This is page numbers 149 - 175 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 chairman.

Topics

Proposed Firearms Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 153

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister of Justice said in his statement about the new legislation on firearms, this will impose a lot of difficulties in the north because we are unique in the Northwest Territories. If we misuse the firearms or if we fail to register them, they will be able to put us in jail even though we didn't commit an actual crime. This will have a big effect on the residents of the Northwest Territories.

We don't use firearms to injure or kill other people, and a lot of times we have to have different rifles. If this legislation goes through then we will have to have only one gun. But the animals, the wildlife that we hunt, are different sizes and we use different rifles accordingly, as he mentioned. If this legislation is going to go through, as my colleague from Iqaluit said, they are going to have to put up a lot of new correctional centres because, if this goes through, it is very clear that they will have to send us to jail. And as we know now, the correctional centres in the NWT are often full. I think there should be an exception in that legislation that will apply to the residents of the Northwest Territories. They are going to have to treat us uniquely, because we don't use firearms on other people, we use them for our livelihood. Our ancestors worked really hard so they could provide us with food. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Proposed Firearms Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 153

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Creation Of Ombudsman Office
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 153

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I, too, was disappointed in the House when the Legislation committee recommended that the creation of the office of an ombudsman should not be brought forth until the government can determine how effective the recently passed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act is and whether a need for a more general type of ombudsman is required.

Mr. Speaker, I was disappointed for two reasons: One, is that the public opinion did not seem to be taken into account when this decision was being formulated; and, two, the onus is being left for the government to determine whether or not a need for a more general type of ombudsman is required.

First of all, Mr. Speaker, I believe the role of an ombudsman is to investigate a complaint and to make the public aware of a case, for which there are many people out in the territories who would like to see someone that they can specifically go to. I recognize that an MLA does play this role many times, but at the same time, there are times when we advocate on behalf of our constituents and we do get charged for political interference.

It is known that the Standing Committee on Legislation consistently heard that members of the public would be receptive to the creation of an ombudsman-like office. So, Mr. Speaker, as I said, I don't feel that we were listening to the public, once again.

Secondly, Mr. Speaker, we are going to wait for the government to determine whether or not a need for a more general type of ombudsman is required.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I don't believe that the government is going to anxiously look at determining whether or not an ombudsman is required. It will no doubt take a while and it won't be this government to determine how effective the recently-passed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act is. So it will probably be the next government and it is unfortunate. But I will say, Mr. Speaker, that we are fortunate that this document is going into committee of the whole, where we can discuss this matter in length. Thank you.

Creation Of Ombudsman Office
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 153

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Nerysoo.

Return To Question 61-12(7): Involvement Of Divisional Boards In Nunavut Education Planning Committee
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 153

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I might provide a return to a question asked by Mr. Patterson on February 15, 1995 regarding involvement of divisional boards in the Nunavut Education Planning Committee; more particularly, our department.

For the information of the honourable Members, on January 6, 1995, I wrote as the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, to the chairperson of the Nunavut Education Planning Committee to help clarify the role and the mandate of the committee. The focus of the letter was also to ensure that those involved in education, culture and employment programs work cooperatively to provide quality programs and services.

The Nunavut Education Planning Committee had been focusing their work on organizational and administrative issues. The Nunavut Implementation Commissioner and Members of the Legislative Assembly already have the responsibility to address organizational structures for the delivery of programs. The letter recommended that although it may be necessary for the committee to discuss these matters, it should focus its attention on finding ways to improve the programs and services delivered in Nunavut while managing the related costs. The letter also noted the boards and divisional boards and colleges are responsible for program delivery, and that we need the benefit of their experience to improve programs.

The letter suggested that, given the need to focus on programs, departmental staff could be better used to continue their participation as resources to the committee, rather than serve as members on a committee making recommendations to the Minister. A strategic plan to 2010 describes the need to build a learning system with all our partners, and responds to the needs and aspirations of northerners.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment, boards and divisional boards of education and the colleges will continue to work cooperatively with members of the Nunavut Education Planning Committee to enable success of the systems for education and training in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 61-12(7): Involvement Of Divisional Boards In Nunavut Education Planning Committee
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 154

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ballantyne.

