.

By-law officers are insured against liability in the conduct of municipal duties under the insurance that the NWT Association of Municipalities maintains for its municipal corporation members. The Member can contact this association for specifics of the insurance coverage.

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

I have a return to Written Question 23-12(6), asked by Mr. Dent to the Minister of Health and Social Services concerning community public health nurses.

1. The number of public health nurse positions in each community and the population they serve in those communities are as follows:

-In the Fort Smith area, the department has two public health nurse positions. These two positions serve approximately 2,480 people.

- Three positions serve approximately 3,471 people in the Hay River, Enterprise and Hay River Reserve area.

- Two positions serve approximately 1,142 people in the Fort Simpson area.

- Three positions serve approximately 3,206 people in the Inuvik area.

- The Iqaluit area has three public health nurse positions. These nurses serve approximately 3,552 people.

- The Yellowknife and Dettah area is served by six public health nurse positions. These positions serve approximately 15,329 people.

2. There has been no change in the overall number of community health nurse and public health nurse positions since the transfer of health from the federal government.

Although some positions have been relocated, the total number of community and public health nurse positions remains at 180.

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

I have a return to Written Question 26-12(6), asked by Mr. Patterson to the Minister of Transportation concerning the responsibilities for medium-sized vessels in ocean waters of the Northwest Territories.

On Monday, October 31, 1994, the Member for Iqaluit submitted a written question to the Minister of Transportation inquiring about the jurisdictional responsibility for vessels of the type involved in the recent tragedy in Iqaluit.

Under the authority of the Canada Shipping Act, the federal Minister of Transport is responsible for vessels in Canadian navigable waters. So far as vessel safety in the Northwest Territories is concerned, the Canadian Coast Guard - Ship Safety Northern administers the act and its regulations.

As of this writing, the details of the vessel involved in the Frobisher Bay accident are not known. If the vessel was larger than 15 gross registered tons and used in a commercial fishing operation or carried passengers or goods for hire, reward or any form of remuneration, it would be subject to inspection and certification by the Canadian Coast Guard - Ship Safety Northern once every four years.

It is likely that the Iqaluit hunters were engaged in subsistence harvesting, in which case, regardless of the size of the vessel, it would fall under the small vessel regulations pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act. The small vessel regulations are directed at pleasure and recreational vessels and require only that such vessels carry minimal basic safety equipment: life-preservers, paddle, bailing bucket, 20 metres of line and anchor, et cetera.

The regulations may be enforced by a "peace officer" which means a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, harbour or river police, provincial, county or municipal police or anyone the Minister may so appoint. In practice, the small vessel regulations for pleasure and recreational vessels are, at best, erratically and inconsistently enforced in Canada. Due to the number of deaths in the Iqaluit accident, a Mr. Pierre Murray of the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation Safety Board (CTAISB) is in Iqaluit to investigate the accident and determine its cause.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters: Tabled Document 14-12(6), "Open for Business" - Privatizing the Northwest Territories Power Corporation; Tabled Document 23-12(6), Report of the 1993-94 Electoral District Boundaries Commission Northwest Territories; Tabled Document 36-12(6), "Action Plan - Consolidation - Health and Social Services;" Minister's Statement 11-12(6), Return to Session; Committee Report 10-12(6), Report on the Review of the 1995-96 Capital Estimates; Committee Report 11-12(6), Report on the First Annual Report (1992-93) of the Languages Commissioner of the NWT; Committee Report 13-12(6), Report on the Elimination of the Alcohol and Drug Board of Management; Committee Report 15-12(6), Report on the Northwest Territories Arts Council; Bill 1, Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1995-96; Bill 2, Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act; Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act; Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act; Bill 14, An Act to Repeal the Public Service Vehicles Act; and, Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 1993-94, with Mr. Whitford in the chair.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

The committee will now come to order. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Dent.

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to recommend that first of all, we consider Bill 2, followed by Committee Report 13-12(6). If we complete that, I recommend we move to Tabled Document 23-12(6) and subsequently to Bill 1 and Committee Report 10-12(6) to consider the capital budget of the Department of Renewable Resources.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Does the committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

We will begin after a very short break.

---SHORT BREAK

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

I will call the committee back to order. Is the Minister responsible for the bill prepared to make introductory remarks? Madam Premier.

Minister's Introductory Remarks

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Minister of Justice and I were given a mandate by the Members of the Assembly to do something to improve the process of recognizing native custom adoption without legislating aboriginal customary law. The Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act accomplishes this task.

During preparation of this bill, three fundamental principles were kept in mind: aboriginal customary practices are to be respected; the process should be simple and should reflect this government's commitment to community-based decision-making.

It is a bill which makes it easier for custom adoptions to be recognized under existing federal and territorial legislation. The bill proposes that custom adoptions be reviewed in the communities by adoption commissioners.

These people will be able to work with the advice and support from the communities to ensure that the tradition of finding a safe, healthy home for a child occurs when a child is placed for adoption. This is more in keeping with traditional practices than what is presently being done.

Once the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act is in force, a simple community-based process for recognizing custom adoptions will be in place. The process for issuing new birth certificates in the Northwest Territories will be streamlined and efficient.

Mr. Chairman, I recognize that some Members would prefer that there be no legislation at all on custom adoptions. While I respect this view, the fact is that existing law results in a very difficult, complicated process which causes many people to give up in frustration. Members of the Standing Committee on Legislation heard of some of those frustrations during their public hearings on this bill.

At the appropriate time, I will introduce two motions to amend the bill which have been drafted in response to suggestions made by Members of the Standing Committee on Legislation. The first motion clarifies that the adoption must take place in accordance with aboriginal customary law. The second motion clarifies the information which is to be contained in the substitute birth registration; specifically, the inclusion of the names of the birth parents. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Premier. Is the chairman of the Standing Committee on Legislation prepared to review the bill? Mr. Lewis.

