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

Bill 19: An Act To Amend The Tobacco Tax Act
Item 17: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 884

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

---Carried

Bill 19 has had second reading and accordingly, the bill stands referred to a committee. Item 17, second reading of bills. Bill 19 and Bill 20 have had second reading and accordingly those bills stand referred to a committee. Item 17, second reading of bills. Item 18, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters: Bill 1, Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95; Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Wildlife Act; Committee Report 2-12(5), Review of the 1994-95 Main Estimates; Minister's Statement 5-12(5), Session Business; Tabled Document 1-12(5), Towards an NWT Mineral Strategy; Tabled Document 2-12(5), Building and Learning Strategy; and, Tabled Document, 34-12(5), Tradition and Change, A Strategy for Renewable Resource Development in the NWT, February 1994, with Mr. Ningark in the chair.

Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

The Chair John Ningark

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

Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to recommend the committee consider Bill 1, Committee Report 2-12(5) and Tabled Document 34-12(5). If we conclude those items, I recommend we move on to Bill 12.

Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Mr. Dent is suggesting we deal with Bill 1, Committee Report 2-12(5) and Tabled Document 34-12(5), then Bill 12. Do we have the agreement of committee that we do this? Mr. Dent.

Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Chairman, I meant to include in that that we should continue with Renewable Resources when we get to dealing with the budget and the committee report.

Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Are we agreed?

Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95Committee Report 2-12(5): Review Of The 1994-95 Main Estimates
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. It is my understanding that the Chairs' Liaison Committee is going to be meeting during the break, so we will take a 15 minute break. Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95Committee Report 2-12(5): Review Of The 1994-95 Main Estimates
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. The committee will now come to order. Mr. Kakfwi, do you have any introductory remarks on behalf of your department, Renewable Resources?

Department Of Renewable Resources

Introductory Remarks

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95Committee Report 2-12(5): Review Of The 1994-95 Main Estimates
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 884

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The harvest of fish, fur, wildlife and forests has sustained our people for thousands of years. As well as meeting subsistence needs for many, if not most, aboriginal people, the use of renewable resources has provided economic opportunities. Last year, for instance, more than 4,000 seasonal jobs employed fishermen and fish plant processing workers, guides and outfitters, trappers and wood cutters, forest fire fighters and tree planters. Additional employment was generated through meat processing, retail outlets and arts and crafts production.

I strongly believe that many more opportunities exist in this economic sector. That is why we have developed our new renewable resource development strategy. I would like to highlight how this strategy is guiding the department's 1994-95 activities.

Identifying economic opportunities is only one part of renewable resource development. You also need to know how many trees and animals there are, and how productive they are, to ensure the harvest is sustainable. That is why departmental staff spend a lot of time and money conducting these studies. As often as possible, local people are hired to conduct or assist in this work. Based on the information collected, subsistence needs are assessed and met before commercial quotas are established.

After determining the productivity and quantity of resources, co-management agreements can be developed in consultation with the harvesters. These agreements identify exactly how people want to use the resources and what studies or work need to be done to keep harvests sustainable.

The process used to develop our polar bear co-management agreements is being seen as a model around the world of how to provide users with a voice in management. We are following a similar approach in developing other co-management agreements, for example, in Liard with forestry, in Providence with bison, and in the central Arctic with grizzly bears. In this way, the expertise and knowledge of local residents can be included in management decisions.

A healthy economy also depends upon a healthy environment. Ensuring that northern activities do not pollute the environment is the rationale for establishing guidelines in 1994-95 for the proper management and disposal of hazardous wastes and an environmental protection policy. Environmental assessment activities, which include review of land use permits as well as project proposals, also have the same objective -- to keep the environment clean. Planning for all projects, even renewable resource development projects, such as a tannery, must consider environmental protection measures.

