This is page numbers 853 - 883 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 recall.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Antoine, Hon. Silas Arngna'naaq, 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, 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. Patterson. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the Members of this House of the contribution to the administration of justice being made by a remarkable northern family.

On December 4, 1994, Constable Adolphus Norris became a member of the RCMP and joined his two brothers, Wayne and Fred, who became members in 1986 and 1988 respectively.

Constable Wayne Norris and Constable Fred Norris are currently serving here in Yellowknife, while Constable Adolphus Norris has been posted to Fort McPherson.

Mr. Speaker, the Norris brothers are the children of Eunice Norris, who currently lives in Inuvik. Their father, Fred Norris Sr., who moved to Inuvik from Fort McMurray in 1930, passed away in 1981.

In addition to the contributions of the three brothers to the RCMP, the Norris family is also represented in the Department of Justice by their sister, Vina Norris, who is the executive secretary to the assistant deputy minister responsible for the Solicitor General branch.

Mr. Speaker, the Norris family has been, and still are, strong role models for northern families and young people in particular, in demonstrating that they should be looking to the justice system in their search for careers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Proposed Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hear many muted mutterings about the dangers of the Recall Act. Some people are talking as though it is an outlandish idea, even though it has been considered seriously as a contribution to the accountability of politicians.

I find it especially unusual that some of the mutterings are coming from Cabinet Ministers, not ordinary Members. I find this very unusual. The only people who are not subject to recall in this House, at the moment, are ordinary Members. I found general support among ordinary Members for the principle of the bill.

Every day when we are sitting in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker, Cabinet Ministers are subject to recall. On any one day, a Member of Cabinet could be removed by a simple majority of Members in this Chamber. That is a form of recall. And I don't think it is unconstitutional, but maybe the government wants to look at that too. It is very simple, very transparent, all Members in the House can vote, there is no secret ballot. If the majority of Members want a Cabinet Minister to join the ranks of the ordinary Members, all Members have to do is to stick up their hands in support of the motion to remove a Minister and that Minister is history -- at least for the moment.

No one seems to question this practice. It seems to be accepted as an entrenched part of our system. Even in the various proposals to legislate more powers for the Premier, recall, unfortunately, would still exist. Even if she wanted to keep a Minister, there is nothing planned in the legislation to remove the power of the Members to still recall if they wanted to. We already have recall, at least the principle of it, Mr. Speaker, so I wonder why we're muttering about it.

Even in the legislation to give powers to the Premier to remove a Member, the House would still have to be brought together to choose a new Member and there would be nothing stopping Members from putting the same Member back into the Cabinet that the Premier just removed.

The only real power in this House is the will of the majority of the Members and that's the basic principle behind recall. Whoever gives you power has the right to take it away. The only way to be accountable in this Assembly would be to...

Proposed Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Lewis, your time is up. Mr. Lewis.

Proposed Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, it is very unusual that I ask for the indulgence of Members but I would like to have permission to finish my statement.

Proposed Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Proposed Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've been talking about accountability for a long time, Mr. Speaker, and the only way of improving accountability in this Assembly is to give the Premier power to choose Members of Cabinet and to fire Members of Cabinet. The principle would remain the same then because whoever gives the power would then have the right to take it away. You would still have the principle but at least you would know exactly what the principle is. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Proposed Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements.

Success Of First Constitutional Conference For The New Western Territory
Item 3: Members' Statements

April 5th, 1995

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today, I will be tabling the report of the first constitutional conference for the new western territory. The conference, which took place from the 18th to the 22nd of January was an enormous success. It generated a spirit of mutual respect and willingness to work together among people from all 34 communities of the western Northwest Territories, men and women, aboriginal and non-aboriginal people, young and old.

It was a big step closer to creating a new constitution and system of government for the western territories. It also sent a strong message to the federal and territorial governments that the people in the west are united in our purpose. The Constitutional Development Steering Committee received a clear mandate to continue to guide the western constitutional process to a second constitutional conference.