Standing Committee On Legislation Comments

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Gargan has asked if I would read this on behalf of the committee. The Aboriginal Custom Adoption Act was referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation on April 7, 1994. The committee began its deliberations May 16, 1994 and held public hearings in Fort Smith, Iqaluit and Yellowknife. The public was very interested in this piece of legislation and the committee received many oral presentations and submissions.

The committee would like to note at this time that Bill 2, Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act, is unique to the Northwest Territories. No other jurisdiction in Canada has attempted or currently has plans to implement legislation governing the recognition of aboriginal custom adoptions. As Members of the Assembly are aware, custom adoption is an accepted practice in the Northwest Territories.

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An Hon. Member

Agreed.

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Although the adoption customs may vary from region to region or community to community, custom adoptions are common practice throughout the territories.

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An Hon. Member

Agreed.

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Under the current recognition process, which is governed by the Child Welfare Act, people who are seeking to obtain recognition of their custom adoption to obtain new documentation such as birth certificates and social insurance numbers, find themselves frustrated by procedures and delays. The current process is found to be very involved and bureaucratic. Formal petitions to the Supreme Court must be filed, supporting documentation and affidavits must be developed and filed, social workers must assist in the application process and the Department of Justice lawyers must review them.

This process has been found to overtax resources and lead to a backlog of applications. According to departmental figures, there are currently 1,500 applications waiting to be processed at this time.

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An Hon. Member

Agreed.

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Bill 2, Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act, simplifies the current procedure for recognizing aboriginal custom adoption. The act allows for the appointment of Custom Adoption Commissioners in every region or every community as required. The Commissioners are appointed on recommendation of the Minister. Their role is to complete a certificate of custom adoption that will be filed in the Supreme Court and that would hold the same authority as a court order.

It was in the area of the authority of the Custom Adoption Commissioners that members of the public expressed great concern. People were not comfortable with a solitary person having the authority to approve custom adoptions. It was expressed during the public hearings that where there is clearly no problem or controversy, the bill would work very well. However, in the cases where it isn't clear that the adoption took place in an aboriginal customary manner, or where the respected Commissioner may feel pressured into signing the certificate of adoption, the bill does not provide for safeguards.

It was felt that the Adoption Commissioner might feel more comfortable making a decision if they were doing so with more than one person being responsible for that decision. Section 3(4)(b) of the bill does not make it clear that the Commissioner has the authority to determine that the adoption has taken place according to aboriginal custom. Stating that the Custom Adoption Commissioner: "shall decline to issue a certificate if the Custom Adoption Commissioner (b) is not satisfied that the adoption took place" is too vague. The bill should be amended to add, "in accordance with aboriginal custom" after the word "place" or in a manner that the legislative drafters feel is appropriate. The Minister has agreed to amend the legislation accordingly.

The bill also provides consequential amendments to the Vital Statistics Act. These amendments are administrative in nature, however, Members of the committee feel that the amendment to subsection 13(2) of the Vital Statistics Act did not hold with the spirit and intent behind aboriginal custom adoption. This amendment would see the substitution of the original live birth registration with a new registration of birth which only contains the names of the adoptive parents. Members feel that, although the file containing the natural birth parents' names would not be closed but could be accessed by the adopted person, the spirit of custom adoption promotes the association of the natural parents and the adopted child.

It was felt that a new live birth registration should be developed for custom adoptions that contains the names of both the natural and adoptive parents. The Minister agreed to address this issue through amendment.

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An Hon. Member

Hear, hear.

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Bill 2, Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act was well received by the public. The standing committee would like to thank all the people who made presentations to the committee. Through our deliberations and with the anticipated amendments, the committee is satisfied that this bill will provide an appropriate structure within which aboriginal custom adoptions may be recognized without legislating the customary law.

Therefore, on May 31, 1994, the committee passed a motion that this bill was ready for consideration in committee of the whole. That is the end of the report, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Is the Minister responsible for the bill prepared to take the witness chair? Will you be requiring some of your officials to assist you? Sergeant-at-Arms, would you assist the Minister please.

Madam Premier, would you be so kind as to introduce your witnesses to the committee.

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, I have the deputy minister of Justice, Mr. Don Avison, and Mrs. Penny Ballantyne from the Department of Health and Social Services.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Premier. Welcome to the committee. The floor is now open for general comments. General comments. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

General Comments

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I guess this is one time I wouldn't have minded, as the chairman of the Standing Committee on Legislation, to have the support of other Members to defeat a bill. But, that was not to be. So, I thought I would just make some comments as an ordinary Member. I asked Mr. Lewis to present the bill because of my own beliefs about why we shouldn't have what is customary to aboriginal people as part of white laws.

One of the things that came out for the justification of the bill was birth rates. If we are going to be adopting custom adoption into white laws for the purposes of birth rates, then we are doing it for the wrong reason, absolutely. I say that because if you have 1,500 births, what does that tell you? If we put this into white law, it would make it lot easier for young people, young aboriginal girls, to get pregnant, knowing full well they are going to be adopted by their sisters or parents.

I've also heard interviews done by Dave Miller on two occasions and I'm sure most Members have heard what has been happening in that area. One of the reasons, I guess, that there is so much talk about custom adoption is because of the child abuse and sexual abuse that is happening. I want to tell you that the interviews basically focused on custom adoption, not white private adoptions. I want to make it clear that the situations that are happening with aboriginal people is no different than in white society right now. I can assure you that aboriginal people who are adopted by white homes go through the same kinds of abuse that they would if they weren't.

Nellie is aware of this too, because I tried to get a young girl from Providence back to Providence from Toronto. I appreciate her help. The Minister's department has even gone so far as to say that if the girl is willing to come back, they will cover the costs. I appreciate that. Mr. Chairman, I think we're adopting this legislation for all the wrong reasons, not for the right reasons. Customary adoption is not something that happens only between two families, it is for the survival of a nation.

