This is page numbers 533 - 559 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 housing.

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. Lewis, 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

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 533

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Item 2, Ministers' statements.

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, in a Member's statement on February 16, 1994 and again in oral question period on February 18, the honourable Member for Baffin South expressed his concern that, particularly in smaller communities, residents often do not have assistance in preparing their income tax returns. He was concerned as well that, because of this, sometimes tax returns may be prepared inaccurately. We share Mr. Pudlat's concern on this important matter.

As I indicated to him, the Government of the Northwest Territories does not have a program whereby it can send accountants to communities to help with tax return preparation. However, during the tax preparation period, Revenue Canada officials do conduct visits to communities in the Northwest Territories for this purpose. During these visits, Revenue Canada officials normally conduct workshops, after which they make themselves available to provide specialized assistance with individual tax returns. We were also informed that Revenue Canada has planned a series of trips this month to the communities in the eastern Arctic to provide workshops and to provide residents with tax preparation assistance. This week, officials are travelling to Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Arviat and Iqaluit.

Mr. Speaker, in our discussions with Revenue Canada, we requested them to make additional, special visits to smaller communities to provide specialized assistance to residents. Following our request, Revenue Canada is planning to include Lake Harbour in their itinerary next week. Additional visits are also planned for Gjoa Haven, Spence Bay, Pelly Bay, Pond Inlet and Cape Dorset before the end of March. Unfortunately, due to repairs made to the only hotel in Sanikiluaq, it will not be possible to visit Sanikiluaq prior to April 30 of this year. Hopefully, a visit can be arranged for the spring of 1995.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Finance will be following up with Revenue Canada to ensure that they will continue to include Northwest Territories communities in their future visits. I thank Mr. Pudlat for bringing this issue to my attention. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Minister Pollard. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tuesday, March 8, is International Women's Day.

In the Northwest Territories women have played a strong role in the changes that have taken place socially, economically and politically.

They have been the starting point of many new initiatives that have been taking shape in the Northwest Territories. The revamping of the child care program, declaration of zero tolerance policy and the gender equality review are examples of the work women have initiated.

The role of women in the north has been that of a catalyst for change. At the same time, they continue to provide the kind of support needed to make sure family units and values remain strong in a period of rapid change and competing interests.

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day is a day for women and men to recognize and celebrate the contributions women have made to society. Northern women, whether they are involved in traditional pursuits or the wage economy, are helping to make a difference in today's world. And they will continue to do so every day of the year.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to advise the house that the Honourable Rebecca Mike will be absent from the House today on personal business.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

And, also, Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation will be away from this House on Monday, March 14, 1994. The Minister will be attending a meeting of Housing Ministers in Regina on that date. Mr. Morin, along with the Ministers from five provinces are participating on a special ministerial subcommittee formed to address the housing needs and conditions of residents living in northern and remote communities.

The committee will be making recommendations to all federal, provincial and territorial Housing Ministers on how these needs can best be met. The Minister will be back in the House on Tuesday, March 15, 1994. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Minister's Statement 40-12(5): Meeting Of Labour Market Ministers
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

March 3rd, 1994

Page 534

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise this House about the meeting of Labour Market Ministers held on the evening of February 28, and on March 1.

The agenda began with an update by the federal government on income security reform. The Minister of Human Resources Canada, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, highlighted the $800 million identified in the recent federal budget speech which is set aside for innovative social security reform pilot projects over the next two years.

I believe that the investing in people initiative which we plan to introduce in the next fiscal year, and other possible initiatives to be developed which support this approach, to be candidates for sharing in this opportunity for reform.

By the end of the month, the deputy ministers have been tasked to complete draft guidelines for the scope, principles and qualifications of eligible reform projects, as well as guidelines for approval, evaluation and funding.

The Ministers also discussed the focus paper, "A Study on the Modernization and Restructuring of Canada's Social Security System," released that day by the parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resources Development. The paper called for submissions by March 9, 1994. Mr. Speaker, I will provide a copy of the Federal Government's standing committee paper to all Members of this Assembly.

