This is page numbers 93 - 113 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 7th 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 nunavut.

Topics

Crime In Our Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 97

An Hon. Member

Hear, hear.

Crime In Our Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 97

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

We have a serious drug and alcohol problem among our youth in Yellowknife and throughout the territories. It appears that we have a gang that controls the drug trade here in Yellowknife. We have an unacceptable level of break and enters in Yellowknife, and an unacceptable level of physical and sexual assaults. I think we all agree this must stop.

Our government and our Minister of Justice have provided some leadership in this area with our stand on zero tolerance to violence, which I think was an important first step. The police here in Yellowknife are doing a tremendous job, but they are undermanned; and the Giant strike for the last year bled off many police person years so there weren't the resources here on the streets in Yellowknife to deal with crime.

I want to thank the Minister. The Minister has publicly promised that in his budget we'll have some relief here in Yellowknife. But there's more to the solution than just more police. There has to be a community-based solution. I think the community -- in cooperation between the city and the territorial government -- has to look at improving the Crime Stoppers approach; have a look at neighbourhood watch. I've brought the possibility forward to the Minister of some program where the municipalities and the territorial government can jointly provide some clerical support for the police, because it's a lot cheaper to provide clerical support than to have policemen who cost probably $150,000 a year doing their own clerical work.

I think the time has come where the community needs a logical, coordinated approach.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Crime In Our Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 97

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife North is requesting unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Continue.

Crime In Our Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 97

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, the city needs more police on the streets. We need to look at storefront operations in schools where the police are interacting directly with youth. We need, I think, an increased emphasis on our youth justice committees. The courts needs the proper balance between deterrence and rehabilitation. And I think we have to be very clear that some of the offenders really need some strict interpretation of the law. They have to be punished, and I think we have to look for new and more imaginative programs to rehabilitate them.

I think parents have a responsibility for the behaviour of their children. Too many parents are letting their kids run wild, are not taking any responsibility for their kids, expecting the police and the government to provide all the answers. I think any parent in this city has a very important responsibility to make sure their kids behave in an appropriate way. I think citizens have a responsibility to support the police. You can't always expect the police to do everything for you. People see suspicious things going on, people are ignoring them, people are not taking enough pride in their community.

I think if the police are to deal with this problem, they need the support of everybody in the community. I think it's all of our responsibility to take back control of our cities and to send a message loud and clear that we will not allow our city to be held ransom by attacks on people or on property. We will stamp out any groups that traffic in drugs. The present situation can be reversed if we work together. There is no way that we can surrender our city to punks, whether they operate alone or in a gang. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Crime In Our Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 97

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 97

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to congratulate you on your election as Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to talk about northern preference, or rather the lack of northern preference in a recent contract award. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I received a call from a constituent who is the owner of a drywall and painting company here in Yellowknife. He had bid on the drywall and paint contract for the Thebacha College building, presently under construction in Fort Smith. He told me that he had been advised that the contract would be awarded to an Edmonton company, even though his company's bid should have been, with BIP adjustments, considered the lowest.

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

Some Hon. Members

Shame, shame.

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

I called the deputy minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Bob Doherty, to find out just what was happening with the award of this contract. I was advised by him that the Edmonton company's bid was $359,195, while the Yellowknife firm had bid $361,743. Pointing out that this $2,500 difference would be more than off-set by the BIP, I asked why the northern firm was not being awarded the contract. Mr. Doherty advised that since the northern company had not included bonding in their price, their bid was considered non-responsive.

Mr. Speaker, I was astounded to find that while the requirement for providing performance bonds had been removed from any Fort Smith contractor who bid on portions of this job, a northern firm from any other community would not be given the same advantage. So, rather than have the work go to a northern company when there was no Fort Smith bidder, the contract will be awarded to an Edmonton firm.

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

Some Hon. Members

Shame, shame.

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Speaker, I have a really hard time understanding how this government can possibly say they support the development of northern business when for $2,500 on a $360,000 contract, they would send the business south. Is Yellowknife no longer considered part of the north? Has this government decided if a Fort Smith contractor doesn't bid on the job, it is better to hire an Alberta firm than a firm from Hay River, Yellowknife or some other northern community? If bonding is not required for Fort Smith companies on this project, why is it required for firms from other northern communities?

