This is page numbers 909 - 930 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, Hon. John Pollard, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Pudluk, Hon. John Todd, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 909

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Good afternoon. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Keewatin Central, Mr. Todd.

Minister's Statement 57-12(5): Winning Partnerships
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 909

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to announce that I will be signing an agreement later today for a winning partnership between the Department of Economic Development and Susan Aglukark.

Too often, this government invents new and costly programs in the name of marketing the Northwest Territories economy. In many cases, simple partnerships or joint ventures between government and businesses of individuals can go a long way in developing awareness of the north, which in turn can assist with the sales of the Northwest Territories products and services.

Ms. Aglukark is fast becoming a star on the national and international music scene. Her growing stature as an international celebrity will provide invaluable support in promoting Northwest Territories arts, crafts, culture and tourism industries. Susan Aglukark is headed for big success, and I believe this government should build on this success.

Minister's Statement 57-12(5): Winning Partnerships
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 909

Some Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Minister's Statement 57-12(5): Winning Partnerships
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 909

John Todd Keewatin Central

The winning partnership agreement that Ms. Aglukark and I will sign later today, will ensure that Ms. Aglukark will assist in GNWT promotional programs by wearing northern clothes and accessories, using NWT products whenever possible during her stage performances and travels throughout Canada, the United States...

---Applause

...and overseas, and occasionally taking part in special media events to promote the awareness of the NWT, our products and services.

The department will provide Ms. Aglukark with items of northern clothing to wear during stage performances, equip Susan and her band with other northern products such as luggage from the Fort McPherson Tent and Canvass Factory, and assist with other sport materials to project a strong northern image of the NWT in southern audiences.

Madam Speaker, this is a pilot project. If the winning partnership program is successful, as I know it will be, the department will be looking at forming similar partnerships with other prominent NWT artists, personalities and athletes.

Earlier today, Ms. Aglukark and I held a brief press conference to announce this agreement. I invite all Members of the House to attend the official signing ceremony and a brief reception at the Yellowknife Inn after the House adjourns this evening.

Madam Speaker, I believe Ms. Aglukark is in the gallery today and I am sure you, along with all my colleagues, will give her a warm welcome to this Assembly. Thank you.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 57-12(5): Winning Partnerships
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 909

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Welcome. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. People in the Northwest Territories often raise concerns about Arctic College and its programs. The college and this government, however, have a commitment to developing and delivering quality programs and continues to improve services to its clients. The quality of Arctic College programs and its leadership has been recognized by southern Canadians, and the college has received numerous awards in these areas.

Madam Speaker, as Minister and on behalf of Cabinet, I want to advise the people of the north and this Assembly, of national recognition recently given to Arctic College by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. The association is made up of about 160 member institutions. Its awards program showcases the achievements of individuals and institutions by recognizing innovation, excellence and leadership in Canada's system of colleges and technical institutes.

Each year the association presents four national awards. This year, Arctic College received two of these awards in the categories of program excellence and leadership. The program excellence award was given to Arctic College for its adult basic education program. The award recognizes the quality and innovation of this program which meets learner needs through a unique territorial-wide style of delivery. This program was developed with extensive involvement of college instructors, adult educators and program development staff. It includes a comprehensive set of multi-level courses in mathematics, science, social studies, English, aboriginal languages and personal life management.

All college campuses and community learning centres use these courses in upgrading programs. Almost 40 per cent of Arctic College's full-time students are enrolled in adult basic education courses. Standard course objectives, placement and marking practices ensure students have a firm foundation for employment or further training.

High enrolments in adult basic education courses indicate the need for this program in the Northwest Territories. The program excellence award demonstrates that the college's program is seen as a model for Canada.

The second award has been presented to an individual. The Association of Canadian Community Colleges has awarded its 1994 leadership award to Arctic College president Mr. Mark Cleveland. This award is given to an individual "who goes beyond assigned responsibilities to create, improve or transform the working environment, someone who creates a vision and persuades others to work with them to make that vision a reality." This definition wholeheartedly describes Mr. Cleveland's attitude and commitment to Arctic College.

Madam Speaker, Arctic College has developed at a tremendous rate over the past decade. It has changed from a small localized training institution to a comprehensive community college system with more than 40 delivery locations. This change has increased participation and success in adult and post-secondary education. More northerners then ever before can now access educational training, which will prepare them for the social and economic challenges ahead.

The awards I am announcing today bestow prestigious national recognition on the Arctic College board's innovations and the quality of its programs and leadership.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Cleveland on his personal leadership award and I would like to congratulate the Arctic College board of governors and staff as well as all those who work in partnership with the college for their contributions towards the 1994 association of Canadian community colleges program excellence award. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, later today, I will be tabling the evaluation of the Canada/Northwest Territories cooperation agreement for French and aboriginal languages. Members will each receive a copy of the four-part report.

The evaluation was conducted over a two year period and provides an assessment of how well the objectives of the agreement were met. The evaluation report also provides information on how knowledgable people are about the agreement funding, what changes could be made to make the agreement more effective and detailed information about languages in 30 communities across the north. The community language data was collected during the summer of 1992 and 1993. Local interviewers were trained to carry out this base line data collection.

Generally, the results of the evaluation are positive about the role and success of the agreement and the performance of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Canada/Northwest Territories cooperation agreement for French and aboriginal languages in the Northwest Territories was signed in August of 1991 and ends March 31, 1994.

Madam Speaker, the territorial government is negotiating a renewal of that agreement and I will keep the Members advised of the progress of the negotiations. Madam Speaker, may I continue with the second statement?

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, later today I will be tabling the government's response to the Special Committee on Health and Social Services.

The document provides an outline of current and planned initiatives that respond directly to the recommendations of the special committee and it also sets the direction for the future development of health and social services programs in the Northwest Territories.

The response represents the combined efforts of a number of Ministers and it demonstrates a renewed commitment by government departments to working more closely with one another and with other levels of government and community-based groups.

Madam Speaker, the work and recommendations of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services are significant and identify the changes necessary to develop a system that is more effective and responsive to the needs of residents.

The response being tabled today represents the government's commitment to a cohesive and coordinated strategy for the renewal of health and social services programs in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Welcoming French Exchange Students From Quebec
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 910

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this afternoon I have the pleasure to welcome 46 students to this Assembly. These are the French language exchange students from St. Marc des Carrieres in the province of Quebec. They are in the Yellowknife area for the next eight days as guests of the staff and students at the St. Pat's school in Yellowknife. They are here to learn about our unique ways. They had a chance to tour the Assembly earlier on in the day

and I had an opportunity to speak to them in the Caucus room about our unique form of government. They are here to see what consensus government is and hopefully they will be able to convey to their fellow students back home the uniqueness of this form of government in a very unique part of the Northwest Territories. With that, I would like to say welcome to the students from Quebec, to their teachers who are accompanying them and the French students from the city of Yellowknife. Welcome.

---Applause

Welcoming French Exchange Students From Quebec
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a letter received from Jane Groenewegen addressed to all MLAs in which she makes some serious allegations about the conduct of Social Services staff at the Hay River district office.

Madam Speaker, the Groenewegens manage the Hay River group home for the Department of Social Services. The contract was terminated by the department after one year of a three year contract under a clause which provides for termination after 90 days of notice.

Madam Speaker, in this letter Ms. Groenewegen states that she experienced serious difficulties in obtaining the support from the district office of Social Services that the contract called for the department to provide. If my understanding is correct, the reason the contract was cancelled by the department was that the working relationship between the department and the Groenewegens had deteriorated or did not exist. If the department was not fulfilling their end of the contract, how can they reasonably expect the Groenewegens to do the same? I might suggest, Madam Speaker, that if the allegations the Groenewegens are making about the conduct of the district office Social Services staff are true, then it would appear to any reasonable person that the lack of communication was the fault of the department as opposed to the Groenewegens. Consequently, it should be the department's responsibility to clean up its act instead of terminating the Groenewegen contract.

Madam Speaker, in a package sent to the MLAs, included there were a number of letters of support from the majority of aboriginal organizations in the Hay River area. These letters state that there have never been any problems with the Groenewegens performing and running the group home and that the organization was pleased with the care their members received in this facility. I would suggest, Madam Speaker, that this situation deserves an independent review by an outside source before this government ends up facing another lawsuit.

I will be pursuing this matter in question period. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Aivilik, Mr. Arvaluk.

