This is page numbers 677 - 710 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

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 688

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, it has a variety of uses in the public health area where the public health can, once they're aware of a certain trend and a certain area of concern, redirect some of their attention and focus towards that. The other importance of the information that is being compiled very much in detail is that presently we are working with the health boards, and the health boards are committed to doing a needs study according to the health status of their different regions, of what is needed in the area, what type of support and what kind of focus we have to place on the treatments in the various areas. So, it is a detailed study that is ongoing and, presently, it is being upgraded as time goes by. We're keeping it current. I know it's very important to the planning of health boards to see what kinds of resources are required and will be required.

As we're planning the budgeting for Health, whether it is within the department or in cooperation with health boards, it is important for us to have more planning. We're criticized, as a Department of Health, from time to time, for having expenditures over and above projections. From the knowledge we've gained on the state of health of individuals in various areas, we hope we can do better planning; focus much better on specific disease areas, if appropriate; formulate what types of resources we would recommend; and, work in conjunction with the health boards in the different regions of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 688

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Supplementary To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 688

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, we all know how important it is to have a healthy population if we're going to get anywhere. We already know about the hidden killer, about AIDS, and the fear that people have about the impact that could have in the long run. This is an election year and people want to get a good picture of what the major issues we have to tackle are in this department. What are the major health concerns that the department has with regard to our population in specific areas, whether it is heart, liver or kidneys? What are the specific things that are the biggest threats to the health of our population?

Supplementary To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 688

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ms. Cournoyea.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 688

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, when we were discussing these issues with the federal government regarding what was needed in the health dispute and the formula to take care of the residents of the Northwest Territories, one of the most important issues that emerged, I would think, is not really a specific disease; but more the awareness of individuals on how to look after themselves.

There is a great lack of knowledge by the average person, no matter where they are, on how they can look after themselves. One of the acute problems everyone knows about is smoking. Creating awareness so that people can take preventative steps so they don't get into a situation where they end up under the care of medical services, we feel is one area that has to be tackled. The other issue is what to do to keep yourself healthy. It's a matter of personal conduct. The records of venereal diseases are not as low as we would like to see them. What do people have to do about it? This is the area where people have to take steps to address their personal well-being on a day-to-day basis. These are the concerns we have as a Department of Health.

If an individual is not looking after themselves, taking risks, not eating well, not feeding their children well, feeding children sugared juice in bottles so that their teeth are rotten before they're even fully grown, these are the areas where we should try to get information across to residents, the prevention and holistic approach to a person's well-being. I think that, although there are statistics that show that some concern could be raised about tuberculosis, venereal disease and smoking as it relates to cancer, there are other areas that we can show in graphic illustrations. Another concern coming up more and more in terms of a person's well-being is fetal alcohol syndrome and the effects. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Final supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has pointed out that health is very much a personal responsibility and I agree with her, but I would like to ask her then, since she agrees that people tend to want to let others solve their health problems, what is she doing about unnecessary dependence on the health system by people who really should be looking after themselves? What is she doing about unnecessary visits to doctors and so on, because she's admitted that we have an overdependence?

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ms. Cournoyea.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I hate to admit it, but I totally don't understand the question that is being posed.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Lewis, would you like to clarify?

Supplementary To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Since the Minister has agreed that people should have a great responsibility for their own health, what is she doing about trying to get people to solve their own problems and not expect the Department of Health to solve them?

Supplementary To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ms. Cournoyea.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the majority of work that is taking place on a broad basis is probably through the health centres in the communities. The health centres have a program for infant teeth decay that they promote every chance they can. Hopefully, as people become more knowledgeable, they will also become more responsible in heeding the warnings on what should or should not do for the sake of these little children who really should be keeping their teeth for a longer period of time.

The health centres also provide well-baby clinics and attempt to bring a family focus to looking after children. Some of the health clinics have had family clinics to bring together the entire family so they may all look after the health and well-being of the family. One of the focuses of the community health representative program, where the CHRs are stationed in the community, is to provide, with the nurse in charge, educational programs for individuals, communities and schools, about how people can better take care of themselves; for example, to take into consideration a better diet. They explain to people in the language that is more understandable to them.

There are major initiatives, in terms of safe sex, that the health centres provide a dialogue on; not only for the community but for people who come in on a day-to-day basis. Also, when time permits, they go into schools to give information in this regard. So there are a number of things that generate themselves out of this health centre that is particularly related to the community and the individual, that will allow much more awareness so that people can know and be knowledgable of things that they can do to take care of themselves. We still have a long way to go, Mr. Speaker, but I believe that there are some positive signs because people are becoming more concerned and they do access a lot of the facilities. The health centres certainly have the numbers on people coming to seek information and direction on what they can do to look after themselves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 354-12(7): Nwt Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Question 354-12(7): NWT Residents' State Of Health Versus Other Jurisdictions
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 689

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Time for question period has lapsed. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Mr. Speaker, Return to Written Question 15-12(7) asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell to the Minister of Public Works and Services concerning the list of purchases made by Public Works and Services local garage in Fort Smith.

A list of purchases made by the Fort Smith PW&S garage during the period April 1, 1994 to March 1, 1995 is as follows:

Purchases by delegated acquisition:

All-West Glass, Fort Smith, 17 contracts, total, $2,007.35; A & R Sales, Hay River, one contract, total, $554.02; Bumper to Bumper, Fort Smith, 247 contracts, total, $59,755.11; Cascade/Graffiti, Fort Smith, 12 contracts, total, $2,425.46; Finning Tractor, Hay River, 32 contracts, total, $5,697.88; Freunds Building, Fort Smith, four contracts, total, $3,762.83; Graffiti, Fort Smith, 11 contracts, total, $2,311.68; J & M Enterprises, Fort Smith, 35 contracts, total, $5,061.25; Kingland Ford, Hay River, 65 contracts, total, $7,957.34; Kozy Karpets, Fort Smith, one contract, total, $83.43; Link Hardware, Fort Smith, 15 contracts, total, $8,898.81; Lou Small Engines, Fort Smith, four contracts, total, $7,257.57; Michelin Tire, Fort Smith, 27 contracts, total, $9,254.41; Northern Metalic, Hay River, 10 contracts, total, $4,587.01; Peterson Oil Sales, Fort Smith, 10 contracts, total, $4,439.19; Snap-on Tools, Hay River, six contracts, total, $824.92; Target North, Fort Smith, 28 contracts, total, $10,426.42; Tire North, Hay River, 10 contracts, total, $6,543.07; TSA, Hay River, one contract, total, $29.68; Wally's Drug, Fort Smith, six contracts, total, $1,255.66; Wesclean Sales, Hay River, 10 contracts, total, $3,140.37; Wrights Hardware, Hay River, two contracts, total, $2,009.45; Xerox Canada, Hay River, three contracts, total, $1,395.28; YK Motors, Yellowknife, eight contracts, total, $6,706.67. Totals: 565 contracts for a grand total of $156,384.86.

Purchases by supply services tendering:

Bumper to Bumper, Fort Smith, two purchase orders, total, $5,822.39; TSA, Hay River, one purchase order, total, $1,002.00; Michelin Tires, Fort Smith, one purchase order, total, $4,600.00; Igloo building, Hay River, one purchase order, total, $2,078.99; Pardee Equipment, Edmonton, one purchase order, total, $16,488.68. Totals: six purchase orders for a grand total of $29,992.06.

The list for the previous fiscal year will be provided to the Member as soon as it is compiled.

