This is page numbers 871 - 907 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 chairman.

Topics

Members Present

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

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 871

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I would like to advise the House that the Honourable John Pollard is ill today and will not be in the House. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last October, the NWT Housing Corporation asked northern businesses to indicate their interest in supplying made-in-the NWT building components for the corporation's housing units. Madam Speaker, the response from northern manufacturers was very positive and encouraging.

In 1994-95, northern manufacturers will be providing more building components for NWT Housing Corporation units than ever before. This increase in volume will also generate new jobs in the manufacturing industry. The following northern manufacturers have been awarded multi-year contracts: Fibreglass North of Yellowknife will supply water and sewer tanks. This will create up to 11 new jobs. United Furniture of Hay River will supply doors and frames and will mean four to five new jobs and Arctic Front Windows of Hay River will supply windows and create 8 new jobs.

What is more, Madam Speaker, these northern manufacturers are able to supply quality products for less than six per cent higher costs than southern manufacturers. The total value of these contracts is $1,982,805 for 1994-95.

In addition, Madam Speaker, there are some building components now available from more than one northern manufacturer. The 1994-95 building program of the NWT Housing Corporation specified that certain components have to be supplied by northern manufacturers. The results are as follows:

-screw jacks will be supplied by Paul Brothers Welding of Yellowknife and Back Bay Welding of Yellowknife;

-fuel tanks will be supplied by Paul Brothers Welding of Yellowknife for the western Arctic and Kitikmeot communities;

-fuel tank stands will be supplied by Back Bay Welding of Yellowknife and Bearard Welding of Fort Resolution;

-cabinets will be supplied by Igloo Building Supplies of Hay River, using MC Woodwright and Sunrise Cabinets of Hay River. In the east, cabinets will be supplied by Frobuild Construction of Iqaluit; and,

-trusses will be supplied by Northern Homes 3000 of Yellowknife.

The total value of these contracts is $803,000, Madam Speaker. This is less than six per cent higher than it would cost to buy these items from southern manufacturers. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the men and women in the northern manufacturing industry. Their investment efforts are creating jobs and generating economic benefits for their communities and for the northern economy as a whole. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The national junior curling championships were held last week in Truro, Nova Scotia and I would like to congratulate our junior men's and women's teams on their fine performances.

---Applause

As you know, our junior men's team was in the final against Alberta on Saturday, which is the only time that a curling team from the Northwest Territories has accomplished this. Despite a heartbreaking extra end loss to Alberta in the final, the junior men's rink has demonstrated to us and to the country what our Northwest Territories athletes are capable of.

I would like to make special mention of George Gibson and Ernie Comerford, the coaches of our junior teams for the 3M awards they received for being selected best coaches of the tournament, and, Kevin Koe, the skip for the junior men's team for his winning the all-star skip award.

---Applause

Madam Speaker, I'm sure our Members will join me in congratulating Kevin Koe and his team of Mark Whitehead, Kevin Whitehead and Jamie Koe for their fine performance in the Canadian Junior Men's Championships. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you. Madam Speaker, this is a statement regarding my attendance at the Ministers of Justice meeting in Ottawa last week. The Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Justice for Canada, hosted a two-day meeting of provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Justice and the Solicitor General portfolios.

The agenda was large in scope and with regard to the number of issues that we tried to deal with. I'm pleased to provide a summary of discussions and recommendations with respect to those issues of largest interest and concern to the north and its residents.

With respect to aboriginal justice issues, Ministers agreed that the justice system has failed and is failing aboriginal peoples, particularly in failing to take a holistic, multi-disciplinary and healing approach. The Ministers agreed that the values of aboriginal people must be reflected in the justice system and governments must work with aboriginal communities on community-based crime prevention and crime reduction initiatives.

The Young Offenders Act was a matter of concern with all Ministers. The present government campaigned on the red book and promises contained in it which included: to increase penalties to young offenders for first and second degree murder, for up to ten and seven years respectively; to expand provisions for transfer of young offenders to adult court; and to allow correction officials to determine the length of closed custody incarcerations.