Clarification Of Eligibility For Polar Bear Tags
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

James Arvaluk Aivilik

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yesterday, during committee of the whole, I was asking questions to the Minister of Renewable Resources regarding the role of renewable resource officers in explaining complex rules and legislation to the public. This morning on CBC, what I had said was made to sound as if I was making a personal complaint to the Minister of Renewable Resources. I was merely using myself as an example. This is what I said according to the transcripts on page 2007. "When polar bear season arrived my name was included with those eligible to have their names entered into a draw for polar bear tags and my name was drawn. Unfortunately, I was informed by the HTA upon my arrival that I was no longer eligible to be included in a draw. Later I met with the chairman of the HTA and was told that I was eligible to be included in a draw and to participate in a polar bear hunt. Even though I am an MLA, since I am still a resident of Coral Harbour."

Yesterday, I was trying to say that the local HTAs are not familiar with the legislation that pertains to them. Some of the legislation is quite complex. However, the government pays the renewable resources officer's salary and provides him or her with housing. For that reason, it is the responsibility of the government employee to inform the local HTAs about this legislation, so they can adjust their practices in order that they follow the original agreement.

Clarification Of Eligibility For Polar Bear Tags
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Mr. Arvaluk, your time for your Member's statement has lapsed. I believe your last paragraph has to be repeated. Would you like to request unanimous consent?

Clarification Of Eligibility For Polar Bear Tags
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

James Arvaluk Aivilik

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

Clarification Of Eligibility For Polar Bear Tags
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Clarification Of Eligibility For Polar Bear Tags
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. (Translation) What I'm trying to say is that the renewable resource officers have to make sure that they relay the legislation to HTA. I was blaming the renewable resource officer because he is supposed to inform the HTA. I wanted my statement and my questions to be understood by the Minister of Renewable Resources. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Clarification Of Eligibility For Polar Bear Tags
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Sportsmanship And Abilities Of NWT Athletes
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 911

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I did have a prepared statement yesterday, Madam Speaker, about curling but recognizing that Mr. Koe was back in the House, I felt that yesterday was his day. But, I would like to talk briefly about sport today, Madam Speaker, because it is a distant memory now when over a decade ago two young ladies from Inuvik

were members of the Canadian national cross country ski team who are among the best cross country skiers in the world.

Over the last decade, a Yellowknife family has competed across this country and overseas and have made the whole sport of dog team racing something which we can compete with anybody in the world and become the best. In fact, there were five members of the Beck family this past weekend who were in the top ten in the Canadian national championship. Just recently, members of one family represented us nobly, I felt, in Nova Scotia and showed people that when we concentrate in those areas where we can be strong because of our climate and all kinds of other things, not only are we a group of people who, when challenged, should not be taken lightly, but when things don't go our way, we can show people how to behave properly.

It's a sad thing for me to think that the Koe boys are not overseas representing not only the Northwest Territories, but Canada because they showed people what the true spirit of sport should be like. Thank you.

---Applause

Sportsmanship And Abilities Of NWT Athletes
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 912

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, I rise today to express my appreciation, on behalf of the Northwest Territories Curling Association, the athletes and the supporters who travelled to the Brier which was held in Red Deer and the Junior National Curling Championships which were held in Truro, I would like to thank the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, the staff of his department, the people of the Northwest Territories Development Corporation and any other people in the Northwest Territories who supported these athletes and spectators in whatever ways they did.

The Northwest Territories Development Corporation, through the Rankin Inlet Meat and Fish Company provided some caribou and Arctic char delicacies which were served during hospitality nights in both places. The food that we served got rave reviews and I noticed that there wasn't one tidbit left on the tables that the food was set up on at the end of the evening. Everybody who ate these goodies came to me and expressed their appreciation and commented on how good the products were. We served over 750 people at the Brier and over 300 in Truro.

I would also like to say that the athletes, especially the junior women athletes wore, as part of their uniforms, articles of clothing from the Northwest Territories, specifically they wore the Arctic Winter Games jackets. I know a lot of the parents also wore these jackets and they were one of the most popular items of clothing there. They got a lot of very nice comments and everybody wanted to buy or trade for them.

The point I'm making, Madam Speaker, is that when we send athletes and when we are supporting spectators and representatives of the north, they do represent the north and any support they receive from anybody in the Northwest Territories is greatly appreciated and is recognized as a good product by people of Canada. Mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Confusion Between Mr. Pudluk And Mr. Pudlat
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 912

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. What's my name? Ever since I became a Member in 1975, I have encountered problems with regard to who we are as Members. During the 12th Assembly of the Legislative Assembly, we made some mistakes amongst our colleagues. Even the public get our names mixed up. I don't want to change my name at this time. I want to be Pudluk. I don't want to be Pudlat. In Nunatsiaq News on the 18th of this month, there was an article that said that Pudlat said something to do with ammunition and firearms, and it was me who said it. Sometimes, they send the wrong faxes to us. I always get faxes for Kenoayoak Pudlat at my address. I don't mind this, but it is not my name. We don't have the same name.

I just want to tell my colleagues and the members of the staff that I am Mr. Pudluk and he is Mr. Pudlat. I don't want to see any confidential stuff for Mr. Pudlat coming to me. Thank you.

Confusion Between Mr. Pudluk And Mr. Pudlat
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 912

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Your names are very close, though. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

---Laughter

Appreciation To Iqaluit Rescue Team
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 912

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would also like to thank my colleague, Ludy Pudluk. Madam Speaker, I was supposed to state that there was an accident because of the weather. Near Iqaluit, there was an accident. Someone had hurt themselves with a ski-doo. On the same day, one person got lost and he had only a ski-doo and nothing else. They were lost for two days because of the bad weather.

Madam Speaker, the person who was lost was found in good condition. I would like at this time, to thank the rescue people from Iqaluit. I would like to thank the Iqaluit rescue team very much, and all the other rescue people who have helped throughout the year. At this time, that's why I'm standing, Madam Speaker. Thank you.

Appreciation To Iqaluit Rescue Team
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 912

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Madam Premier.

Return To Question 389-12(5): Clearing Right-of-way Between Taltson And Pine Point
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 913

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I have a return to an oral question which was asked by Mr. Gargan on March 25, and it concerns the clearing right-of-way between Taltson and Pine Point.

Madam Speaker, the corporation has tendered a brushing contract for the Taltson/Pine Point transmission line in the area from Fort Smith to Pine Point for the past three years. In 1991-92 the contract value was $42,000; in 1992-93, $31,000; in 1993-94 the contract was worth $11,000. This undertaking will be completed by April 14, 1994.

In 1994-95 approximately $41,000 has been budgeted for maintenance brushing on the north side of the river. This amount includes helicopter time and the hiring of three local northerners. The corporation's contact for this work is the Fort Smith operations superintendent. Thank you.

Return To Question 389-12(5): Clearing Right-of-way Between Taltson And Pine Point
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 913

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Baffin Central, Ms. Mike.

Return To Question 345-12(5): Percentage Of Nwt Residents Addicted To Alcohol And Drugs
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 913

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Lewis on March 22, 1994, regarding the percentage of NWT population addicted to alcohol and/or drugs.

It is not possible to determine how many residents of the Northwest Territories are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs. To answer this question the department would have to access every resident of the Northwest Territories.

The information that can be verified is that in 1992-93, 598 residents of the Northwest Territories had requested assistance for their addiction to alcohol and/or drugs, and were provided treatment by the Department of Social Services. Thank you.

Return To Question 345-12(5): Percentage Of Nwt Residents Addicted To Alcohol And Drugs
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 913

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

My question is to the Minister of Social Services. Madam Speaker, the situation in Hay River with the termination of the contract for running of the group home disturbs me. In light of a letter of support from members of my constituency, I have little choice but to lead the allegations of wrong-doing on the part of the district office of Social Services in Hay River. Can the Minister explain to me the rationale for the termination of the contract?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Greenway Holdings ran the Hay River group home in 1992 and 1993, and were rehired on a three year contract for 1993-94 until 1995-96. The working relationship has deteriorated over the last year, and numerous attempts have been made by the area supervisor and the regional superintendent to maintain a viability of this contract. These attempts have not been successful. While all parties maintain that the well-being of the children in their care is their number one priority, there is a demonstrated inability between the contractor and the area office staff to work together to meet this priority.

The contract with Greenway was cancelled under a provision of the contract which allowed that department to terminate the contract with 90 day's notice. The reason for the termination was that the working relationship between the contractor and the Social Services area office had broken down completely. Thank you.

Return To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Serious allegations have been raised about the professionalism of the staff at the Hay River district office of Social Services. Is the Minister prepared to strike an independent committee to investigate these allegations as was requested by the Groenewegens, subsequent to their contract being terminated by your department?

Supplementary To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Further Return To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes.

Further Return To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Supplementary To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

My last supplementary, Madam Speaker. In view of the community support for the operation of the group home as it now stands, can the Minister please tell this House what the plans are for the group home in Hay River?

Supplementary To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 913

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Social Services, Ms. Mike.