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Mr. Speaker, it's to do with some reorganization in the federal department of Indian and Northern Affairs here in the Northwest Territories. My question to the Minister, has there been a reorganization in the office of DIAND in the Northwest Territories and has the mining component of the DIAND office been lessened? Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that discussions are under way between ourselves and the Department of IAND with respect to this issue. It appears that mining isn't getting what we believe is the attention it should, in particular with the last two or three years' activities with relationship to diamonds. We are working closely with the DIAND office and Ottawa in an effort for them to recognize the importance that this industry has, and that they should move that particular function up the priority ladder. Thank you.

Return To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ballantyne.

Supplementary To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister give to this House the details of any changes that have taken place in the DIAND office in the Northwest Territories in the last year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm prepared to provide the honourable Member with any details he requires. As I say, there are ongoing discussions taking place right now. Our position, and certainly mine, as the Minister, is that there should be greater priority placed on the mining industry, particularly, as I said, as it relates to the current climate, the need to be a little more self-sufficient, and of course the moves that we're making to seek satisfactory negotiations in transferring minerals to the Northwest Territories government. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Mr. Ballantyne, supplementary.

Supplementary To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister express in strong terms to the federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs; we know we're attempting to take over the responsibility for minerals, and in the meantime either they provide the adequate resources here to deal with the most mining activity we've had here in years or they allow your department to deal with it. They can't have it both ways. They can't have control of mining and then cut back in their staff here in the Northwest Territories. Can I ask the Minister for that assurance, please?

Supplementary To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I want to assure the honourable Member that, certainly from a GNWT perspective, we're being very aggressive as it relates to the mining industry, both myself as the Minister, and as a Cabinet. I will express to Minister Irwin that there has to be greater priority placed on this activity, and that his department should address it accordingly.

Further Return To Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of Nwt Diand Office
Question 86-12(7): Reorganization Of NWT Diand Office
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. In previous sessions, and in particular last October, I asked questions about the funding request to establish a credit union in the Northwest Territories. I believe the Minister responded at that time to the effect that we are moving as quickly as we can to get the application forward, we are responding as quickly as we can and we are trying to move quickly on it, hopefully by the end of October. Mr. Speaker, it is now February 1995 and there's still a need to establish financial institutions in our smaller communities. My question is what is the current status in the development of a credit union in the Northwest Territories?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 154

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had indicated at the time that we would be looking at the possibility of trying

to provide $1 million under EDA over a period of time for the ACL's request for a credit union. We're still working on that at this time. The management committee is also looking at it. Unfortunately, over the last several months there has been a tremendous rush on the economic development agreement, and at this time we haven't been able to come to an agreement with EDA, on whether or not the $1 million is available.

However, we are also working parallel with Industry, Science and Technology in an effort to try and seek funding in that area. If we were to be successful in finding that $1 million through Industry, Science and Technology which would be outside of the EDA then we may be able to move much more quickly on this issue than we have. Thank you.

Return To Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 155

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Mr. Koe, supplementary.

Supplementary To Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 155

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The request was made early last fall, probably much before October when the questions were asked. I would assume at that time there would have been a considerable amount of free balance in the EDA pot. The Minister now just mentioned that maybe that money is not available. How does EDA priorize applications?

Is it upon date of receipt and there is a commitment made, or do they have to wait until formal approval is given by the committee before that money is set aside? I'm just curious as to how available monies are allocated or committed from EDA funds.

Supplementary To Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 155

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Question 87-12(7): Status Of Development Of Credit Union
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 155

John Todd Keewatin Central

Well, the availability of funding and the allocation of money is determined through a management committee. The management committee determines if it is an appropriate funding request, if it meets the criteria set in the different sections of the EDA. It is my understanding that the management committee did find this application for $1 million was eligible but, at the time, there was insufficient money available for that particular criteria. As I said, we are currently working with Industry, Science and Technology in an earnest and genuine effort to try to find the dollars for ACL to partially fund the credit union.

I think it is important to point out that there are others who will have to come into the equation with respect to the development of credit unions, and that would include the federal government. There would also have to be some significant legislative change in this House, along with some guarantees on the deposits. So, it is not just a simple case of trying to find $1 million. It is a little more complicated than that. But we are currently trying to find this money for them. Thank you.