This is page numbers 503 - 531 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 land.

Topics

Members Present

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

---Prayer

Assent To Bills
Assent To Bills

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The Speaker

Thank you. Good afternoon. I have a letter before me from Commissioner Norris addressed to me, dated March 3, 1994.

"Dear Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the Legislative Assembly that on Thursday, March 3, 1994, I was attended in my office by the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. David Hamilton, and the Government House Leader, the Honourable John Pollard, for the purpose of assenting to bills. I wish to inform the Legislative Assembly that, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I gave assent to Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1993-94. Yours truly, D L Norris, Commissioner."

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Point of privilege, Mr. Gargan.

Point Of Privilege

Assent To Bills
Assent To Bills

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of privilege concerning an incident which occurred in this House yesterday. Madam Speaker, yesterday I wrote and circulated a letter to all MLAs. This letter was not tabled in the House nor was it ever made a part of the formal records of this House.

Secondly, Madam Speaker, an interpretation was placed on the contents of this letter by you without providing me with the opportunity to debate or respond to your interpretation. This is a fundamental denial of the right to be heard before one is convicted...

Assent To Bills
Assent To Bills

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The Speaker

Mr. Gargan. Unfortunately, you do not have a point of privilege. I would like to remind Members and quote from Beauchesne's ruling 168(1), "Reflections upon the character or actions of the Speaker may be punished as breaches of privilege. The actions of the Speaker cannot be criticized incidentally in debate or upon any form of proceeding, except by way of a substantive motion." In addition, Beauchesne's ruling 170, "Under Standing Order 10, Speakers' rulings, once given, must be accepted without appeal or debate." Under those rulings, I indicate that you do not have a point of privilege. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Madam Speaker, later today I plan to table the document Tradition and Change, A Strategy for Renewable Resource Development in the NWT. This strategy provides an approach for managing and using renewable resources for the maximum benefit of our residents today, while ensuring there is enough for tomorrow. This has been the approach of our people for thousands of years.

The current value of the renewable resource harvest is now over $55 million per year. The harvest of wildlife, primarily as food, is worth a minimum of $38 million. The value of the fish and marine mammal harvest is $12 million. The timber harvest will increase this year from $3 million to $14 million. Last year, the sale of wild furs and agricultural products provided $3 million.

The renewable resource development strategy promotes economic self-reliance, local employment opportunities and benefits and local influence over the pace of development. This is especially important for smaller communities where few other economic opportunities exist. The strategy is divided into six renewable resource sectors: fur, wildlife, fisheries, forests, marine mammals, and agriculture. The value, objectives, initiatives and constraints of each sector are described and a three year action plan is included.

Madam Speaker, a healthy economy requires a healthy environment. I believe that releasing this strategy shows our government's commitment to both increasing economic opportunities, sustainable development and maintaining productive renewable resources. This is what residents are asking for and this is what we intend to provide. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as most Members know, I just returned from a two day meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, in Toronto, and I would like to bring the Members of this Assembly up to date on developments.

First, I am pleased to announce that the council's by-laws were amended to change the status of the Yukon and Northwest Territories from observers to members...

Some Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

This is for the first time in 26 years. This significant change allows us to take our place at the table in developing, directing and leading education in our nation. I would like to recognize the work of my staff for helping bring this long overdue recognition to our territories.

Secondly, the council discussed and furthered its six-point action plan to reshape education in this country. One of the steps in this process is a regular series of national forums to bring together all interested groups and organizations, including government, business, labour, educational institutions, teachers, parents and student federations and associations, to promote dialogue on expectations and needs and to exchange ideas.

The first of these national meetings will be held in Montreal this coming May. Plans for the meeting were reviewed and additional direction was given. This forum, which will focus on the quality of education is a national first, and all Education Ministers are expected to play key roles in the discussions. Special attention will be paid to current best practices and education successes across the country under the sub-themes of: goals and outcomes; accessibility and mobility; and, accountability.

The five remaining points of the action plan are:

-the establishment of a national working group to examine curriculum comparability and possible joint initiatives in curriculum development;

-the continuation and expansion of the school achievement indicators program, adding assessment in science to the existing program which includes assessment in reading and writing and mathematics;

-a new joint project between the Council of Ministers and Statistics Canada to develop pan-Canadian indicators on education performance;

-a new Canada-wide focus on open learning and distance education, particularly in post-secondary studies; and,

-the development of new links and partnerships with national and governmental organizations, and with business, labour and appropriate federal departments and agencies.

As part of the meetings, the Ministers also hosted the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, and discussed issues such as the continuation of the stay-in-school program, possible changes to the Canada student loans program, the planned federal reductions to the national literacy program and the implications of reform of social programs on education.

