This is page numbers 41 - 61 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 1st 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 communities.

Topics

Dangerous Condition Of Mackenzie Highway
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

James Rabesca North Slave

(Microphone turned off)...and the rest of my colleagues and the people of the Northwest Territories. I would like to make my Member's statement in the Dogrib language. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an opportunity to speak Dogrib; I am very grateful for that.

It was in November of last year when the then MLA for North Slave expressed his concern about the icy and dangerous conditions of the highway between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, this road is still used daily by the people of Rae-Edzo, government employees and various trucking businesses. It was only last month that an employee from the Department of Health and Social Services was killed on that road. Other deaths have occurred on that highway over the years, including a mother and two children.

I and other colleagues like yourself, Mr. Speaker, have travelled on that road to meet with our constituents or to travel with our families to Yellowknife. The road can be treacherous, and I, as a Member of this House representing my constituents, do not want any more deaths or fatal accidents due to icy or treacherous conditions on that highway.

Last year, the Honourable Mr. Todd stated during the November session that the highway is one of the most heavily used in the Northwest Territories. It is due to this that I have grave concerns about the safety of those who use the highway as their only means of transportation. Mr. Todd didn't mention that out of $20 million used on highways, $9 million is spent on that highway. He used the unique global climate conditions as a contributing factor that made it difficult to maintain the highway.

Later today, I will be asking the Minister of Transportation what he is willing to do about this.

Dangerous Condition Of Mackenzie Highway
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for High Arctic, Mr. Barnabas.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was very happy to attend the official opening of the new Tununirusuq Arena in Arctic Bay on December 1st. It was a very happy event.

I would like to thank our former MLA, Ludy Pudluk, for his hard work and dedication to getting this project completed. The new arena is also a credit to our former mayor, Juda Taqtu, and the council of the hamlet of Arctic Bay.

(Translation) I would also like to thank the Honourable Manitok Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, who sent a message which I was happy to deliver on her behalf and a plaque which I was pleased to present to the community. I very much appreciate the Minister's efforts to extend her congratulations to Arctic Bay, since I know that she had only just been appointed when the arena was opened. (Translation ends)

The new arena was full of Arctic Bay residents when it was officially opened. It was very exciting when everybody went out on the new ice to skate together and enjoy the new facility. There were even people who went out on the ice who had never skated before. I want to also make special mention to thank Mr. Shorty Brown of Yellowknife, whose generous program provided skates for many people who would not otherwise have been able to skate.

I am pleased that the arena is already well used and has a busy schedule. I know that wonderful new facility will be enjoyed by Arctic Bay residents and will also be very beneficial to our youth who now have a much-needed place for healthy recreation and are grateful.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Barnabas, your two and a half minutes are up. Mr. Barnabas.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Sorry. I am asking for unanimous consent.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for the High Arctic is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Barnabas.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last comments are that I would like to say to my colleagues to have a merry Christmas and to my constituents in High Arctic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Opening Of New Arctic Bay Arena
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 47

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Member's statements. The Member for Inuvik, Mr. Roland.

Christmas Greetings To Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, honourable Members, I would like to take this time to speak to the people of Inuvik and the Northwest Territories, including Nunavut.

Although we have heard the state the government is in, let us not forget to look for the positive things that we do have. Especially during this time of year, let us all take the time to stop and talk with the people, neighbours and visitors alike. Let us be participants in making this Christmas a memorable one. Let us not be so busy with ourselves. Instead, let's make the time available to make our communities peaceful places this Christmas season.

In the true spirit of Christmas, may God protect and bless you all. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say to the people of Inuvik that I look forward to spending Christmas at home. Thank you, and merry Christmas.

---Applause

Christmas Greetings To Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Picco.

Minister's Literacy Award To Dorothee Komangapik
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

Edward Picco Iqaluit

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, 1995...(Translation ends).

