This is page numbers 765 - 792 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 corporation.

Members Present

Mr. Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, 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, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Pudluk, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Good afternoon. I hope Members had a good weekend. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq will be absent from the House today to tour the Trap Research Facility in Vegreville, Alberta. The Honourable John Todd's return from lqaluit has been delayed and he will also be absent from the House today. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge a recipient of the Commissioner's award. On Friday evening in Inuvik, the Commissioner was in Inuvik and presented Mr. Edward Lenny with the Commissioner's award for public service at the highest level. Mr. Lenny is a resident of the Mackenzie Delta area and currently lives in Inuvik. He's a businessman. The award was given to him for his contributions to the development of cultural traditions in the western Arctic. He's very instrumental in developing the traditional Inuvialuit games, northern games as we call them. He's been involved in this for many, many years. He's also very involved in organizing traditional feasts and dances and any other events that happen in the region.

Today, there was a press release issued from the Commissioner's office. The award was presented to him on Friday night and I would like to congratulate Mr. Lenny on receiving the award and take this opportunity to acknowledge his accomplishments. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

MLA Vs Media Hockey Game
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Friday was a big day for MLAs and I've written a poem about the efforts of Members on the ice on that day. I'm sure that, although it's Monday and this is lighthearted, I'd be forgiven by my constituents and I don't think they would be urged to recall me for using my two and a half minutes on this statement:

On Friday, all Members know, we battled again our ancient foe, Our Sharks lined up at centre ice against those timid media mice.

In minutes it was four to one, we had those rodents on the run, Slick to pass, quick on the puck, the lead was due to skill, not luck.

But just as often in this House, Mighty Man becomes Minnie Mouse, The lead was slowly washed away by what was called the secret play.

'What secret play?" asked Speaker Sam, I see nothing weird from where I am." I see nothing at all," said Tough Guy Fred, "In fact, for a minute, I thought I was dead."

"That goes for me too," said defenceman Morin, "that sweat was a drop, but now she's just pouring." "What killed me," said Allooloo in distress, "Was that weird player in the purple dress."

"I think I know," said Kelvin Ng, "exactly how we lost our sting, the media's using all the stuff we leak so they haven't made us mad this week."

"I'm fitness strong," said gentleman Jim, "but after period two, I sure felt grim." "Me too," said Silas from Kivallivik, "I felt good at the start, but I soon fell sick."

When Kakfwi arrived, the score was tied, but no Shark felt his fish was fried, With Stephen on the Shark attack, we thought we'd soon get that lead back. 766With moves like Gretzky and a wicked shot,

we heard he was a demon in the slot,

But had all this been a media plan,

to make us believe he was Superman?

What if Mario gave him kryptonite,

to make us lose our will to fight?

And so we came to sudden death,

the Sharks to a player without a breath.

Breathless they stood as the women began,

the shootout, with Stephen, our only man.

It was Marty Brown who broke the tie,

the media won and we wondered why.

Then Hamilton revealed the secret trick:

"The media always make you guys sick."

---Laughter

---Applause

MLA Vs Media Hockey Game
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 765

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes that the citizens of Canada have a right to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province in Canada. The mobility rights guarantee that one is able to move to any province or territory from any other without hindrance and look for work there, Mr. Speaker. Mobility rights also give all Canadian citizens and permanent residents the right to live and seek employment anywhere in Canada, Mr. Speaker. We are grateful for all the rights and privileges in the country that we enjoy every day in our lives.

Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, there are a few Canadians who are not able to enjoy such freedoms and privileges to move and seek employment in the country. For one thing, Mr. Speaker, the high cost of gasoline in our country, especially in the remote communities of the NWT, limit the people who make their livelihood from the land, by hunting and also, Mr. Speaker, the industry has been ruined by other people who we call animal rights activists. Mr. Speaker, if we talk about equality in the country, then we should make the price of gasoline equal throughout the country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Recognition Of Pages From Pangnirtung
Item 3: Members' Statements

April 2nd, 1995

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Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. It is with pleasure that I stand to let the House know that I have a constituent here, Vera Evic from Pangnirtung, who will be a Page until Friday. I don't see her here, but Julie Alikatuktuk is also a Page. Both of these students are from grade 10 and were chosen by their class to come here to work for us this week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Recognition Of Pages From Pangnirtung
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Canadian Championship Dog Derby Breathless
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to congratulate Raymond Beck of Hay River, the 1995 winner of the Canadian Championship Dog Derby held over the weekend in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I spoke in my last Member's statement about the Dog Derby and how important it was to the sport of dog racing; a tradition that goes back in the history of the territories. This is the 40th year it has been run. It is always nice to see northern sports won by northern athletes. This is an instance where the family Beck is showing up well in the performance of this sport. There were no fewer than five Becks racing in this race finishing in the first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth positions.

When I look back in history, the Becks go back a long way in the sport of dog racing, back to 1957 when Ray Beck Sr., father of Raymond Beck, won seven times altogether. Of course, Grant and Richard Beck have taken two and three championships in a row. This year, we were well attended. We had people from the United States, British Columbia and across the territories. We had a very special guest this year, a lady racer, Monique Béné from France who raced and came in eighth place.

To all of the racers and the handlers who presented this sport to us in spite of the conditions that we face, I would like to offer them a very hardy congratulations, particularly to the Beck family for their valuable contribution to the sport of dog racing, not only here in the Northwest Territories and Canada, but internationally as well.

