This is page numbers 30 - 77 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 6th 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 going.

Topics

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, Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Madam Speaker, I understand it's now filed. Is it proper to proceed?

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

(Microphone turned off)

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you. Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to be able to share good news with all of you today. When I tabled the community transfer initiative implementation plan in November of 1992, I said that the first major transfer would take place on April 1, 1994. I believe we have met the target date.

We are about to implement two very important community transfer agreements. Both Cape Dorset and Inuvik have invested a great deal of time and effort in moving toward greater control over programs and services which affect the daily lives of community residents. The vision of these

community leaders paves the way for home-grown solutions to the many diverse and evolving issues facing the north today.

The hamlet of Cape Dorset has entered into a very comprehensive transfer agreement. As of April 1, the hamlet will be responsible for economic development, social services, public works and housing. The community's desire for increased control dates back to the hamlet turnovers in the early 1980s. The community transfer initiative has provided the hamlet with a vehicle to realize their long-standing aspirations.

The Inuvik transfer is particularly unique because all three community government authorities have worked together as a team in their pursuit of community control. The town, band council, the community corporation and the Inuvialuit, will all be responsible for setting their own rules for lotteries and will become more involved in economic development. Through a transfer framework agreement, both the tripartite committee and the government have committed to negotiate further transfers in 1994-95.

Clearly, both of these transfers are the result of a team effort. Without the dedication and commitment by Ministers Don Morin, John Pollard, Rebecca Mike, John Todd, Richard Nerysoo and the staff of the departments of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Social Services, Personnel, Economic Development and Tourism, Public Works and Services, Safety and Public Services, the Financial Management Board Secretariat and the NWT Housing Corporation, it would have been impossible to get to where we are today.

In the face of many other critical issues, my colleagues have made it a priority to respond to community requests for increased autonomy. Based on the considerable interests expressed by communities, and the interest in the requests we anticipate as a result of these agreements, our ongoing commitment will be required.

When I met with the Cape Dorset hamlet council in February, we agreed that all the issues will probably not be resolved by the April 1 implementation date. Both parties will have to take a leap of faith and trust in each other's commitment and capability to resolve matters such as wage parity, overhead costs, capital funding and retention of surpluses. I'm confident that a continued spirit of cooperation will ensure timely resolution of these and other matters.

Under the terms of the agreements, Ministers remain accountable in some areas and the agreements outline minimum standards and rules which the community must follow. Departments will continue to have contact with the communities through both regional and headquarters offices, to ensure that programs are delivered in accordance with minimum standards. Departments will also continue to provide technical and special assistance when required. The agreements will be reviewed on an annual basis and a process for the future evaluation of the community transfer initiative is being developed.

Madam Speaker, I'm proud that we, as a government, had the vision to provide the means for community control through the community transfer initiative. I'm particularly pleased with the positive support and assistance received from the MLA for Inuvik, Mr. Koe, and the MLA for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat. Mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Need For Children's Advocates In Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 36

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, Madam Speaker, I want to talk about the children of the Northwest Territories. As leaders, we constantly talk about our children as our greatest resource. We talk about preserving the environment for our children, creating jobs and opportunities for the next generation, and providing first-class education for our children. These are all wonderful words, but they are starting to ring hollow.

Sexual abuse against children has reached crisis proportions. Suicide rates are increasing. Our jails are being filled with young offenders. The Young Offenders Act is obviously not working. Alcohol and drug abuse among young people continues at an alarming rate. Dropout rates in our schools are at an unacceptable level. Family breakdowns are causing serious emotional problems to a whole generation of young people. And, fetal alcohol syndrome is taking a damaging and hidden toll.

In our society, there are strong advocates for most groups. Workers have unions. Companies have chambers of commerce and chambers of mines. Environmentalists have strong advocates. Even the anti-fur lobby can manipulate governments around the world. Languages have a Commissioner and freedom of information will soon have an independent advocate. Who speaks for children? Well, everybody speaks for children and nobody speaks for children. Their problems and realities are lost in a maze of competing interest groups and priorities.

I don't think the major priority of this Legislative Assembly should be an ombudsman for all the people of the Northwest Territories. I think we need an ombudsman for our children. We need an independent office that deals solely with the rights and protection of children. I want to put this government on notice that I will be working for the creation of an independent office which will act as an advocate for and protector of all the children of the Northwest Territories. Thank you very much.

---Applause

Need For Children's Advocates In Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 36

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minister on the statement he just made on the community transfer initiatives. The community of Inuvik, through the Inuvik community corporation, the Ehdiitat Gwich'in council and the town of Inuvik have worked together over the past year to finalize this community transfer agreement.

This agreement is a unique achievement for the community because it brought together three cultures and organizations to work toward common goals. As the Minister indicated, the agreement contains a framework agreement to finalize the negotiations, an agreement that transfers responsibilities and authorities for an economic development officer who will serve the Inuvik residents and carry out long-term economic planning, and the licensing and regulation of lotteries and bingos in Inuvik.

The three councils that participated in the transfer initiatives have also agreed to form a society that will continue further transfer negotiations and operate the existing initiatives. The community views the transfer initiatives as a small step towards self-government. Another step towards self-government is the implementation of the proposed regional public government which the community fully supports. This regional government will allow Inuvik to more effectively work together with the surrounding communities on various regional initiatives.

The transfers to date do not seem like a dramatic change, but the major accomplishment for the community is a renewed sense of community. Having the various groups work together to control the affairs of the community is a significant achievement. I would like to congratulate all the individuals who worked on this task, the residents of Inuvik, and the officials of this government for this significant agreement. Mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Congratulating Participating Groups In Community Transfer Initiatives
Item 3: Members' Statements

April 6th, 1994

Page 36

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to follow up on the Minister's statement today by the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, regarding an agreement reached between the hamlet of Cape Dorset and the Government of the Northwest Territories on community transfers. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to both parties on this historic agreement. I know that the hamlet council and staff have been working very hard during the past few years, and especially during the last few weeks, to complete all the negotiations.