The kinds of adoptions that are happening now are because of illegitimate children, children born out of wedlock. In the old traditions, those were circumstances in which custom adoption would take place. In the old days, young girls having children out of wedlock was very rare. Custom adoption also occurred when a member of a family was lost. When older people lose a loved one, they try to replace them so the old people could survive their remaining years in comfort, as opposed to hardship.

It not only happens with regard to a child being adopted, but even senior citizens being adopted to families. So it wasn't restricted to one category or group. Again, the whole purpose of custom adoption was for the survival of a nation.

I see this new act creating more problems for aboriginal people, as opposed to resolving it. We are sending signals to the young girls in our communities that it is okay to get pregnant. We will help you fill out the applications necessary so that the child can get social assistance and all assistance required by law. That is a hell of a message to be sending out. I think for any young aboriginal person who is pregnant out of wedlock, they should go for the private adoption as opposed to custom adoption. I see customary adoption as creating a bad situation for aboriginal people. It was not meant for that purpose.

There was a report done on aboriginal custom adoption. Aboriginal people say they want exclusive rights in that area. If you look at the report, it talks a lot about social workers or those people who assist in the area of caring for people, saying that isn't right and we shouldn't allow that to happen.

For the people who work in the profession, they have a different idea of what custom adoption is and the way it is being used. They have more of an insight on what custom adoption is all about. They certainly recognize that the adoption process for aboriginal people is done for the wrong reasons, as opposed to what it was meant to do. There are many decisions made now in the Supreme Court of Canada with regard to adoptive parents. Do we really need something in legislation when the Supreme Court has already recognized this through the years, to a point where it is protected under section 35 of the Constitution?

What are we doing here? Making it easier for people to do their paperwork. I don't know what else to say. Myself, as a grandparent, I have a young daughter who had two children before she finally settled down. For us to adopt those children for those reasons, it isn't right. I couldn't do it for that reason only. Any parent who has those moral values, wouldn't encourage something like this.

I had asked that we don't support this act, but most of the other Members didn't. So I thought I would just make that point, for the record. I think we are doing this for the wrong reasons. Perhaps in years to come, there will be an increasing number of illegitimate children being born because we made it so easy for them to do it. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Before we go on to the next speaker, I just want to remind Members of the committee to address the chair and if you are addressing the witnesses, to refer to them by their titles or surname. As well, we should be very mindful of using parliamentary language in this House when making comments. Perhaps Mr. Gargan would like to rephrase the word "hell" into something else. Mr. Gargan.

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

I apologize, Mr. Chairman. I don't know what you can use to replace hell, but I am trying. I was just saying to create an act to make things easier for teenagers to get pregnant is not the right reason to have an act. That is what I meant.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. A "heck" of a way of doing things would probably have been a little more parliamentary. General comments. Mr. Ningark.

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John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, heaven knows what better process we will get in the future, but for the time being, perhaps a minority of the people we talked to during the consultation were in support of Bill 2. It is one step ahead of the government, recognizing custom adoption. To me, that is one step forward. If there is another mechanism where we will make custom adoption...I think the fact that the government is finally going to recognize custom adoption in the territories is something to be thankful for, Mr. Chairman.

I don't believe Bill 2 is going to increase the pregnancy in young people in this jurisdiction. Young girls getting pregnant is part of nature. Ever since man and woman were created, we have had unmarried women getting pregnant. It is a fact of life, Mr. Chairman. I don't believe the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act is going to see any increase in children being abused. Children have always been abused, in the past. It is unfortunate. I think we, the politicians in this jurisdiction, are the ones who can try to address the unfortunate act of when kids are being abused. We can address that. We may not be able to eliminate young children being abused by their parents or adoptive parents.

But I agree with Mr. Gargan to a degree. This is not going to address the need to recognize fully the custom adoption that has always been with the native people, Inuit and Dene. I also recognize that Bill 2 is going to make things easier for potential parents and for natural parents, especially when many times natural parents don't know where their children are when they are adopted, in some cases. In this case, Mr. Chairman, in the birth registration form, it will state where the natural parents were and where the adoptive parents are. It will make it that much easier, some time in the future, when the natural parents

want to see their children who have been adopted, Mr. Chairman.

We have heard many a case where people were frustrated, parents and parents to be, when their adopted children are not even named after the adoptive parents. I know many a case where the adoptive parents look after the adopted children as their own. In fact, they were frustrated because they didn't have their own name as being part of that family, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, for the time being, I don't see any other mechanism to address the need of the native people at this point in time. I think this is a good beginning. Once we have the Nunavut government, we will find another process to address the real needs of the people of Nunavut. For the time being, we are moving one step forward. In that regard, Mr. Chairman, I welcome Bill 2. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. The Member for High Arctic, Mr. Pudluk.

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Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan. The custom adoption was different from the regular procedure and I would like to thank him very much for raising this issue. With regard to this particular bill, I have misgivings about it and I have very good feelings about it.

Aboriginal custom adoption should be recognized. The aboriginal people have a custom to adopt, but they have never used the regular procedure to adopt. To this day, they don't know how to use the law to adopt a child.

Today, they have a problem in using the legal system to adopt. There are many who have not been registered who are already grown up. They cannot receive a social security number, especially the ones who have been adopted. Under this particular bill, they will be able to get registered and will be recognized. We know that in the future, the custom adoption will keep going and will continue. I have two adopted children. Using the custom adoption procedure, I adopted these two children. There are many people who have adopted children, using their own custom adoption. Even some non-aboriginal people use custom adoption. I think it would be much better to help people who are adopting children, especially today.

Since family break-up is quite frequent and young people get divorced, sometimes their children are left behind. They have to be adopted somehow. For that reason, I will support this and am thankful that it has been tabled at this time and know it is going to be useful to our people who adopt children. For the last time, I would like to thank the Member for Deh Cho. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Pudluk. General comments. Does the committee agree that we proceed clause by clause?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Clause By Clause

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 1.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 2.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 3. Madam Premier.

