This is page numbers 1341 - 1373 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 chairman.

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Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Page 1357

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the Ordinary Members' Caucus meeting this morning, Mr. Ningark, my colleague, asked me if I would be replying today. I said it would depend on how I felt this afternoon. Well, I don't feel that great, Mr. Speaker, I've had several late nights this week but I'm conscious that we are running out of time and we have very important business to deal with.

So to save time, Mr. Speaker, and to be as brief as I can be, I've taken the precaution of making a few notes. The danger of that though, Mr. Speaker is, like my colleague, Mr. Patterson, I may stumble around this short speech since I have great difficulty reading my own handwriting sometimes.

---Laughter

I know some people can relate to that. However, it is a discipline. Because, if I didn't have something written down, we could be here for a long, long time and I know nobody will appreciate that.

Mr. Speaker, depending on who is speaking and making a reply to the Commissioner's address, it can be a bit like driving the Mackenzie Highway: there seems to be no end to it. I know, though, that since Mr. Todd has become the Minister of Transportation, he's doing everything he can to eliminate that perception and making it into a smooth, pleasant drive so you don't think of it as a long, tedious journey.

---Applause

I spoke to him a few minutes ago, Mr. Speaker, and I told him that I would find some way of working his name into my speech, and I've just done it.

---Laughter

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Page 1357

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you.

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Page 1357

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

In making my reply today, I will not attempt to do what I threatened nearly eight years ago, Mr. Speaker, with my effort to get into the record books for the longest reply. I've replied to every Commissioner's address since getting elected but, by now, I'm in danger of becoming repetitive. The order paper, though, Mr. Speaker, is there to be used and I've used it to express my concerns and those of my constituents because, as an ordinary Member, that is the tool we have. For those people I irritate by using the order paper, I don't offer any apologies, because that's my job.

I would like to begin with thanks to those who have helped or supported me over my two terms in this Assembly, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to thank Della, my wife...

---Applause Who has been a source of considerable support. I phoned her once I decided to speak today, and asked her if she would come across. She said that she has come across for many, many years in the past for many, many things that you want support for, but this afternoon, I have a commitment. She said she can't be here, but to please go ahead without her and she would see people tonight on the Norweta.

Mr. Speaker, when I woke up one Saturday morning about eight years ago, I told my wife I was thinking of running and she was both surprised and pleased. She knew that in my former life, I had been a jock, had travelled extensively and I had complained in those recent months of being sadly out of shape. Of course, she thought I meant jogging, not elections. She was amused when I corrected her. In fact, she cracked up and burst into gales of laughter. I thought, Mr. Speaker, that she was going to choke on this ludicrous idea that I would be running in an election and not do road work that I had done many, many years ago when I was a young man.

Immediately, although we were still half sleeping, she began giving me a list of the many political liabilities that I have. First, I don't smile enough. Like Mr. Kakfwi, I have never been to charm school, and I'm often accused of not being a barrel of laughs.

---Laughter

But that's something I compensate for in many other ways. I think a lot although I'm not, as I'm sometimes accused of being by Mr. Todd, a philosopher. That's the second time I've brought his name into my speech, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

I've also poor at remembering names, Mr. Speaker. Unlike some Members of this Assembly, I'm not a touchy-feely type who can weasel things out of people. The other liability I have, Mr. Speaker, according to this initial list by my wife, is that I had been a senior bureaucrat, one of the untouchables, the people so remote from the lives of ordinary, everyday citizens that I could never understand the feelings of the people who I would want to represent. Therefore, that was the biggest liability of all.

These are just examples, Mr. Speaker. As I said, it was a very long list that went on until quite late that Saturday morning. Eventually, of course, she gave up trying to get me to see the light but when I had officially committed myself, she became my closest advisor and greatest source of encouragement.

Mr. Speaker, I should like to thank also my children: Letia, Loyola, Lara and Lawrence. They are all talented, energetic and creative people. It is not always pleasant to be the offspring of an elected official. I'm grateful to them for their understanding and tolerance. I've been in public service for 32 years and I have not given the time a good father should. I promise to do better in the future because, even at my age, I believe it's never too late.

Prior to and during my terms of office, Mr. Speaker, I was fortunate to receive the help and support of many Yellowknife people. For five years, Eric Watt put together my constituency newspaper, The Blade. It was an excellent, amusing, innovative publication and very popular in the public service. Some constituents, Mr. Speaker, I found felt it was a little bit too lighthearted, perhaps, and I was having too much fun with it so I haven't produced it over the past few years. I would like to thank Eric Watt for his expert help and his good humour during the times we worked on that publication.