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

1. For the 1994-95 fiscal year, the Department of Transportation allocated the following amounts for the construction and maintenance of the following:

a)Trout Lake Winter Road, $72,679

b)Jean Marie River Winter Road, $14,997

c)Nahanni Butte Winter Road, $33,624

2. As of March 10, 1995, the department had spent the following amounts:

a)Trout Lake Winter Road, $46,574

b)Jean Marie River Winter Road, $12,729

c)Nahanni Butte Winter Road, $32,752

3. The source for the above information is the Department of Transportation's highway operations division.

4. The Department of Transportation's policy on the closing dates for the Trout Lake, Jean Marie River and Nahanni Butte winter roads was to stop maintenance operations as of March 15, 19944 and, weather permitting, allow traffic to continue using the roads until March 25, 1995.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Before we go to item 11, we will take a 10-minute break.

---SHORT RECESS

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The House will come back to order. We're on item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Mr. Whitford.

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased, on behalf of the Standing Committee on Legislation, to report on the review of rewriting liquor laws in the Northwest Territories, a legislative action paper.

Background Information

In December 1993, the Minister of Safety and Public Services directed his department to conduct a comprehensive review of Northwest Territories' liquor legislation. Since that time, the liquor law review has sent out information flyers and questionnaires as well as petitioned the various groups and agencies that are directly affected by territorial liquor legislation, to respond with their ideas and concerns. Further, the liquor law review travelled across the territories to approximately 26 communities to hold public hearings. On November 14, 1994 the Minister tabled Tabled Document 2-12(7) "Rewriting Liquor Laws in the Northwest Territories: A Legislative Action Paper." A motion to refer the paper to the Standing Committee on Legislation for review was carried in the House on November 16, 1994.

Since receiving the tabled document, the standing committee, in cooperation with the Department of Safety and Public Services, has conducted public hearings with leaders in the Baffin, Beaufort Delta, Deh Cho and Yellowknife regions. As well, members of the public were invited to present their views. The public response was good and the committee heard presentations from a cross-section of interest groups.

Introduction

The Standing Committee on Legislation, under the authority given to it by this House, has completed its review of Tabled Document 2-12(7), entitled "Rewriting Liquor Laws in the Northwest Territories: A Legislative Action Paper."

The legislation in the Northwest Territories that formed the framework for our current Liquor Act was granted assent on May 17, 1983. The current regulatory model is based on the 1969 Choquette report which is now 25 years old. Many changes have occurred in the past 25 years. The liquor market has broadened and proliferated and the existing legislation has had a great deal of difficulty coping with the changes. Therefore the development of new, more progressive legislation was felt to be in order.

Overview

The legislative action paper on rewriting the liquor laws focuses on a series of five principles or concepts that the department feels will guide the development of a new Liquor Act for the Northwest Territories. Further, the action paper provides information on the wide and varied views that the liquor law review received during their consultation process. The paper however, does not provide a definite proposal for legislative action. The committee feels that the action paper did not go far enough in that it did not endorse a specific course of action for legislating liquor in the NWT.

Summary Of Issues

During the review of the legislative action paper, the standing committee heard, in every community visited, certain concerns that the people would like to see addressed in some manner in the new legislation.

a)Restriction On Non-beverage Alcohol

b)Bootlegging

Bootlegging, the illegal sale of liquor, was the topic most discussed in the communities that the standing committee had the opportunity to visit. Community leaders stated that bootlegging is the number one concern of those listed in the paper, that they would like to see dealt with in new liquor legislation. Witnesses felt that bootlegging affects those people in the community that can least afford the social and financial costs and therefore impacts on the social well-being of the community. In most cases, community leaders stated that stiffer penalties, high minimum fines, and significant prison sentences would assist in solving some of the bootlegging problems.

c)Establishing A Liquor Purchasing Permit System

In every community visited by the standing committee, it was suggested that access to large volumes of liquor could be better controlled. Witnesses endorsed the establishment of a system of permits to assist in the monitoring and recording of large volumes of alcohol in communities or regions. It was noted, however, that it would be more difficult in regions where liquor outlets are more prevalent and road transportation is available. This would also be more difficult in areas where law enforcement officials are scarce.

d)Developing A Proof Of Eligibility System

Some witnesses felt that a control system which identifies who is and who isn't eligible to purchase, possess or consume liquor, should be established. It was suggested that a proof of eligibility card be established. This card, much like a driver's licence which shows that one is qualified to drive, would show that a person is eligible to have liquor. This card would have to be shown at all licensed establishments and liquor outlets. It was felt that this would be a means by which authorities could further control bootlegging and the serving of minors.

e)Raising The Legal Drinking Age From 19 To 21

Although talked about extensively in all the regions, raising the legal drinking age was not supported by the witnesses who appeared before the standing committee. It was felt that raising the drinking age would only create other social problems for teens. Youth may experiment with illegal drugs and non-beverage alcohol if denied access to liquor. It was suggested that rather than raise the drinking age, public education campaigns on the effects of alcohol, which target northern youth, would be more effective.

f)Increased Control At The Community Level

Presently, the Liquor Act allows communities to exercise certain options for local control of liquor. All witnesses who appeared before the standing committee supported the broadening of these authorities. Witnesses endorsed the premise that minimum standards for liquor control would have to be set, however, community leaders stressed that each community best knows what would meet the local needs of that community and therefore the legislation should allow each community to tailor a liquor control system to their needs.

g)Community Allowed To Institute An Additional Surcharge

It was affirmed by a number of presenters that communities should be allowed to place an additional surcharge on the price of liquor sold locally and use the revenue from the surcharge to assist in the delivery of alcohol-related social programs. It was further suggested that for every dollar the local community raised from the surcharge, the government should match that dollar. Therefore, revenue generated from the sale of alcohol could be seen to be used for the public benefit.

h)Stripping In Licensed Establishments

The standing committee heard from two witnesses that the new Liquor Act should set standards for the types of entertainment that may take place in a licensed premises. The presenters stated that they felt that stripping should be outlawed in licensed establishments. Their expressed opinion was that some people view stripping, either by men or women, as an abuse of both the people who are watching, and those who are hired to strip. Although a consensus on this issue was not reached, it was suggested that each community should be granted the authority in the legislation to determine what type of entertainment would be allowed in the licensed establishments of that community.

Conclusion

The general public, in their presentations to both the liquor law review and the standing committee during its review of the action paper, has clearly stated their support for new and progressive liquor legislation for the Northwest Territories. Although unanimity was not reached on how the specific areas for change should be addressed in the new legislation, the standing committee encourages the government to begin the task of developing this legislation for introduction early in the life of the 13th Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, to conclude, also attached to the report is a list of witnesses who appeared before the committee. They are quite extensive so I won't read them all but I would like to say thank you on behalf of the committee for their valuable contributions.

Motion To Receive Committee Report 5-12(7) And Move To Committee Of The Whole, Carried

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Legislation. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Natilikmiot, that the report of the Standing Committee on Legislation on its Review of the legislative action paper Rewriting the Liquor Laws in the Northwest Territories be received by the Assembly and moved into committee of the whole. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion.

An Hon. Member

Question.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Question has been called. We don't have a quorum, Mr. Clerk.

The Speaker recognizes a quorum. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

I would like to recognize in the gallery some members of the forum on income support reform, Wilf Wilcox, co-chair, Grace Blake, co-chair; Joanne Deneron; Sandra...

---Applause

Do you want to clap for each one of them, one at a time?

---Laughter

I'll call their names out first, okay? Joanne Deneron, Sandra Kusugak, Thelma Tees, and Elijah Erkloo, a former Member of this House. Welcome to the House.

---Applause

Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Mr. Whitford.

Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Report On Bills 24 And 27

Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to this Assembly that the Standing Committee on Legislation has reviewed bills 24 and 27 and wishes to report that bills 24 and 27 are now ready for committee of the whole.

Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Morin.