Further Return To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 914

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the meantime, the children who are in care have been placed in homes. The care of the children has to be the number one priority. So they have been placed in foster care homes. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 399-12(5): Termination Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 914

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister. In Sanikiluaq, it was quite a long time ago that it happened -- I don't know how long ago, maybe two or three years -- that we have been working on this project. We wanted to get a community hall. They were going to consider applications for the community hall after the arena was built. Maybe the Minister of MACA would be able to tell me when they are planning to establish a community hall there. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 400-12(5): Status Of Community Hall For Sanikiluaq
Question 400-12(5): Status Of Community Hall For Sanikiluaq
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 914

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. In answer to the question from my colleague for Baffin South, the hamlet councils in the communities have been requested to establish a capital plan for the next year. In the immediate future, applications have not arrived yet from some of the communities for a capital plan. I have not seen their request or application for a community hall, so I cannot answer at this time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 400-12(5): Status Of Community Hall For Sanikiluaq
Question 400-12(5): Status Of Community Hall For Sanikiluaq
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 914

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in reviewing the unedited Hansard of March 28, 1994, the Minister of Renewable Resources made some statements. In the excitement of the discussions, I guess I didn't hear the comments that were made. I would like to ask the Minister for some clarification on a statement he made on page 2051 of the unedited Hansard of March 28. I quote: "The Dene, for instance, and Metis, I know, and the Inuvialuit for that matter, may differ. At least with the Dene and Metis, if they don't make the regulation and they have no part in the management of the resource, then they have little regard for the laws and quotas that are set by this government."

I would like to ask the Minister what he meant by that statement?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. I just want to caution Members that when you quote the unedited Hansard, you don't take the quotes out of context. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Kakfwi.

Return To Question 401-12(5): Clarification Of Remarks Made By Renewable Resources Minister
Question 401-12(5): Clarification Of Remarks Made By Renewable Resources Minister
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 914

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The context in which those remarks were made is in the context that for the most part, the Dene and the Metis have been calling consistently -- at least since 1974 -- for recognition that they have a right to govern themselves. The territorial government, as such, was denounced as a government not of their choosing. With that regard, the laws that are made, sometimes even by the federal government, are not held in the esteem they should be held by the Dene and the Metis.

In recent years, with more involvement of northern people in the making of laws and regulations and in moving, for instance, in the Department of Renewable Resources, to managing cooperatively with communities and aboriginal groups the wildlife resources, the esteem they hold for laws and regulations has gone up considerably. That is the context in which those remarks were made. Thank you.

Return To Question 401-12(5): Clarification Of Remarks Made By Renewable Resources Minister
Question 401-12(5): Clarification Of Remarks Made By Renewable Resources Minister
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 914

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Social Services. It is my understanding that the department, directly or indirectly, pays rents and utilities for at least two private sector units on behalf of social assistance clients in Coppermine. These housing units are former northern rental units that were written off by the local housing association and purchased through the local tender process by individuals.

Unfortunately, these housing units are in terrible condition. Two of them are on the honey bucket system, none have running water, there hasn't been any upgrading and minimum maintenance has been done on these units. I would like to ask if the Minister if it's the policy of the department to pay rent to private landlords, either directly or indirectly, on behalf of social assistance clients who have no housing? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 914

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. For the social services recipients, the department does pay rent, whether it is for the housing corporation or for the unit they are renting. Thank you.

Return To Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
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Page 914

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ng.

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
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Page 915

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister, then, if the department has minimum standards they set for these residential units prior to them allowing social assistance clients to live in them? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
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Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. If the department, on behalf of the clients, is renting these dwellings, I would have to look into this situation that Mr. Ng is talking about. If the clients, on their own, decide to live in these units, to me that is out of the responsibility of Social Services. It is different if Social Services is directly renting these from the private owner. Thank you.

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ng.

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
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Page 915

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister if her department or somebody on behalf of her department in the government carries out inspections of these units to ensure they meet building codes, fire and electrical codes and those types of things, prior to their authorizing rental payments for these units? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
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Page 915

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would have to get more details on the two individuals Mr. Ng is talking about in order to address his concern. At this point in time, I don't know whether the department accessed these units for the clients of Social Services or not. If they are, I would certainly like to know. Thank you.

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Ng.

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister feels it is acceptable to have social assistance clients living in residential units which have no running water and which are using honey bucket systems? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Social Services, Ms. Mike.

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
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Page 915

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Like I said earlier, it really depends if these individuals, of their own choosing, are living in these units. I don't know the background detail on these individuals. I would have to get more details on whether or not the Social Services department accessed these units for them or if the individuals accessed them themselves. Thank you.

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Question 402-12(5): Policy On Paying Rent For Social Assistance Clients
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for Safety. I was pleased to hear that the city of Yellowknife was able to assist in putting out the fire in Colomac Mine. I would like to ask the Minister if he has an update for us on what has happened since his safety people have been there?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Safety and Public Services, Mr. Nerysoo.

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Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you. I appreciate the honourable Member's question. Madam Speaker, the deputy fire marshal in the company of a fire safety inspector were despatched this morning to Colomac via an aircraft hired by Royal Oak. Obviously, the inspectors took advantage of a free flight. It was agreed among the city of Yellowknife fire department officials, the fire marshal, the mine safety division and Colomac Mine officials that the investigation would not commence until today, to permit exhausted fire fighters and employees sufficient time to recover and to permit the excessive smoke to clear and the hot remains of the building to cool sufficiently to permit a thorough investigation. All of these parties, as well as the insurance adjustors, are meeting at the mine site today to jointly commence a thorough investigation which will include careful physical examination of the fire remains and the interviewing of multiple witnesses to ascertain the state of the fire protection system at the time of the fire as well as the cause of the fire. Thank you.

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Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

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Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
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Page 915

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. That was an easy question. I have a more difficult one for the Minister. Since we have mines throughout the Northwest Territories that are very isolated, what requirement do those mines have to provide for their own fire fighting capability?

Supplementary To Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Safety and Public Services, Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 915

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't have the information for that particular technical question

. That would probably be a written question. I will provide, though, a written answer to the oral question.

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Question 403-12(5): Update On Colomac Mine Situation After Safety Inspection
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 916

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. I believe it is the responsibility of the chair to determine whether oral questions should proceed or whether they should be written questions. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just to follow up on what Mr. Koe asked regarding the Minister of Renewable Resources. Madam Speaker, I do travel a lot on highways. I always get the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural state, but the message that the Minister is sending to a lot of the people who are fighting this government over wildlife furs may differ because, in his statement, it certainly implies maybe that I, as an aboriginal, am not conservative, and that, because of my disregard for the law, I have disregard for the land or the animals on it. I would like to ask the Minister, for the record, whether or not he can make some corrections to this statement since perhaps I don't have a lot of regard for the law, but I still have a lot of regard for the animals and the land.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Kakfwi.

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Question 404-12(5): Aboriginal People's Respect For Wildlife
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 916

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Madam Speaker, I did not get the exact question that the Member was asking, but again, in response to some of the concern, I think the issue that I was trying to drive at yesterday, when the Member was asking what it is we need in order to hunt and receive tags, was perhaps the highest law of aboriginal people is that people closest to the resource, that need it the most, have the highest priority. That has been the case with the Dene and the Metis throughout history. That is, if I live in Yellowknife, I don't have the same priority with regard to exercising my right to harvest moose as the people in Good Hope, since that is their source of food, so they have priority.

It doesn't deprive me of my right, but there is an unstated law that says, those people who need it the most, who have the greatest need of it, should have priority. My statement yesterday was to reflect the suggestion that we can make laws in Ottawa and we can make laws in Yellowknife, but unless the people at the community level feel it is a just law, that they are part of it and that the law respects their place, their access and their right to a renewable resource, they would not hold it in the esteem that they should. That is the suggestion that I was making. Thank you.

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Question 404-12(5): Aboriginal People's Respect For Wildlife
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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary. Do you have a supplementary, Mr. Gargan?

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Question 404-12(5): Aboriginal People's Respect For Wildlife
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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Minister plans on travelling to Europe within the next two weeks. Anybody who picks up this unedited Hansard and reads this will get a strong message from the Europeans as to what the aboriginals feel about the laws we create, but it doesn't talk about anything beyond written laws that the aboriginal people live by.

Madam Speaker, I had a buffalo tag that I didn't use. There was a reason for that. Last spring, on my travels to Yellowknife, I saw about seven moose. I didn't shoot at them or anything like that, mainly because I didn't think I needed one at that time. Those are the kinds of messages we should be sending out to people in Europe. If you pick up something like this, I am afraid we send the wrong signal to the people about aboriginal people and their feelings about the laws.

