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

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

Page 718

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

Page 718

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

Page 718

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

Page 719

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

Page 719

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

Page 719

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

Page 719

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

Page 719

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

Page 719

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.