This is page numbers 1017 - 1040 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.

Members Present

Mr. Ballantyne, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Hon. Samuel Gargan, Ms. Mike, Hon. Richard Nerysoo, Hon. Kelvin Ng, Hon. John Pollard, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Pudluk, Hon. John Todd, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1017

The Speaker

Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you. It's been a long time. Mr. Speaker, early childhood is the most critical stage in a person's development. It is during these years that the foundations of lifelong competencies and skills are established for children. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment's strategic plan points to the importance of community-based early childhood programs to help children learn and develop.

Some children not only benefit from early childhood programming, they require it. Early intervention is needed to help children with physical and mental conditions or who live in poverty develop to their full potential. Today, I am pleased to announce an initiative that will help communities develop and carry out early intervention projects. Health Canada has established the Brighter Futures program and the community action program for children, which fund projects that focus on issues such as mental health, child development, injury prevention, healthy babies and solvent abuse.

To assist community groups in developing early intervention strategies and to help them access these funds, the NWT Counselling Association has established a position for an early intervention coordinator for a one-year term, starting March 1, 1995. The coordinator is working out of the student support division of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, which is providing office space and administrative support. The funding for this position has been provided by Health Canada under the Brighter Futures initiative.

The early intervention coordinator is helping distribute information on Brighter Futures, the community action program for children and other funding sources. The coordinator is also helping communities in developing early intervention proposals and establishing programs that meet community needs. Since the activities are closely related to health and social services issues, the early intervention coordinator and the staff of the Department of Health and Social Services keep each other up to date on activities.

Mr. Speaker, early childhood programs and early intervention initiatives have a great potential for improving a child's success in schools, in post-secondary training and in the workplace. I am pleased that the NWT Counselling Association and the department are partners in establishing the early intervention coordinator position and helping NWT communities in establishing these important projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

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

National Volunteer Week
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1017

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to remind Members that this is National Volunteer Week. Every year it gives me a great deal of pleasure to acknowledge all of those volunteers who do so much to enhance other people's lives. The volunteer sector of Yellowknife publishes a newsletter called "Happenings" and I have borrowed some information from it. For instance, in Canada, 13 million Canadians volunteer their time, thus contributing over 1 billion hours to various organizations and community groups.

Those volunteer hours are equivalent to 617,000 full-time positions which, based on the average wage, would exceed some $16 billion a year. If we were to compare the actual hours of work contributed by volunteers, it would top those hours worked in Canada in leading industries such as mining, agriculture and forestry. Those are, indeed, some very staggering figures. It is almost impossible to imagine what our country would be like without volunteers, were they not such a big part of our everyday life. In Canada, we are proud to be known throughout the world as a caring society and it is certainly fitting for all of us to honour our volunteers who are largely responsible for giving Canada this fine reputation.

For most of us in the north, however, we usually just have to walk down the street in our community to spot many of our volunteers. They go about their lives quietly doing, without fanfare, and believing in what they are doing. I am told that this year, Helene Usherwood, a resident of Yellowknife, is the winner of the 1995 outstanding volunteer of the year service award. This is a prime example of volunteer spirit. Every year MACA presents some very deserving volunteers with this special award. I believe Ms. Usherwood is being honoured tomorrow at a volunteer reception. I offer my sincere congratulations to Ms. Usherwood and would like to recognize the many, many, many local volunteers who richly deserve our acknowledgement during this special week for the very real difference that they make to all our lives. Thank you.

National Volunteer Week
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

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

Recognition Of Heroic Rescue Efforts In Wha Ti
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1018

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to give recognition to four residents of the community of Wha Ti for the role they played in the rescue and resuscitation of a friend from the bottom of the Wha Ti, formerly known as Lac La Martre. Mr. Speaker, Frankie Nitsiza and Peter Moosenose were presented with the Commissioner's Award for Bravery and Alfred Nitsiza and Lloyd Bishop received letters of commendation for the part they played in the rescue. Mr. Speaker, the awards were presented by Commissioner Helen Maksagak yesterday at a special ceremony in the community of Wha Ti.

The rescue took place on August 12, 1993, when wind and wave conditions prevented Andrew Beaverho, 9, and Larry Flunkie, 11, from paddling a makeshift raft back to shore. Both boys abandoned the platform and attempted to swim approximately 150 feet to the community dock. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Beaverho reached the dock but Mr. Flunkie had to be pulled from the bottom by Peter Moosenose who had dived from a boat piloted by Alfred Nitsiza. Mr. Flunkie was reported to have been underwater for approximately five minutes. Mr. Flunkie was revived after two-man CPR was performed by Mr. Nitsiza and Mr. Lloyd Bishop. He was subsequently taken to the nursing clinic and transported to Stanton Yellowknife Hospital for treatment and observation.