Madam Speaker, as I have done before, I will continue to keep this legislature up to date on the developments and change in education on the national scene as we work to reshape, reform and improve our system of education. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Apologizing To Constituents And Mlas
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yesterday, I had a terrible day and it started about 3:00 pm.

---Applause

It went on into the evening. This morning I got up at 6:00 and thought about what had happened yesterday.

I have been a good and faithful Member of this House for over ten years, under many Speakers, including the late and honourable Speaker Stewart. I believe that the work done in this House is important and each Member has an obligation to his or her constituents to be very involved in the work we do here.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I wanted Members to be aware of some specialists who were available to assist them with taxation issues. This is the time of year when we hear concerns from our constituents regarding tax matters. In my haste to inform Members, I unintentionally chose words which offended you, Madam Speaker. I regret that these hastily chosen words caused the difficulties they did. I have always had tremendous respect for the House and it's Members, and I will always continue to abide by its rules.

I would like to apologize to the members of my constituency for being unable to represent them in this House yesterday afternoon, and to the Members of this House for being unable to participate in yesterday's debate on bills and supplementary appropriations.

Madam Speaker, in the future I will be diligent in my choice of words taking care that they not reflect badly on this House. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Apologizing To Constituents And Mlas
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

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

International Women's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Tuesday, March 8, is International Women's Day. Madam Speaker, since this House won't be sitting on that day, I thought I would take a couple of minutes today to highlight the fact that that is an important day for us to celebrate.

Madam Speaker, International Women's Day has been celebrated throughout Europe, Russia and the United States since 1910. It has had its origins in the struggle of women for better wages and working conditions, as well as the right to vote in elections.

There are two symbols representing International Women's Day: red roses; red represents the struggle for economic security and roses the struggle for a better life. Madam Speaker, all Members recently received a rose lapel pin and are asked to wear this pin to demonstrate their support for this important day.

Madam Speaker, this day not only highlights the struggles and achievements but, too, serves as a reminder of the important work still to be done on behalf of women. We must celebrate the achievements of progress for what has been done. In the Northwest Territories we have some shelters, we do have some programs in the struggle against family violence, we do have some day care centres in some communities. Madam Speaker, we do have more women involved in politics and more women have educational job opportunities than was the case in the past. But, we still have a long way to go. There is a lot more change needed.

International Women's Day is a reminder that around the world and in the Northwest Territories, too many women are still living in violent conditions of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, earning less than men earn, and under-represented in politics at all levels. International Women's Day, Madam Speaker, is a reminder that work as women and mothers is not adequately valued, and needs such as child care and child support and shelters are not being adequately met.

Madam Speaker, statistics can tell just how much more needs to be done. Madam Speaker, I would seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement and to give some of those statistics.

International Women's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

Thank you. Your time is not up yet, Mr. Dent. However, the honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to continue with his Member's statement. Are there any nays? Thank you. There are no nays? Proceed, Mr. Dent.

International Women's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Madam Speaker, some of the statistics that I was referring to indicate that the average income for women in the Northwest Territories in 1992 was $16,500. That's less than two-thirds the average of what a man earns in the Northwest Territories, that being over $26,000. In 1991, the average income for single parent families in the Northwest Territories was one-third the income of other families and, Madam Speaker, 75 per cent of single parent families are headed by women. Single-parent income has, in fact, dropped in the Northwest Territories since 1990.

Madam Speaker, in 1993, there were approximately 1,050 day care spaces serving 18 communities across the Northwest Territories. As we were told during hearings for the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, this is terribly inadequate. There are more than 2,300 children in the Northwest Territories in need of child care right now. In the Northwest Territories, shelter workers estimate that at least one in four NWT women have been abused by her partner. Women are assaulted an average of 35 times before they call for help. In all of the NWT, there are only nine shelters to protect abused women and only four are able to offer counselling.

In Canada, one woman in three will be sexually assaulted by a man at some time in her life. The NWT rate of reported sexual assaults is the highest in the country and 54 per cent of rape victims are girls between the ages of seven and 18. Madam Speaker, there is no rape crisis centre in the NWT and very limited use of victim impact statements in the courts. The NWT, Madam Speaker, is the only place in Canada where disabled women outnumber disabled men and this may be due largely to violence and abuse.