So I would like to ask that you maybe go beyond just making such a statement and also say that the unwritten laws of aboriginal people would probably say the same thing and that the respect is there.

Supplementary To Question 404-12(5): Aboriginal People's Respect For Wildlife
Question 404-12(5): Aboriginal People's Respect For Wildlife
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 916

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Kakfwi.

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Madam Speaker, it is all semantics, and we can blow any particular word out of proportion if we want. My answer is in response to the suggestion made by Mr. Allooloo who was suggesting that there is a difference in that the Inuit see it as a privilege to harvest and not a right. I was suggesting that there is not a great difference but that the highest law of the land is the right to survive and that people, for thousands of years, have seen it as a right to harvest the wildlife of this land and their duty to manage it. Then I suggested that if we want to fool around with the words "right" and "privilege" that, in my view, it would become a privilege to harvest if the resource was mismanaged and dwindling and no longer there as a certainty.

But in no way was I suggesting that people are lawless and have no regard for the law. We had a case just recently where Members of this legislature were extremely concerned with a federal law that was going to be proclaimed April 1 which suggested all Canadians would have to complete and pass a firearms safety course before they would be able to acquire a firearms acquisition certificate, which would have been expensive and, in large part, no use to the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories. There was concern that the law was not appropriate or relevant to the majority of our people and people did not want to be breaking the law or to show disrespect for it, but at the same time, because they had no part in formulating it, they were expressing extreme concern with it. We have rectified that. Those are the examples we were responding to. Thank you.

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Question 404-12(5): Aboriginal People's Respect For Wildlife
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 916

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Premier or for an appropriate Minister, I'm not

sure what Minister could respond to this question. The Premier is aware that the Royal Oak/CASAW labour nightmare is slowly receding into the past and Yellowknife is slowly getting back to normal. But, there's a problem on the horizon in negotiations between the United Steelworkers of Canada and Miramar Con Mine. Many of my constituents are worried about where this dispute is heading. Could the Premier give us an update on what is happening with those negotiations?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I will have to take that question as notice. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for High Arctic, Mr. Pudluk.

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Housing. I have a question about Kheraj Enterprises Limited requesting local status under the BIP. Your deputy minister said on December 8, 1993 that the organization would be reviewed again to determine whether they could have local status in Pond Inlet. That was in 1993. Has the review been done? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister for Housing, Mr. Morin.

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Question 406-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
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Page 917

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To my knowledge, the review has not been completed yet. Thank you.

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Question 406-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 917

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Supplementary, Mr. Pudluk.

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Question 406-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
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Page 917

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

How long does it usually take to make that review and how much longer will we have to wait? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 406-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
Question 406-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 917

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister for Housing, Mr. Morin.

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Question 406-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
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Page 917

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't know how long it will take, so I will have to get back to the Member. Thank you.

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Question 406-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, 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 for Education, Culture and Employment. Madam Speaker, we know that Akaitcho Hall is going to be closed in late spring or early summer. My question is, since there are students who wish to continue their education here in Yellowknife -- I have two boys who want to continue their education here -- will the Minister assure the House that the Department of Education will continue to pay for home boarding as well as air travel to and from communities for those students who want to study here in Yellowknife? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

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Question 407-12(5): Financial Support For Students Attending School In Yellowknife
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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. For those who qualify, yes, we will continue to support them in home boarding and air travel.

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Question 407-12(5): Financial Support For Students Attending School In Yellowknife
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 917

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Amittuq, Mr. Allooloo.

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of the Department of Public Works a question. I know the business incentive policy is being reviewed to improve it. When does the government think this will be done? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The business incentive policy revisions should be ready to go to Cabinet in May of this year and then it will go out for consultation this summer. Thank you.

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Allooloo.

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Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Before it becomes a policy, would we, as MLAs, have input before it is finalized? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 408-12(5): Time Frame For Review Of Bip
Question 408-12(5): Time Frame For Review Of Bip
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 917

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

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Question 408-12(5): Time Frame For Review Of Bip
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Once I have agreement from Cabinet on the draft business incentive policy, then we will be consulting all northern businesses as well as the Members of the Legislative Assembly, hamlets, band councils and everybody. Thank you.

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Question 408-12(5): Time Frame For Review Of Bip
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Page 917

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for High Arctic, Mr. Pudluk.

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On the same issue to the same Minister. I asked a question about the status of a BIP review and he took the question as notice. When is he going to get back to me? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. The Minister of DPW did not take the question as notice. He indicated that he would get back to the Member. If a Minister takes a question as notice, he would not be allowed further questioning. Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

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Question 409-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 918

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We are reviewing the business incentive policy and local preference with regard to Kheraj Enterprises Limited. We have also done consultation with the community, the mayor, the council and the hamlet of Pond Inlet. They did not support local preference for Kheraj Enterprises Limited. Kheraj Enterprises Limited is a major subcontractor on a major Public Works project in the community right now and we are going to look at Kheraj's performance on that subcontract, including if he employed local people, what training he gave and other things. Once that contract is done, we can review local preference status again. Thank you.

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Question 409-12(5): Status Of Kheraj Enterprises Under Bip
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 918

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment for clarification. There are so many broad words that can be used. My honourable colleague for Natilikmiot asked whether students who want to attend school in Yellowknife could be accommodated. My question is, what does the Minister mean by qualification, those who qualify? If a general course is being conducted in Cambridge Bay and if the student wants to study academics, is that part of the qualifications? What is the meaning of qualification? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There are criteria that have been established for home boarding situations in Yellowknife. There's another issue where those students who are presently attending Sir John Franklin will be, what you might say, grandfathered in terms of continuing their education. Another element is, as part of the transfer of Sir John Franklin, we will be working out an agreement with both district school boards on their responsibility for home boarding and the services that they will provide to the students. But, generally speaking, there are criteria that will allow you to qualify whether you receive home board. I will be prepared to provide that criteria to the honourable Member so that he is aware of it. It is generally criteria that are used across the Northwest Territories.

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Do I understand the Minister then that it does not mean that those who want to study academics would not qualify? I will rephrase it, Madam Speaker. Those who want to study academic rather than general, will be qualified to come to Yellowknife if academic courses are not held in the Kitikmeot, for instance.

Supplementary To Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 918

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just for the purpose of Members, I believe that question was asked by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, for me to provide a copy of the programs and subjects that were provided in high school programming across the Northwest Territories. It's interesting to note that the academic programs are being offered in the Kitikmeot. What the honourable Member should be aware of is that in some cases some of the students will not be returning to Yellowknife next year, but will be attending high school either in Cambridge Bay or in Coppermine. However, there are some students who will be completing their final year. But it is not a criteria for academic programming or general programming. The subjects for academics will be offered in the high school programs in both Coppermine and Cambridge Bay, next year.

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary.

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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Page 918

James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know that both courses are available in the grade extensions. However, there are some instances, like in Pond Inlet, where there were so many students taking general that it did not warrant having academic classes being held there because there were only one or two students who wanted to take them. Can these two students, for example, be sent to Yellowknife or another centre or another high school where they will be allowed to take academic courses, rather than general?

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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Page 918

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Generally, the decision, first of all, of choices of programs is really left with two groups. One, the CECs, through their representation to the divisional board. They determine the

courses that will be offered and the method by which those courses will be offered in the appropriate high school. Secondly, in responding to the needs of -- for instance, the honourable Member gave the example of two students. If the choice of the divisional board is for them to pursue what you might say are 10, 20 and 30 courses, and the suggestion to the divisional board is that they attend school in Iqaluit, that is certainly a decision that could be made in each divisional board.

What would concern me would be if the decisions were such that they didn't want to continue the development of their programs, rather would send them elsewhere. It's in their interest to develop the appropriate programming in their high school to deliver services and programs to students.

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Page 919

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I cannot see how he can say a divisional board has any business whatsoever to decide on behalf of the student what kind of course that student should be taking in high school. The CECs and divisional boards' responsibilities are to accommodate students to give them an education along the standards given by the Department of Education, to accommodate the students so that they may take a proper course if they wish to prepare themselves either for Arctic College, university or other trade schools. My question to the Minister is that the parents or the education administrators -- meaning CEC or divisional board -- do not really know what is the best for that particular student who may be entering grade ten, 11 or 12, if he should take 10, 20 or 30 courses. Can the Minister tell the House that these students who want to take academic courses will be accommodated to the best extent possible, rather than given the run-around, telling them this course is not available in Pond Inlet, Coral Harbour or elsewhere? Would they be accommodated to the best of their ability? Thank you.

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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Page 919

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Education, just before you proceed, if I could remind Members to keep your preamble as brief as possible. Minister of Education.