Once we know how many animals we have, how productive they are, and that we are doing what we can to keep their environment healthy, we can look at additional economic opportunities. One example relates to commercial quotas for caribou and muskox. The lack of a meat inspection system in the Northwest Territories has long been recognized as a constraint to selling meat commercially. Currently, commercial quotas are larger than the commercial harvest. Options for meat inspection systems are being developed. A test muskox harvest in Cambridge Bay last year was very successful in testing some ideas for a meat inspection system suitable to northern conditions. The system is also being tried with caribou on Southampton Island. Once a meat inspection system is in place, consumer confidence in country food will grow and the demand to buy country foods will increase, hopefully.

Assuming Canada is successful in maintaining the European wild fur market, we are working to increase the value of wild furs by building on their reputation as a unique, high quality product. The increased demand should eventually lead to a higher price for our furs and more income for our harvesters. The NWT fur strategy, being released for public consultation this spring, will identify more initiatives to expand our northern fur industry.

More northern business opportunities will be created through forest management activities. Over the next two years, Fort Providence and Wrigley will be able to start small forest harvesting operations based on the inventory work that will begin this year. More tree planters will be needed, as twice as many seedlings will be planted in 1994-95.

The completion of the review of the forest fire management program has also created more northern business opportunities. We have expanded the types of forest fire management services that private industry can provide. Together with the Departments of Economic Development and Tourism and Public Works and Services, we will look at ways to increase opportunities for northern air carriers.

The renewable resource development strategy will promote the wise use of our resources. We must also ensure that they are used responsibly and this, at times, means enforcement. Wastage and illegal harvesting must not occur. The one factor that makes enforcement difficult is that we are patrolling one-third of Canada. For this reason, cooperation with communities is vital. We cannot be everywhere and people out on the land can assist by reporting incidents that may require investigation. We also must work together on the public education of responsible harvesting practices. The Department of Renewable Resources will be reviewing its enforcement practices to determine how we can become more effective.

Mr. Chairman, I must emphasize that our renewable resource development strategy will also support subsistence activities. We intend to continue harvester assistance programs and have made it a principle that subsistence use will always override commercial use. The people of the Northwest Territories have a long history of using our resources wisely. I believe we all intend that this practice continues. I know that our future opportunities depend on maintaining a healthy environment and productive resources.

I look forward to discussing our approach to renewable resource management with you as we review the proposed activities for 1994-95. Thank you.

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95Committee Report 2-12(5): Review Of The 1994-95 Main Estimates
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 885

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Minister. From the standing committee that reviewed the department, we have Mr. Dent.

Standing Committee On Finance Comments

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95Committee Report 2-12(5): Review Of The 1994-95 Main Estimates
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 885

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I will present the Standing Committee on Finance report.

Renewable Resource Development Strategy

The Minister informed the committee in our meetings that the department is currently developing a comprehensive renewable resource development strategy. This strategy has now been tabled in the House and we will be dealing with it very shortly. We were told that the strategy will be consistent with the government's 1990 economic development strategy and will add two important elements: subsistence harvest activities and resource management activities. The proposed renewable resource development strategy will describe the value, objectives and potential initiatives within six renewable resource sectors: fur, wildlife, forests, fisheries, marine mammals and agriculture. Committee Members look forward to the opportunity to review this strategy later today.

Departmental Objectives

In the department's budget, over 30 definitive objectives were identified. In keeping with our earlier recommendation that definitive objectives be specific, attainable, measurable, and should include milestone and target dates, we are concerned that this department's list of objectives might not be achievable. Committee Members encourage this department to thoughtfully consider their annual list of objectives and ensure they meet with the criteria recommended by the committee.

Forest Fire Management

costs of fire suppression since the job of fighting forest fires was taken over from the federal government. It may well be that the yearly ups and downs in forest fire expenditures are balancing out over time. However, if we are continually spending more than we budget over the long run, we should know that now. We expect the Minister to respond with that cost analysis immediately, in order that the issue can be considered when the department's budget is raised in the House.

