This is page numbers 711 - 742 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

Fort Simpson Youth Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take time to inform the House of a very important project in my constituency. Mr. Speaker, in today's society, the preservation of one's culture is challenged by many distractions. A key element in preserving one's culture is education. This education must begin with children and must continue as the child grows. Mr. Speaker, the success of this also greatly depends on educating the children in the appropriate environment.

Two years ago, the Sachon Gonozu Gha Youth Centre in Fort Simpson was established with this in mind. The youth centre is currently organized and run by a group of volunteer community members, the Youth Management Committee. This committee consists of youth between the ages of 12 and 25 from the community. This committee decides the direction of the youth centre, however, Mr. Speaker, views of all community members, regardless of age, are invited. The committee is responsible for approving youth centre programming.

Mr. Speaker, because of the positive and encouraging results achieved by the Sachon Gonozu Gha Youth Centre, other communities of the surrounding area have become very interested in adopting a similar concept for a youth oriented/youth-directed centre for special events and regular programming for community youth.

The programs offered reflect the needs and desires of the youth. Programs include probation officer training; Alateen meetings; women's support groups; sexuality/spirituality cultural identity workshops; special needs programs and so forth; and, conference workshop and participation, as well, as other excellent programs too numerous to mention.

So you see, Mr. Speaker, community involvement of all ages is the basic ingredient for all programs. Programming at the centre directly reflects the mandate. Some of these activities are offered in connection with supervisor/coordinator of the events by the alcohol and drug counsellor. All activities are generally directed for the pleasure of the youth. The main idea is to have fun in a safe and healthy environment. This includes...

Mr. Speaker, my time has run out for my Member's statement. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Fort Simpson Youth Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Fort Simpson Youth Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. This includes the promotion of increased self-esteem for any individual. The freedom of unique expression by all youth, the development of positive socialization skills between youth/youth and youth/adults, and the development of communication skills, the awareness of choices and options, and the freedom and confidence to make responsible decisions.

Mr. Speaker, the Sachon Gonozu Gha Youth Centre is the result of a concerted effort of dedication and commitment from individuals and organizations. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to ask this House to join me in recognizing these efforts, and to applaud that very positive influence in the youth of the Fort Simpson region. Mahsi.

---Applause

Fort Simpson Youth Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 290-12(7): Federal Royalties To Nwt From Mining Activities
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two returns to oral questions today. One asked by Mr. Antoine on March 9, 1995 with respect to federal royalties to the NWT from mining activities.

Royalties from the mines vary widely depending on the profit of the mine. The maximum royalty rate is 12 per cent of the value of production, after certain costs are deducted. This is the lowest rate in Canada.

In the NWT, royalties received by the federal government from mines have ranged from $71,000 in 1986-87 to about $3 million in 1989-90, with an average payment of about $8 million a year over the last five years, for which figures are available. The federal government also charges staking fees which amounted

to about $4.5 million in 1993-94. The GNWT does not receive any of these revenues.

If NWT Mines were charged royalties that apply in other parts of Canada, the revenues collected would have been much higher. As a result of the last federal budget, the federal government has begun a process of updating its mineral revenue regime for the NWT to bring it in line with other jurisdictions.

Return To Question 283-12(7): Improvements To The Highway System
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, I have another return. This was asked by Mr. Antoine on March 8th with respect to improvements to the highway system.

On Wednesday, March 8, 1995, the Member for Nahendeh asked me if the Department of Transportation was looking at ways of improving the Highway 7 loop linking the Alaska Highway west of Fort Nelson, British Columbia to the Mackenzie Highway south of Fort Simpson.

In answer to the Member's question, for the upcoming fiscal year, 1995-96, the Department of Transportation is proceeding with the construction of a new bridge on Highway 7 over the Poplar River. The department has no other capital plans for a further upgrade at this time.

It is also important to note that the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Highways does not maintain its 186-kilometre section of the Liard Highway to the same standard as the Northwest Territories' Department of Transportation. In fact, British Columbia has reduced the posted speed limit on this section of road from 90 to 80 kilometres per hour.

I wrote to the British Columbia Minister in July of last year to call attention to the maintenance of this road. In response, British Columbia did additional gravel work on the road.

In January of this year, 1995, I again wrote the Minister of Transportation concerning this issue but as of yet received no reply. Thank you.

Return To Question 283-12(7): Improvements To The Highway System
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Pollard.

Return To Question 332-12(7): GNWT's Policy On Out-of-community Medical Leave
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Allooloo on March 28, 1995. It concerned the government's policy on out-of-community medical leave.

Mr. Speaker, an employee that escorts a member of the immediate family to a medical centre outside of a community may be granted special leave for non-elective medical evacuation. Special leave is also available for an employee that needs to escort a dependant to another health care facility under the following circumstances:

1. If a dependant is referred for specialized medical examination, treatment or surgery and is sufficiently ill to require medical attention which is not immediately available in their home community, special leave may be granted for an employee to escort the dependant if clear medical documentation is provided from a medical practitioner;

2. In non-emergency situations if clear medical authorization is given, an employee is permitted special leave to serve as a non-medical escort as care giver to a sick dependent.

In all of the above circumstances, Mr. Speaker, the department head may grant employees special leave with pay for a period of up to five consecutive working days and, where warranted by unique circumstances, over five consecutive working days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 332-12(7): GNWT's Policy On Out-of-community Medical Leave
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

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

March 29th, 1995

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize and welcome a person who is usually the first person I see each day as I walk into this Assembly. He always sits directly in front of me and I imagine he's there to make sure I do a good job representing the workers in my constituency. I'm referring to and welcoming, of course, Mr. Ben McDonald of the Union of Northern Workers. Thank you.

---Applause

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

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Lewis.

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

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the 1950s, Mr. Speaker, I lived in London, England, and taught many classes of students who were trying to learn English. Today we have in our audience a group of students from the YWCA's English as a second language program. What I'd like to do is give their names and maybe when I give their names, they can stand, and at the end, perhaps, Members will welcome them in the usual way: Raemee Lee from China; Qianru Wen from China; Di Zhu from China; Hahn Tebyanian from Vietnam; Suryani Luh from Indonesia; Draga Stelkic from Serbia; Shoko Suzuki from Japan; Viviana Llanten-Diaz from Chile, and Anna Li Juan from China. Welcome to our Assembly.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to point out to our visitors that many Members in this Assembly learned English as a second language and have done very well. Thank you.

---Applause

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

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Lewis.

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

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

I made a terrible omission, Mr. Speaker, because a very significant person in this group is their instructor, Ms. Pam Fawcett, who is not a student but is an important member of the team. Thank you.

---Applause

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

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Morin.

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

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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Bess Ann Lafferty from Fort Resolution, one of my constituents. Thank you.

---Applause

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

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I, too, would like to recognize someone. Gloria MacDonald, I think it is. You must be married by now, but that was your maiden name.

---Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

---Applause

Fred Koe Inuvik

Thank you, colleagues. I have a question for the Minister of Finance. Reading Hansard, I found out there had been an agreement made on the health billings dispute, and the announced settlement of the billings dispute was some $24 million in cash plus other arrangements. But from previous questions asked in this House, I understood that the amounts in dispute were in the range of some $90 million. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance, what is the impact of the arrangement that was recently signed with the federal government on this government's bottom line?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Return To Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Item 6: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the impact on us is we will have approximately $6.5 million more on our books than we will receive from the federal government and will have to write off approximately $6.5 million, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Return To Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Fred Koe Inuvik

I'm not really sure I understood the total impact but I understood that the Minister said that there would be a write-off of $6.5 million. Does that mean that there will be a $6.5 million addition to the deficit we're projecting this year?

Supplementary To Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Pollard.

Further Return To Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Item 6: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

That's correct, Mr. Speaker, yes.

Further Return To Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Question 355-12(7): Impact On GNWT Re Health Care Billings Arrangement
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.