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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't have a problem with the suggestion made by the honourable Member. However, I do say this, that the decision to offer courses and the subjects that are taken by particular students are really the choice of the student. We are prepared to offer, according to the curriculum that is offered which includes academic programs to those students who require them. We will do the best we can in trying to provide the best service possible to those particular students.

If the choice is such that it becomes difficult, then we have to find the alternatives by which we can offer those programs to those students. I just want to advise the honourable Member that the only difference that students will be able to identify, in terms of academic or general, in future, will be the subjects on their transcripts. In other words, if they are 10, 20 or 30, that will be the basis. There will only be one diploma that says you graduated and the basis on which you are considered academic will be the subjects on your transcripts at the end of the year.

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Question 410-12(5): Minister's Meaning Of "qualifications" Of Students
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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Amittuq, Mr. Allooloo.

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Minister of Education. I would like to ask the Minister a question. He told me, during this session, that his department won't help a student from my constituency to be educated to any degree. So the parents end up having to pay for their kid's education, totally, even though the kid is an aboriginal person. Could the Minister tell me if there is any government policy that would assist parents in sending their kids to the south, even though there may be grade 12 education in the community in any language? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 919

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just to indicate to the honourable Member, that I think he should first advise the House that Cabinet did make a decision on one particular case to support a student who was in the Member's constituency, in providing some financial support.

Secondly, there's no existing government policy that will allow us to support students to travel to southern institutions. Our policy is that we will develop programs in the Northwest Territories to the best of our ability. It's our first priority that our students attend quality programs in the Northwest Territories. That is the present policy, that was the policy before I was Minister and I believe it is a good policy.

Return To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 919

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Allooloo.

Supplementary To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 919

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know of a government policy that would assist parents if they are living in Yellowknife and Iqaluit if the parents would like to send their kids south. I thought it was government policy that the government would assist you to the tune of $5,600 if you're from Yellowknife and $5,800 from Iqaluit. Isn't that a government policy to help students to go to high school? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 919

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Further Return To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm not aware of the existence of that policy. I don't believe there is one. I will review the matter, however, I can advise the Members of this House that I don't believe that policy exists.

Further Return To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Allooloo.

Supplementary To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you. It's unfortunate that the Minister doesn't know his own policy. The policy applies to French students. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Question 411-12(5): Policy To Assist Parents In Sending Their Children To Southern Schools
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Mr. Allooloo, there was no question there. This is oral question period. I would suggest that you make your comments under Members' statements. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would like to direct a question to the Minister of Social Services. It deals with the matter of Greenway Holdings Limited that we heard about earlier on. I'm not quite clear on a couple of things, Madam Speaker, because I also received a document on the issue. I wanted to ask a question that relates to the termination or suspension of this contract. I would like to know whether or not the Department of Social Services has terminated this contract or has it just suspended the contract, pending the investigation that the Minister promised?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The contract was terminated on the recommendation of the regional superintendent by the deputy minister. Thank you.

Return To Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford, did you have a supplementary? Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary To Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It seems like this is sort of a fait accompli and there is no point in going in and doing something. It seems to be a personality conflict, if nothing else, and there doesn't seem to be anything of substance that says this company is not doing a good job. If it's a personality conflict, I wonder why they are terminating him without a hearing or an investigation, rather than looking into this matter first? Is this the way the government does business? I would like to know if this is already a dead issue.

Supplementary To Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Minister of Social Services, Ms. Mike.

Further Return To Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The contract was terminated after many attempts to try to work cooperatively with the contractor and the area office. Since early December 1993, there has been only one child in the group home. The area supervisor, supported by his staff, recommended terminating the contract. The superintendent, once again, became directly involved in December 1993. Meetings were held with the contractor as well as with area office staff and the union vice president for Hay River.

A basic plan to keep the group home functioning was agreed to. All parties agreed to submit their concerns, documentation and recommendations, in writing, to the superintendent. This was done over the next few months with no improvement in the working relationship. On March 1, 1994, the superintendent flew to Hay River to meet with the contractor to discuss the contract. At that meeting, the contractor was informed by the superintendent that he was contemplating terminating the contract. On March 9, 1994, the superintendent informed the contractor he was intending to proceed with termination, as outlined in the contract.

On that basis, the contract with Greenway was terminated. These group homes cannot operate effectively without a close and cooperative working relationship between the contractor and the department. Otherwise, the children in care don't get the help they need. In this case, the social workers did not feel comfortable referring children to the group home and were finding other alternatives, such as foster care.

A new contractor will be sought as quickly as possible, in consultation with the affected MLAs. Yes, her contract has been terminated. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Question 412-12(5): Termination Or Suspension Of Hay River Group Home Contract
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. In the 11th Assembly, I worked very closely with Mr. Arlooktoo because there was fear that a very large, priceless collection of art that had been collected in Cape Dorset since 1958, would be destroyed. I heard today that in Pangnirtung there's been a major fire in the print shop. I would like to ask the Minister, again, about fire. Would the Minister tell this House if he has determined yet the extent of the damage as a result of this fire at the print shop in Pangnirtung?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Safety and Public Services, Mr. Nerysoo.

Return To Question 413-12(5): Extent Of Fire Damage To Print Shop In Pangnirtung
Question 413-12(5): Extent Of Fire Damage To Print Shop In Pangnirtung
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 920

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would just indicate that the fire at the Pangnirtung print shop occurred approximately at 12:30 pm today. The call was

The building, as we all know, is owned by the local arts and crafts cooperative, but is insured solely by the Government of the Northwest Territories. The fire department response was apparently very good. However, although the building is still standing, it is what you might say a total write-off. The preliminary estimates of losses are in the half a million dollar range. As we are advised that the loss includes the originals of every print ever made at the shop, it is possible that final losses may be much, much higher.

The print shop did not have a sprinkler system. The attached weave shop, a fairly new building, suffered only smoke damage and the assistant deputy fire marshal from Iqaluit, Ken Sheridan, will be flying into Pangnirtung on the first available scheduled flight, which is tomorrow morning. He will be coordinating the investigation, which will include the RCMP and a representative of the Government of the Northwest Territories risk management division from the Department of Finance. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 413-12(5): Extent Of Fire Damage To Print Shop In Pangnirtung
Question 413-12(5): Extent Of Fire Damage To Print Shop In Pangnirtung
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, 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 Health. In some provinces there have been suggestions for changes in policies about when mammograms are offered to women. For instance, some jurisdictions have suggested that only women over 40 or 45 need to have mammograms automatically. I was wondering if the Minister could advise us as to what the Department of Health in the Northwest Territories policy is on mammograms.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Pollard.

Return To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good afternoon. Madam Speaker, we are aware of these reports that surface, not only in this particular area, but in other areas as well, suggesting that certain procedures that have been practised for many years don't need to be practised before a particular period in a lady's life or a man's life.

With regard to the issue on mammograms, I have asked the department to review the data that is becoming available and make a recommendation to myself with regard to what our policy should be in this regard. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Supplementary To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker, supplementary. I thank the Minister for advising me about the process for considering changes to the policy or to the new policy. My question was, do we have a current policy? My supplementary was then going to be following up on that.

Supplementary To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Pollard.

Further Return To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

John Pollard Hay River

Madam Speaker, I am not aware of any policy that restricts a female in the Northwest Territories from having a mammogram. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Supplementary To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, if there is no policy that restricts a woman from obtaining a mammogram, does that mean, then, that a woman may go to a health centre and request a mammogram in any other community in the Northwest Territories?

Supplementary To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Pollard.

Further Return To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

John Pollard Hay River

Madam Speaker, that procedure is between a lady and her physician or her health specialist in her particular community, and I can't second-guess a doctor or a nurse or somebody practising medicine in one of our communities as to when they would recommend and when they would not recommend that a lady have a mammogram. So I will look into the matter and see if I can get further information, but I think it varies with each practitioner and, of course, with each patient, as well. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Question 414-12(5): Department Of Health's Policy On Mammograms
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 921

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment on a statement on transfer of Sir John Franklin Territorial High School. He made a statement that the department and the public school board are discussing a negotiation to turn over the authority of the school on July 1. It says parents must have authority, that it is important that parents have the means to guide the education of their children throughout their school year and it says that part of the agreement is that the education district will hire any staff beginning their duties at the high

school this year. Does that mean that the department is turning over the hiring of the whole staff, including teachers, to this new arrangement? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 922

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. For all the teachers and the staff that are in Sir John Franklin high school, the turnover will include the future hiring of those staff by the Yellowknife District No. 1.

