This is page numbers 1041 - 1073 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 violence.

Members Present

Mr. Antoine, Mr. Ballantyne, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Hon. Samuel Gargan, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Koe, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Ms. Mike, 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

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Pudlat. Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I wish to raise a point of privilege.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Go ahead, Mr. Kakfwi.

Point Of Privilege

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a matter of privilege regarding comments made in the Hay River Hub column "On the Ledge" by Ms. Devine on April 25, 1995. Ms. Devine says the following, and I quote: "According to CBC, Kakfwi said he simply won't enforce the new law if it goes through, as is."

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Devine is mischievous and wrong. I did not say I would not enforce the new law. Ms. Devine has not spoken to me and is using a CBC reporter's comments and attributing them to me. I believe this is a lazy, irresponsible, lumpy, deadline-form of scribbling for journalism and she did not check her facts. In fact, it is not up to this government or myself, as a Minister, to enforce Bill C-68, should it pass. The federal Minister of Justice is also the Attorney General for the Northwest Territories. He has the responsibility for prosecutions in the Northwest Territories, he will have to enforce this law should it come into force.

Should we assume responsibility for prosecutions, the Minister of Justice, whoever it is, would have no choice but to enforce the law. This is, in part, why we're working so hard to seek amendments to this legislation before it is passed by Parliament. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Minister's Statement 73-12(7): Firearms Legislation
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, on February 27th of this year, this Legislative Assembly expressed concern about the negative impact on northern residents of Bill C-68, An Act Respecting Firearms and Other Weapons, and unanimously supported a motion to present those concerns to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs at its hearings in Ottawa. A subcommittee on gun control was formed for this purpose, consisting of the following honourable Members: Mr. Patterson, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Ningark, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Mr. Arngna'naaq, Mr. Koe, and myself, as chairperson.

The Members of this subcommittee met on several occasions to develop our position and to settle upon an approach that would address the interests of all northerners who would be adversely affected if Bill C-68 is brought into force without amendments. Our approach to this issue focused on the concerns of northerners, in general, and aboriginal people in particular.

Our work, which was conducted in the true spirit of consensus government, resulted in the preparation of a brief on Bill C-68, which I propose to table later this afternoon. I will also table copies of the oral presentation I made on behalf of this Legislature. Mr. Antoine prepared his own submission and he plans to table this as well. As you will see, we endeavoured to put before the standing committee all of the concerns expressed by many of our constituents, as well as a review of the legal issues.

All Members of our subcommittee spoke and the position was well-received by the standing committee. While in Ottawa, committee Members met individually with several Members of Parliament, including our northern MPs, Mr. Anawak and the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, to discuss our concerns.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that we be candid among ourselves and with our constituents. The Government of Canada and the Minister of Justice have made it quite clear that they do not want to shelve this bill or entertain amendments of any consequence. In particular, they are committed to universal firearms registration. It is not going to be easy to change their minds.

While the presentation to the standing committee went well, it is only a beginning. It is going to take a lot of work from northerners and others who want changes, before significant amendments will be made to the proposed legislation. For the moment, however, we can take some comfort that we made an impact on the Members of the standing committee, which is an essential feature of any strategy to influence meaningful amendments to Bill C-68 and to minimize the negative impact of the proposed firearms legislation. Thank you.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 73-12(7): Firearms Legislation
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements.

Construction Of New Recreation Complex In Inuvik
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform Members of the developments relating to the construction of the new recreation complex in Inuvik. The recreation complex is a project that has been in the planning stages for many, many years and in the last few years, we've been able to move forward substantially, to the point where we're now starting to put nails in wood and get a building up.

Mr. Speaker, in spite of the substantial setbacks and demoralizing outcome of the recent Arctic Winter Games bid process, the people of Inuvik have taken new heart and new energy. They're confident that this government will take appropriate corrective action to ensure an effective and equitable selection criteria and process is developed so that all communities are able to bid on an equal basis for future Arctic Winter Games.

Inuvik has demonstrated that it is a community that possesses great initiative, complemented with a capable, competent and active volunteer base. A community-wide effort is now being made to ensure that there is successful fund-raising and timely construction of a new recreation complex for Inuvik. Once again, residents from the community have pulled themselves together to act and have committed themselves to achieving success for this project.

A new, revitalized volunteer fund-raising committee has been formed to oversee and coordinate fund-raising operations for the new recreation complex. A strong, broad-based fund-raising strategy is currently being implemented. They have a target to raise $1.4 million. The other $3 million required for this $4.4 million project has been identified and funds are currently being secured.