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, in recognition of the concerns that were raised, the first amendment or change is in clause 3(4)(b).

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

I move that clause 3(4)(b) of Bill 2 be amended by striking out "adoption took place" and by substituting "child was adopted in accordance with aboriginal customary law."

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Premier. We have a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

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An Hon. Member

Question.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Clause 3, as amended.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 4. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Clause 4 and 5, isn't that the way it is done now? Custom adoption? The process, itself, is in writing here, right? That's the way it is happening now, even without this legislation, right?

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Madam Premier.

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, that is correct.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Clause 4.

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 5.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 6. Mr. Gargan.

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

With regard to this, Mr. Chairman, I wanted to ask the Minister how they are going to determine who is knowledgeable in this area and still be able to carry on the proceedings? In most cases, both with the Dene and the Inuit, the people who are most knowledgeable in this area don't know how to read or write.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Madam Premier.

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, the intent is to look to the community to have them identify who they feel is knowledgeable and understanding of aboriginal customary law. It is not a requirement that they be bilingual. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Premier. Clause 6.

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 7. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Again, with clauses 7 and 8, the process is the same as it was for clauses 4 and 5, right? In order for you to determine the stats, you would have had to collect them. Whether this act came into force or not, the practice is still there, right?

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Madam Minister.

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, the Member is correct, except there is the recognition that you don't have to pay fees. Thank you.

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Premier. Clause 7.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Committee Motion 60-12(6): To Amend Clause 3 Of Bill 2, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 8. The chair recognizes the Premier.

Committee Motion 61-12(6): To Amend Clause 8 Of Bill 2, Carried
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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, this is in further response to concerns that were raised and requests for more clarification. I have a motion to make an amendment that Bill 2 be amended by deleting clause 8(3) and by substituting the following:

(3) Subsection 13(2) is amended by striking out "an adoption" and by substituting "an adoption effected under the Child Welfare Act."

(3.1) The following is added after subsection 13(2): Marginal note: Substitution of registration of birth where custom adoption

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

(2.1) Where, at the time of the registration of a custom adoption or at any time after that, there is in the office of the Registrar General a registration of the birth of the person adopted, the Registrar General, on production of evidence satisfactory to the Registrar General of the identity of the person, shall cause

(a) the substitution of a new registration of the birth that is in accordance with the facts contained in the certificate recognizing the custom adoption and that includes the names of the birth parents as set out in the original registration of birth; and

(b) the original registration to be withdrawn from the registration files.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Minister. The motion is in order. To the motion.

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An Hon. Member

Question.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Clause 8, as amended.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 9.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

The bill as a whole. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just before we conclude this bill, I wanted to say that I don't know what it means now that customary adoption is now recognized under white laws. Is it customary now, or does it take away the custom, now that it is recognized under white laws and will be referred to by aboriginal people?

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Madam Premier.

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Chairman, the deputy minister of Justice may want to add to this, but my understanding of this document is that this procedure can be accessed and it is an option, but it takes nothing away from the traditional customary adoptions that have been taking place since time immemorial.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Premier. The bill as a whole.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Does the committee agree that Bill 2, Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act, is concluded?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

And is ready for third reading, as amended?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Bill 2 is now ready for third reading, as amended. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister, the Premier, for her participation and thank the witnesses for their assistance in this matter.

---Applause

The committee can now turn its attention to Committee Report 13-12(6), Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions Report on the Elimination of the Alcohol and Drug Board of Management. The chair now recognizes the honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

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Fred Koe Inuvik

The Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions has prepared a report on the Alcohol and Drug Board of Management. We've already read the report into the record, so I would just like to make a few comments. There is one motion in the report, but I would like to give other Members of the committee the opportunity to make comments.

Alcohol and drug abuse is one of the most serious problems facing northerners today. As a result, the funding of alcohol and drug programs has always been a sensitive and important issue in the debates of this Assembly.

Over the past few years, concerns related to the Alcohol and Drug Board of Management were raised regularly by Members in the House, but even with these concerns, the government still eliminated the board at the end of the 1992-93 fiscal year. The Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions is disappointed that the government eliminated this board without having consulted the Assembly, either as a whole or through the standing committee. Previous government initiatives to eliminate boards included consultation with the standing committee. The elimination of the alcohol and drug board of management, we felt, should not have taken place without similar consultation.

The standing committee contacted representatives of a number of alcohol and drug programs across the Northwest Territories. The responses received suggest that relations between the department and the various alcohol and drug programs need to be improved. The department must be more attentive to input from alcohol and drug workers. As well, the standing committee feels that there must be some means of monitoring the effectiveness of grants and contributions to alcohol and drug programs.

With those brief comments, Mr. Chairman, and before I get into the recommendation made by the committee, I think we should give other Members of the committee an opportunity to make some general remarks. Mahsi.

Committee Report 13-12(6): Report On The Elimination Of The Alcohol And Drug Board Of Management
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Chairman Koe. General comments on the report. There doesn't appear to be any further comments on the report. The chair recognizes the Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

General Comments

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Being a Member of the committee, I fully support the report. I just wanted to add that during the life of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, we frequently met with drug and alcohol workers across the north. One of the big concerns they expressed was that they felt that without this board, they didn't have as good an opportunity to address their concerns in the overall operations and policies of the department to the Minister. They saw that as being an important vehicle for providing such input. I just wanted to say that not only as a Member of ABCs, but as a Member of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, I was told of the need for some mechanism and I would hope that the government will be able to find such a mechanism to ensure that alcohol and drug workers can have meaningful input to the department when it comes to setting up policies and procedures. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Any further comments on the report? The chair recognizes the Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to this Alcohol and Drug Board of Management, I just want to say that the purpose of this board was to give out grants and contributions to different programs around the north. The department has taken this role on. However, there needs to be a continuation of dealing with the issues and concerns that are raised by people in the communities with regard to alcohol and drug programs. I have made many statements in this House with regard to that. I have raised the point that there have been numerous conferences and meetings that took place in the past that brought together people who are involved in alcohol and drug programs from the communities with the Department of Social Services. Recommendations have come out of these workshops and meetings. In fact, I attended a few of those. The purpose and direction of these recommendations was to direct the department to improve the delivery of alcohol and drug services to people in the communities.