As chair of the Constitutional Development Steering Committee, I would like to advise this House that we are now in the process of negotiating our funding for this fiscal year with the federal and territorial governments. Despite economic realities, and we know money is very tight for both the federal and territorial governments, I am confident we can reach a funding agreement that will allow the CDSC to effectively continue the constitutional process.

In the meantime, the federal government has agreed to provide interim funding for the months of April and May while we continue negotiating. I take this as a very positive sign that there is federal support for our process. In the first six to nine months of this year, the CDSC will be coordinating the constitutional research that was identified at the conference. From this research, a constitutional options paper will be produced. It will be the main focus of discussion at the second constitutional conference.

We are planning to involve public advisory groups in the research process to ensure that the research reflects northern realities and includes northern input.

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

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi. The constitutional options paper will be available well in advance of the conference so regions, communities and individuals can become familiar with it and have a chance to discuss it. Throughout the coming year, there will be regular public information as research information becomes available. CDSC member groups will also be involved in helping to keep people in the western Northwest Territories informed.

I would like to thank the western Members of this House for their active involvement in the first conference and their contribution to its success. I would also like to thank the Nunavut Members for their continuing support. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 1995 marks a major milestone in the history of the 795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. For 25 years, hundreds of Iqaluit youths have received valuable lessons in aviation and good citizenship while wearing the air cadet uniform. The Iqaluit squadron was formed in 1970 to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, to promote physical fitness, to stimulate the interest of youth in the air element of the Canadian armed forces, to promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aeronautics and to assist those intending to pursue a career in the field of aviation.

Under the guidance of expert instructors, the 795 Iqaluit squadron trains up to four or five times a week. The aim of the training is to build better Canadian citizens by encouraging the young people of Iqaluit to invest their spare time in activities that would be of future benefit, both to themselves and their community. Although the cadets are part of a well-controlled and disciplined group, it should be clearly understood that the training is completely voluntary and involves absolutely no military commitments.

The training program is based on the study of aviation and associated subjects which are not only of great interest to youth but, in these times, are of considerable importance to Canada. In the air cadets, young people are given a chance to develop valuable qualities of leadership and for those who attend regularly and display the proper cadet spirit, the program offers a host of interesting and worthwhile training opportunities. In short, air cadet training provides young people with a rewarding outlet for their best efforts.

The 25th annual inspection to be held in Iqaluit on May 27th will mark the completion of what has been another excellent year for the squadron, a year that started last September with the squadron being presented with the following awards: the Air Cadet League of Canada trophy for best squadron in the NWT and Yukon; the Stuart M. Hodgson trophy for best cadet unit in the Northwest Territories; and, the Canadian Forces northern area trophy for best cadet unit in the NWT and Yukon.

The squadron has been under the command of Lieutenant Pat Murphy since November of 1993. Pat was training officer with the unit for one year prior to his appointment as commanding officer.

I would like to request unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The training officer of the squadron is Captain John Graham, who has been with the Iqaluit unit since 1985. Graham was administration officer for one year until his appointment as commanding officer in 1986. Graham was commanding officer until November 1993 when he turned over command to Pat Murphy. Mr. Graham continues his service with the unit in the capacity of training officer.

The administration officer of the squadron is Civilian Instructor Pat Patrick, who is in his third year of service with the unit. The supply officer is Second Lieutenant Frank Bumstead who has served in the position for four years. The range safety officer is Civilian Instructor Sean MacIntosh who is serving in his first year with the squadron. The senior cadets are: Warrant Officer, First Class, Tim Cucheran; Warrant Officer, Second Class, Michael Salomonie; Flight Sergeants Leo Twerdin and Aron Hirschman; and, Sergeant Ooloo Geetah.

The backbone of the 795 Iqaluit squadron is their sponsor, Royal Canadian Legion, Frobisher Bay Branch No. 4. Legion support of the 795 squadron has been unparalleled throughout the past 25 years. This support confirms the commitment of the branch to the community and, in particular, the air cadet program. This commitment was certainly demonstrated with the construction three years ago of the new $1.2 million air cadet training facility. Congratulations are due to President Dwayne MacIntosh and his executive for their ongoing commitment to the squadron.