In two campaigns, Mr. Speaker, I've enjoyed the support of the Hinchey family, major contributors to the growth of Yellowknife for over two decades. I would like to thank Stefan Simek and Dana Ferguson of Ferguson, Simek, Clark for their early encouragement. I would extend my thanks to Seamus Henry of Raven Resources; to Tony Vane and Otto Stabel of Yellowknife Motors; to Allan Dunn and Dale Robinson; to Norman Mair and Mike Bell; to the staff of the Abe Miller Centre; to Dwight Noseworthy; and, to my many colleagues in the Department of Education, the Northwest Territories Council for Disabled Persons and the arts community.

Many of my friends helped and encouraged me over the years, Mr. Speaker. There is always a danger in naming names, since some may be left out; however, I owe special thanks to Merlyn and Joyce Williams. I've known them for more than 20 years and I value their friendship, encouragement and support. My main thanks, however, Mr. Speaker, go to the constituents of Yellowknife Centre who have elected me for two terms. I've tried my best to represent them and their interests in this Assembly. I've tried several, innovative ways of sampling public opinion on a number of issues. I've made many friends I would not have made if I had simply taken a nine-to-five job.

It's been an incredible experience and I've learned a lot from my colleagues in this place. In fact, we have all grown together. If there is anything I have dedicated my life to, it is being with people, to grow together, and realize the full potential that every human being has. I know that this short reply, Mr. Speaker, will sound like I'm saying a fond farewell to all of those who have touched my life over the past seven and a half years. All I have to say is this, Mr. Speaker; when the 13th Assembly meets -- and I don't think it will be an unlucky Assembly, Mr. Speaker, but there is something ominous about being a Member of the 13th Assembly -- in this Chamber next November, I shall either be sitting in one of these few seats in this Chamber at the ground level or one of those many seats in the gallery, ready to face another northern winter and this government.

To all Members, I would like to thank you for enriching my life, simply by knowing you. I would like to wish everyone seeking re-election best wishes on October 16th. Like my colleague, Mr. Pudluk, I would like to express my appreciation of the skills of Mr. Hamilton. He seems to be able to handle dozens of unrelated items simultaneously, the sign of a very able person. If, in my future life I were looking for somebody who I could afford to pay, he would be somebody I would certainly hire.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like my constituents to note that I have fought for the issues I've promised to fight for in this Assembly. The first is responsible and accountable government. The struggle for responsible government in the Northwest Territories goes back to 1870. We've come a long way but there's a long way to go.

The other issue has been economic development and the lessening of dependency on government. On the surface, these seem like contradictory ideas but they are complementary. People should have the kind of government they want but have to recognize that since it is theirs, they have to pay for it. As we all know, Mr. Speaker, affordability is the key to understanding the economics of modern government. Even to keep the level of programs we already have, we have to create more wealth. I've preached this sermon over and over again in this Assembly. Hopefully, the message won't be lost and it will continue to be repeated in future Assemblies.

In order to give Members an insight into the kind of person I am, I'm satisfied with the period of time that I've served in this Assembly doing what I could do and fitting into the gaps that needed to be fitted. I've found that throughout my life, Mr. Speaker, I tend to fight when I see a fight that needs to be fought, and I'm prepared to retreat when I figure it would be to the benefit of all the people. Retreat may be the name of the

game for some of us in the future, but that is an option that we all have to leave until another time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Page 1359

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Nerysoo.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 1359

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table Tabled Document 135-12(7), a letter from myself to M. Daniel Cuerrier, president of la Federation Franco-TeNoise, concerning meetings with Mr. Cuerrier and his legal counsel, dated June 14, 1995.

I wish to table Tabled Document 136-12(7), a letter from myself to Mr. Victor C. Goldbloom, Commissioner of Official Languages, Canada, regarding matters concerning the Federation Franco-TeNoise, dated June 14, 1995.

Mr. Speaker, I also wish to table Tabled Document 137-12(7), a motion from the Beaufort/Delta Divisional Board of Education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 1359

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 1359

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Premier, I wish to table two documents. I wish to table Tabled Document 138-12(7), the proposed Adoption Act and Tabled Document 139-12(7), the proposed Child and Family Services Act.

As the Minister of Justice, I would like to table two documents. I wish to table Tabled Document 140-12(7), the proposed Children's Law Act and Tabled Document 141-12(7), the proposed Family Law Act. Thank you.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 1359

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 13, tabling of documents. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 1359

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table two documents. I wish to table Tabled Document 142-12(7), a letter addressed to Mr. Keith Dowling, who's the regional vice-president of the Union of Northern Workers, from Alex Carson, who's the Alberta district manager with respect to the labour program.

I also wish to table Tabled Document 143-12(7), a letter addressed to myself on Minister of Renewable Resources letterhead, signed for Mr. Morin. Thank you.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 1359

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, June 19, 1995, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik, that the Legislative Assembly express dissatisfaction with Bill C-68, and indicate to the Senate of Canada that the amendment made to Bill C-68 does not satisfy the concerns of aboriginal people and other residents of the Northwest Territories; further, that the Legislative Assembly call upon the Senate of Canada to hold public hearings in the Northwest Territories on Bill C-68 so that the residents of the Northwest Territories will have the opportunity to directly express concerns regarding a matter of considerable importance to the people of the north.

And, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek consent to deal with my motion at this time.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Natilikmiot is seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.

WHEREAS hunting wildlife and marine mammals for food is a fundamental characteristic of the way of life for many people in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS many people, and particularly aboriginal people, possess firearms to hunt for food and to engage in other aspects of a traditional lifestyle; AND WHEREAS the Parliament of Canada has, on June 13, 1995, given final reading to Bill C-68, An Act Respecting Firearms and Other Weapons;

AND WHEREAS this Assembly and residents of the NWT have expressed their opposition to firearms registration and penalty provisions of Bill C-68;

AND WHEREAS the federal government proposed, and received, approval of an amendment to Bill C-68 which purports to not abrogate or derogate from aboriginal rights or treaty rights;

AND WHEREAS NWT residents remain concerned that Bill C-68, despite the amendments, totally fails to adequately recognize the realities of how people live in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS Bill C-68 will now be considered by the Senate of Canada;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik, that the Legislative Assembly express dissatisfaction with Bill C-68 and indicate to the Senate of Canada that the amendments made to Bill C-68 do not satisfy the concerns of aboriginal peoples and other residents of the Northwest Territories.

AND FURTHER, that the Legislative Assembly call upon the Senate of Canada to hold public hearings in the Northwest Territories on Bill C-68 so that the residents of the Northwest Territories will have the opportunity to directly express concerns regarding a matter of considerable importance to the people of the north.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Each and every Member of this Legislature knows the importance of hunting for a subsistence way of life in the north. Just about every aboriginal person in this Legislature grew up living in a camp; where every member of a community, every member of a household in an aboriginal family, uses hunting as an occupation. Mr. Speaker, when I was growing up, my sister was a hunter; my stepfather was a hunter; my stepbrother was a hunter; my uncles, my nieces, even my grandparents were hunters.

When we hunted, one of the most important parts of the equipment or tools was a firearm. When we travelled from one campsite to the other, one of the most fragile pieces of equipment on the dogsled or in the boat was a firearm. We were told over and over again by the elders that you handled a firearm as though it were loaded. You handled the firearm as though your life depended upon the firearm.

Mr. Speaker, our lives did depend on firearms at that time, and most aboriginal people in the communities across the board here still depend highly on the use of firearms; therefore -- I take it my seconder will speak on the technical nature of the firearm -- I would urge my colleagues to support the motion. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Seconder to the motion. Mr. Koe, to the motion.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. I am seconding this motion because, in my travels and discussions as I travel across the north and talk to people on various issues, the issue of gun control has been front and centre. I have yet to talk to one individual that supports this new bill, C-68, the gun control law.

So the Members of this House over the past months, in the different hearings and in the federal standing committee that was dealing with the act to which Members of this House made presentations, have addressed a lot of the concerns and issues that impact the north and impact northerners.

As my colleague, the mover of the motion, stated, firearms are weapons or pieces of equipment that we use in the north as part of our lifestyles; they are very rarely used to harm other people. I am not saying that doesn't happen because we all know it does.

No one is opposed to the safe use and storage of equipment and firearms, but we are opposed to the way the bill has been introduced and the way the bill has been railroaded through the House of Commons. This is why we are asking the Senate, which is now tasked with reviewing the bill that was passed by the House of Commons, to come to the north. We are requesting that they hold public hearings and that they come to the north to talk to northerners where we live, in our home communities.

So that's why I am seconding the motion and will be supporting it. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Ningark, do you have any last comments to make?

John Ningark Natilikmiot

No, Mr. Speaker. I would request a recorded vote on the motion. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

A recorded vote is requested. All those in favour of the motion, please stand.

Recorded Vote

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Mr. Ningark, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Patterson, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Pudlat, Mr. Dent, Mr. Ballantyne, Mr. Koe, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Pudluk, Mr. Arngna'naaq, Mr. Ng, Mr. Kakfwi, Mr. Morin, Mr. Todd, Mr. Nerysoo, Mr. Whitford.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. All those opposed, please stand. The result of the vote on the motion is in favour, 17; opposed, zero; and, abstentions, zero. This motion is carried unanimously.

---Carried

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters, Committee Report 11-12(7), and Bills 25 and 34, with Mr. Whitford in the chair.