Following this, the committee plans to produce an interim report on March 25 outlining Canadians' concerns and priorities for income security reform. The committee then plans to consult more broadly across the country and will prepare a final report by September 30, 1994. This report will include a review of the federal government's action plan and recommendations for reform.

Once this report has been released, the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers will meet again to review the recommendations to advise the federal government on legislative reform and to share information about progress on reform in each of their own jurisdictions.

The Honourable Rebecca Mike, Minister of Social Services, and myself are planning to release a territorial preliminary discussion paper on income security reform before the legislature concludes in April of 1994.

Mr. Speaker, during the meeting on March 1, Ministers also discussed such matters as:

-reducing duplication and overlap between governments;

-federal youth initiatives, namely internship and the youth service corps;

-barriers to employment and training;

-labour mobility as part of the interprovincial agreement on reduction of trade barriers;

-standards and interprovincial computerized examinations for the trades; and,

-increasing private sector investment in training.

Mr. Speaker, we also discussed how the forum of Labour Market Ministers might be better organized to respond to today's challenges for change in our unemployment insurance and social assistance programs. We have to meet today's fiscal realities while providing for Canadians to become more productive, and we must continue to provide a social safety net. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Minister's Statement 41-12(5): Family Law Reform
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 534

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The reform of NWT family law legislation has been a priority of this government for many years now, and we should acknowledge the contribution of the former Ministers of Justice, Mr. Ballantyne and Mr. Patterson, in this area. It has been acknowledged by them and certainly by us that our legislation is archaic and seriously flawed in many respects. In recognition of this, a working group was formed some time ago to advise the government in this area, and the Family Law Review report was produced.

The departments of Justice and Social Services have analyzed the report, developed responses and are in the process of consulting with groups on proposals for reform.

The Honourable Rebecca Mike and I intend to prepare draft legislation for tabling in the Legislative Assembly before the term of the current government expires. Our target is the winter session of 1995, or approximately one year from now. To meet this objective a massive amount of work is required, which will require additional resources dedicated exclusively to this project.

We are looking at three new pieces of legislation: a Family Law Act; a Children's Law Act; and, a Child Welfare Act. These will replace existing legislation in this area. In addition, we are looking at incidental amendments to other legislation.

Our intention is to complete consultation, prepare drafting instructions and commence drafting as soon as possible.

In our view, the reform of family law legislation is one of the government's priorities. In this area it impacts on the lives of our people on a day-to-day basis and the reform of legislation will have a positive impact for generations to come. It is the duty of this government to do everything within its capabilities to achieve real progress in this area in the lifetime of the current government. Thank you.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 41-12(5): Family Law Reform
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 535

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Dent.

Prospectors' Conference In Toronto
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 535

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, starting this weekend there will be a prospectors' conference in Toronto, and a large number of northerners will be attending with the goal of letting mining and exploration companies know about products and services which are available in the north. Representatives of private companies as well as the Yellowknife economic development authority will try to pitch mining and exploration companies on using and buying goods and services in the north.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism has played an important part in helping coordinate these approaches, and I thank the Minister for his support in this area.

Mr. Speaker, to date, the history of mineral development in the Northwest Territories has shown very limited benefit to northerners. There is relatively little employment of northerners and, according to the response of Mr. Todd to Mr. Pudluk's written question earlier this week, only about ten per cent of those employed in mining in the Northwest Territories are aboriginal. Mr. Speaker, this failure needs to be addressed.

This government has expensive responsibilities in mine safety and inspections, yet receives no royalties; in fact, no tax revenue other than the small amount of payroll tax, unless the employees are northerners or the company chooses to file as an NWT company.

Mr. Speaker, I think it's time to get aggressive in seeking a financial understanding with the federal government, as well as devolution of responsibility over all aspects of mineral development in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, this government needs to involve all the players, including aboriginal groups in the process. But let's get moving towards an accord on minerals with the federal government...(inaudible). Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Prospectors' Conference In Toronto
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 535

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you very much, Mr. Dent. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat.