Environmental Protection

Committee Members expressed concern about the way in which the department is moving towards taking over the responsibility for environmental protection in north, such as monitoring air quality. The department must be careful not to take over tasks which are clearly the federal government's responsibility. The department must also work closely with the federal government in order to ensure that there is no duplication of effort and that the federal government carries out its legislated responsibility in the Northwest Territories. There should be no "grey areas" where neither side is clear about where the responsibility lies.

Meat Inspection

The committee is glad to see the department taking steps to control the quality of northern meat. We do caution the department, however, to avoid the possibility of creating a large bureaucracy around this activity.

Support For The Fur Industry

Committee Members support the ongoing work being carried out by the department in the area of renewable resource development, and, in particular, the fur industry in the north. We agree with the Minister's comments about the bias and unfairness shown by animal rights activists towards this import element of northern culture.

The Minister's comments about high-quality northern furs having their value diluted by southern furs with which they're auctioned are supported by committee Members. We look forward to seeing initiatives from the department which would market NWT fur as a distinctive, high-quality product.

Committee Members are also glad to see the Minister making efforts to revive the market for seal fur. The destruction of the market by the activists has been a tremendous blow to residents of Nunavut, and restoration or replacement of that market would be a big step in the economic development of the new territory.

Environmental Studies

The committee is concerned that the department is devoting seven PYs to training positions for Renewable Resources officers in the eastern Arctic. Committee Members wonder why these cannot be trained in Arctic College as have been successfully done at Thebacha campus. We encourage the department to cooperate with Arctic College to ensure that the College's environmental technology program provides an adequately trained pool of environmental officers for both the western and eastern Arctic.

The Wildlife Act And Land Claims

Committee Members are concerned that the NWT's wildlife legislation has not been amended to take into account the changes brought about by recent land claims settlements. Further, there is concern about the incremental costs of wildlife provisions and other responsibilities resulting from land claims agreements being off-loaded onto the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Recommendation 30

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, the committee recommends that the Department of Renewable Resources act quickly to amend the Wildlife Act and other necessary legislation in order to properly reflect the status of wildlife management in the north following the successful implementation of recent land claims.

Mr. Chairman, that concludes the comments coming from the Standing Committee on Finance. I would now seek your permission to introduce the committee recommendation as a formal motion.

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95Committee Report 2-12(5): Review Of The 1994-95 Main Estimates
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 886

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Proceed with the motion, Mr. Dent.

Committee Motion 40-12(5): To Adopt Recommendation 30, Carried
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 886

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Renewable Resources act quickly to amend the Wildlife Act and other necessary legislation in order to properly reflect the status of wildlife management in the north following the successful implementation of recent land claims.

Committee Motion 40-12(5): To Adopt Recommendation 30, Carried
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 886

The Chair John Ningark

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

Committee Motion 40-12(5): To Adopt Recommendation 30, Carried
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 886

An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Motion 40-12(5): To Adopt Recommendation 30, Carried
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 886

The Chair John Ningark

Question has been called. All those in favour of the motion, raise your hands. All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

March 27th, 1994

Page 886

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Next on the list is Tabled Document 34-12(5), Tradition and Change, A Strategy for Renewable Resource Development in the NWT, February 1994. Mr. Minister do you have opening remarks on this document?

Introductory Remarks

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 886

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will now provide some comments on the renewable resource development strategy that I mentioned earlier.

Hunting, trapping and fishing have always been honourable occupations among our people. For thousands of years, these were the only occupations we needed to survive and in which everyone participated.

Today, we have many more choices for making a living and many of our people, especially our young people, cannot support themselves. Our government wants to review this.

In the Northwest Territories, we have an abundance of natural resources that provide many opportunities, and the challenge to our government is to help create opportunities and more opportunities encouraging people to take advantage of them in retaining these resources for our children and grandchildren to use and enjoy.

