This is page numbers 337 - 368 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 budget.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Hon. Silas Arngna'naaq, Mr. Ballantyne, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Hon. Samuel Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Koe, Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Ms. Mike, Hon. Don Morin, Hon. Richard Nerysoo, Hon. Kelvin 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 337

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Allooloo. Orders of the Day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Minister's Statement 25-12(7): New Diamond Discovery
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 337

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two Minister's statements I would like to make today.

Mr. Speaker, in this time of fiscal concerns and increasing costs, it is not often enough that we hear success stories.

Today, I wish to inform the House of a good news story.

Recently, an announcement was made concerning a new diamond discovery in the Keewatin region, between Baker Lake and the centre of the universe, Rankin Inlet. Cumberland Resources Ltd. reported that an exceptionally promising diamond discovery on the Parker Lake property has been identified. A total of 1509 micro-diamonds and two macro-diamonds were found in a 22 kg sample.

This discovery is of great interest and importance for a number of reasons:

Firstly, the diamonds were found in a different type of rock than those in the Slave province, north of Yellowknife. Now geologists are going to have to consider looking at other rock types for diamonds.

Secondly, this diamond discovery is in an area of the NWT that has not seen much diamond exploration. It opens up a whole new area of the NWT for diamond exploration.

Thirdly, the initial discovery of these diamonds was funded under the mineral initiatives of the Canada-NWT economic development agreement.

This recent diamond discovery at Parker Lake, while still in the initial stages, will increase the mineral exploration activity in the Keewatin, providing employment and business opportunities for the residents of the area. Perhaps in the future, it could lead to a diamond mine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 25-12(7): New Diamond Discovery
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 337

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Minister's Statement 26-12(7): Fisheries Strategy
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 337

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In January 1993, the Standing Committee on Finance requested that Economic Development and Tourism develop a fisheries plan emphasizing potential for increased processing in the NWT. This task was used to tie together several initiatives and programs which were under development at the time, which would form a strategy for the development of the Northwest Territories fishing industry. On January 17th of this year, I indicated to the standing committee that the strategy was being finalized.

On February 8th, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled a report entitled "Review of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation." The recommendations in the report place the future of the corporation in doubt.

The Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation was originally created to consolidate production from many small isolated fisheries under a single agency, to increase the selling power of the fishermen and to increase their returns. The corporation was given a near monopoly over the processing and marketing of freshwater fish from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and northwestern Ontario. There are strongly divergent views in the industry on the "single desk" selling mandate of the corporation.

The parliamentary committee recommendations, if accepted by the Government of Canada, will bring an end to the freshwater fish market as we know it today.

The committee recommends that in the short term provisions should be made for fishermen to opt out of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. Fishermen opting out would then be able to sell their fish to other companies.

In the longer term, it is recommended that the federal government enter into negotiations with the provinces and the Northwest Territories and other stakeholders, with the objective of transferring responsibility for processing and marketing freshwater fish from the FFMC to each jurisdiction now covered by the corporation. As jurisdictions implement programs for marketing and selling fish, it is recommended that they be exempted from the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act. When all jurisdictions have programs in place, no later than the 1997-98 fiscal year, the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act would be repealed and the FFMC would not longer exist as a Crown corporation.

Accordingly, for the present, existing policies and programs will be maintained. Subsidies to the winter fishery on Great Slave Lake will remain as set, at 10 cents per pound. The subsidy for the summer fishery will be set in the spring.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will consult with the fishermen on the committee's report and respond to the federal government. When the direction of the federal government is clear, we will return to the development of the fisheries strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 26-12(7): Fisheries Strategy
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 338

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Recall Of Mlas
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 338

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members receive survey sheets as part of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business regular poll of political and business leaders on matters of interest to the public.

This week I received results of Mandate West's survey number 174 which was published on February 2nd of this year. I don't always respond to the survey, Mr. Speaker, but I found the results of this one very interesting. One of the four questions on survey number 174 dealt with the issue of the recall of MLAs by their constituents. The question on the survey was: Should the Legislature adopt a system enabling voters to recall their MLAs?

Only people in the Northwest Territories were asked to respond to this particular question, Mr. Speaker. The response was yes, 63 per cent; no, 29 per cent; undecided, eight per cent; no interest on this issue, zero per cent. So everybody was interested.

There is clearly a continuing interest in this issue in the north, Mr. Speaker. I spent the past year working on the recall bill. I've said previously that there is a problem with our current consensus government. I shall be introducing the bill in this session since I believe there is an accountability problem we must all tackle.

Members were uncertain on how to proceed with recall a year ago when I first discussed it with my colleagues. Since then, Mr. Speaker, British Columbia has passed legislation and recall is no longer a strange or unusual concept. Thank you.

