This is page numbers 931 - 964 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 health.

Topics

Overburdening Cabinet Ministers
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Some Hon. Members

(Microphones turned off)

Political And Economic Stability Of The North
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

I have been redistributed.

---Laughter

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I would like to make a few observations about the recent visit of the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Mr. Irwin, to the Northwest Territories. Mr. Irwin was here for a short period of time, met with 13 or 14 groups and made commitments at each one of those meetings. I must say I was very pleased to hear of the commitment he made to the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories. It was a commitment a long time in coming.

---Applause

Madam Speaker, I am struck with the level of passion, commitment and the speed of change that this Minister has demonstrated. However, I do have some concerns as to how these many bilateral commitments to a wide variety of groups across the territories will all come together at the end of the day.

I am sure that the Minister will acknowledge that north of 60 is very different from south of 60. The regions and groups in the Northwest Territories must maintain common bonds, strengths and unity. A fragmented north is a vulnerable north and could easily fall prey to the agendas of large governments and large corporations.

The government and the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories must continue to play an integral role in the negotiations leading to division and to constitutional development in the west. We must strive to be a unifying force in the Northwest Territories.

I personally believe that a strong central government, strong regions and strong communities will provide the political stability we need to provide for economic development and to solve the many social problems we have in the Northwest Territories. I also strongly believe that there must be a coming together of public government and aboriginal self-government, if we are to prevent the western Northwest Territories from becoming balkanized and fragmented into irrelevance. Thank you very much.

---Applause

Political And Economic Stability Of The North
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 331-12(5): Premier's Actions To Protect Sanikiluaq In Great Whale Project
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Pudlat on March 21. It is talking about the Great Whale/Sanikiluaq project as it relates to Sanikiluaq.

Madam Speaker, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs is currently attempting to obtain a copy of the agreement between Hydro Quebec and Makivik for our information. It is our understanding that the agreement is based on commitments under the James Bay northern Quebec agreement. Regardless of any arrangements through this or any other agreement, the Government of the Northwest Territories still has a legitimate right to argue that the environment and the residents of the NWT should not be adversely impacted by the proposed hydro project.

The Department of Renewable Resources is coordinating the GNWT's input to the environmental review process, however they have no control over the pace at which the review process proceeds. It is moving slower than anyone anticipated.

We are currently reviewing the environmental impact statement. The GNWT will argue that the document does not conform with the guidelines and must be rewritten to provide more relevant information on Hudson Bay and the Belcher Islands. The community of Sanikiluaq and the Nunavut Coalition-Keewatin have indicated that they will be taking the same approach.

We have also written to the federal Minister of Environment supporting Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated's request for the establishment of a Nunavut impact review board to review the project.

The GNWT continues to work closely with all groups to ensure that our actions support community concerns. GNWT representatives will be meeting with representatives from Sanikiluaq and the Keewatin in May to discuss our response to the review panels on the deficiencies of the environmental impact statement. The GNWT also continues to communicate with other intervenors in the process including the Crees.

Return To Question 253-12(5): Status Of Departmental Amalgamations
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I have another return to oral question. I would like your permission to continue. This is a return to a question asked by Mr. Ningark on March 16, on the status of departmental amalgamations.

In order to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of government, a number of departments and programs were proposed for transfer or consolidation. The consolidations are some, but not all of those recommended by Strength at Two Levels.

These consolidations were announced in 1992 as one aspect of Reshaping Northern Government, which also included decentralization, privatization, reorganization of the central agencies and increased roles for MLAs in decision-making.

Of the announced consolidations and amalgamations, the following have been completed to date:

1992-93: Education and Culture and Communications; Government Services and Public Works; Justice and corrections; and, Intergovernmental Affairs and Aboriginal and Constitutional Affairs.

1993-94: Employment with Education and Culture; and, reorganization of centre.

In May 1993, mandates of central agencies were clarified to streamline decision-making and the central machinery of government, and to rationalize the roles of Comptroller General, the Department of Finance and the Financial Management Board Secretariat.

Further Return To Question 337-12(5): Policies Of Nwtpc To Support Northern Businesses
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I have a further return to oral question if I may proceed. This is an oral question asked by Mr. Ng on March 21 regarding the policy of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to support northern businesses.

Madam Speaker, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation follows a tendering and contract policy that provides for a northern discount. Sound business practice dictates that support for local businesses that can provide the service for the corporation, leads to development of those businesses and an economy that can help to reduce the corporation's costs.