Mr. Speaker, I want to again commend these four individuals for the superhuman effort they displayed in saving the life of Mr. Flunkie. Mahsi.

---Applause

Recognition Of Heroic Rescue Efforts In Wha Ti
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Item 3, Members' statement. Mr. Pudluk.

Dangers To Polar Bears From Tracking Collars
Item 3: Members' Statements

April 24th, 1995

Page 1018

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be talking about polar bears today. When they started studying polar bears, they put collars on them. They have been using these collars for quite a while now. It was known to the Inuit that this was dangerous to the polar bears. We know that with either caribou or muskox, it doesn't matter too much if you put collars on them but it's very dangerous to put collars on polar bears because they are hunters; they rely on prey and that is how they survive. This disables the polar bear because the collar is very hard and it's heavy and it barely fits around the neck.

People have spotted polar bears that have died or have lost a lot of weight because they had collars on them. This is not very good to see especially when we try and manage our wildlife carefully. If the bears are dying away because of this, then we have to start looking at better ways of managing our polar bears, without putting collars on them. It's too dangerous to put collars on polar bears. I urge the government to look at alternative options that will not put our wildlife in danger. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Dangers To Polar Bears From Tracking Collars
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne.

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to support our colleagues in Ottawa and make a statement about Bill C-68. I want to add a little different perspective than the eloquent statements that we've heard here in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I have the deepest sympathy for victims of suicide, accidents and criminal attacks where guns are misused. Any thinking person with an ounce of compassion would agree that steps must be taken to lessen the awful cost to society of violence and of despair. This bill, in my opinion, will not achieve the noble objectives it sets out to accomplish. It seems to me to be a sincere effort by government to try to alleviate the real fears of many people, especially in big cities close to the United States deluged daily by media saturation of murders and violence.

Unfortunately, there is no magic in life or in politics. Violence is glorified in television and in the movies. The social fabric of the country is undergoing tremendous stress with all the casualties that go with it. Politicians are under tremendous pressure to do something about it. Guns are an easy and sometimes legitimate target on which to focus the anxiety of Canadians increasingly fearful for their safety and for the security of themselves and of their family.

I don't feel that Canada will be a safer place after this bill is passed. The millions of dollars that it will cost could be better spent on victims' programs which, ironically, the federal government is cutting back on as well as on firearms education and safety programs.

There are certainly positive aspects of the bill: criminal activity involving the use of weapons must be punished harshly. Making criminals of law-abiding people who aren't able to comply with the bill works against the philosophy of the bill which is to safeguard the public, not to punish it.

Education is the key to the safe use of firearms and legislation should support the transfer of knowledge and experience from one generation to the next without creating bureaucratic barriers which make that transfer more difficult. Responsible hunters, collectors, competition shooters and outfitters have respect and understand the safe handling of firearms much better than any well-meaning civil servant in Ottawa and should be recognized and utilized fully in the design and implementation of any firearms legislation.

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

The Speaker

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

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Instead, Mr. Speaker, they are made to feel that they are somehow the enemy who are being punished because of the actions of

criminals and a small minority of careless and thoughtless gun owners.

Firearms legislation should protect the public. It should not incriminate responsible Canadians for procedural errors or omissions. It should not threaten the economics of sport hunting. It should not threaten the livelihood of subsistence hunters. It should not make more difficult the use of firearms at shooting competitions. Members are aware that our shooters have done very well at international competitions. And fundamentally, it shouldn't threaten the traditional way of aboriginal people. This legislation, if passed, will force police officers or wildlife officers into conflict with our communities. Mr. Speaker, despite the best of intentions, Bill C-68 in the Northwest Territories, and in much of Canada, fails the test. Thank you very much.

---Applause

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

60th Anniversary Of Anglican Women's Auxiliary
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1019

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During our break this past week, I had the opportunity to welcome the Anglican Women's Auxiliary's 60th anniversary in Pangnirtung. There are about 50 members attending this meeting from Baffin regional communities and from Nunavut communities. Their main topic for discussion was, of course, about fund-raising. AWA's role over the years in Anglican communities has been increasing, from producing crafts to providing charity to widows, widowers and elders and others who are in need. AWA will provide catering for conferences and public meetings as well.