However, that doesn't seem to have taken place. I would like to say that committee was told that the department was undertaking an alcohol and drug strategy that would be developed this year by the new amalgamated Department of Health and Social Services and that mechanisms for people to be involved and monitoring the effectiveness of the grants should play an essential part in this strategy. That is a real concern to me.

I have talked to people with regard to this Alcohol and Drug Board of Management. In the beginning, it worked fairly well, but it fell by the wayside and the department took this role on itself. I have asked people in the communities whether we should reinstate this board and the feeling was no. We should look for another mechanism for dealing with these problems. I just wanted to remind the Department of Health and Social Services, as they are developing their strategy, to remember the agreements that were made when the programs were transferred with health services. Some programs were transferred to Social Services as well. There are agreements with regard to aboriginal people in relation to the alcohol and drug program. That has to be kept in mind if they are developing a new strategy for alcohol and drugs. That is my input into this debate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Report 13-12(6): Report On The Elimination Of The Alcohol And Drug Board Of Management
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Any further comments? The chair recognizes the Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Chairman, with regard to the report itself, I don't know see anything that says we are going to be eliminating the Alcohol and Drug Board of Management. It was done already?

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

The chair will turn to Mr. Koe for assistance on this. Mr. Koe.

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Fred Koe Inuvik

The Department of Social Services, at the time, eliminated the board of management in 1992-93.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Mr. Ningark.

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John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, ever since I became a Member of this House about five years ago, time and time again we have talked about the evil use of alcohol when mostly women and children are being abused by their spouses and other males. When we travelled with the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, we not only heard about diseases in the territories caused by smoking and other things, but we also heard their concern about the abuse of alcohol in the territories. In the country, the territories is one of the highest jurisdictions that abuse the use of alcohol. The government is aware of the fact that people in the territories consume a lot of alcohol. There are all kinds of social problems attached to the use of alcohol, even in the small communities. If the government really wants to deal with the problem, I think one of the ways is to have a mechanism whereby the alcohol and drug workers in the communities can reach out for some assistance from the government.

I don't know why the government decided to eliminate the mechanism where the front-line workers were able to access funding and other means to combat the use of alcohol in the jurisdictions. So, as a Member of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions, I support the recommendation that will be read into the record by the chairman, himself. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. The chair recognizes Mr. Koe.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Fred Koe Inuvik

I would like to thank Members for their comments. The committee has made a recommendation and I would like to introduce that recommendation and then we can speak to the motion. I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Health and Social Services complete a comprehensive alcohol and drug strategy and provide it to the committee by December 31, 1994. Further, that the strategy include mechanisms for monitoring the effectiveness of grants and contributions to alcohol and drug societies, and for gathering input from alcohol and drug workers to the department.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

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

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman, the comments made by my colleagues this afternoon, I think, are reflected in the direction that is given to the government. There is a lot of concern that alcohol and drugs are our number one problem in the Northwest Territories. We have a department that is currently being restructured and reorganized and there are a lot of community organizations out there to combat the problem by providing various services: client services, detox services, and counselling. With the limited amount of money that is being put towards this battle, we have to start looking at how we can assess the effectiveness and efficiency of our money.

Like anything else, we want to get the best return for our dollar and provide the best service we can for our people in the Northwest Territories. We all know that we would like more and we want more and abuse is rampant throughout the north. But, I feel that if we can get a strategy that will outline where we are, where we want to go and identify the resources required to get there, that will help in this battle. So, with that, I support the motion. Mahsi.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Koe. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I, too, support the motion but I would also like to say that some of the programs being delivered in the communities have to be looked at to see whether they should be continued. The trends don't change even though workers are getting paid to do the jobs. I'm hoping that the effectiveness of these programs is also looked at.

For anybody who is running a program in those communities, most of the drinking doesn't happen during working hours. It doesn't start at 9:00 in the morning, go to 5:00 pm and then stop. Most of the time, that is when the alcohol and drug workers are working. I would like to see that change. Maybe the working hours of those people should change so they can help the people who drink in the evenings and on the weekends. If programs are not serving the community and they are not effective, then the government should stop providing funding.

The other thing the government has to realize, too, is that we are going to be changing the Liquor Act. As much as possible, I would like to see the control of alcohol coming from this act, as well. The drinking age should be changed, perhaps. You should have a licence to drink, perhaps. You also have to look at the drinking hours for outlets, so they consider students. Students are not being affected by the act, but I would hope that we would be able to force changes so if the bars were closed at 10:00 pm instead of 12:00 am or 2:00 am, I'm sure that would have a positive effect on students, as well as parents.

In this comprehensive strategy, I hope the government looks at every possible avenue at their disposal to place controls on the consumption of booze. And I don't mean raise the price of booze again. There have to be other ways of addressing it. I hope that is one avenue, as well as trying to deliver effective programs in the communities. Effective programs don't operate from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

With that, I would like to thank Mr. Koe's committee for its support and I appreciate that we can discuss this at some length so that when the time comes, the government is not afraid to implement the necessary changes to make this effective. We need controls on consumers of alcohol to benefit not only the individual but also children.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. To the motion. The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, not too long ago there was a motion in this House that we no longer tolerate violence, it was zero tolerance for violence in the territories. I think there was unanimous support from all Members of this House. I think it is high time that government demonstrate their support for zero tolerance by doing something in this area, particularly with this recommendation. With that, I support the motion, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. To the motion.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Anything further, Mr. Koe?