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

Construction Of New Recreation Complex In Inuvik
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Construction Of New Recreation Complex In Inuvik
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Virtually all community organizations are involved in the process and overwhelming support has been received to date. Schools are pitching in, the aboriginal organizations are involved, volunteer and community organizations are assisting, local businesses are rallying to provide support and services in kind, and large corporations are also coming on line as partners and contributors. I would like to thank the Government of the Northwest Territories for their full support and also all the other corporate and individual sponsors who have already contributed to this project.

Phase I of the construction is now under way. Last week, five truckloads of material rolled into town and the foundation work is now beginning. Tetlit'zheh Construction from Inuvik has been retained as the project manager. The shell of the complex will be erected over the summer and interior work will continue throughout the fall. Mr. Speaker, we anticipate having a skating party next Christmas to celebrate the grand opening.

Phase II is in the planning stages and, hopefully, will be under way fairly soon. Phase II is the construction of a multi-purpose community hall which would be an addition to the recreation complex. The town of Inuvik has already committed substantial financing to this phase and is trying to pull together the additional funding resources. With the support of the Minister of MACA and this Assembly, we expect to begin construction of phase II concurrent with Phase I. It is anticipated that if this happens, it will result in substantial savings in construction costs.

The community of Inuvik supports this project and we trust that Members of this Assembly will recognize, applaud and endorse the commitment, enthusiasm, resources and energy that Inuvik is enlisting in this project. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Construction Of New Recreation Complex In Inuvik
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Presentation To Federal Government Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will speak in my language. Yesterday evening, we came back from our trip to Ottawa. Several Members of this government went to make a presentation to the committee working on Bill C-68. Several Members went to Ottawa and we talked to them on Monday. The Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs consists of Members of Parliament working on the gun control legislation.

We had a conference with our Member of Parliament, Ethel Blondin-Andrew. She is not sitting on the committee, but we talked with her. The committee is gathering information about the bill. Monday was the first day that they sat and the Justice Minister, Allan Rock, spoke to the participants. We also had a conference with him. I feel that our presentation was good. Our Minister of Justice, Stephen Kakfwi, made a good presentation. I also gathered information from my constituents and made a presentation. I feel that the two hours we spent talking to them were good.

I feel that the federal government doesn't always think the same way as we do and so it will be hard to change their minds. Canada is a very big country. There are people living from Nova Scotia to BC and we don't all live the same way. Also, many people live in the cities. I am running out of time, Mr. Speaker. If it is okay, I would like to finish what I'm talking about.

Presentation To Federal Government Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Presentation To Federal Government Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

(Translation) Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. What I was saying is that Canada is a very big country and there are a lot of people. People who live up here are very different; the Inuit

and Dene are people who live on the land. I feel that I made a fairly good presentation covering this. In the cities, there are a lot of crimes involving guns and this is why, I feel, they want to change the gun laws.

In this land, we will have to abide by this gun law as well. I feel that a lot of people who use guns in the north would suffer as a result of that. People who are using guns would have to take safety courses, only after they have taken safety courses will they be able to receive gun certificates. They will also have to register all guns. If we have to register our guns with the police, we will have to pay for it.

There are many people in the communities who own guns. I also possess about eight guns. Some people possess even more than that. Also, native people lend guns to each other. With this law, if we are going to continue living in our traditional ways, it would be hard for us. This is what I am talking about today. Thank you.

Presentation To Federal Government Re Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne.

Congratulating Long-term Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize those GNWT employees who were recently honoured at a long-service ceremony held here in the great hall. The ceremony was presided over by the Honourable John Pollard, the chairman of the Financial Management Board. It was attended by myself and my colleagues, Mr. Dent, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Zoe.

Mr. Speaker, residents of the Northwest Territories owe a great deal to the dedication, hard work and loyalty those individuals who have served 15, 20 and 25 years and all the people that they represent. They've been part of profound change here in the Northwest Territories. We've evolved from the days when Commissioner Stu Hodgson called all the shots, to today, when we have a fully-elected Legislative Assembly where the Cabinet calls many of the shots.

---Applause

We now have strong aboriginal organizations, strong regions, many claims have been settled and more will be settled on the horizon. We're dealing with self-government issues, we're dealing with treaty rights, and Nunavut will be created in 1999. Those people who have been here for the last 25 years have been part of these tremendous changes, and I would like to name them for the record, Mr. Speaker. Barbara Mills, Bernie Straker, Jean Grimard, Carole Lane, Carolyn McCabe, Mary Beauchamp, Blair Dunbar, Phyllis Sartor, Roland Gosselin and Eric Smith.