---Applause

Recall Of Mlas
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 338

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Urgent Need For Implementation Of Diving Regulations
Item 3: Members' Statements

February 27th, 1995

Page 338

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, there is an urgent need for the Government of the Northwest Territories to draft effective regulations for northern divers, and to implement diving standards for any contract involving underwater work anywhere in our territorial jurisdiction, inclusive of fresh water and salt water. Of special importance is the need for a clear definition between the areas of commercial divers and sport divers. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed the deaths of four divers in the north since 1985, and we can no longer afford to wait for the federal government to set national standards.

At present, most provinces have their own diving regulations and although there is a wide variation between provinces, they have at least attempted to protect their respective residents with some sort of regulatory measures.

It should also be noted, Mr. Speaker, that northern commercial divers face special dangers unique to our sub Arctic conditions and Arctic coastal waters which present specific hazards. Added to this, of course, is the rather northern job of diving beneath the ice. Despite these significant obstacles, qualified commercial divers are both fearful and frustrated by incidents of sport divers who, believing they are qualified to deal with these conditions, apply for any type of diving job and literally risk their lives with each diving operation.

In view of all this, Mr. Speaker, it really is shameful that this government has not yet even drafted comprehensive regulations to deal with this issue. I think this government should act quickly and do everything possible to rectify, to date, what can only be viewed as a lack of responsibility in this matter. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudluk.

Concerns Of Aboriginal People In Quebec
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 339

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity, through my Member's statement, to talk about the aboriginal people of Nunavik in northern Quebec. The aboriginal people are very concerned right now in Nunavik about the issue of separation of Quebec because they are one of the original peoples of Canada and are aboriginal people. The Premier of Quebec is really pushing for Quebec separation from the rest of Canada so, for this reason, the aboriginal people of northern Quebec are very concerned. They are working towards staying in Canada. They want to belong to the rest of Canada as aboriginal people.

There is going to be a referendum very shortly in Quebec to decide whether or not Quebec will be separating from the rest of Canada. Because Nunavik aboriginal people are our family -- I have family members there because my wife is from there -- they want to have easy access to the rest of Canada. The residents are very scared that Quebec is going to separate from Canada. I rise today to say we support the aboriginal people of Quebec to stay in Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Concerns Of Aboriginal People In Quebec
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 339

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Pudluk. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ng.

Appreciation Of Mr. Larry Aknavigak
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 339

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about a good friend of mine. His Worship Larry Aknavigak took office as mayor of Cambridge Bay in January of 1994. Recently, on February 16th, he resigned to assume his new full-time responsibilities as chairman of the Nunavut Impact Review Board. At this time, on behalf of my constituents and myself, I would like to thank him for his contribution and service to the residents of Cambridge Bay and the region. In establishing an excellent working relationship that I have had with him, I would like to recognize him sitting in the gallery and ask Members to join me in wishing him all the best in his new capacity as well.

Finally, I would like to wish the new mayor of Cambridge Bay, Mr. Michael O'Gorman, best success in his endeavours. I hope that I will be able to establish just as good a relationship with him as I was able to with the former mayor. Thank you.

---Applause

Appreciation Of Mr. Larry Aknavigak
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 339

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Community Action Fund Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 339

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the government has referred to a community action fund in conjunction with the 1995-96 budget. This fund would help community groups test their ideas in making plans for community wellness initiatives. However, the government has not said where the money for the community action fund will come from.

I asked the Minister of Finance, on Friday last, why the government suggested such a plan without providing a means for funding it and without including it in the budget. While the Minister agreed that such a fund is something that the communities want to have happen, he didn't tell the House why the government hasn't identified funding for this initiative in the 1995-96 budget. Mr. Speaker, the Members of the Standing Committee on Finance and, indeed, all ordinary Members do not find this acceptable. If the government has a proposed initiative, they should tell this House where the money will come from. If the funding is not available, the initiative should not have been proposed.

The Minister of Finance said until such a time as there is an agreement on the program and where the funding comes from, it will not be brought back before the House. My response is, if there is no agreement on the program or on the source of funding, the proposal should not have been brought to the floor of the House in the first place.

I am further concerned, Mr. Speaker, by an apparent contradiction in the Minister's answers to my questions on Friday last. At one point, referring to the budget supplement document that discussed the community action plan, he told the House that he didn't consider that document to be part of the budget. However, later that day, in response to another question, he said if we can reach agreement on how to raise those funds or where to get the money from then, yes, we would propose bringing that issue back to the floor of this House and amending the budget or department somehow so that it is reflected in the 1995-96 budget.

The Government of the Northwest Territories introduced a proposed initiative which would appeal to all northerners. Yet, it was not specifically included in the budget and we don't know where the money will come from. With all the challenges, fiscal and otherwise, facing this Assembly and this government, this is not acceptable. This initiative should have been either reserved until the funding issue was resolved or included as part of the budget with some means of funding provided.

Mr. Speaker, I have run out of time. I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Community Action Fund Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 339

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Nahendeh is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Antoine.

Community Action Fund Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 339

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, as a result of this incident, we have deferred the Social Envelope Committee in the committee of the whole for the departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment, Justice, and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to later in the review process until this issue is resolved.

As a result of that and to help matters, Mr. Speaker, later today I will be giving notice of a motion to direct the Executive Council to consider allocating $3.2 million from the 1995-96 supplementary funding reserve to implement this initiative. I agree that the community action fund is worthwhile for the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Community Action Fund Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 340

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Support For Community Justice Committees
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 340

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke about the role of community justice systems and especially the service volunteers who serve on these committees provide. Today, I would like to expound a bit on what these committees do. I can only make reference to the community justice committee in Inuvik, as I have had opportunities to meet with them and observe their work.

The Inuvik committee is very active and has a large case load to deal with. From what I have observed and hear, this committee is doing a very good job. Mr. Speaker, one of the major tasks of these committees is to work on an adult diversion program; that is, where possible, to try to keep an individual from appearing in court and possibly ending up in jail. There has to be a tremendous cost-savings for every person diverted from our current formal justice system. For example, there are costs of: police services; legal services; defence and prosecution lawyers; the judge; maybe the jury; and, if it is in the territorial Supreme Court, the cost of the court party, which includes their travel.

If a person is convicted, then additional costs, which include transportation to a correctional centre, including return fare and accommodation for police escorts and then the cost of housing that individual in our correctional centre. We all know the high costs involved in our current formal system.

Mr. Speaker, the point of my statement is that we now have a community initiative which seems to work and at very little cost. It would seem that for every person diverted from the formal justice system, there is some cost-savings. I would suggest to the department that they do a review of the effectiveness and efficiencies of the community justice committees with a view of providing more support, moral and financial.

Mr. Speaker, we have something that works. Let's encourage and support it. Mahsi.

---Applause

Support For Community Justice Committees
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 340

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week, the town of Iqaluit and the Nunavut Implementation Commission hosted an important meeting of men and women representing some 25 Nunavut communities; seven MLAs from the Nunavut Caucus; one from the Constitutional Development Steering Committee, Mr. Koe; the Premier; and, executive members of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

The town of Iqaluit has recently established a hospitality committee under the leadership of the mayor of Iqaluit, Joe Kunuk. I would like to congratulate the mayor, council and the community for the fine job they did of hosting this major meeting last week. There were activities each night; games and dancing in the parish hall; more music dancing and entertainment, along with the community feast at the Inuksuk High School. There was a banquet hosted by the Iqaluit and regional chamber of commerce and corporations, followed by games and dancing in Apex. I would like to thank the entertainers, young and old; people like the hunters who secured country food for the feast, business people and especially each member of the Iqaluit hospitality committee.

I was quite impressed, Mr. Speaker, by the very grateful comments of many of our visitors from Nunavut, some of whom had never been to Iqaluit before. The community I represent is a strong Inuit community; in fact, the largest Inuit community in the Northwest Territories. They noted that it has what has to be the smallest and oldest community hall in Nunavut and that Iqaluit can reflect the very best of northern hospitality and entertainment in an alcohol-free setting.

So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of the people who honoured us by attending this meeting. Iqaluit now looks forward to the honour of hosting the Nunavut trade show this coming weekend and, later this spring, the annual general meeting of the NWT Association of Municipalities. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea.

Return To Question 118-12(7): Proclamation Of Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 340

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Koe on February 21st regarding proclamation of Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act.

Before the act comes into force, the Department of Health and Social Services will work with the departments of Justice and Safety and Public Services to carry out a number of tasks.

An appointment process must be established for adoption Commissioners, an information kit will have to be prepared for communities, an orientation process is needed for adoption Commissioners and payment procedures will have to be finalized.

Departmental officials have been in contact with the department of Justice regarding the development of regulations for this act and an action plan has been developed. Proclamation of the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act is expected to occur on or before September 30, 1995.

Mr. Speaker, I have another return, if I may proceed.

Return To Question 136-12(7): Birthing Centre For Taloyoak
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 340

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, it is a question asked by Mr. Ningark on February 22, 1995 regarding a birthing centre for Taloyoak.

Earlier this month, in response to a letter received from the mayor of Taloyoak, I recommended that the Kitikmeot health board proceed with the development of a proposal for a midwifery project, either as a community or regional initiative, and submit the proposal to the deputy minister's office for review and consideration. Once this proposal has been received and reviewed, we will be better able to determine how the government will be able to support the centre.

The department is currently working with the Keewatin Regional Health Board to evaluate the Rankin Inlet birthing project. I think there are some valuable lessons to be learned from the pilot project. The evaluation is expected to be complete in the spring of 1996. This will give us time to review the request from Taloyoak in relation to the results of the Keewatin pilot project. At that point, a decision will be made based on the economic and practical viability of community birthing projects. A major factor in the decision, Mr. Speaker, will be the availability of sufficient funds to adequately support the project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.