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Chairman, that concludes the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions Report on the Elimination of the Alcohol and Drug Board of Management. I would like to thank all the Members of the committee, witnesses and the government for assisting in the work. Mahsi.

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Does the committee agree that the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions Report on the Elimination of the Alcohol and Drug Board of Management is concluded?

Committee Motion 62-12(6): That Health And Social Services Complete Comprehensive Alcohol And Drug Strategy, Carried
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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed Tabled Document 23-12(6): Report Of The 1993-94 Electoral District Boundaries Commission Northwest Territories

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Now we will move to the third item on our agenda, Tabled Document 23-12(6), the Report of the 1993-94 Electoral District Boundaries Commission Northwest Territories.

This is an unusual document because there is no one responsible for it. No one will be responding to any questions. Perhaps for the benefit of the Members, we will take time to hear their comments on the report, having had a chance to glance at it and we will get their comments on record. For the record, I will take the opportunity to read the preamble into the record. While you are glancing at your copies, perhaps that will stimulate some thought.

Preamble

This commission was established under the Electoral District Boundaries Commission Act GNWT 1989(1), c.2. In December 1993, the commission was directed through a motion, appendix 1, of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly to undertake a review, specifically:

"that a review be undertaken of the area and boundaries of the existing electoral boundaries of High Arctic, Kitikmeot, Kivallivik, Nunakput, Sahtu and Tu Nedhe so that they may conform to the boundary to divide the Northwest Territories."

The office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly provided support and administrative assistance to the commission in their deliberations.

A letter regarding the work of the commission and how to make a submission was prepared by the commission and distributed to the organizations set forth in appendix 3 and to Members of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly whose ridings were affected.

The commission felt that the public should be afforded full opportunity to make written representations to the commission. In accordance with section 8(2) of the act, the commission gave public notice of the method and time frame for making written submissions to the commission, appendix 2. The commission received only one written submission. This was from the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council. As a consequence, the commission decided not to hold any public hearings.

During previous hearings in 1989-90, the commission heard that the boundaries should conform to the land claims settlement areas. In recommending the new boundaries, the commission took into account the settled land claim areas which include the Gwich'in, the Inuit, the Inuvialuit and the Sahtu.

To the extent that it would make sense, the existing land claims areas were used to realign the boundaries. As a consequence, the recommendations affect two constituencies in addition to those included in the instructions from the Legislative Assembly. These are the Mackenzie Delta and North Slave.

Therefore, the total number of constituencies affected by the recommendations are eight.

The forgoing with appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4 constitute our report, which is respectfully submitted. The terms of this report, including the formal recommendations it contains, reflect the views of the commission as a whole.

It is signed by the Honourable Justice C.F. Tallis, chairperson; Ms. Rosemarie Kuptana, member; and, Mr. Richard Hardy, member.

That concludes the preamble. Any comments? The chair recognizes the Member for Hay River, Mr. Pollard.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
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Page 739

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that the recommendations dealing with the electoral boundaries of High Arctic, Nunakput, Mackenzie Delta, Sahtu, Nahendeh, Tu Nedhe, North Slave and Kitikmeot, as contained in Tabled Document 23-12(6), Report of the 1993-94 Electoral District Boundaries Commission Northwest Territories be adopted. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Pollard. The motion is in order. It is properly translated and distributed. To the motion. The chair recognizes the Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to speak on the motion. I cannot support the motion the way it is written right now for a number of reasons. When this document came out, I sent it to the different communities that I represent so the people could look at it; and they did. The instructions that I received from my constituents were not to support this recommendation the way it is written. The reason for that, especially in the Nahendeh constituency area, has to do with the northern boundary of that constituency that has dipped down to conform to the Sahtu claim area. There are a couple of points I want to make on that.

First of all, whenever a claimant group is negotiating with the federal government, the neighbouring group -- for instance when the Sahtu were negotiating their claim with the federal government, involving the southern areas in the Deh Cho area -- is not consulted or involved in making a decision on where the boundaries are going to go. In fact, there is still a lot of concern from people, especially from the Pedzeh Ki area, which is the Wrigley area. Their traditional areas have been encroached upon by people from the Sahtu.

So when the northern boundary was moved down, it was a further alienation of lands, even though we're talking about the land here. For many people in the Deh Cho area, my constituency, there is a problem because they don't recognize that boundary at all. By aligning it with the Sahtu claim area, they don't agree with it.

The other point here is that when we instructed the Electoral District Boundaries Commission to realign the boundary, the motion specifically stated that they realign it to conform to the boundary to divide the Northwest Territories. That was the review to be undertaken for the area and boundaries of the existing electoral boundaries of the High Arctic, Kitikmeot, Kivallivik, Nunakput, Sahtu and the Tu Nedhe area. It had nothing to do with the Nahendeh area.

When the ad first came out, of course people in my area did not realize that it was going to involve their area, as well. But when this boundary commission report came out, it included realignment in our area, as well. The reason why the people in our area were under that opinion is because of the ad in the paper, which is before us under appendix II, page 5, that says we're going to be doing the existing electoral boundaries districts in the Sahtu area. But in our motion it says only to conform to the boundary, so we get mixed messages there.

After this came out, I went to the people I represent, which all elected people are supposed to do, to get feedback from them. The instruction was that they don't agree with the boundary for that reason. Furthermore, there are some groups within the Sahtu area, the Shihta Dene, who have stated that they don't agree with the boundary and they have some problems with the Sahtu claim. They have joined the Deh Cho First Nations because of that. It is their traditional area that is going to be into the Sahtu area. So I have major concerns about that.

I know people are saying that there are no people there, but that's not the point. The point is that we don't know what's going to happen in the future, and this might be in there for a long time. Some of the people may want to move over there; that's their traditional area. We don't know, they might be living there in the future. That's the intention of land claims, to re-establish your whole area.