Mr. Speaker, I should point out that the northern company in question is not new or inexperienced. They have been working in the Northwest Territories for over 10 years and are currently working on a project for Clark Builders valued at over $250,000. I do not believe their ability to complete this contract is questioned.

By the way, the northern company's bid...Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Dent.

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, the northern company's bid was also priced using materials supplied by another northern firm. So there was an opportunity here to keep all of the money in the north. Mr. Speaker, I think this is a shocking situation. I have written the Minister of Public Works and Services demanding that he look at this incident and take steps to ensure a similar situation does not again. If this government really does support northern business; if this government continues to insist that the business incentive policy is an important economic initiative, then it is inexcusable to give contracts to southern firms rather than northern ones when the difference in price is less than one per cent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Northern Preference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Lawsuit Filed Against Tagaah Ltd.
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 98

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) I congratulate you on being our Speaker. You have been an ordinary Member for quite a long time and you know what the Legislative Assembly is all about. I know you will make a good Speaker. (Translation ends)

Jeannie Marie-Jewell was a good Speaker for us during her term. She did a very excellent job. I would like to thank her. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to address an issue that has been publicized lately; namely, the fact that the Government of the Northwest Territories, through Economic Development and Tourism, has filed a lawsuit against Tagaah Ltd., a company owned and controlled by myself and my wife; and, against us personally as guarantors of a loan guaranteed by Economic Development and Tourism. We all know MLAs who own businesses during their term.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to make it very clear to this House and to all Members that my business interest, including the fact that I have a loan with Economic Development and Tourism, has always been disclosed in my annual conflict of interest filings.

Further, as I discussed in the press release yesterday, we have been attempting to sell the business to discharge this loan for a considerable period of time. However, this has been delayed due to difficulties relating to the land and placement of the gas station. Once this sale is completed, this situation will be cleared up, hopefully without any further problems.

Mr. Speaker, for the record, I would like to assure Members that I will be refraining from discussing matters pertaining to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in their role as a lender; I repeat, as a lender.

Additionally, I will be refraining from discussing matters dealing with the Northwest Territories Business Credit Corporation until such time as the lawsuit has been settled. This restraint applies to the House as well as to matters being discussed in the Standing Committee on Finance. This will be very unfortunate, Mr. Speaker, because my constituents are very interested in economic development with oil and gas exploration, mining possibilities, forestry development, tourism and a lot of small business development. I would like to apologize to my constituents for this unfortunate predicament, but this situation is being cleared up at the present time, and hopefully soon I will be participating fully in this House to discuss these issues. Mahsi.

---Applause

Lawsuit Filed Against Tagaah Ltd.
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 99

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Mandate Of Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 99

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me also congratulate you on your election to the Speaker's chair. I know that you will do an excellent job. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to briefly express a concern that the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council has brought to my attention. They, along with other aboriginal organizations in the western Arctic, have been invited by the Ministry of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs to attend a briefing -- I believe it is tomorrow -- concerning a draft protocol and mandate for negotiation and implementation of self-government agreements in the north. It is my understanding that this draft protocol mandate has received Cabinet approval.

Mr. Speaker, while I have not had an opportunity to examine the mandate and protocol, it is my understanding that it will outline the role of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs in self-government negotiations between the federal Crown and aboriginal organizations in the western Arctic.

Mr. Speaker, the point I want to make is that it is inappropriate for our government to develop a mandate and protocol, at this point in the game, before we even know what the new federal policy will be on negotiating self-government agreements. Thank you.

Mandate Of Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 99

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Apology To Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 99

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to congratulate you on becoming our Speaker. I am sure you will do a good job. I would also like to thank the past Speaker for doing a great job.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to apologize to my constituents, who I was unable to go to Cape Dorset and Sanikiluaq to visit. I was unable to reach those communities before I got here and I am sorry for that. With this last term in 1995, I thought it might be important for me to go to those communities. So I am truly sorry for not reaching the communities before this session started.