Some of these proposals caused considerable discussion and differences of opinion. It was recommended that the federal government introduce a spring bill with amendments which had consensus support while amendments lacking consensus should be referred to a broader review process, by way of a parliamentary committee.

The preliminary inquiry has always been an integral part of the criminal process. However, all Ministers were unanimous that the preliminary inquiry should be drastically curtailed, if not altogether abolished. Ministers agreed that this criminal procedure can be replaced by other means for disclosure of evidence. Such a reform could save significant court time and witness costs, we believe up to 20 to 30 per cent in most

jurisdictions. All of us agreed and urged the federal Minister to implement this reform as soon as possible.

Violence in Canada and Canadian society was also an agenda topic. Saskatchewan outlined the essential features of its proposed Victims of Domestic Violence Act. The act gives statutory sanction to mechanisms for emergency and other intervention, particularly for spouses who have been assaulted by someone in the immediate family and who need an urgent remedy. I will forward a copy of this proposed act to the interdepartmental committee that is formulating a violence strategy for the north, for its information and consideration.

A national strategy on community safety and crime prevention is being developed by Canada. To ensure a consistent and coordinated approach, Canada is proposing the establishment of a national crime prevention council. The Department of Justice will monitor proposals for the development of such a council, to ensure its mandate and representations reflects the reality of the Northwest Territories. We all agreed, as Ministers, that it was important that the momentum for reform should not be lost and proposed a follow-up conference in the fall of this year.

I also had an opportunity, as I said last week, to meet with the Minister of Justice, Allan Rock, the evening before the conference and discussed justice issues and concerns particular to the Northwest Territories. Ethel Blond-Andrew, the Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic, was in attendance. It had some very important results.

With respect to the firearms acquisition certificate, Canada had proposed that the Criminal Code amendments relating to the mandatory firearms training program be proclaimed in the Northwest Territories on April 1 of 1994. Such proclamation would have compelled anyone who wanted to acquire firearms to take a course and pass an examination in order to obtain the firearm acquisition certificate. The course and examination are, in the view of my department, not reflective of the requirements of the north and its residents, and should be significantly modified.

In addition, neither the Northwest Territories government or Canada had a system for delivery of this program. As a result of representations made to the Minister of Justice, Canada has postponed implementation of this program...

---Applause

...until September 1 of 1994.

---Applause

Considerations indicate that the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories should have a fourth judge appointed to it in the foreseeable future. I advised the federal Minister that it was the view of this government that a new judge appointed to the Supreme Court should be required to reside in a community situated within Nunavut.

---Applause

The federal Minister indicated he would be prepared to give favourable consideration recommending to the Prime Minister that a chief justice of the Supreme Court be named. I requested that such a recommendation be delayed until decision and appointment of a fourth judge was made.

Lastly, as Members know, responsibility for the administration of criminal justice in the north rests with the Minister of Justice for Canada. Again I asked the Honourable Allan Rock if Canada was prepared to consider discussions as to the feasibility of transferring or devolving such responsibility to this government in the foreseeable future. Without predicting possible or likely results, the Minister said he was prepared to enter into such discussions. Mr. Rock indicated a desire to initiate these discussions here in the Northwest Territories. Accordingly, I will be inviting Mr. Rock to visit the Northwest Territories within the next few months to commence what I hope will be positive and productive discussions in this area. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe. Welcome back.

---Applause

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation and congratulations to the eight junior curlers and their two coaches for their excellent representation of the territories at the Canadian Pepsi junior national curling championships, which just concluded in Truro, Nova Scotia this past week.

The junior women's team of Tara Hamer, Kerry Koe, Kim Barraclough and Sheena Yakaleya won five games and lost six. With a little bit of luck, they easily could have made the play-off round. They curled excellently and demonstrated a big improvement over last year's showing. This team has a very good future. This team was coached by Ernie Comerford.

The junior men's team was skipped by Kevin Koe and was supported by Jamie Koe, Kevin Whitehead and Mark Whitehead and coached by George Gibson. They finished the round robin play in first place with a record of eight wins and three losses. This ensured them a spot in the final championship game. This game was played on Saturday afternoon and was televised by CBC Sports. Madam Speaker, in that game, and after the final stone was played by skip Kevin Koe, an unfortunate incident happened. The officials ruled against our Northwest Territories team, which denied them the Canadian championship.

However, in my mind, and I believe in the minds of the majority of the people across Canada who watched the game, our boys won that game.

---Applause

Given that they lost by a technicality, I know these boys can hold their heads up high because they are truly champions, in the true sense of the word. They demonstrated class, sportsmanship, excellent curling skills and a professional attitude. I believe many of us have tried all of our lives to be able to do what these boys showed us in front of a national audience.

---Applause

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi. As the Minister of recreation had mentioned, Kevin Koe won the award as the all star skip, which was voted on by all the players and coaches at the tournament, for his play during the week. Our two coaches, Mr. George Gibson and Mr. Ernie Comerford, won the 3M awards for excellence in coaching at this national event. This award is given to coaches who demonstrate dedication, commitment, sportsmanship and many other qualities which they need to coach junior athletes.

My congratulations go out to these champions. They thank all the northerners and all the people across Canada who expressed their support either through phone calls, faxes or other methods. Mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Tobacco Tax In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as Members are aware, I went to Montreal last week to bring my wife and new son Tyler back to Yellowknife.

---Applause

I am happy to say we arrived back on Saturday evening as a complete family. Being a typical proud father, I had planned to carry on the long-standing tradition of handing out cigars to celebrate Tyler's safe, if early, arrival. So when I passed a cigar store in Montreal, I stopped in and picked up some cigars.

Now, Madam Speaker, I know there has been some concern expressed in this House of late, since the federal government and Quebec have reduced the tax on tobacco products, that there might be an enticement to smuggle tobacco products from Quebec into the Northwest Territories. Madam Speaker, I just want to assure both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Justice that it was not my intent to avoid paying taxes when I purchased the cigars in Montreal.

In fact, Madam Speaker, I have checked with the Department of Finance and obtained a copy of the relevant section of the Tobacco Tax Act. I found that 60 per cent of the retail price is the tax rate per cigar. I also found that every person who resides in the NWT who bring cigars in for personal consumption or to give away, which is also covered in the act, interestingly, "shall immediately report the matter in writing to the Minister and she will supply the Minister with the invoice and all other pertinent information required by the Minister in respect of the consumption or use of the tobacco and shall pay to the Government of the Northwest Territories the same tax in respect to the consumption and use of the tobacco as would have been payable if the tobacco had been purchased in the NWT."

Interestingly, Madam Speaker, I also understand that no other individual has ever asked for this information.

---Laughter

---Applause

Madam Speaker, I have the invoice for the cigars, along with my cheque made out to the Government of the Northwest Territories, which I will now ask a page to deliver to the Premier to hand onto the Minister of Finance, please.

---Laughter

---Applause

Madam Speaker, with regard to the tobacco tax, I would like to make it clear that I support the principle of increasing tobacco taxes in order to cut consumption.

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

Tobacco Tax In The Nwt
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. Continue, Mr. Dent.

Tobacco Tax In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Madam Speaker, in fact, given the risk to people's health, I would urge all who might receive one of the cigars that I am passing out to recognize that it is done only as part of a long-standing tradition, and it isn't necessary to actually smoke them. I would be quite pleased, in fact, if the cigars I handed out were merely saved by recipients as mementos of this special occasion.

Madam Speaker, I understand that if amendments to the tobacco tax are not passed by the end of this week, the price of cigarettes and other tobacco products sold in the NWT will drop significantly on April 1. I am concerned that amendments have not yet been introduced and I urge the Premier to ask the Minister of Finance to move quickly to introduce such amendments. There are only a few days left before the end of this month. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Tobacco Tax In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Opening Of Facilities In Rankin Inlet
Item 3: Members' Statements

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to advise Members about the opening of the Ivalu Arts and Crafts facility and the Keewatin Meat and Fish Plant this weekend in Rankin Inlet.

