Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

In the Legislative Assembly on April 6th, 1995. See this topic in context.

Further Return To Question 356-12(7): Policy Re Funding Personal Care Facilities In Nwt
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 856

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on March 30th concerning policy regarding funding for personal care facilities in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, on March 30, 1995, the honourable Member for Thebacha asked about how fees for seniors living in personal care facilities are determined. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that residents of personal care facilities are charged only for room and board. Residents of personal care facilities do not pay for the services or care they receive. However, the room and board fees are currently based on the level of care required. The room and board fees charged to residents receiving level 1 and 2 care, or "personal care," is $380 a month. People requiring level 1 care are fairly independent, but may require some guidance or supervision with activities of daily living. At level 2, people are able to get around safely with or without aides, are able to assist in dressing and feeding, and are usually continent. The rate for people requiring personal care is indexed to the consumer price index and increases annually.

The room and board charges for persons receiving level 3 and 4 care, or "nursing home" care, in either a facility or extended care unit in a hospital is determined by the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act. A person requiring level 3 care requires more than assistance and supervision, and is usually not continent. At level 4, a person requires regular and continuous medical attention on a 24 hour basis.

Residents requiring level 3 and 4 care are required to pay the total amount received through monthly pensions received under the Old Age Security Act, and a monthly allowance paid under the Northwest Territories Senior Citizens Benefits Act. This would be less $75 which residents retain for personal comforts. This results in a maximum room and board charge of $895. This amount is adjusted with the quarterly rate changes in old-age security and guaranteed income supplement payments.

Facilities cannot charge more than these rates for room and board to residents.

Mr. Speaker, the former Department of Social Services was responsible for people requiring personal care, and the former Department of Health was responsible for people requiring nursing home care. That is why we currently have these two different methods of determining room and board charges. This is confusing for both families and residents, and unfair, since residents can pay different amounts for the same room and board. In 1995-96, the Department of Health and Social Services plans to implement a single fee for residents of personal care facilities, multi-level care facilities, and long term care.

Mr. Speaker, I have another return, if I may proceed.

Further Return To Question 356-12(7): Policy Re Funding Personal Care Facilities In Nwt
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 856

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Proceed, Ms. Cournoyea.

Further Return To Question 327-12(7): Funding For Official Languages Directives
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 856

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

It is a return to a question asked by Mr. Titus Allooloo on March 28th, regarding lapses under the languages agreement.

Mr. Allooloo asked about money lapsed under the 1993-94 budget for the Canada-NWT cooperation agreement for French and aboriginal languages and why this money was not used to contract consulting services.

Contract dollars were available under the 1993-94 French language budget, however, these contract dollars were to be used specifically for research on delivery models for French language services.

Due to difficulties in finding a qualified candidate, the project start date was delayed, resulting in a budget lapse of $63,671.

Though the lapse was forecast in advance of the end of the fiscal year, the terms of the past languages agreement were such that there was little flexibility to transfer funding.

The current languages agreement allows much more flexibility to transfer funds as needs arise. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 327-12(7): Funding For Official Languages Directives
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

April 5th, 1995

Page 857

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Further Return To Question 378-12(7): Review Of Pay Scales For Dental Therapists And Public Health Nurses
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a question asked by Mr. Koe on April 3, 1995, concerning the status of collective bargaining with the UNW in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the UNW have been unable to negotiate a collective agreement. In January 1995, the parties met, with Mr. Vince Ready acting as a facilitator. The Government of the Northwest Territories and the UNW were unable to agree on the major salary, benefits and hours of work issues. Mr. Ready suggested that both parties proceed to arbitration.

Agreement has now been reached with the GNWT to appoint Mr. Vince Ready and Mr. Duncan Stewart as co-arbitrators, pursuant to section 41.5 of the Public Service Act. The arbitrators will have all the powers and authority of arbitrators under the Arbitration Act.

Pre-hearing briefs will be exchanged between the parties on April 28, 1995 with copies submitted to the arbitrators. Rebuttal briefs will be exchanged on May 5, 1995. The arbitration hearing will occur on May 9 and 10, 1995. The arbitrators will have up to three months to make an award that will set the terms for the new collective agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 378-12(7): Review Of Pay Scales For Dental Therapists And Public Health Nurses
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin.

Return To Question 411-12(7): Authority For Housing Authorities To College Damage Deposits
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Koe on authority for collecting damage deposits by local housing authorities.

The authority to collect damage or security deposits is provided by section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act. The handling of security deposits is regulated by sections 15 to 18 of this act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 411-12(7): Authority For Housing Authorities To College Damage Deposits
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 857

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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