Our strategy is one step our government is taking to provide people with a choice of futures. The strategy recognizes that subsistence use can provide benefits similar to those in wage employment -- food on the table, wood to heat the house, clothing, building materials and so on.

The strategy also supports the commercial use of renewable resources. The focus of the strategy is on creating seasonal employment opportunities that are community based. I believe this approach is more suited to how our people live, especially in the smaller communities where other types of employment are few.

Through this strategy, we are examining the potential for growth in six renewable resource sectors: Wildlife, forest, fur, fisheries, agriculture and marine mammals.

We estimate that the annual value of the wildlife harvest can increase from $37.4 million to $57.2 million and still be sustainable. The value is based on the commercial harvest of meat, hunted/sold by outfitters, and the replacement value of meat harvested for personal use.

The potential growth results primarily from increased harvest of several abundant muskox and caribou populations. Over 400 residents are licensed guides for big game hunts, and increasing harvest could add another 100 seasonal jobs.

The forest sector is already demonstrating significant growth. In 1993-94, the value of the annual timber harvest increased from $3 million to more than $9 million. This growth is increasing the revenue to our government from stumpage fees to almost $250,000. Harvesting timber and conducting forest management programs provide over 300 seasonal jobs.

In recent years, the annual income in the fur sector has declined dramatically. We believe that this trend can be reversed. Already this year, fur prices have increased 30 per cent over last year. We are confident that we can increase fur prices even further by marketing our superior fur separately from other jurisdictions.

The first draft strategy will contain more opportunities for benefit to harvesters.

The fisheries sector has also been demonstrating growth, especially in the marine fishery. Already about 1,200 jobs exist relating to catching or processing fish and guiding sports fishermen. The challenge here is to ensure that fish harvesting remains sustainable. Through my participation in the Atlantic Council of Fisheries Ministers, I will continue to remind the federal government of their responsibility for maintaining our fish stocks.

The agriculture and marine mammal sectors are currently valued at $1.2 million and $5.2 million respectively. The primary value of these two sectors is in reducing the import of food. At one time, the seal harvest provided a year-round livelihood for many people. We firmly believe that the market for seal products can be revived. Through this strategy, we will investigate options for achieving this.

The strategy contains actions that the Department of Renewable Resources intends to take over the next few years. The public will be given the opportunity to comment on proposed actions, as each sectoral strategy is released. We hope to hear, through public consultation of the individual sectoral strategies, like the NWT fur strategy, how people wish to use renewable resources and how our government can best assist them.

I'm prepared to work with Members of the Legislature to ensure that the strategy will support the needs of the constituencies. I believe the strategy is necessary to diversify and stabilize the northern economy. Its strength lies in taking advantage of what we have in our own backyard and in applying our traditional skills to develop new opportunities. We need to provide our residents with more choices and opportunities for earning a living that is suited to our unique northern cultures and resources.

I intend to work closely with my colleagues to ensure that opportunities in renewable resources are considered as part of the investing in people initiative. I will also provide Members of this Legislature with copies of the sectoral strategies, as they are prepared, so we can work together on our common future. Thank you.

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 887

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Before we actually get into the details of the Department of Renewable Resources 1994-95 main estimates, we will discuss Tabled Document 34-12(5), Tradition and Change, A Strategy for Renewable Resource Development in the NWT, February 1994. Do we have any general comments on this tabled document? I believe you have all been provided with a copy of the document. Mr. Minister, I believe you wish to have concurrence of the committee to bring in your witnesses?

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 887

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 887

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Do we have the concurrence of the committee that the honourable Minister bring in the witnesses?

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 887

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 887

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses. Thank you, Mr. Minister. For the record, would you please introduce the witnesses to the committee?

Tabled Document 34-12(5): Tradition And Change, A Strategy For Renewable Resource Development In The Nwt, February 1994
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 888

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my left is the deputy minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Joe Handley. On my right is Rick Feil, the director of finance and administration for Renewable Resources.