Madam Speaker, it is not enough to say that we abhor violence against women. We must take our policy of zero tolerance against violence to heart and take action. We must make sure people believe that violence really is a problem. We must make sure that better support is there to help those who suffer by providing more shelters, more counselling and more assistance to those who have to seek redress and protection through our court system.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members, indeed, I urge everyone, to make time next Tuesday to observe International Women's Day. Wear a rose, participate in some of the activities, celebrate the achievements of women to date, and let's all remember how much change is still needed. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

International Women's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. On Tuesday, March 1, I went to Fort Smith at the invitation of the students attending Arctic College from my constituency. There are about 25 students and half of them have spouses and children, so there are quite a few of them from my constituency in Fort Smith. Madam Speaker, while I was there I spoke to the management and students about the budget process and the Legislative Assembly's role in the budget process. I also spoke to social services students. The discussion was basically about constitutional development and self-government.

In the evening I had a meeting with my constituents. There was great discussion on all kinds of different issues. Madam Speaker, I'm proud to see that these people, many with families, are returning to school or going for the first time. I was very impressed and encouraged with the questions and discussions we had on the future direction of the Northwest Territories.

However, Madam Speaker, one of the major concerns expressed by the students and their spouses was the extra funding available to students in the community teacher education program. I'm told that these education students receive between $5,000 to $12,000 in extra incentive grants, depending on the size of their families. Other students do not get this who are taking other programs. Needless to say, Madam Speaker, my constituents enrolled in other programs, particularly those with families, are not very pleased with the situation. I'm, personally, not very satisfied with the situation.

Madam Speaker, I realize that this incentive program was started to encourage aboriginal people to enrol in the teacher education program and I do agree with the intent. However, Madam Speaker, the Northwest Territories needs more than aboriginal teachers who understand and can teach our culture. We need aboriginal social workers who understand the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. We need northern managers to administer programs, both for aboriginal organizations and various levels of government. Madam Speaker, this incentive program offered to students taking education needs to be dropped or modified and extended to students in other faculties.

I do not blame the students for wanting the same benefits. These students have families and deserve the same consideration as education students. I urge the government, in the spirit of fairness, to review this program and offer a constructive solution that does not discriminate against or favour students in different programs. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin Central, Ms. Mike.

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm very pleased that the following young people from my constituency are going to attend the 1994 Arctic Winter Games: from Pangnirtung, Leona Nakashuk, Charlie Komoartok, Daniel Kilabuk, Helen Parfitt, Sheena Machmar, Nathaniel Qaqasiq, Eva Sowdluapik, Lizzie Etuanat, and from Broughton Island, Allan Kooneeloosie and Meika McDonald.

Madam Speaker, as I will not be able to attend the 1994 Arctic Winter Games due to prior commitments, I would like to wish them well on behalf of their communities and acknowledge their parents for the support and encouragement they gave to these young athletes. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

High Cost Of Fuel For Home Owners
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to make a statement today regarding home owners in my constituency and the need these people have for assistance in buying heating fuel. I'm happy and thankful with the fact that some of my constituents have been able to get assistance through the home ownership program of the Housing Corporation. One of the concerns that has been brought to my attention by home owners is the high cost of heating fuel.

I don't need to remind the House about the high costs of living because everybody here is well aware of that fact already. Some of the home owners barely scrape by in paying their heating bills, along with all the other expenses that have to be paid. I'm aware of the program for seniors where there is assistance for purchasing wood and heating fuel and I'm very happy about that. What I would like to suggest to the government is it is time now to expand this assistance to those who have a certain income level and for those who do not presently receive housing allowances from their employers. I'm not suggesting that new subsidies be given to all home owners, but target those who are struggling and who are the most in need. Thank you.

High Cost Of Fuel For Home Owners
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

Thank you. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I don't want to be too fulsome in my praise for the Minister of Social Services, since I may have questions and criticisms for her soon enough, but I would like to take this opportunity today to thank her and her assistant for taking time from their busy schedule, last week in Iqaluit, to meet with the board of directors of the Baffin Regional Treatment Centre to discuss staff housing requirements and also to tour the treatment centre, now nearly completed in Apex. I know the board expressed their gratitude directly to the Minister for the salary increases and additional settlement allowances recently approved for staff at this and other treatment centres.

I know that the treatment centre board was very pleased that the Minister actively participated with them in exploring various options to deal with the critical need to find housing for the staff at this new treatment centre. Some of these options will require her action as Minister of Personnel and another will require assistance from the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. I know the Minister of Social Services will use her good offices with her Cabinet colleague, the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, to seek solutions so we can get the long-awaited treatment centre staffed and up and running.

I want to say, Madam Speaker, I look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with the Minister of Social Services, also in her capacity of Minister of Personnel, with the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, with other Baffin MLAs, with Mr. Mangitak Kellypalik and his board at the Baffin Treatment Centre to resolve the housing problem for staff at the treatment centre. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

The Speaker

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