It took vision, wisdom and energy to form the 795 Iqaluit Squadron 25 years ago. It has required an enormous voluntary effort and the support of many public-spirited citizens, including the former commanding officers Captain Gerry Morgan, the first CO, 1970-76; Captain Hubert Janszen, 1976-77; Captain Ken Watchorn, 1977-81; Lieutenant Ezio Del-Deggan, 1982-83; Lieutenant Mike Parsons, 1983-85; Lieutenant Shawn Meehan, 1985-86; Capital John Graham, 1986-93; and, long-time sponsor, committee chairman Andy Theriault. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I'll be speaking with regard to the legal interpreting program being quashed. This is a very useful program for having interpreters in the courts. There are many people with a first language other than English. This course was going to be very useful to the justice system in the Northwest Territories, but we have learned that this program is going to be eliminated. We use interpreters quite often, and the legal interpreting program is going to be eliminated. In the justice system, we require interpreters at all times. I have quite a few problems if this program is going to be eliminated, and I will be asking questions with regard to this program to the Minister of Justice.

Reductions To Legal Interpreting Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

GNWT Assistance To Elders
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that governments in most developed countries view the treatment and care of their elderly as an issue of top priority. The Government of the Northwest Territories is no exception. They do a good job.

There is absolutely no doubt that we, here in the north, owe a huge debt of gratitude to our elders. They have made this country what it is. They have made sure that we were provided for on a daily basis as we grew up, that we grew up to be healthy in body and spirit, and that we had the opportunity to receive a good life and a good education. Our elders now provide wise role models and are living examples of their courage, strength and wisdom that we can all be proud of. Some of those elders fought in two world wars to ensure that we have the very freedom that we now exercise at this moment when we deal with our and their affairs.

I believe our territorial government has done an excellent job in the area of elder care. Since 1988, the Government of the Northwest Territories programs for seniors have provided many benefits to residents over the age of 60 that are not normally covered by hospitals or medical insurance in other provinces. Those include pharmacare, medical/surgical appliances, supplies and prosthesis, hearing aids, eye glasses, dental care, transportation to and from medical facilities, fuel subsidies, and in addition to those benefits, Mr. Speaker, our elders are not expected to pay property taxes if they live in their own homes. Our government hopes to provide to as many elders as many seniors' homes as we can financially support.

I note that more and more elders are now choosing to remain in the north rather than move to the south to retire after they reach the end of their working years. Generally speaking, I believe the government must be commended for their assistance to our elder population. Thank you.

---Applause

GNWT Assistance To Elders
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Financing Of Two New Territories
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I talked about the need in this government and Legislative Assembly to provide energetic and innovative leadership, a team NWT approach to get our economy on the move.

Today I want to talk about a very serious issue that reinforces my belief that we really have to do something and that's the whole issue of financing of division. I've been involved in this process as have many people in this House for many, many years. I remember Mr. Patterson, Mr. Kakfwi and myself in many, many meetings over the years always had a very fundamental understanding -- as did groups, aboriginal leaders in the east and in the west, the federal government, and our Cabinet and MLAs -- that there would be adequate funding to maintain the same level of programs after division so that the two new territories would have a very good chance to be successful. But I'm getting progressively more concerned as to whether or not that commitment is still there with the federal government.

I am one who has been on the record since 1982 as supporting the aspirations of the people of Nunavut for division, and I certainly don't want to see division sidetracked because there's not enough money. I'm also one who thinks it's very, very important that after division and in the years leading up to division, we maintain harmonious and cooperative relationships between the people of Nunavut and the people of the west. I really don't want to see a civil war erupt over diminishing revenues to support and sustain Nunavut and a western territory.

So I think it's very, very important that aboriginal leaders in the west and in the east, our Legislative Assembly and our Cabinet work very closely together in this particular issue and make it very clear to the federal government that unless there is adequate funding for division, there are going to be some serious problems in our constitutional development here in the Northwest Territories. I would like our government to take leadership in this area, and see what we can do to ensure there's unanimity of approach towards the federal government to make sure we can afford two new territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Financing Of Two New Territories
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea.