This is page numbers 1400 - 1440 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.

Topics

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Bob and Carol Latremouille. They were residents of Yellowknife for many years; they lived on my street. Carol was also an employee of the government. They are visiting in their retirement, just to show you that when people retire, they spend time here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Today, I would like to recognize the fathers, who are in the gallery and in this Chamber, and wish them a belated Happy Father's Day and also the mothers, a belated Happy Mother's Day.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Whitford.

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of what Minister Pollard had to say regarding the subject of Bird Dog officers and the investigation taking place, I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Safety a question concerning the Bird Dogs. Over the past few days, Members of this House have heard on the radio numerous reports suggesting that there is political interference taking place with the investigation being conducted by the chief safety officer.

Some of my constituents, as well, are concerned about those allegations. I would like to ask the Minister it he could clarify and advise this House about the role his department is playing in this matter.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Safety and Public Services, Mr. Nerysoo.

Return To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to advise the honourable Member that the chief safety officer is conducting the investigation according to the legislative authority he has. As Minister, I believe it is none of my business to intervene at this particular juncture. I've been asked to ensure that the responsibility that has been assigned is carried out accordingly and, to date, there has been no involvement on the part of any of the political leaders to deter or affect the investigation being conducted.

Return To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Minister Nerysoo. Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1405

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister if his department has instructed them as to how long the investigation should take. Have they set a time limit?

Supplementary To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to indicate to the honourable Member that there has been no suggestion of a time limit for the investigation. It is my belief that the chief safety officer has to assume the responsibility for investigating thoroughly the issues related to the concerns raised. Once that is done, obviously, the chief safety officer will file the report and advise us accordingly.

Further Return To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

supplementary, Mr. Whitford; or are you finished?

Further Return To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

(Microphone turned off)

Further Return To Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Question 642-12(7): Role Of Saps In Bird Dog Officer Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Government House Leader, who is the acting Premier today. Thank you.

Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

The question is to Mr. Pollard. Who is the acting Premier today?

Return To Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Item 6: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, there is no acting Premier today. The Prime Minister was here on the weekend, as everybody knows. The Premier went to visit him. She is still in the Northwest Territories, we're still in contact with her, so there is no need to appoint anybody. I merely will be taking questions for her if there are any questions directed at her. Thank you.

Return To Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Return To Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I'm interested in knowing where Mr. Todd was on Friday. I know he was in Rankin, but I would like to know what types of meetings he attended in Rankin. