Debates of June 14th, 1995
This is page numbers 1311 - 1340 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
- Item 1: Prayer
- Minister's Statement 91-12(7): Norman Wells Fire
- Item 3: Members' StatementsRequirement In Repulse Bay For Vehicle To Transport Patients
- Appreciation For Assistance In Fighting Sahtu Forest Fires
- Deh Cho Women's First Nations Gathering
- Water Safety
- Third Reading Of Federal Firearms Legislation
- Study Of Sports In The Northwest Territories
- Improvements Required To Lake Harbour Airstrip
- Need For Yellowknife To Embrace Impending Changes
- Concerns With Implementation Of Bill 32
- Question 599-12(7): Call For Proposals For Photocopy Services
- Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
- Item 6: Oral Questions
- Question 601-12(7): Status Of Northern Accord Negotiations
- Question 602-12(7): Position Of Aboriginal Leaders On GNWT Position On Self-government
- Question 603-12(7): Status Of Bip Review
- Question 604-12(7): Review Of Request For Proposals For Air Tanker Contract
- Question 605-12(7): Funding For Deh Cho Economic Conference
- Question 606-12(7): Appointment Of Supreme Court Justice
- Question 607-12(7): Regional Consultation On Housing Issues
- Question 608-12(7): Summer Employment Initiatives For Kltlkmeot Students
- Question 609-12(7): Relocation Of Polar Bear Management To Baffin Region
- Question 610-12(7): Officers For Truck Inspections On Highway System
- Question 611-12(7): Status Of Bird Dog Officers
- Question 612-12(7): Departmental Responsibility For Termination Of Employees
- Return To Written Question 26-12(7): Requirements For NWT Health Care Cards
- Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
- Item 10: Petitions
- Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
- Motion 22-12(7): Appearance Of Western NWT Aboriginal Leaders In Committee Of The Whole
- Bill 34: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1995-96
- Committee Report 11-12(7): Report On The Review Of Bill 25 - The Education ActBill 25: Education Act
- Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
- Bill 32: An Act To Amend The Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
- Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Concerns With Implementation Of Bill 32
Members Present
Page 1315
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
I am troubled when I see basic common-sense decisions -- like the decision to expel an elected representative who sexually exploits children or assaults another person -- are now being codified in the written laws of our land. Mr. Speaker, the power to exercise those common-sense decisions should be left in the hands of the people who elected us, not the courts. That's especially true here in the north where, for centuries, our elders and leaders did not have to rely on written law. They don't need to have some university-trained judge to tell them what is morally or right to do. Mr. Speaker, those decisions should be with the people who elected us.
Mr. Speaker, I find it absolutely regrettable that Cabinet should vote as a block to defeat the principle of recall, which would have reinforced the people's power to remove a Member. If we had embraced that concept, Mr. Speaker, I don't believe that Bill 32 would have been necessary. Choices about the potential expulsion of MLAs would have remained where they should be, with the voters of the Northwest Territories. I want to put on the record that I will be voting in favour of Bill 32 at third reading, Mr. Speaker. Because, as I said, I believe that when all things are said and done, it is a good bill. But, I will be voting with a feeling of concern in my heart and I hope all Members will take at least a moment to ponder the direction
in which we are moving, as we enact this legislation. Thank you.
---Applause
Concerns With Implementation Of Bill 32
Members Present
Page 1316
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Concerns With Implementation Of Bill 32
Members Present
Page 1316
Some Hon. Members
(Microphones turned off)
---Laughter
Concerns With Implementation Of Bill 32
Members Present
Page 1316
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Dent.
Question 599-12(7): Call For Proposals For Photocopy Services
Members Present
Page 1316
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Public Works and Services. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I asked the Minister a question about a call for proposals for copying services that had been undertaken by the Housing Corporation, and I would like to thank the Minister for having responded by letter to me with some details on that call for proposals so quickly. One question is still outstanding and that is, does this call for proposals represent a change in government policy where large-volume copying will now be contracted out?
Question 599-12(7): Call For Proposals For Photocopy Services
Members Present
Page 1316
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 599-12(7): Call For Proposals For Photocopy Services
Question 599-12(7): Call For Proposals For Photocopy Services
Members Present
Page 1316
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no change in the policy regarding the use of office photocopiers and none is planned in the near future. Thank you.
Return To Question 599-12(7): Call For Proposals For Photocopy Services
Question 599-12(7): Call For Proposals For Photocopy Services
Members Present
Page 1316
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Thompson.
Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
Members Present
Page 1316
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today in my Member's statement, I referred to the serious problem experienced by sick people in Repulse Bay who need safe transportation to the health centre or to the airport. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Is it an approved practice of your department to transport seriously-ill patients on sleds or in the back of pick-up trucks?
Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
Members Present
Page 1316
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.
Return To Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
Members Present
Page 1316
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the matter of the community health centre vehicles in Repulse Bay, the health centre has two skidoos and one all-terrain vehicle and the health centre has two community health nurses. The health board indicates that the number of vehicles is sufficient. The other back-up that the health centre has is that the nurse on call is allowed to take the vehicle home for government business and return to the health centre to see a patient.
Mr. Speaker, the position of the Keewatin Regional Health Board is that it supports local enterprises, such as taxi services. Under the medical travel policy and the non-injured health benefits agreement, ground transport does not pay for travel within the community to go to the airport. The board has indicated to me that it has made its policy positively clear and they are abiding by their general policy where, when a closed in vehicle is required, they support the use of local taxi services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 6: Oral Questions
Item 6: Oral Questions
June 14th, 1995
Page 1316
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Thompson.
Supplementary To Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
Item 6: Oral Questions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1316
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
I don't think the Minister of Health and Social Services knows that there are no taxis in Repulse Bay. I guess my question is, will the Minister undertake to make sure that a solution can be found so that the nursing station can have access to a van or have a van to transport patients who are seriously ill, so they don't have to depend on a four wheeler or a skidoo to transport them back and forth or on pick-up trucks that are available in the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
Item 6: Oral Questions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1316
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Ms. Cournoyea.
Further Return To Question 600-12(7): Departmental Policy On Transportation Of Patients
Item 6: Oral Questions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1316
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated to the Member, I have received information from the Keewatin Regional Health Board that has apprised me of the measures they've taken. They also indicated the concern they have is although there are vehicles available that they can contract out, it may work for awhile, but then the businesses are no longer there. Certainly, Mr. Speaker, I believe as circumstances change, we have to address the issue. Yes, I will continue to work with the Keewatin health board to see that patients, particularly if they are seriously ill, are comfortable in their transportation from the health centre and in their transportation out of the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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