Canadian Championship Dog Derby Breathless
Item 3: Members' Statements

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An Hon. Member

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Canadian Championship Dog Derby Breathless
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 765

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate ... Back in 1953, the federal government relocated people from northern Quebec to the High Arctic, to Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord. These people who were relocated have been under hardships since they were moved. They weren't sure why they were moved up there and nobody would explain it to them. Their emotions were hurt and some of them were physically hurt.

Since 1953, they have gone through much pain. I would like to congratulate Ron Irwin, DIAND Minister, that he can publicly say that they made a mistake in relocating the people up to the High Arctic and that he can say that he is sorry for moving them to another place without fully explaining to them why. The pain that these people have gone through is finally being recognized. We are happy that the federal government can apologize and finally realize that they made a mistake in the first place by relocating them to Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord.

I would like to thank the people who participated, especially Makivik Corporation. They worked very hard, especially Zebede Nungark. I seek unanimous consent to complete my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, colleagues. Zebede Nungark from Makivik, I would like to thank personally. They worked really hard to push the federal government and for them to admit that they made a mistake in relocating these people. Many people know that it was the mistake of the federal government, but they couldn't apologize. When those people were relocated to the High Arctic, they were sent in the fall. They were sent up by ships. There were no buildings to go in. They had to stay in tents for the whole winter without any equipment. They haven't been in that part of the north where it is dark 24 hours a day and they had to live in tents for the whole winter.

I am sure we all realize that they went through very difficult times. I don't think anybody can live in a tent for the whole winter. Some of them stayed in igloos for the whole winter. This was the very first time that they had to stay in complete darkness for 24 hours. For many of them, it was difficult. They had never been up there. A lot of them are still alive today. Even though some of them are no longer around, we want to thank those people because they went through very difficult times. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to rise to mention something about this. Thank you for giving me an opportunity,

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

HON, NELLIE COURNOYEA: Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of Members that on the second occasion of the aboriginal achievement awards ceremony in Vancouver this weekend, out of 13 recipients, three were Northwest Territories born and raised. They were honoured at the celebration for medicine, Dr. Noah Carpenter; in the field of business achievement, Frank Hansen; and the honour's degree for life-long achievement went to Keriojuak Ashevak. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the Honourable Perrin Beatty as the new president of CBC. In addition to the many years of experience Mr. Beatty will bring to this very challenging job, as an MP in the House of Commons and as Minister of many portfolios, including Minister of Communications, I am confident that Mr. Beatty will not overlook the importance of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to the north because I think of Mr. Beatty as a friend of the north. He is well-travelled in the north having travelled here often, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine interest, curiosity and affection for our part of the world.

For example, when Mr. Beatty was Solicitor General responsible for the RCMP, he went out of his way to find out what it was like to travel in the north by flying from lqaluit to Pangnirtung, Clyde River, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord and several Kitikmeot communities en route to Yellowknife in an RCMP twin otter. While in Resolute Bay, he took the trouble to meet with every special constable in the Northwest Territories. He could have travelled by Challenger jet, but instead he chose to take the long, slow route in a twin otter so he could really find out what travel up here is like so that he could visit and land in smaller communities.

Later, when he was Minister of Defence, through his good offices, the closure of the armed forces base in Inuvik was turned into at least a partly good news event when Mr. Beatty agreed to the transfer of buildings, including bed sheets, pots and pans in the student residence, for $1, allowing the then Aurora Campus of Arctic College to be established to serve the Inuvik region.

Mr. Speaker, I know there are financial restraints facing the CBC, but I'm confident that Mr. Beatty's knowledge of the north through the nature and quality of his previous visits will allow him to understand that there are no daily newspapers in the NWT --our CBC North radio is the daily newspaper of the north --that CBC is the only television broadcaster in the north producing programs in aboriginal languages which has a public mandate; that current affairs reports on CBC Radio and Television are especially vital in our part of Canada where few people can read or write even if they had access to newspapers. So I'm confident, even as we face cutbacks of up to 25 per cent in the CBC in the coming year, Mr. Beatty will want to preserve our northern broadcasting system as much as possible and will remain a friend of the north. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Deh Cho Divisional Board Of Education
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 767

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to take the opportunity to talk about the Deh Cho Divisional Board of Education. Until April 1 of 1990, Mr. Speaker, education in the Deh Cho region was managed and administered by the Department of Education out of Yellowknife. Since then, Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho Divisional Board of Education has been

very noticeable in the region. The region is represented on the board by Wrigley, Jean Marie River, Trout Lake, Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte, Fort Providence and Fort Simpson, with consideration given to Kakisa.

Mr. Speaker, the board, in its efforts to provide the best possible learning environment for the people of Deh Cho, has been very aggressive and at the same time cautious with their limited resources. In 1993, grades 10, 11 and 12 students had to leave the region to continue their education. Since then, students can now attend school in Fort Simpson and receive their high school diploma without leaving the region.

Mr. Speaker, as enrolment in high school programs increases, the demand for student care also increases. As a result, residences were built and ready in the 1993-94 school year. Since the school program has been offered in the Deh Cho region, there have been 23 graduates. This May, we will see 16 more toss their caps into the air. Also, Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho Divisional Board of Education has been successful in getting the community teacher education program. This program will be offered in Fort Simpson and in Fort Providence.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, my time has lapsed and I would appreciate it if the Members would agree with me continuing to finish what I'm talking about.