This is page numbers 1279 - 1309 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 education.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Allooloo, 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, Mrs. Thompson, Hon. John Todd, Mr. Whitford, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1279

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Good afternoon. I wish to inform the House that I have received the following message from Her Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories:

Dear Mr. Speaker: I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of Bill 34, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1995-96, during the Seventh Session of the 12th Legislative Assembly." It was signed by Helen Maksagak, Commissioner.

---Applause

Orders of the day, Item 1, Ministers' statements. Point of privilege, Ms. Mike.

Point Of Privilege

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1279

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will try and do this in monotone. Mr. Speaker, I have a point of privilege pursuant to Rule 20(1), and, with your permission, I would like to rise on a point of privilege to clarify a matter that was reported on the 7:30 a.m. newscast on CBC Mackenzie.

Mr. Speaker, during question period yesterday, I was raising questions to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment concerning the Minister's responses to the recommendations of the Nunavut leaders summit on education issues. In the heat of the questions and the Minister's answers, I tried to raise a point of order concerning the Minister referring to the report of the Nunavut Implementation Commission.

My point of privilege is the manner in which the CBC reported the events. The news report indicated that I, and I quote: "Baffin Central MLA, Rebecca Mike, had to be told to calm down in the Legislative Assembly yesterday." It also went on to indicate, and I further quote: "She interrupted Nerysoo twice, the first time pointing, raising her voice and hitting her desk until the Speaker told her to sit down."

Mr. Speaker, CBC is radio, not television, and if television had been the reporting media, it would have shown that I did not hit my desk; and you, Mr. Speaker, did not tell me to sit down. Mr. Speaker, you were here and know that the facts were not reported correctly. Once again, the CBC has failed to report accurately the proceedings of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to advise the House of this issue and trust that CBC in the future will make every effort to report accurate proceedings and comments and not sensationalize issues.

Thank you.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Minister's Statement 90-12(7): Norman Wells Fire
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1279

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to advise Members today that the Norman Wells fire continues to be held and the fire guards are well secured. As I told you yesterday, crews have been back burning at Vermilion Creek for the past several days. That task is now generally completed, and the wildfire and back burns have met in some spots. With the changing weather conditions, it is difficult to predict when the fire might be out.

Mr. Speaker, the community leaders and crews who have worked on the fires deserve a lot of credit. I am especially pleased that we have managed both the Fort Norman and Norman Wells fire situations with the crews and equipment we already have on contract. As I have said before, these are largely our own people and resources. So far, we have done the job without bringing in a lot of southern equipment and experts.

I am optimistic that I can continue to bring good news on these fires but stress that the entire western Arctic is extremely hot, with very little rain predicted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 90-12(7): Norman Wells Fire
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Third Reading Of Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, as a result of a motion limiting debate, Bill C-68 will be given third reading in the House of Commons. Two amendments have been introduced by our MP, Jack Anawak, who says he will vote in favour of the bill, and by Minister of Justice, Allan Rock.

One amendment made by Mr. Rock will exempt Inuit subsistence hunters from the borrowing or lending provisions of the bill. Although it goes a little way towards recognizing the way northern people hunt, often as a collective enterprise, this amendment still leaves us with many problems.

First of all, it is only subsistence hunters who will not be charged for borrowing or lending a firearm. To date, subsistence hunting has been very narrowly defined by the courts and by officials. Many of our aboriginal constituents are active hunters but they are not classified as subsistence hunters because they have jobs where they earn more than $30,000 a year.

Secondly, another class of northern hunters, non-native hunters, many of whom live with and hunt with aboriginal people, are completely left out of this amendment.

The end result of this amendment is that it will create three classes of hunters in the NWT: aboriginal subsistence hunters who will be lucky enough not to be charged for borrowing or lending firearms, although they still will not be exempt from registering their guns; and, aboriginal hunters who have jobs, who, along with non-native hunters, will be charged for loaning or borrowing firearms without permits and permission. Three classes of hunters, two sets of rules.

A more serious problem is that even if a hunter is lucky enough to be in the narrow class of people who will be exempt from the rules for borrowing or lending, no aboriginal hunter will be exempt from the requirement to register rifles and have a permit to buy a rifle. My constituents consider these compulsory registration provisions to be a major infringement on their ability to hunt and pursue a life on the land. For families who own a lot of firearms for the various seasons and species they hunt, compulsory registration will be a major hassle. It is misleading to pretend that it will not be a major inconvenience and interference with the traditional outdoor lifestyle and the ability to purchase and sell firearms as tools used in pursuit of the renewable resources economy. This amendment does nothing about compulsory registration and the huge amounts of money which will have to be spent so wastefully in the north trying to make an unworkable system work.

The other amendment made by Mr. Anawak adds a new clause stating that Bill C-68 does not take away from aboriginal or treaty rights. Mr. Speaker, I don't want my constituents to think that this amendment will save them from the application of Bill C-68. I would like to be, with unanimous consent, allowed to conclude my statement today.

Third Reading Of Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Iqaluit is seeking unanimous consent to complete his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Patterson, conclude your statement.

Third Reading Of Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

It will still force them to register their firearms and be licensed to purchase a firearm.

The effect of the new clause in the bill is unclear. Aboriginal people who are charged may be able to use this clause to defend themselves, but they will have to rely on an expensive and time-consuming and frustrating court process to do so. Federal Crown prosecutors will be fighting to uphold Bill C-68, we can be sure. The only people who will profit from this clause will be defence lawyers, Crown prosecutors and judges. This non-derogation clause will not give the Inuit the clear protection and complete exemption from the application of the bill which they want and deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say as clearly as I can to my constituents, don't let anyone fool you into thinking that the Inuit land claim agreement will protect you from the effects of this invasive law. Don't be misled into thinking that a new clause in the bill paying lip service to aboriginal and treaty rights will protect you from this invasive law, either.

This bill is no good for us. It won't work; it won't be respected; it will be a colossal waste of money much better spent on community justice priorities, including more police officers. These feeble amendments have not dealt with the fundamental problems we face with this bill in the north. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Third Reading Of Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Thompson.

Position Of NWT Mps On Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

June 12th, 1995

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Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with a heavy heart that I rise in this House today. I have heard that Bill C-68 will have its final reading in the House of Commons and then be referred to the Senate for their review. Mr. Speaker, it is obvious to all Members of this Assembly that the federal government consultation process on this bill was nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

It is truly unfortunate, Mr. Speaker, that the federal government has decided to ignore the needs of the people we are privileged to represent. This bill and it's provisions will create undue hardship for those who rely on guns as a tool to feed their families, protect themselves and maintain their lifestyles.

Mr. Speaker, as an aboriginal woman of Inuit descent, I have seen the effects of well-meaning kabloona on the welfare of my people. I strongly believe, Mr. Speaker, that this bill, Bill C-68, will create the same types of hardship for my people as the Greenpeace people did over the seal hunt.

Position Of NWT Mps On Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Shame.

Position Of NWT Mps On Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Manitok Thompson Aivilik

In this crucial time leading up to division, we have enough on our plates in Nunavut and in the western Arctic without having to implement and enforce laws that do not represent our constituents' needs.

The federal government has said that the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Gun Control Act will be provincial or territorial responsibilities. Where will we get the money? As I speak, Mr. Speaker, the western Arctic is well on its way to the worst fire season ever. In Nunavut, there are still serious housing shortages that need to be addressed. The federal government has consistently cut back the money they give us to administer these programs and yet, by the same token, Mr. Speaker, expect our government to take on more responsibility with less money.

Mr. Speaker, I would like consent from my colleagues to continue.

Position Of NWT Mps On Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1281

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Kivallivik -- Aivilik, sorry -- is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mrs. Thompson.

Position Of NWT Mps On Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1281

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Ottawa, the people of the north are represented in the ruling Liberal party by two outstanding aboriginal people, Mr. Jack Anawak and the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew. These two people are, unfortunately, linked to the concept of party discipline. Ms. Blondin-Andrew and Mr. Anawak are supposed to subject their feelings, and those of their constituents, to the greater political will of their party and the rest of urban Canada.

Mr. Speaker, this issue is too important to northerners for our two elected representatives to toe the party line and vote in the affirmative. They must come out and support the people they represent, regardless of the consequences. They have no alternative. The electorate will not forgive or forget such an insult to their way of life.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I quote from an article in yesterday's Toronto Star in which Ms. Blondin-Andrew said on the issue of her voting on the gun control bill that, "A person can't die on every hill. You have to pick the hill you're going to die on, but the people in my riding are telling me this is my hill." This quote, Mr. Speaker, is twofold. If Mrs. Blondin-Andrew chooses to vote for her party, she risks losing her seat in the next federal election. If she chooses to truly represent her constituents and vote against the bill, she risks alienating herself from her party.

Obviously, Mr. Speaker, this is not an easy decision for our MPs to make, but they must remember that they were elected to be our voice in Ottawa and that voice, Mr. Speaker, is loud and clear. I trust they will make the right decision for the people by voting against Bill C-68. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Position Of NWT Mps On Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1281

An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

Position Of NWT Mps On Bill C-68
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1281

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

Preparation Of Nwt-wide Organizations For Division
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1281

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we enter into our discussions and deliberations on Bill 25, Education Act, it makes me think about planning for education in Nunavut in preparation for 1999. In addition to my Member's statement last week about the resolutions made in Gjoa Haven by Nunavut leaders, I'm concerned about what our future holds for our teachers in the east.