Other examples of the corporation's efforts to use local business include the use of standing purchase orders and local purchase orders to facilitate local purchases. The SPOs are set up at the beginning of the year for local purchases. These standing orders are set up with businesses that can provide the necessary goods and services. The SPOs are approved by the vice-president of operations.

Purchases against standing purchase orders and local purchase orders are monitored centrally by purchasing and finance. All other purchasing is handled centrally under the tender and contract policy. Madam Speaker, in turn, these operations are reviewed by internal audit. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 337-12(5): Policies Of Nwtpc To Support Northern Businesses
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Madam Premier.

Return To Question 405-12(5): Update On Negotiations Between Casaw And Miramar Con Mine
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I have a short reply to an oral question asked by Mr. Ballantyne on March 29, regarding the update on negotiations between the United Steel Workers of Canada and Miramar Con Mine.

We have been advised by federal authorities that the federal conciliatory officer assigned to the dispute will be in contact with both parties next week, so as to determine when they should begin and meet again. Thank you.

Return To Question 405-12(5): Update On Negotiations Between Casaw And Miramar Con Mine
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Kivallivik, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Return To Question 405-12(5): Update On Negotiations Between Casaw And Miramar Con Mine
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to Ministers' statements.

Return To Question 405-12(5): Update On Negotiations Between Casaw And Miramar Con Mine
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to return to Ministers' statements. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed.

Minister's Statement 62-12(5): Water And Sewage Services Subsidy Policy
Revert Back To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 935

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and Members, colleagues.

Madam Speaker, as Members know, changes were made to the water and sewage services subsidy policy earlier this month. This afternoon, I want to outline the background and basic features of the changes.

The subsidy program was introduced in 1987 because consumers were not getting equitable treatment in the municipal water and sewage rates charged to them. Often the rates they paid were far greater than the economic costs of providing water and sewage services in the community.

Municipal governments often chose to use their water/sewage rates as a key source of municipal revenue, because of the lack of comprehensive GNWT municipal O and M funding policies at that time.

The water and sewer services subsidy policy was created because of this to help make sure that basic services were provided equitably throughout the Northwest Territories by municipal governments at a price that residents could afford.

Until amendments to the policy were made earlier this month, it applied mainly in hamlets, charter communities and some settlements. The lack of coverage for residents of most tax-based municipalities was raised as an issue by the NWT Association of Municipalities, the town of Hay River, the village of Fort Simpson and by the Member for Nahendeh.

As a result, changes to the policy now extend its provisions to all municipalities except Yellowknife. Yellowknife doesn't receive the subsidy because it gets municipal service funding under a three year block funding agreement.

In making the changes to this policy and extending the benefits of the subsidy program to the large population of residential and commercial users in the tax-based municipalities, it was necessary to balance equity and affordability of service costs with the realities of limited financial resources.

Even after the policy changes, the government will still be subsidizing, on average, 91 per cent of the cost of water and sewage services in hamlets, charter communities and designated communities.

The revised water and sewage services policy includes the following new rates for residential and commercial users:

- the subsidized residential and non-profit rate will be .33 of a cent per litre in all tax-based municipalities effective June 1, 1994;

- in Iqaluit and Norman Wells, that means an increase from an average of $25 a month to $37 a month for residential users of trucked services; and, an increase from an average of $50 a month to an average of $75 a month for residential users with piped services.

In addition:

- the subsidized residential and non-profit rate will be raised from .22 of a cent per litre to .27 of a cent per litre in hamlets and designated communities effective June 1, 1994;

- based on specific household accounts, some typical increases in rates per residential user in hamlets would be:

- from $18 to $22 per month in Chesterfield Inlet;

- from $30 to $37 in Aklavik;

- from $37 to $45 in Fort Providence;

- from $25 to $30 in Pond Inlet; and,

- from $26 to $32 in Pelly Bay.

- any additional annual increases will be subject to Financial Management Board review.

Madam Speaker, other changes affect the subsidized residential and non-profit rate in special service areas, mainly small areas outside the built-up areas of certain municipalities:

- the subsidized residential and non-profit rate for those locations will be increased from .33 of a cent per litre to .37 of a cent per litre effective June 1, 1994, with a further increase subject to Financial Management Board approval;

- the subsidized commercial rate in hamlets, charter communities and designated communities will also change. Effective June 1, 1994, 90 per cent rather than 100 per cent of water/sewage consumption by commercial users will be subsidized.

The subsidized amount will be reduced each year until 50 per cent of the consumption is subsidized at .44 of a cent per litre and the rest at the economic rate. Each yearly reduction will be subject to Financial Management Board review. This review process will allow the Financial Management Board to review specific cases, to avoid undue hardship.