But the point I want to re-emphasize is that when these claims were negotiated in the Sahtu, the views of the people in my constituency were not taken into consideration by the federal government or the claimant group, and they went ahead and said this is the area we're going to claim; too bad, that's the way it's going to go. So that leaves a very sour taste. We still do not agree with that.

Those were the points I was asked to make on this one, Mr. Chairman. As a result, I would like to move an amendment. Is there a proper way to do these things, Mr. Chairman? Okay.

Committee Motion To Amend Motion To Adopt Recommendations From Tabled Document 23-12(6)

I move that this motion be amended by amending the recommendations considering the electoral districts of Nahendeh and Sahtu by retaining the existing northern boundaries of the electoral district of Nahendeh. Mahsi cho.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

The motion is in order. We're just distributing copies to the Members so they can read the motion, as well. In a moment we'll discuss it.

All the Members have their copies now. The motion to amend is in order. To the amendment. The chair recognizes the Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 740

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Mr. Chairman, I, too have a problem with the report. Mr. Chairman, my constituents in Dettah and Ndilo have asked that they have their own separate constituency. So I feel at this point in time that I'm not able to support either the motion or the amendment. I'm going to abstain on all matters to deal with this particular matter, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. The chair recognizes the Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I understand the reason for the report was to prepare for division, that the elections and the electoral boundaries have to reflect that division is going to happen in 1999, and that the constituencies be realigned for that. Within the western territory, what we have seen is the different electoral boundaries, constituency boundaries, being realigned accepting where the settlement boundaries are for each successive settlement. Federal legislation passed in Parliament now specifies exactly where settlement boundaries are of the Inuvialuit, of the Gwich'in, and of the Dene and Metis of the Sahtu.

These settlement area boundaries are set out in legislation, so whether or not we have political problems with them, they are in fact set in law. To suggest that any one constituency, the constituency of Nahendeh should be allowed, for political expediency to not recognize that reality, should then mean that we don't recognize the boundaries as set out in all the other regions.

That's the difficulty I had with it. The regions of the Sahtu Dene and Metis in their claim are set out in federal legislation. The Electoral Boundaries Commission has simply found it logical to suggest, as we have done in other constituencies, that we should also recognize that fact. We should recognize that all the boundaries...The boundary to divide Nunavut from the western part of the territory was, in large part, negotiated. Neither side was totally happy with the boundary, but it is probably one of the longest running boundaries in the world, as negotiated between two people who are not even governments of the country where the boundaries run.

The boundary between the Gwich'in and the Inuvialuit, the boundary between the Gwich'in and the Sahtu Dene were both negotiated and both sides sat down over a number of meetings and hammered out a boundary that was acceptable to everyone at the end. The Sahtu Dene did the same with the Dogrib and they intended to do the same with the chiefs and the Metis leaders of the Deh Cho first nations. The fact is, there were a number of meetings arranged; three meetings that I know of. The first two were attended, at the third meeting, the Deh Cho leaders walked out, and at the fourth they chose not even to show up. There was a pending settlement on the horizon and I believe both sides had to make an effort to come to some sort of agreement.

It generally followed the land use boundary that was tabled and accepted before regional claims occurred, when the Dene and Metis tabled their land use areas with the federal government in the early 1980s. There is recognition that some Dene people from Fort Norman who purport to represent the mountain Dene of Fort Norman received great political hype from the Deh Cho by saying that all Mountain Dene of Fort Norman have now joined the Deh Cho First Nations. The fact

is, these Mountain Dene, amongst many others in Fort Norman, voted to ratify the Dene/Metis Sahtu regional claim.

The Sahtu Dene are still part of the Fort Norman band and the only legitimate representatives of these people are the chief and council of the Fort Norman band. No one else can legally represent the treaty Dene of the Fort Norman band. It simply cannot be done, although you can make some political posturing to say otherwise. That is a recognized fact, not only by the Government of Canada and this government as well, but by the Dene, themselves. It is only a duly elected or appointed chief who represents the membership. I think the Deh Cho people make a mockery by suggesting otherwise. That is a resentment that many people in the Sahtu have towards the Deh Cho.

There is work to be done, the boundary needed to be done properly and it wasn't, so now it is settled in legislation. It is unfortunate. I know that in one case, the Deh Cho First Nations put a proposal on the table that said they were claiming lands right up to 30 miles of Fort Good Hope, land that has a cabin of one of the former chiefs of Fort Good Hope sitting right on it. You go up the river, go around the corner, and the Deh Cho boundary would be there. That gives you some idea of the difficulties and, perhaps, the unrealistic positions taken during these negotiations.

It is my view, in any case, that if this amendment is supported, then all the boundaries should be realigned as well. The logic behind this is not there. It is simply that the boundaries of the Sahtu are realigned to reflect the regional boundaries set out in federal legislation already. I recognize that it is possible, if the Deh Cho approach Sahtu leaders to change the line, that that can be done. If the Sahtu Dene agree there is some reason to change the line and the Deh Cho are flexible enough to make it worthwhile, it is not impossible to do. I'm not certain that the way the boundary is, is to the total satisfaction of the Sahtu Dene and Metis either. So, there is, I believe, some flexibility.

But I know, at this time, it is not in the works because as far as the Sahtu is concerned, it is finished. But, if the Deh Cho wants to revisit it, they have to make some overtures to people they have offended. Thank you.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 741

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Kakfwi. To the amendment. The chair recognizes the Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 741

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will be voting in favour of this motion. I'm not going to get into the debate of whether or not the Sahtu and the Deh Cho have proper boundaries between them. This is an electoral boundary that we are talking about. As far as I'm concerned, the boundary between the Sahtu and the Deh Cho should be solved by the chiefs of those regions and the Metis people, not here. That is where it should be settled.

The commission only received one written submission and that was from Treaty 11. So they didn't have public hearings. At previous hearings, they referred to that. In 1989-90 is when they heard about land claim issues and that the boundary should conform to land claims issues. But that was previous issues and they shouldn't have even referred back to it. This is a new issue and it was from this Assembly. So we made our direction very clear. Then they went way beyond their mandate, as far as I am concerned. They had no business at all in realigning other boundaries. The only boundary they were supposed to do was the boundary between our territory in the west and Nunavut.