Mr. Speaker, today and in the past, civil servants have been criticized by many people in our society. I think the criticism wasn't fair and every day continues to be less fair. We're asking these civil servants to do more and more with less and less. They are under increasing pressure to do the sorts of things we feel are important to serve the people of the Northwest Territories. And any of us who have worked in this

system know how important those dedicated, loyal civil servants are to us.

So, Mr. Speaker, we owe a large debt of gratitude to those professional civil servants who have served us so well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Congratulating Long-term Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Firearms Acquisition Certificates
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was privileged to be part of the Caucus Subcommittee on Bill C-68 which has been talked about in this House today. But I want to speak about a specific issue that has come to my attention, as a Member of that committee.

In the course of researching in my constituency the possible impacts of this bill on my constituents, I checked out just how the present provisions of Bill C-17, which is now law, are actually working in my constituency. I've found out that there are very many concerns with the implementation of the presentation legislation, and particularly the more complex process that is now in place for acquiring a firearms acquisition certificate. The form is now four pages long, it has not been translated, it requires two passport-size photos. Now, Mr. Speaker, even in Iqaluit, which is one of the largest communities in Nunavut, it is difficult to get a passport photo and it's very difficult and a real barrier, I know, in smaller communities in Nunavut.

But the biggest concern I have is about the discretion being employed by the RCMP who are taking applications for these FACs when they consider whether they will waive payment of the $50 fee. They are supposed to waive payment of the fee where an applicant is deemed to be hunting for subsistence. Now, Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that it is the practice of the RCMP in Nunavut communities in determining whether they will waive the fee that they will only waive the fee for people who are found to be on welfare.

Mr. Speaker, it was always our understanding that the criteria for deciding who is a subsistence hunter should be whether or not that person holds a general hunting licence. There are many GHL holders who are proud not to be on welfare. They are self-reliant, self-employed people, but they are not always rich and they cannot always afford the $50 fee that is required for this firearms acquisition certification.

---Applause

Firearms Acquisition Certificates
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Agriculture Development In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about the sad decline in agriculture in the north. You see the sun shining, the snow is melting, the soil is starting to warm up and it will soon be ready to do some planting if people are so inclined. However, Mr. Speaker, with the exception of a few small private gardens and the Paradise Gardens of Hay River, the vast fields of vegetables and fruits that I remember seeing when I was growing up appear to be a thing of the past. People used to grow potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beets, turnips and lettuce; fruits included raspberries, saskatoons and rhubarb. All this produce flourished in and around the communities of Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson, Hay River and as far down as Aklavik.

When I was growing up in Fort Smith, I used to help my grandfather plough the fields that he owned and those that he used. He planted and harvested all of these products that I previously mentioned. The Roman Catholic mission there established a farm on the flats of the Salt River about 20 miles west of Fort Smith. The St. Bruno farm flourished for a good many years producing milk, beef and grains, and were able to supply these goods to the parish at Fort Smith and to the St. Anne's Hospital there.

Today, we have the technology that has improved methods of planting. We also produce seeds that can withstand our coldest spring temperatures. In spite of our successful history in agriculture here in the north and the potentially productive soils, our fields remain unplanted and fallow. Where some of the most bountiful produce once grew, only weeds grow now. The meadows that once grew hay are now almost overgrown with willows.

The need for produce is still there. The soil is still there. What seems to be missing is the incentive and the encouragement that northerners might need to help them return to an agriculture success that our parents and grandparents once enjoyed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Agriculture Development In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Convocation Of Students From Aurora College
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to rise, Mr. Speaker, to acknowledge an event that for me and for many others is important. That is the convocation of students from Arctic College, now Aurora College.

Mr. Speaker, with you in attendance at the Fort Smith convocation which included the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew and the Member for Thebacha, Jeannie Marie-Jewell, we had an opportunity to see an event that we are all proud of whenever we see our students graduating from post-secondary institutions.

Mr. Speaker, I want to pay particular tribute to young people from my particular constituency and my region: Joyce Blake of Inuvik; Ruby Blake; Louisa Kaye; Abraham Stewart; and, Kimberly Vaneltsi from Fort McPherson. I also wanted to recognize the graduation of the Retias sisters. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the people who travelled from the Mackenzie Delta and the surrounding region who visited. I think without their support and involvement, the success of the students would not have been possible.

In concluding, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for being in attendance along with the Member for Thebacha. I think it's an indication of the kind of support that this Assembly gives all our students. I want to pay tribute to your contribution and also the Hatlo Dene Drummers from Hay River for their contribution to the event.

I want to thank the staff, Ms. Gilles, Mr. Holtorf and all the students involved in the organization of the event. Again, congratulations to all of those graduates, wherever they may have come from, who were successful in completing their studies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Convocation Of Students From Aurora College
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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