Some examples of the immediate impact on commercial users would be:

- an average monthly increase of $31 to $39 for the Northern Store in Aklavik;

- an average monthly increase of $19 to $52 for the Northern Store in Chesterfield Inlet; - an average monthly increase of $46 to $66 for the Northern Store in Fort Providence; and,

- an average monthly increase of $31 to $58 for the Northern Store in Pond Inlet.

Madam Speaker, there have been questions about consultation with this House and with the municipalities on the changes to the water and sewage services subsidy policy.

On February 19, 1993, the Minister of Finance announced in his budget address that the government planned to adjust the degree of subsidization of commercial users in hamlets. And on November 24, 1993, my predecessor, the Honourable John Todd, made a return advising the Member for Nahendeh that policy amendments had been approved to extend coverage to all towns and villages, but that the financial implications of the policy amendments were to receive final review by the Financial Management Board.

In addition, during the seven years since this subsidy program was instituted, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has engaged in ongoing consultation with municipal councils and their administrations on items such as the objectives of the policy and program, the economic rates for water and sewage services in each community, and on establishing municipal water and sewage services rates by-laws.

Madam Speaker, municipalities are familiar with the workings and administration of the water and sewage services subsidy policy and program, including the fact that rate adjustments periodically occur. The systems are in place in municipalities for the rate adjustments to be made effectively. The subsidized rate increases are targeted to take effect June 1, 1994, to afford councils at least 60 days to amend their water and sewage rates by-laws and advise consumers.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, in attempting to address Members' questions about the policy changes on March 24, I stated that the subsidized residential and non-profit rate was not affected and that policy changes would take effect May 1, 1994. This information was not correct and the information I have provided today should set the record straight. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Minister's Statement 62-12(5): Water And Sewage Services Subsidy Policy
Revert Back To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for High Arctic, Mr. Pudluk.

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

Thank you, Madam Speaker. A couple of days ago, on Monday, March 28, I raised the issue of child sexual abuse in a Member's statement. I have a question related to that statement for the Minister of Social Services.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In answer to the Member for High Arctic, I would like to make a brief statement on sexual abuse because there are different types of sexual abuse that can be defined. It includes exposure to pornographic materials, exposures to flashers, inappropriate touching, oral sex and sexual intercourse.

It is important to remember that this type of abuse has different levels of trauma. The level of trauma is also affected by whether the incident, or incidents were one-time or ongoing. By law, sexual abuse must be reported by all persons when it is identified. The department provides counselling and support through contract services in each region. As much as possible, assistance is provided at the community level.

When a sexual abuse case is reported to Social Services, the steps that are taken are first that usually the RCMP does the investigation. Depending upon the findings of the RCMP investigation, charges are laid on the offender and the work begins by the social worker and sexual abuse specialist. This depends on whether the person who has been abused is a child or an adult. Thank you.

Return To Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Pudluk.

Supplementary To Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question was really about those people who were sexually abused as children about 20 to 30 years ago and about the healing and counselling for those people. They are now adults. Abuse affects not only the child but the whole family. What program or support is offered to the family for coping with child sexual abuse? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Further Return To Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In each region, we have mental health and sexual abuse specialists. They are available for survivors of sexual abuse who are now adults who were abused when they were children. Also, they work with the families to cope with the abuse and, often times, when the community makes this request, the specialist comes in town and tries to help out the community in getting a support group going for those who are the survivors and who are the victims. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Question 416-12(5): Social Services' Actions In Cases Of Child Sexual Abuse
Item 5: Oral Questions

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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. I would like to follow up on the questions from my colleague from High Arctic, with a question to the Minister of Social Services. I know that in Renewed Partnerships: The Response of the Government to the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, which was tabled yesterday, that part of the recommendations or one of the responses to a recommendation regarding support for front line workers mentions that the Department of Social Services is developing profiles of all staff to identify their training needs and develop a training strategy, and the resources are being allocated to provide better training. Madam Speaker, working with children who are victims of sexual abuse is very difficult and very delicate. I was wondering if the Minister could advise us as to what training, right now, is provided to social workers who are dealing with these situations.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Return To Question 417-12(5): Training For Social Workers Dealing With Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Question 417-12(5): Training For Social Workers Dealing With Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 937

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There was some training received a few years ago with in-service training with our staff through contract services through Arctic College, and, as a result, we ended up having one specialist in each region. Up to today, the training is still available when requested. Thank you.

Return To Question 417-12(5): Training For Social Workers Dealing With Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Question 417-12(5): Training For Social Workers Dealing With Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Item 5: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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