...Dorothy suggested that Mr. Gzowski hold one of his golf tournaments for literacy in the North. Mr. Gzowski thought it was an excellent idea and thus began the annual tournaments that we have had since. That first tournament was held here in Yellowknife and, as one of the first members of the NWT literacy council, I had the great pleasure of caddying around Frame Lake in February for celebrities like Valdy and Ken Dryden. We have Dorothy to thank for this.

Dorothy has been an innovator and a strong advocate for ESL and ABE programming in the Eastern Arctic. This busy educator and mother also recently completed her masters degree in adult education. Only five people in the Northwest Territories were honoured with the Minister's Award for Literacy, and I am proud to say that my friend and constituent, Dorothee Komangapik, was one. Qujannamiik, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Literacy Award To Dorothee Komangapik
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

Christmas Greetings To Constituents And Staff
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, like my colleagues, despite the fiscal situation we are in, want to wish a very merry Christmas to the people of Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, Pelly Bay and the people across the North; especially to you, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues in this House, Mr. Hamilton and his staff members. I wish you all a safe trip home and I hope to see you again within the new year. Thank you very much.

---Applause

Christmas Greetings To Constituents And Staff
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Erasmus.

Christmas Greetings To Constituents And Staff
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to wish a merry Christmas and a happy new year to the people in the Yellowknife North constituency, and also a safe journey to all the Members and staff of the Legislative Assembly as well as a merry Christmas to all of you and to all of the staff who make our work a lot easier. Thank you.

---Applause

Christmas Greetings To Constituents And Staff
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 48

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Picco.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 48

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize in the gallery today a well-known local Yellowknife businessman and author, David T. McCann, and sitting next to him, Mr. Gordon Rennie, a long-time northerner and a big supporter of mine during the recent election in Iqaluit. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 48

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Question 8-13(1): Cost Impact Of Eastern Arctic Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions

December 13th, 1995

Page 48

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of the Department of Public Works and it relates to the Eastern Arctic resupply proposal request. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the House I indicated that the residents of Kivallivik had a great deal of concern and fear that the awarding of this tender and any other related tenders may have a negative impact on their cost of living. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I am seeking assurances from the Minister that the cost of living will not increase in any form or fashion by the awarding of this contract or any other contract that is directly or indirectly related to this particular proposal. At this point, Mr. Speaker, that is my request and my question to the honourable Minister. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Return To Question 8-13(1): Cost Impact Of Eastern Arctic Resupply Proposal
Question 8-13(1): Cost Impact Of Eastern Arctic Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 49

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do appreciate the concern the Member has about the possible increase in the cost of living. I wish to assure him that I'm told by departmental officials that there will be no increase in the cost of dry goods, due to this change in the way fuel will be supplied. In fact, the overall landed cost of fuel will be less than it is now, as well as the fact that the cost of dry goods is remaining the same.

Return To Question 8-13(1): Cost Impact Of Eastern Arctic Resupply Proposal
Question 8-13(1): Cost Impact Of Eastern Arctic Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 49

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The Member for High Arctic, Mr. Barnabas.

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Justice. My Speaker, the hamlet of Arctic Bay is concerned about not having any police in their community. Arctic Bay is at least half an hour away from the RCMP detachment in Nanisivik by a very narrow and steep road. The road is sometimes closed due to the weather and the mining community has very few policing problems compared to the problems that occur in Arctic Bay. I would like to ask the Minister if he is aware of the request from Arctic Bay that RCMP be located in the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Return To Question 9-13(1): Request For Police Services At Arctic Bay
Question 9-13(1): Request For Police Services At Arctic Bay
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 49

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I will be advising the chief superintendent of the RCMP of the request for Arctic Bay, although he is already aware. I understand the RCMP have already had one meeting with the community to date. They feel the meeting was a very positive meeting and they have scheduled a follow-up meeting with the community in January. So I will be awaiting results of that meeting to see what follow-up may be necessary. Thank you.