It is not to say that I am doing a bad job. I try my best to do what is expected of me. I always tell them that if they have any concerns, there is a 1-800 number to reach me at. They do know how to reach me. I have informed them that I am truly open for any concerns. With this being the last term, I am truly sorry for not making it into those communities before I came here. This is the reason I wanted to stand up to make my Member's statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Apology To Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 99

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Pudlat. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Gwich'in Youth Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

February 14th, 1995

Page 99

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like all other Members, I wish to extend my congratulations to you. I know that you will do a commendable job in assuming the responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to rise today to make the Members here aware of a conference that is happening in Fort McPherson. It is a Gwich'in youth conference that has been organized by the Gwich'in youth under the guidance of a young lady by the name of Anita Koe. It is a conference that has received the support of the Gwich'in leadership. The whole conference is to deal with discussions on matters such as drugs and alcohol; education; spiritual and emotional health; and, the Gwich'in language and culture. Included in the discussion, Mr. Speaker, are a number of matters that need to be answered by the Gwich'in leadership. The youth have asked particularly the Gwich'in leadership to indicate to them what they are doing; in other words, to be accountable to the youth. And to also be open to the idea of recommendations and advice that the youth can give to the leadership, so that anything that they do in the future will consider the young as part of the decisions that are being made on a regular basis.

Mr. Speaker, this House, on many occasions, has risen and many Members have risen to speak on the importance of youth and the importance that this government and any other leadership must...In terms of their ability to respond to the needs of our youth. I think the conference is timely in that in our most recent constitutional discussion, we invited young people who indicated that they feel that there is a voice for them, a voice needed in constitutional evolution in the north and I think that it is important that we consider this.

I wanted, Mr. Speaker, to pay particular tribute to the Gwich'in leadership and all of the youths of our communities; more specifically I wanted to recognize Willard Hagen and Robert Alexie Jr. for their continued support and contribution to the conference. I also wanted to recognize a counsellor from the Tetlit Zheh Gwich'in Council in Fort McPherson, a young man by the name of William Koe who has spent a lot of time helping Anita try to organize the conference. But, Mr. Speaker, I know my colleague from Inuvik, Fred Koe, has also provided his support and I wanted to thank him for that. I wanted also to say that I hope that my colleagues will somehow recognize our need -- at least my need and probably the Premier's need...Mr. Speaker, if I could seek unanimous consent to conclude.

Gwich'in Youth Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 99

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Continue, Mr. Nerysoo.

Gwich'in Youth Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 99

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was saying, I would hope that my colleagues will indulge maybe in considering the idea -- later on this week -- possibly of my absence from the Assembly so that I might attend this conference. It is not only in my constituency, but it is a conference that is dealing with a number of issues for which I am responsible, but I will only ask my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, one thing that attracted my attention is that the conference is entitled "Dedicated to the Youth of Today and to the Memory of the Youth who have Gone Before". I think that is a good title, particularly since many people have risen in this

House about the tragedy of many young people who have left us through difficult circumstances. And I do hope that we pay tribute to young that have gone but, even more important, that we lay the groundwork for a better life for young people in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Gwich'in Youth Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 100

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Okay, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Nunavut Leaders' Summit
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 100

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on January 19 and 20, 1995, Nunavut leaders, including Nunavut MLAs, and representatives of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, as well as regional Inuit associations and education leaders, met for two days in Gjoa Haven to discuss education issues in Nunavut. Representatives of key education organizations in Nunavut also attended, including: Department of Education, Culture and Employment; Nunavut Arctic College; Nunavut Implementation Commission; Nunavut divisional boards of education; the GNWT Division Review Committee; and, the DIAND Nunavut Secretariat. The meeting focused on the need to achieve vital cooperation and communication in planning and delivering education and training in Nunavut and for Nunavut. The meeting achieved agreement on a number of important issues.

I will table the approved resolutions later today. Critical decisions included agreement on an ongoing process for working more closely together. A key recommendation was that the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment should be requested immediately to appoint an assistant deputy minister for Nunavut to provide a focal point for the Nunavut education leaders and their organizations to work together with the department; that a working group of Nunavut education leaders be established to be chaired by the assistant deputy minister for Nunavut; and, further, that the Minister sponsor a further meeting of Nunavut education leaders in Nunavut in April 1995.

Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment about his response to these very important recommendations, and other recommendations of Nunavut education leaders on reforms to student financial assistance; gaps in existing programs and services in Nunavut -- particularly including trades and nursing training, for example -- academic programs for high school students including maintaining student residences; and, measures to strengthen Inuit language and culture, later today and throughout this session. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Speaker, and congratulate you on your appointment. Qujannamiik.

Nunavut Leaders' Summit
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 100

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.