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make a statement today congratulating the young people from my constituency who have been selected to represent the NWT at the Arctic Winter Games next week.

They are from Lake Harbour, Jawlie Mingeriak and Julie Oolayou, who is the holder of senior women's record for the high kick; from Cape Dorset, Mosesee Qimirpik; and from Sanikiluaq, Caroline Appaqaq who at 15 is the first ever competitor from that community and is already seen as somewhat of a hero by her community.

Mr. Speaker, I must say that I am extremely proud of these young people and wish them the very best from the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

---Applause

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pollard.

Birthday Wishes To The Premier
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 535

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask Members to join me in congratulating the Premier on another birthday. It's her birthday today, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

---Singing of Happy Birthday

---Applause

Birthday Wishes To The Premier
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 535

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

I'm sure everybody will appreciate that outbreak of happiness in this Assembly.

---Laughter

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Allooloo.

Countering Anti-fur Lobby
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 535

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For many years now the people and the Government of the Northwest Territories have been working hard to counter the European anti-fur lobby. It seems that despite all of our efforts we are unable to get our message through to European people.

Last night and again this morning there was an information item on CBC radio about the new TV advertisement in Spain for chocolate bars. To my dismay, I heard that the ad portrays seal hunters who are going after seal pups, as used to be done in Newfoundland but isn't done any more. Children dressed in the polar bear costumes would come and chase the hunters away before any pups are killed. In celebration, the polar bears will sit down and eat chocolate bars with the seal pups.

Since the animal activists got the European Parliament to ban seal skins, there has been a very serious negative impact on the people and the economy of the eastern Arctic. The once profitable seal harvest provided people with the chance to earn their own living and be proud of the ability to support their families. In the 1970s, a seal pelt was worth upwards of $70. A hunter is lucky today, Mr. Speaker, to get $5 for the same pelt. Without a market for sealskin, there has been an increase in suicides and other social problems, as many former harvesters are unable to make a living and support their families.

It is very frustrating to know that there are many seals, including thousands of Newfoundland seals, that come up to Baffin Island in the summertime and the spring -- which they never used to do -- looking for food. The cod and the fish supply in Newfoundland is way down and as a result the seals are coming up. I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

Countering Anti-fur Lobby
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

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

Countering Anti-fur Lobby
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

Titus Allooloo Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. As you may know, Mr. Speaker, thousands of Newfoundland seals and Harp seals, are coming up to the Northwest Territories to feed on food that resident seals eat. We don't know at this point what impact these thousands of seals that are coming up to Baffin Island will have on the local food chain. I've asked the federal ministry to look into this matter and they have yet to determine what the impact is. My concern is that the food of the resident seals that we eat and rely on is being depleted in the eastern Arctic.

Mr. Speaker, it disturbs me to see the continuing lack of awareness of the Europeans about the importance of seal harvesting to the people of the eastern Arctic and the coastal people in the western Arctic. I hope that the Minister of Renewable Resources and this government will continue their effort to educate those who don't understand the northern way of life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause.

Countering Anti-fur Lobby
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Allooloo. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne.

Congratulating Arctic Winter Games Participants
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today and tomorrow, hundreds of NWT athletes are embarking on a great adventure. Across the territories, planes are filling up with excited young athletes all heading for Slave Lake, Alberta, for the 1994 Arctic Winter Games. From 38 communities across the territories, both large and small, they come, proudly wearing the NWT team uniform, their heads spinning with visions of ulus, adventure, pride in their community and pride in their territory.

On a personal note, our family is very proud of our daughter Erin, who is leaving at 3:00 am tomorrow morning to compete in cross-country skiing.

---Applause

I'm sure that all MLAs will join me in wishing our athletes great success in the 1994 Arctic Winter Games. We hope they bring back many ulus, but, more importantly, we hope they bring back life-long memories of a wonderful shared experience and an enduring sense of pride in representing the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Congratulating Arctic Winter Games Participants
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Zoe.