Return To Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 922

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Supplementary To Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 922

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Parents in the communities under the divisional board authorities also want to have more authority over the guidance of the education of their children, including means to guide the education of their children throughout the school. This includes hiring of all staff, as well. I would like to ask the Minister, when is that type of responsibility going to be turned over to divisional boards of education, who have been in place longer than this new arrangement here that you have over at Sir John Franklin school? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 922

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Further Return To Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 922

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you. I believe that most of the staff who are hired by divisional boards are now the responsibility of divisional boards, in conjunction with the Department of Personnel. They, in fact, release the competitions and, in fact, receive the resumes of teachers who are interested in teaching in a particular divisional area, and they have the responsibility of making the decision as to who will be hired in their particular divisional board.

Just so that there is no confusion, generally speaking, every other board has had the responsibility from kindergarten to 12, and we are just moving a situation in Yellowknife where District No. 1 will have from kindergarten to grade 12. At the moment, it is generally kindergarten to grade nine, so we are just adding the three additional grades to their responsibility.

Further Return To Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Question 415-12(5): Hiring Authority Of Public School Board
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 922

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Time frame for oral questions has lapsed. Before I go on to written questions, I have received a letter from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories dated March 29 addressed to me. It states:

"I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act, No. 2, during the Fifth Session of the 12th Legislative Assembly, Yours truly, D. L. Norris, Commissioner."

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

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will take Mr. Nerysoo's advice, and my written question is to the Minister of Safety and Public Services:

1. Do mines isolated from communities which have fire fighting equipment have a responsibility to make adequate fire fighting provisions at the mine site; and,

2. Does the Department of Safety and Public Services have a responsibility to make sure that mine sites have adequate fire fighting capability? If so, why was work allowed to proceed on the Colomac mine site without adequate equipment to fight fires?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 6, written questions. Item 7, returns to written questions. Item 8, replies to opening address. Item 9, petitions. Item 10, reports of standing and special committees. Item 11, reports of committees on the review of bills. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

Page 922

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Report On Bills 10 And 18

Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

Page 922

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. I would seek unanimous consent that Bill 10, An Act to Repeal the Metric Conversion Act, and Bill 18, Write-Off of Debts Act, 1993-94, that were reported from the Standing Committee on Finance and the Standing Committee on Legislation yesterday, be moved into committee of the whole for today.

Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

Page 922

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 11: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

Page 922

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive the rules and to allow Bill 10 and Bill 18 to be placed in committee of the whole for today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Bill 10 and Bill 18 will be reported to committee of the whole. Item 11, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 12, tabling of documents. Madam Premier.

Item 12: Tabling Of Documents
Item 12: Tabling Of Documents

Page 922

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I wish to table three documents. Madam Speaker, I wish to table Tabled Document 58-12(5), The Final Report, Evaluation of the Canada/Northwest Territories Agreement for French and Aboriginal Languages in the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, I wish to table Tabled Document 59-12(5), Renewed Partnerships in Response to Talking and Working Together, the Final Report of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services.

Madam Speaker, I wish to table, Tabled Document 60-12(5), Northwest Territories Power Corporation Response to Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions Final Report of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, March 18, 1994.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Item 12: Tabling Of Documents
Item 12: Tabling Of Documents

Page 923

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 12, tabling of documents. The honourable Member for Hay River, Mr. Pollard.

Item 12: Tabling Of Documents
Item 12: Tabling Of Documents

Page 923

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have three documents, Madam Speaker. I wish to table, Tabled Document 61-12(5), Standing Committee on Public Accounts Final Report - Public Review of Tabled Document 5-12(3), Report of the Auditor General of Canada on a Comprehensive Audit of the Department of Health (Tabled March 24, 1993) and four appendices: A Health Human Resource Plan for the NWT; Comprehensive Report on the National Health Research and Development Program (NHRDCP); North of 60 Special Initiative; Summary of Health Research Studies Conducted by the Department of Health and Other Agencies, 1988-94; and, a Response to the Auditor General's Report to the Comprehensive Audit of the Department of Health.

Madam Speaker, if I might do my second one. Madam Speaker, I wish to table, Tabled Document 62-12(5) Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions: Final Report on Health and Hospital Boards in the Northwest Territories (Tabled March 15, 1993).

The third one, Madam Speaker. I wish to table, Tabled Document 63-12(5), Department of Health's response to Committee Motion 9-12(5) to adopt Recommendation 20 of the Standing Committee on Finance. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Item 12: Tabling Of Documents
Item 12: Tabling Of Documents

Page 923

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 12, tabling of documents. Item 13, notices of motion. Item 14, notices of motions for first reading of bills. The honourable Member for Hay River.

Item 14: Notices Of Motions
Item 14: Notices Of Motions

March 28th, 1994

Page 923

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

FOR FIRST READING OF BILLS

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, March 31, 1994, I will move that Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act, No. 2, be read for the first time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 14, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 15, motions. Item 16, first reading of bills. 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; Bill 18, Write-Off of Debts Act, 1993-94; Bill 10, An Act to Repeal the Metric Conversion 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; and, Tabled Document 2-12(5), Building and Learning Strategy, with Mr. Whitford 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 923

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Good afternoon, Members. It's nice to see the sun coming through the glass after all that snow has fallen off or slid off the exterior glass over the Chamber. The committee will now come to order. What is the wish of the committee? The chairman recognizes the Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, 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 923

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Your comments about the sun are welcome, but I think somebody needs to touch the thermostat a bit, it's awfully warm in here. You wouldn't want us all to fall asleep on you this afternoon, would you?

Mr. Chairman, I would like to suggest the committee consider Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Wildlife Act, then Bill 10, An Act to Repeal the Metric Conversion Act, following that, Bill 18, Write-Off of Debts Act, 1993-94.

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 923

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Does the committee agree?

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 923

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---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 923

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

The committee agrees. According to the committee's wishes, we will be dealing with Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Wildlife Act, just as soon after the break as possible.

---SHORT BREAK

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 923

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

The committee will now come back to order after a short break. Before the break, the committee's agreement was that we begin with Bill 12. Mr. Dent, would you be able to assist the committee in deciding which bill we should lead off with? 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 923

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I had suggested that first we deal with Bill 12, followed by Bill 10 and, if there's time, Bill 18, in that order.

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 923

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Dent. My book had been opened to Bill 10, so I thought there had been a change while we were away. Bill 12 in the green book, An Act to Amend the Wildlife Act. Is the Minister responsible prepared to introduce the bill? Minister Kakfwi.

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 923

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Introductory Remarks

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 923

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Chairman, the purpose of this legislation, Bill 12, is to recognize and implement provisions of the Inuvialuit final agreement, as given effect by the Western Claims Settlement Act. Bill 12 was developed in consultation with representatives of the Inuvialuit to provide clarity within the

Wildlife Act for the public, Inuvialuit, and Renewable Resources staff.

Both the Wildlife Management Advisory Committee of the Northwest Territories and the Inuvialuit Game Council have reviewed and support the proposed legislation. This legislation is proposed to come into effect on July 1, 1994, which is the start of the new game licensing year. Mr. Chairman, if Members wish, I will require some witnesses to answer some questions.

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 924

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Kakfwi. Does the committee agree that witnesses be allowed to assist the Minister?

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 924

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 924

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

We have agreement. Sergeant-at-Arms, would you assist the witnesses please? Is the chairman of the standing committee prepared to make any comments on the bill? Okay, we'll wait until we get our witnesses in here. Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Mr. Minister, would you please introduce your witnesses to the committee?

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 924

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my left, I have Mr. Joe Handley, deputy minister of Renewable Resources, on my right Don Vincent, the senior advisor on claims implementation with the Department of Renewable Resources and on his right is Shawn Flynn from the Department of Justice legislative division. Thank you.

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 924

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister, welcome gentlemen. The chair recognizes the chairman who will present the standing committee's review of the bill, Mr. Gargan.

Standing Committee On Legislation Comments

Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 924

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the standing committee has reviewed Bill 12, An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act. This bill amends the act to recognize the provisions of the Inuvialuit final agreement as they pertain to wildlife harvesting and management. The bill further provides for the Commissioner to develop regulations regarding the implementation and recognition of existing and future land claims.

The Inuvialuit final agreement was signed in 1984, ten years ago. The Northwest Territories has seen three more land claims agreements signed in that period for the Gwich'in, the Sahtu, and Nunavut. The committee is concerned with the length of time it has taken for this government to expedite legislation concerning claimant groups.

Further, the committee is disappointed that the government has not taken this opportunity to introduce further amendments to an outdated piece of legislation. Many concerns have been voiced over the years about the provisions within the Wildlife Act and the committee would have welcomed amendments that would have addressed those issues.

The committee would like to note that the government made a commitment three years ago, when we considered similar legislation, to review the entire Wildlife Act. The committee wonders at what stage this review is at. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. The committee report has been made. 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

Bill as a whole. I apologize. I didn't have a section marked here, and I moved a little bit too fast. Clause 3.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 4.