Mr. Speaker, at their opening of the meeting, in remembering my grandmother, Mrs. Alookie Kilabuk, who was AWA leader for many years, I was very much delighted to welcome their meeting knowing how appreciative my grandmother would have been to see the AWA's progress and the charity service the members provide in their communities.

I would like to thank Hanna Tautuajuk and Meeka Angnakkaq of Pangnirtung for organizing this important conference and to say to their members that their work in their communities may not be mentioned often, but their work makes life a lot easier for many individuals who are in need in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, during their conference, the weather was excellent in Pangnirtung, with blue skies and melting snow. The women couldn't believe how warm it got in Pangnirtung. Thank you.

---Applause

60th Anniversary Of Anglican Women's Auxiliary
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat.

Need For Medical Services For Out-of-town Patients
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1019

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand today with regard to patients who have to travel to other communities to be treated. Mr. Speaker, I usually don't pay much attention to the workers in the hospitals, but there is still need for more services available for patients who travel to see the doctor. When they go to the hospitals there are many people who are stranded. I know they are well taken care of, but there are more services needed for people who are transient. There is a need for more services available. Children and adults are usually waiting for flights and going to and from communities. We should worry more about the services for these patients in the hospitals; not just interpreters, but an escort service should be provided for these patients in the hospitals. This is my concern, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Need For Medical Services For Out-of-town Patients
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Pudlat. Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Cournoyea.

Need For Medical Services For Out-of-town Patients
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1019

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, may I go back to Ministers' statements, please?

Need For Medical Services For Out-of-town Patients
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Member for Nunakput is seeking unanimous consent to go back to item 2. Are there any nays? There are no nays, Ms. Cournoyea.

Minister's Statement 72-12(7): Ministers Absent From The House
Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1019

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My apologies. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq will be absent from the House for the remainder of the week. Mr. Arngna'naaq will be meeting with European parliamentarians in Brussels to discuss fur trapping issues, and with the Honourable Brian Tobin in Ottawa to discuss the seal industry and the turbot fishery.

The Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will also be absent from the House today to make a presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on Bill C-68, An Act Respecting Firearms and Other Weapons.

Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Don Morin will also be absent from the House indefinitely to attend to a family emergency in Edmonton. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 72-12(7): Ministers Absent From The House
Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

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

Further Return To Question 445-12(7): Status Of Agricultural Policy
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, if I may. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on April 10th regarding the status of the agriculture policy.

The department has received a proposal for an agriculture policy from the Territorial Farmers' Association. Officials in Economic Development and Tourism have contacted MACA, Health and Social Services and Renewable Resources in order to establish an interdepartmental committee which will review the proposal and identify stakeholders to participate in further discussions with the Farmers' Association.

Agriculture policy has to deal with a number of issues, the most important being land. The department is looking to the association to ensure that all affected parties are behind this effort and supportive.

Optimistically, it would seem reasonable that a draft policy could be completed and ready to circulate to stakeholders in the fall of 1995.

Further Return To Question 443-12(7): Status Of Tourism Zone Association Review
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

I have a second return, Mr. Speaker. This was asked by Mr. Antoine on April 10th with respect to the status of zone associations.

I tabled the executive summary of the NWT Tourist Association review on April 12, 1995. In order to complete the report, extensive consultations were held throughout the Northwest Territories. To obtain information on views, 187 letters and 238 facsimiles were sent to operators. Most zone managers also informed their membership of the process, while community liaison contacts hired by the consultant informed communities and interest groups through radio announcements, posters and personal telephone calls.

The consultant and association visited each of the zones and over 100 operators and interested group representatives attended one or more meetings. Individual operators were interviewed, as were government officials, zone managers, zone presidents and some board members. Written and/or oral submissions were welcome. In total, over 200 people had input into the study results through the interview process or by written communication.

In the Deh Cho area specifically, communication was sent to all licensed operators, a widely-advertised public meeting was held at Fort Simpson Visitors' Centre on March 20th. The local zone manager was advised several weeks in advance of the meeting and arrangements were made to hold it in the evening to allow for maximum attendance. The meeting was open to all. Pardon me, the meeting was open to all community representatives from Fort Simpson, Fort Liard, Trout Lake, Jean Marie River. Community representatives from Wrigley could not attend because of weather and Nahanni Butte was not represented partly because no one wanted to attend. The Nahanni Ram Tourism Association was also represented at the meeting. The regional office in Fort Simpson offered financial assistance to representatives from outlying communities who wanted to attend.

In addition to the public meeting in Fort Simpson, the consultant met with departmental staff, interested operators, the zone manager and president. A breakfast meeting was also held with seven members of the town council of Fort Simpson. Thank you.