The opening of these facilities was a celebration of the elders of our community who have worked so hard and so diligently to ensure the success of these projects. Among the elders who participated in the openings were Mr. and Mrs. Lucien Taparti, Mrs. Louisa Kaludjak, Arsene Paniyuk, Mr. and Mrs. Karlik, and Mr. and Mrs. Ollie Ittinuar.

It was the elders of our community who recognized that the skills and dedication of the crafts people, hunters and fishermen of the Keewatin region earned the potential in creating world-class products. I know that Mr. Lewis is familiar with the quality of the meat and fish from Rankin because he seems to keep asking me for more. I also understand that Mr. Koe had the opportunity to serve Keewatin meat and fish products when he travelled to southern Canada recently at the games.

---Applause

I am confident that the new clothing product lines that have now been introduced by Ivalu will be equally sought after by yourself, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would also like to publicly compliment the crafts people and the elders of Pangnirtung. They created extraordinary hand decorated exterior signs for the two buildings. I believe this signage is an exciting new product that makes full use of the local skills of residents of that community, and the product will successfully compete with southern-made signages.

Madam Speaker, these facilities were tendered on a design/build and were constructed on time, under budget by local contractors. It should also be noted that the Keewatin Fish and Meat is the only licensed integrated meat and fish plant in the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, my constituents and I are very excited about the employment possibilities that these two facilities will present to Keewatin people. I am confident that not only will Ivalu and Keewatin Meat and Fish provide ongoing employment to close to 20 to 30 people, but will also play an important role in enhancing the incomes of crafts people, fishermen and hunters in the Keewatin region. Thank you.

---Applause

Opening Of Facilities In Rankin Inlet
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Kitikmeot Youth Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. During the week of March 21 to 24, 21 youths representing all Kitikmeot communities held a conference in Cambridge Bay to discuss concerns and issues which affect them. They discussed matters such as AIDS, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse; matters which have been discussed previously and continue to

Madam Speaker, after having had the opportunity to meet with the Kitikmeot youth on March 23, albeit it for only one hour, I have gained a respect for their views on issues. I committed to pursuing their issues and concerns, just as I would for any other legitimate group or organization. These youths have passed resolutions which request funding for youth initiatives such as recreational activities, drop-in centres, counselling services and generally to provide funds to allow them the opportunity to address their own concerns.

Madam Speaker, I urge our government to identify the adequate funding to ensure the issues and concerns of youth throughout the NWT are addressed, by supporting their meetings and by following up on resolutions as a result of their meetings. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

Kitikmeot Youth Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for High Arctic, Mr. Pudluk.

Member's Statement Re Child Sexual Abuse
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to speak today on a subject that is both heavy and painful to many people in the Arctic. It has to do with child sexual abuse.

We are all aware, through media reports and statistics, that child sexual abuse is a major problem up here. I appreciate the work and courage of those who are trying to deal with the problems. I know it requires a lot of energy and causes much personal stress. We cannot ignore the issue, Madam Speaker, no matter how difficult and painful it is.

Some years ago there was a teacher in Resolute Bay who none of the parents suspected of doing anything wrong. We would not be aware today if the children did not tell us themselves what he was doing. Apparently, Madam Speaker, this teacher was, among other things, making the young children undress while taking pornographic pictures of them. I do not know what he did with the pictures, but to this day his actions have had a lasting effect on these children. The victims, who are now young adults, still feel the confusion, shame and pain. This, of course, has also affected their families in a negative way.

The reasons I am saying this is to ensure that we are doing everything possible to counsel and help the victims. We are all aware that child sexual abuse cannot treat itself if the vicious circle is not stopped.

I would like to put the Minister of Social Services on notice that I will be asking her questions later on this week to see if her department is doing everything possible to help victims of child sexual abuse. Thank you.

Member's Statement Re Child Sexual Abuse
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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