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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.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Bill as a whole.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

We have agreement. Does the committee agree that Bill 12 is concluded and is ready now for third reading?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Okay. Bill 12 is now ready for third reading. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister and his witnesses for assisting us in this matter. You are now excused.

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Does the committee agree now that we proceed with Bill 10?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

We have agreement. Bill 10 is found under tab 10 in your green binders. Bill 10, An Act to Repeal the Metric Conversion Act. Is the Minister responsible for the bill prepared to introduce the bill to the committee? The chair recognizes Minister Kakfwi.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Introductory Remarks

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you. Mr. Chairman, the proposed bill is to repeal the Metric Conversion Act so that we can remove from the statute books an act that no longer has any legal effect.

The Metric Conversion Act was enacted in 1977 to facilitate the conversion from the Canadian system of units, known as the imperial system, to the international system of units, known as the metric system. The act provided that the Commissioner could enter into agreements with the Government of Canada for the establishment of a metric information centre and for the establishment of programs for the distribution of information about the metric system.

The act also provided that the Commissioner could, by order, designate any act, regulation, order, municipal by-law or other instrument which uses the imperial system to be deemed to be using the metric equivalent. No orders have been issued. All territorial legislation now uses the metric system and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has encouraged municipal corporations to use metric units in their by-laws since 1977.

At one time, a metric information centre was operated under agreement with the Government of Canada. The centre distributed information about the metric system but it ceased operations many years ago.

Those are the extent of my comments. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Kakfwi. Would the chairman of the Standing Committee on Legislation be prepared to make any comments on the bill?

Standing Committee On Legislation Comments

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The standing committee has reviewed Bill 10, An Act to Repeal the Metric Conversion Act. The committee agrees with the bill and has no further comments.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Member from Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan. At this point in time, we normally ask the Minister if he would like to invite witnesses in but it appears that may not be necessary, however, I will leave that to your discretion, Mr. Minister. If you wish to deal with the matter from your seat, I think the committee will be in agreement.

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

I will take my chances and try to answer any questions from the chair.

---Laughter

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

The Minister says he is going to wing it from where he is.

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An Hon. Member

(Microphone turned off)

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Order. Bill 10, An Act to Repeal the Metric Conversion Act. General comments. No general comments. Does the committee agree we go clause by clause.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Okay, clause by clause. Here it goes. I am sorry. Member from Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

General Comments

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

I would like to ask the Minister, what is this act going to do with the present system of metric? Is this thing going to change the whole thing over, back to inches and feet, or what?

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Minister Kakfwi.

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Chairman, the act was simply an act that was required to push and encourage people to use and move over to the metric system. It gave legislative backing to ensure that conversion happened. Now that it has, in a large part, happened, there is no longer any requirement for the bill. For instance, it suggests that if required, the Commissioner would have the power to force conversion, but, in fact, almost all of it has happened without any orders being issued by the Commissioner. So it was to try to get us off the old British system.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Kakfwi. Mr. Antoine.

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to say that when the whole system was turned over, whoever made the decision didn't take into consideration that, as Dene people, we have our own way of measuring, and when we said one foot, we said goke. One inch is golahchi?, one thumb; and one pound is aihndah. But when they changed the whole system to metric, there was nothing there to make that equivalent to our way. So I am going to have the department

responsible for languages, they are going to have to come up with something to compensate for the loss.

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An Hon. Member

(Microphone turned off)

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

So I just wanted to make that point because -- and for one mile it was ??dechi, but we had our own way. Now, with metric, it is not the same, so it hasn't really adjusted. So we are going to have to figure out a new way of measuring distances in metric. I just wanted to make that comment.

Clause By Clause

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. They are very interesting points raised. Any further comments? Clause by clause. Clause 1.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

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 10 is now ready for third reading?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Bill 10 is now ready for third reading. I would like to thank the Minister for his assistance in the matter.

I think we can now move to Bill 18, located under tab 18. Bill 18 is the Write-Off of Debts Act, 1993-94. Bill 18 located under tab 18 of the green book. Thank you. We ask the Minister responsible for the bill to introduce the bill to the committee. The chair recognizes Mr. Pollard.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Introductory Remarks

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John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The purpose of the Write-Off of Assets and Debts Act, 1994, is to authorize the write-off of certain debts listed in the schedule to the act. Pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, the write-off of assets or debts exceeding $20,000 for the government and most boards and agencies must receive Legislative Assembly approval.

The write-offs being proposed in this act will not require a new appropriation. The write-offs will be charged against allowances for bad debts which were established in previous department budgets. At the time it was determined that collection of the debts would be unlikely.

Mr. Chairman, a large component of the accounts being written off are loans made by the Business Credit Corporation. The number of loans being written off is significantly greater than usual. This is due to the Business Credit Corporation doing a comprehensive review of its accounts in order to update its records.

I wish to emphasize, Mr. Chairman, that the write-off of a debt does not relieve a debtor of the liability for repayment or mean that the government will not continue to attempt to collect the outstanding amount. Through continued reviews by my staff and those of the Business Credit Corporation, future recovery of the debts may still be achieved. In addition, we track the principals of each firm for future credit reference.

Mr. Chairman, I am, or the appropriate Minister is, prepared to answer questions on these proposed write-offs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Pollard. Is the chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance prepared to make comments on the bill? The chair recognizes the Member from Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Standing Committee On Finance Comments

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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Finance reviewed Bill 18, Write-Off of Debts Act, 1993-94, at its meeting in Yellowknife on March 23, 24 and 28, 1994. The committee was pleased that the Ministers of Finance and Economic Development and Tourism and their staff were available to answer questions.

In the past four years, the government wrote off a total of $1.2 million in debts. This bill, however, provides for the writing off of over $2.1 million in debts in a single year. The Standing Committee was concerned about this large increase in the amount of debts to be written off.

Most of the debts come from loans made from the business loans and guarantees fund. These loans have since been transferred to the Business Credit Corporation. The Ministers of Finance and of Economic Development and Tourism explained to the standing committee that this year they have made an effort to clean off the books. Further, the committee noted that many of the debts being written off date back five, six or seven years.

The standing committee trusts that the large total of $2.1 million we see in this bill is not the beginning of a trend in writing off debts. The Minister of Economic Development and Tourism assured the standing committee that recent loans have been made using more stringent guidelines. In fact, the recent Auditor General's report on the department and the Business Credit Corporation stated that: "The new loans made since BCC started are in better condition than the older loans".

The standing committee also had some concerns about policies related to loans to businesses. Committee Members were concerned about the risk involved in many of these loans. The standing committee recognizes that the Business Credit Corporation exists, in part, to provide loans to small business in the north which might not be able to borrow from banks or other conventional sources. Further, Members recognize that these loans carry a higher risk. This risk may be a necessary cost of stimulating the northern economy. However, the BCC still has a responsibility to minimize that risk and standing committee Members have been assured that the corporation

and the department will address this important and complex issue.

Finally, standing committee Members expressed concern about the position of the government as a creditor when borrowers file for bankruptcy. In many of the cases contained in this bill, other creditors were given higher priority than the GNWT in the distribution of assets and proceeds resulting from the bankruptcy. The Standing Committee on Finance asked the government to address this issue. Individual Members of the standing committee will take this opportunity in committee of the whole to ask questions. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng. General comments. The chair recognizes the Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

General Comments

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a general question and it is about the amount of personal loans, besides student loans, that have been given. I'm just wondering when people are given loans from the corporation, are those people allowed to operate if they have a debt or do they go under?

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Chairman, could I ask the Member to repeat his question? I didn't quite get the question.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Pollard. Mr. Gargan.

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Mr. Chairman, I asked when a person owes money to the government and it is written off, presumably the person has gone under. Or, do the people still operate and get their loans written off?

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Minister of Finance.

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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Chairman, there can be a number of reasons for loans being suggested for write-off. The usual one is the accounting term that the loan is no longer profitable or that it is impossible to pursue the person to get the money back. It may be because they've gone bankrupt, declared personal bankruptcy, that they're destitute, that they have no assets whatsoever, or that they've passed away and their family is unable to pay their loan. There's any number of reasons, and it doesn't necessarily mean that the person has gone bankrupt, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Pollard. The chair recognizes the Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When the Business Credit Corporation of the government advances loans to individuals who are involved in business enterprises, do they undertake to maximize the securities on the principals who are undertaking those loans, such as personal guarantees and possible cross-company guarantees if there's more than one company involved with the principal who is applying for the loans? Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Minister Pollard.

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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Chairman, this would be part of the policy of loaning money and I would defer to the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Todd.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Mr. Todd.