There are many communities that will look at the accomplishments of Cape Dorset and use it for a guide for what is achievable through the community transfer initiative. I'm very proud that this has been done first in my constituency. I will probably be travelling to Cape Dorset -- though I'm not certain -- with Ms. Cournoyea and Mr. Kakfwi, later on in April to celebrate the official signing of the agreement. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the Premier announced that she will table a report dealing with the government's proposal to privatize the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. I rise today to express my concern that such an important report is coming forward in the final hours scheduled for this House to meet.

Madam Speaker, without time to read the tabled document and reasonable discussion in this House, what may be a one-sided or biased position favouring privatization is now going to the public and may colour the public's perception about just how many Members support this initiative. Madam Speaker, I want to be on record as not supporting privatization of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation in the foreseeable future. In fact, most of the Members with whom I have discussed this issue have indicated that they don't believe that privatization makes sense right now.

---Applause

Madam Speaker, this is in spite of extensive briefing sessions provided by the government and lobbying in favour of privatization by some Members of Cabinet. I should note, Madam Speaker, that Mr. Ballantyne and Mr. Ng have already spoken in this House against privatization.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to having the opportunity to fully debate this issue with Cabinet in the fall. And, in the meantime, I would like to make sure the public knows that the position presented in the report the Premier will table today is that of the government, in other words, of Cabinet. It does not represent the feelings, desires, wishes or program that all the Members of this House aspire to.

Madam Speaker, I would urge the public to view the report with a very critical eye. I know that I will.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. There are growing concerns in this House about social housing in the NWT. We are all aware that it is getting more difficult to get housing and we know about the new rent scale to be implemented in the Nunavut area. The Advisory Committee on Social Housing was given the responsibility for and funding of about $5 million to go to the home ownership program. About 95 per cent of the funding went to the west. At that time, people in Nunavut weren't that serious about going into home ownership.

That was not too long ago, but today there is increasing home ownership in the Nunavut area because they are starting to realize how difficult it is to get housing. More people are interested in being home owners. I want them to be considered before the new rent scale comes into effect because this seems to be so sudden. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

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

Water And Sewer Subsidy Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Today I would like to express my appreciation for the water and sewage services subsidy program that the Minister of MACA announced on Monday. This subsidy program is something I have been pursuing since I got elected over two years ago. It would certainly benefit my constituents in Fort Simpson.

Presently, we don't have a subsidy program in the area in which I live. We pay $15 a trip for water, no matter how much water you get. Some people need two or three trips a week, so if you add all that up and multiply it, you're looking at about $120 to $180 a month we are paying for water. This subsidy program would certainly help. It would reduce the costs for water we use and bring it down to the level which everybody else in the north has been enjoying since 1987 when this subsidy program came into place.

However, there are Members in this House who are concerned about it because of the lack of consultation. I'm told by Members in this House that they have no problem with the village of Fort Simpson getting the subsidized program, however, there is some concern that there was a lack of consultation with other communities. I would appreciate it if the Minister would consult with other communities as soon as possible so this subsidy program could be put in place so that people in my constituency would enjoy the type of subsidy that everybody in the north has been enjoying since 1987. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Water And Sewer Subsidy Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Madam Premier, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker.

---Laughter

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my question is directed to the Premier, Madam Premier.

---Laughter

Some time ago, I received a letter from the hamlet council of Pelly Bay regarding the food air freight subsidy to Pelly Bay provided by this government. As we know, Pelly Bay is serviced by air only, but when next summer comes we will be getting barge service.

The concern of the hamlet council of Pelly Bay is that the food subsidy program for the community will be lifted. What the community of Pelly Bay wants is to roll back the cut-off date of the food air subsidy to Pelly Bay for a period of one year. The reasoning behind that is that the only store we have in town is the co-op and it doesn't have a heated warehouse large enough to accommodate a full year's supply. Would the Premier reconsider rolling back the cut-off date for a period of one year? Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Madam Speaker, I believe the responsibility for that particular subsidy program is under the Minister responsible for Government Services. I would suggest that Minister respond to this question. Thank you.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Government Services, Morin.

Return To Question 27-12(6): Extension Of Federal Food Mail Subsidy
Question 27-12(6): Extension Of Federal Food Mail Subsidy
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 38

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Member raises a legitimate concern about the food subsidy. I will take it up with the Minister responsible, the Minister of Indian Affairs. That is where the funding comes from. I will make sure they know of your concern and I will try to address it. Thank you.

Return To Question 27-12(6): Extension Of Federal Food Mail Subsidy
Question 27-12(6): Extension Of Federal Food Mail Subsidy
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 38

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. Today I have a question regarding the new rent scale that was tabled yesterday by the Minister of the Housing Corporation. I have a few very serious concerns regarding the process of consultation and the Minister's insensitivity for concerns that have been expressed by my constituents and myself.

Madam Speaker, I was shocked yesterday to learn the document that was tabled by the Minister of Housing was, in fact, the final rental scale. I was under the impression, based on the Minister's previous remarks, that there would be thorough consultation prior to a new rental scale being finalized. Given the fact that there was a lot of concern and confusion in my constituency and others regarding the new rent scale, would the Minister consider allowing for more time for communities to study and comment on the new rent scale? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Unfortunately, Mr. Pudlat, according to our rules, whenever there is a document in committee of the whole, questions cannot be posed to the appropriate Ministers on that document. Therefore, your question would be more appropriate when you are in committee of the whole. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.