If they would have sent out a public notice telling people that they were going to realign all the boundaries according to all the claims, I know they would have had a bigger public response because people would have been concerned. That is the reason I am going to support Mr. Antoine's motion. We shouldn't be looking at the boundaries within the western Arctic. It was only to be the split between the east and west. The rest was irrelevant. If that is to be looked at, then pass another motion and let them go back and look at that. Thank you.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 741

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Morin. The chair recognizes the Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 741

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to say a few things on what Mr. Kakfwi was saying. He said a lot of things. I don't necessarily agree with everything he is saying, but it is true that there was an attempt made between the Deh Cho chiefs and the Sahtu chiefs to settle this boundary. As he said, there was a pending claim and the position of the Deh Cho was not taken seriously by people in the Sahtu because they had a lot of pressure, so they just went ahead to the boundary. The final decision to have that boundary was not made with Deh Cho involvement. Perhaps it is over for Mr. Kakfwi; that the federal government legislated it and we should all be good little Indians and fall into line with what the federal government has done. But as a Dene, I have been a fighter against the federal government for many years, so this is nothing new to me.

But to say that it is the fault of the Deh Cho because of this boundary is not fair at all. I agree with Mr. Kakfwi that it should be settled between the chiefs of the Sahtu, Nahendeh and involving the Metis people as well. That is who should decide because between those two people, there has never been any comfortable agreement on where the boundary should go. Perhaps it went that way in their claim, but they didn't claim all the area along that boundary. Why should the boundary be along that area because it is in their claim area?

These are the things that have to be discussed yet. I don't think it is fair for us to debate it here and make an agreement at this time. There are people from the Sahtu who came to the Deh Cho and made overtures to us, to see if they could be included in the Deh Cho First Nations. It was discussed at the Deh Cho Assembly and it was agreed there to have these people involved with us. We didn't make great political posturing on this. In fact, this is the first time it has been mentioned in this Assembly. It is a really hard issue to deal with and I am not here to make anyone feel bad about what is going on out there. I am here to represent the people who sent me here. I did just that. I sent this book out and when it came back, everyone was quite surprised that the boundaries had been changed. I agree that if people knew that these boundaries were going to be changed, I am sure there would have been a lot of participation in it.

I don't think the Deh Cho is coming out with unrealistic positions. This is the position we have been standing on for many years. I don't like people trying to make us look bad because of this line here that should have been settled many years ago in the honourable Dene way of sitting down and talking this out. Now we are debating this line in the Assembly. I just want to make sure that people in my area are protected. I propose this amendment and it is up to people in the House to support it or not. Thank you.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 742

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. The chair will now recognize the Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe. Then the chair will recognize Mr. Nerysoo.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 742

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Chairman, there is obviously a lot of controversy on this issue and I believe that it would be beneficial if the western Members had a Caucus. I would like to report progress.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 742

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

We have a motion to report progress on the floor. The motion is not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. I shall rise and report to the Speaker.

Committee Motion 63-12(6): To Adopt Recommendations Of Tabled Document 23-12(6)
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 742

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

I will call the House back to order. Item 20, report of committee of the whole. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 742

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Madam Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 2, Committee Report 13-12(6) and Tabled Document 23-12(6) and would like to report progress with three motions being adopted and Committee Report 13-12(6) is concluded, and that Bill 2 is ready for third reading, as amended. Madam Speaker, I move that the report of committee of the whole be concurred with.

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. The motion is in order. Seconder for the motion. Honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng. To the motion.

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 742

An Hon. Member

Question.

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Item 21, third reading of bills. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Bill 3: Guardianship And Trusteeship Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that Bill 3, Guardianship and Trusteeship Act, be read for the third time.

Bill 3: Guardianship And Trusteeship Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills

Page 742

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Bill 3: Guardianship And Trusteeship Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills

Page 742

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 3: Guardianship And Trusteeship Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills

Page 742

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 3 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. The honourable Member for Hay River, Mr. Pollard.

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, be read for the third time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 15 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Item 22, orders of the day, Mr. Clerk.

Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Page 742

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Madam Speaker, a meeting of the Western Caucus immediately after adjournment this evening. Meetings tomorrow morning at 9:00 of the Ordinary Members' Caucus. Orders of the day for Friday, November 4th.

1. Prayer

2. Ministers' Statements

3. Members' Statements

4. Returns to Oral Questions

5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

6. Oral Questions 7. Written Questions

8. Returns to Written Questions

9. Replies to Opening Address

10. Petitions

11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

12. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

13. Tabling of Documents

14. Notices of Motion

15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills

16. Motions

17. First Reading of Bills

- Bill 19, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1994-95

18. Second Reading of Bills

19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

- Tabled Document 14-12(6), "Open for Business" - Privatizing the Northwest Territories Power

Corporation

- Tabled Document 23-12(6), Report of the 1993-94

Electoral District Boundaries Commission Northwest

Territories

- Tabled Document 36-12(6), "Action Plan - Consolidation

- Health and Social Services"

- Minister's Statement 11-12(6), Return to Session

- Committee Report 10-12(6), Report on the Review of the

1995-96 Capital Estimates

- Committee Report 11-12(6), Report on the First Annual

Report (1992-93) of the Languages Commissioner

of the NWT

- Committee Report 15-12(6), Report on the Northwest

Territories Arts Council

- Bill 1, Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1995-96

- Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act

- Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act

- Bill 14, An Act to Repeal the Public Service Vehicles Act

- Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 1993-94

20. Report of Committee of the Whole

21. Third Reading of Bills

- Bill 2, Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act

22. Orders of the Day

Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Page 743

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. This House stands adjourned until Friday, November 4th, at 10:00 am.

---ADJOURNMENT