As the Government of the Northwest Territories plans for division of its resources, assets and liabilities, it must be recognized that there are a variety of organizations that may also need to plan for an equitable split of their resources between east and west. As most Members are aware, teachers in the north belong to the NWT Teachers' Association. Over one-third of the members of the NWT Teachers' Association reside in Nunavut. Should it be decided that the teachers not be represented by the same association in the east as in the west, due consideration must be given to a process for the division of resources and assets.

It is crucial that organizations that are NWT-wide begin to address these questions immediately, in order to adequately prepare for life after Nunavut. Teachers' representation is just one area that we must be aware of, Mr. Speaker, where a body established by statute may take on new forms in preparation for or after division of the territories. In our haste to plan for division of government assets, liabilities and entities, we must not lose sight of those bodies and organizations that are also facing the same decisions and challenges. As much as possible, this government must be committed to assist in the process for all northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Preparation Of Nwt-wide Organizations For Division
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1281

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Snare River Hydro Project
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1281

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This afternoon, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Morin made a Minister's statement about using our own people and our own resources to solve our own problems. My statement this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, is on a similar theme.

Last Saturday, Mr. Speaker, I joined people from the Power Corporation, utility and mining companies, as well as Dogrib leaders on a visit to the Snare River hydro project. Mr. Whitford already referred to this visit yesterday. It was meaningful for him because he had been there early in his career with the Power Corporation 30 years ago. The visit was meaningful for me too, Mr. Speaker, because I've had a lifelong interest in northern responsible government and northern self-sufficiency.

Mr. Speaker, I'm delighted to see the development of our hydro potential. Although there will always be critics of man's attempts to harness the forces of nature, I believe hydro is one of the most responsible ways of generating power. It is clean and sustainable. The future of Yellowknife and the Dogrib people, although many Yellowknifers don't realize it yet, are very closely connected. The Dogrib own much of the land and will have a major say in development in the Yellowknife region. The Snare hydro project is exciting, Mr. Speaker. It's not huge or overwhelming, you can understand it, and it is much like others throughout the world which are a little bit overwhelming to the average individual.

The Snare project was begun over 40 years ago. We have learned from the experience. Now as the city of Yellowknife enjoys rapid growth and we seem on the verge of increased industrial activity in the region, it is nice to see the Dogrib people and the various companies planning to meet our future energy needs. It's nice to see groups working in harmony on such an important project. Soon, hopefully, Yellowknife will no longer be dependent on imported diesel to generate power. It's a perfect example of import replacement, which we all agree is one of the keys to our future economic well-being.

Using our own resources and our own people is the major road to economic self-sufficiency.

I was told over the weekend, Mr. Speaker, that we are in danger of losing the kind of harmony that we need to solve all our problems, but this is one example of where we are succeeding. Thank you.

---Applause

Snare River Hydro Project
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1282

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Koe.

Opening Of Regional Visitors' Centre In Inuvik
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, June 11th, I had the privilege and honour to attend the grand opening ceremonies of the new Western Arctic Regional Visitors' Centre which is located in Inuvik. It was a beautiful day in Inuvik with over 300 people in attendance to enjoy the ceremony, the entertainment and the feasting. There are many people and many organizations to thank and I would like to take this opportunity to do this.

First of all, I would like to thank Minister Todd and all the previous Ministers of Economic Development and Cabinets for supporting this worthy project. I say Ministers and Cabinets because this project has been in the planning and development stages for a long time. I know because when I was regional superintendent for the department in 1987, we started talks on the development of this project.

People say that all good things take time and from the building that is there now, it looks like it has been done right. I would also like to thank the various deputy ministers, the assistant deputy ministers and other departmental staff who have been involved in this project. Special mention should be made of John Cournoyea, who I believe has been the only consistent player in this project from day one. John is the manager for parks and visitor services in the Inuvik region.

People in Inuvik, especially the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in organizations, have played key roles in this project. They formed a joint venture to construct this building using Tetlit'zheh Construction Limited as a general contractor. The themes and displays which are in and around the building will depict the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in lifestyles and history. The display designers also deserve credit for a job well done.

I would also like to thank all the people who helped make this special day a success. Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to continue my statement.

Opening Of Regional Visitors' Centre In Inuvik
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1282

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Inuvik is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Koe.