This is page numbers 275 - 301 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 5th 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 federal.

Topics

Further Return To Question 52-12(5): Legal Opinion Re Conflict Of Minister Serving As Chairman Of Advisory Committee
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 278

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Madam Speaker, I have four returns. I will read them all. The first is in response to a question asked by Mr. Gargan on February 11, regarding a legal opinion about whether there is a conflict of a Minister serving as the chairman of the Advisory Committee.

Madam Speaker, the conflict of interest provisions of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act contemplate a Member's conflict of interest in his or her personal capacity due to direct or indirect pecuniary interests in matters in which the Legislative Assembly is concerned. The provisions do not address the potential for a Minister to be in conflict by virtue of his or her office as a Minister of the Crown. Accordingly, a Minister is not in a legal conflict of interest under the terms of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act if the Minister is represented on a committee advising his or her department.

Return To Question 114-12(5): Northern Nominees For Rcmp Training
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 278

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

The second return is in response, again to Mr. Gargan, to a question he asked on February 16 regarding northern nominees for RCMP training.

Although no new students are being accepted at this time, those who are already started will be able to continue with it. The program has been successful over the years in the Northwest Territories. Most recently, Yvonne Niego and Dan Roode, both graduates of the program, completed their training at the RCMP academy in December 1993, and have now been posted in NWT communities.

Two NWT residents who went through this program, Joey Moses and Henry Coman, are currently doing well in their training at the RCMP academy and will graduate in March and April. Two more, Violet Pokiak and Adolphus Norris, have completed the program and are waiting for an opening at the RCMP academy.

Further Return To Question 128-12(5): Duration Of Tranquillizer Effect On Polar Bears
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 278

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

The remaining two returns I have are with regard to the drug used to tranquillize polar bears and the duration of the effect of this tranquillizer on same. The first question was asked by Mr. Pudluk on February 17. The second was asked by Mr. Allooloo.

Polar bears were first drugged with Sernylan (phencyclidine hydrochloride), also known as PCP or angel dust. However, after 1978, it was no longer manufactured because large amounts of it were used illegally on the street. The Department of Renewable Resources changed to a combination of ketamine and xylazine (Rompun).

Further Return To Question 128-12(5): Duration Of Tranquillizer Effect On Polar Bears
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 279

An Hon. Member

(Microphone turned off)

---Laughter

Further Return To Question 128-12(5): Duration Of Tranquillizer Effect On Polar Bears
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 279

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Rum-pun.

---Laughter

I don't want to fool around with that one.

---Laughter

In 1985, the department began using Telazol, which is an excellent drug for the purpose. It immobilizes these large bears in about six minutes. No bears have died from the use of this drug.

Further Return To Question 130-12(5): Drug Used To Tranquillize Polar Bears
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 279

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

This is in response to Mr. Allooloo who asked about the duration and effect of these tranquillizers.

In 1992, the Department of Renewable Resources initiated a cooperative study with the University of Saskatchewan and the resident hunters' and trappers' association to determine how long Telazol remains in the tissue of polar bears. The study took longer than expected because new procedures had to be developed in the lab. Blood analysis have shown that all Telazol is eliminated from the blood at least three days after the injection. The results for the meat, fat and organs should be available this May.

The department has kept the community of Resolute Bay informed by providing written and oral briefings through the renewable resources officers to the hunters' and trappers' association. The most recent report was provided two weeks ago. The final report, which should be completed this spring, must be reviewed by Health and Welfare Canada before it can be released to the communities and to the general public. Once Health and Welfare Canada establishes its guidelines, we will further consult with the communities. In the meantime, we will continue to ask that meat from drugged polar bears not be eaten and compensate hunters who harvest a tagged bear to not eat the meat. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 130-12(5): Drug Used To Tranquillize Polar Bears
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 279

The Speaker

Thank you. May I ask Ministers, when you are replying to more than one return to oral question at one time, to indicate that for the record and to make it easier for Hansard staff to record the question number into the record. Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River.

Further Return To Question 142-12(5): Payroll Tax Return FormsFurther Return To Question 146-12(5): Payroll Tax Calculations
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 279

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a return to oral questions asked by Mr. Dent and Mr. Ballantyne on February 18, 1994. It concerns tax return forms and payroll tax calculations. Both Members raised questions concerning the wording used on the annual return to be filed by employers under the Payroll Tax Act.

Firstly, Mr. Dent was quite correct in stating that the form asks for the total amount of tax collected from each employee. Although this is a payroll tax form and the information requested was for payroll tax purposes only, it is understandable that this request might be misunderstood. It is also correct that the word "remuneration" is misspelled twice on this form. Madam Speaker, the spelling will be corrected and the wording on the forms will be revised to state, "Total amount of payroll tax collected from each employee."

Mr. Dent also questioned the purpose of asking for the name of each employee who worked in the NWT in the year. As I indicated on Friday, it is necessary to obtain payroll information on each employee to enable the government to cross-reference employee tax information and to report back to this Assembly on the effectiveness of the tax initiatives. The individual payroll tax information requested should be readily available from employer payrolls and is considerably less than employers have to report federally for income tax purposes.

Mr. Ballantyne also quite rightly noted that the payroll tax calculations described on the annual payroll tax return may be confusing. Although the annual return identifies that the "gross annual remuneration" is that remuneration subject to payroll tax, it may not be clear to some employers that this would be the earnings for the period July 1 to December 31, 1993, only. We will clarify this request on any follow-up correspondence and on any new forms issued to employers who have not already reported correctly. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 142-12(5): Payroll Tax Return FormsFurther Return To Question 146-12(5): Payroll Tax Calculations
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 280

The Speaker

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Social Services. The Minister's department is responsible for services to the aged and handicapped. Currently, there is a policy in existence which sets the fees that government-operated or self-standing operated senior citizens' homes can assess their residents. I believe that this fee is currently $380 a month, and that the money collected helps cover some of the operations and costs of residents.

Since this fee is set by policy, it is also my understanding that it hasn't been changed for quite some time. My question to the Minister is, what has been done to review this fee structure to determine whether they're adequate or not?

The Speaker

Thank you. Minister of Social Services, Ms. Mike.

Return To Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The government agrees that services, such as those provided by personal care of elders and group homes, should be needs-based. The income security reform initiative will recommend that the fee structure be revised to allow facilities to charge rates based on what clients are able to pay, with reasonable ceilings. This is in line with our restructuring plan and that restructuring plan should be in place by September 1, 1994. Thank you.

Return To Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

The Speaker

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi. I'm glad this is under review. Has any work been done to determine whether the contribution and fees which are being received by the self-standing facilities are adequate?

Supplementary To Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

The Speaker

Minister of Social Services, Ms. Mike.

Further Return To Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. At the present time, we have an extremely heavy workload in terms of planning other things that have been requested by this Legislative Assembly. We are looking at programs, in a time of restructuring and reorganization of the department. As far as I know, at the present time, the facilities that we contribute grants to are being looked at to streamline the price structures, as well. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Question 165-12(5): Review Of Fee Structure For Services Provided To Aged And Handicapped
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

The Speaker

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Aivilik, Mr. Arvaluk.

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Madam Speaker, I informed the House earlier about the situation of the selection process of the players for Arctic Winter Games, the open men's division. The fact that Coral Harbour was the runner up and beat Tuktoyaktuk, Hay River and an all-star team from different regions, and yet do not have one player on the territorial team brings the whole question of selection into question. My question is to the Minister responsible for sports and recreation. I believe he is also the Minister of MACA. Would he inform the House what the process is for selection for team membership to participate in the Arctic Winter Games? Thank you.

The Speaker

Thank you. Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Return To Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The selection criteria for teams to the Arctic Winter Games is set and carried out by independent governing bodies of the particular sport. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

The Speaker

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Supplementary To Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is not who selected the membership of the teams. I asked, Madam Speaker, how these players are selected. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just for clarification. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

The Speaker

Thank you. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 280

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Madam Speaker, because selection is made by independent sports bodies, in this case the hockey association, I don't know how the selection would be made. The hockey association would pay the people who make the selection and how they would make the selection is up to them. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Question 166-12(5): Process For Selection Of Team Membership For Arctic Winter Games
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 281

The Speaker

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.