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I said to the Standing Committee on Finance, if you look at some of these loans, some of them were six or seven years old. I'm not convinced that the necessary securities that perhaps should have been in place and the timely signatures on paper were not as efficient as they should have been.

As part of the overall review of the Department of Economic Development, we've looked at the Business Credit Corporation and I've pretty well said publicly that I see the Business Credit Corporation as one that takes higher risks than a bank, taking less collateral, and simplifying the paper work. So, would there be personal guarantees and cross-company guarantees? I would think that would be part of the policies that the Business Credit Corporation would develop and I would have to check with them to see if that is now in place. It was originally in place and it didn't happen as well as it should have.

The way I see the Credit Corporation is as a lender of last resort, and I'll say that again. I think in certain instances, there may be cross guarantees between companies and in certain instances, there may be personal guarantees. I think you have to take each loan one at a time, the same way as the bank deals with them. When you go to a bank, depending on the risk, the track record, and personality, it depends on the collateral and the security you provide. That's my answer. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Mr. Arvaluk.

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James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Recognizing Mr. Pudluk's statement earlier, it is Arvaluk. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I have no problems with other bills. Usually, there is a motion to make amendments to bills, but with this bill, there are specific companies dealt with. What I don't see here is submissions about which ones should be forgiven and which ones should stay on the record. Even if you don't collect them this year, next year, or the next year, is there an absolute requirement for the government to write off all these debts?

There is a company who is still operating and who has a debt that will be written off, for economic reasons. There's another company that will be written off on the basis of bankruptcy where the principal who owned that company still holds a functioning business somewhere else. Isn't the whole idea of running a business to make money? And, that if you cannot make money in one area, another company you own that is making money should bear the costs? Don't people care any more when one of their companies go bankrupt and the others are doing okay? I'm trying to understand this bill and the purpose of being in business. The purpose of being in business is not like government trying to serve people, but trying to serve people and make money at the same time.

That's the name of the game. Shouldn't you be responsible if one of your companies go bankrupt, as a person?

Why aren't those kind of considerations given, that although the company is bankrupt the owner is still doing very well in some other area? We can say we cannot forgive that, but we'll defer the collection. Or, at least introduce a new act preventing the companies with multi-companies from doing that. My question to the Minister is, have you looked at any other alternatives or have you considered the introduction of amendments to the different acts to allow yourself to collect debts easier so you don't have to introduce this kind of act because you're cornered?

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk. Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Chairman, the Financial Administration Act says that if we're going to write off anything exceeding $20,000 we have to report it to this House, which is what the act is doing. I guess what we're doing is trying to be realistic and saying that instead of carrying these debts on our books and hoping to get them paid in future years, we're being realistic in saying -- as all businesses and governments do -- we do not think we will be able to collect these portions of our debts at the present time Secondly, we're saying that in the event that they are collectible in the future, we will try to do that. It doesn't mean that we won't try to pursue that money in the future. So if somebody has a turn of luck and they have made certain commitments when they took out the loan, we will try to get those people. As I said before, if their financial situation changes in the future, to get that money back. But only within the terms of the loan agreement that they signed, Mr. Chairman. So it may be possible for an individual to not have to pay anything on these particular loans, yet still be in business in the Northwest Territories and appear to be successful. It depends upon the agreement that was signed between themselves and the government, in this case, at the time the loan was let out. That may have included personal guarantees. It may have included using their own personal homes to back the loan, it may not have.

So I think in the instance that the Member was talking about where somebody had owned a company and the company had gone down, it depends on what was pledged from that company or from those shareholders to the government. If it wasn't anything personal, theoretically, those shareholders could go away and become business people in other parts of the territories and not have to pay these loans back. It changes from loan to loan. In this instance, we are being realistic in saying that we don't think we can get this money back.

With regard to changing acts, I think that the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism would agree with me that since the time that the majority of these loans were made, things have changed over at the Business Credit Corporation. It is a much more professionally-run organization. Although the Minister says it will take higher risks than a bank, it is certainly getting the "i's" dotted and the "t's" crossed before money flows. In some of these cases, perhaps things were done absolutely to the tee.

I think when Mr. Arvaluk asks if we should be changing things, I think the Minister would concur with me that policies have been changed within the BCC to try to prevent some of these

things from happening in the future. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Mr. Arvaluk.

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James Arvaluk Aivilik

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm having a very hard time that John Doe from Iqaluit can go to the government and say he would like to buy a tractor from Montreal, bring it to Coral Harbour and start a little company there, a subsidiary of his Iqaluit company, and when that Coral Harbour company goes bankrupt, that you decide to forgive him. The tractor that was used for work in Coral Harbour cannot think, cannot talk, cannot make deals and goes bankrupt because it has broken down. But, the owner who made the deal is still doing very well in Iqaluit. Who is the one who made the deal to get the loan? Not the tractor in Coral Harbour, that he's hiring to do the work.

I cannot see the logic in those kinds of business deals the government makes with the company, where such persons are not accountable for their loans. They just file bankruptcy and they do very well in other places.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Minister Pollard.

Bill 18: Write-off Of Debts Act, 1993-94
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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Chairman, I sympathize with the Member because many years ago when you borrowed money from somebody, or you borrowed money from a bank, you did it on the shake of the hand and said you were giving your word that you would pay the money back. I remember those days and I think there's a lot of people who remember those days. When banks turn them down, they get extremely frustrated because they say that they gave their word that they would pay the money back and the banks are not prepared to loan them the money.

Unfortunately, in today's corporate world, there isn't that kind of personal guarantee any more. There's not that kind of pride in knowing that people took the money out and, in one form or another, they will pay it back. Today, we're into who is liable, what does the law say, and what was placed as collateral. In the instance that Mr. Arvaluk cited, if the person from Iqaluit never pledged anything from his company in Iqaluit or never pledged anything personally of his own against the loan he made in Coral Harbour, unfortunately all that would be left would be the asset which might or might not be operational.

I sympathize with the Member, but in today's day and age, things have changed greatly as far as paying back loans. I think people who loan money are expected to take the risk and if they don't make it or they don't get good enough collateral, then they take their lumps. It's sad, but true. I think in defence of the Business Credit Corporation, they are now recognizing some of the problems that have occurred ten or twelve years ago and are trying to make, within the realm of reasonable, some of the changes so that there aren't as many cracks for people to slip through. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

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

Bill 18: Write-off Of Debts Act, 1993-94
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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Clause By Clause

Bill 18: Write-off Of Debts Act, 1993-94
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Clause 1.

Bill 18: Write-off Of Debts Act, 1993-94
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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Bill 18: Write-off Of Debts Act, 1993-94
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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

Schedule 1, debts written off.

Bill 18: Write-off Of Debts Act, 1993-94
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Total debts written off, $2,169,075.34.

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

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 18 is ready for third reading?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Bill 18 is now ready for third reading. This matter, then, is concluded. What is the wish of the committee? The chair recognizes Mr. Dent.

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Chairman, I move we report progress.

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Mr. Gargan seconded. We have motion on the floor. It is not debatable. All those in favour, please signify. All those opposed? Thank you. The motion is carried.

---Carried

I shall rise and report progress to the Speaker.

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

I will call the House back to order. Item 19, report of committee of the whole. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 10, An Act to Repeal the Metric Conversion Act; Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Wildlife Act and Bill 18, Write-Off of Debts Act, 1993-94, and would like to report progress. Bills 10, 12 and 18 are ready for third reading. Madam Speaker, I move that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with.

Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Is there a seconder for the motion? The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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An Hon. Member

Question.

Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

---Carried

Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 19: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Item 20, third reading of bills. Item 21, orders of the day. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Item 21: Orders Of The Day
Item 21: Orders Of The Day

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Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Madam Speaker, there is a meeting of the Management Services Board immediately after adjournment this afternoon, and also a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Social Housing immediately after adjournment this afternoon. Meetings for tomorrow morning, at 9:00 am of the Standing Committee on Finance, at 10:30 am of the Ordinary Members' Caucus and at 12:00 noon, a briefing on fur management. Orders of the day for Wednesday, March 30, 1994.

1. Prayer

2. Ministers' Statements

3. Members' Statements

4. Returns to Oral Questions

5. Oral Questions

6. Written Questions

7. Returns to Written Questions

8. Replies to Opening Address

9. Petitions

10. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

11. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

12. Tabling of Documents

13. Notices of Motion

14. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 15. Motions

16. First Reading of Bills

17. Second Reading of Bills

18. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and

Other Matters

- Bill 1, Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1994-95

- 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

19. Report of Committee of the Whole

20. Third Reading of Bills

21. Orders of the Day

Item 21: Orders Of The Day
Item 21: Orders Of The Day

Page 930

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 30, 1994 at 1:30 pm.

---ADJOURNMENT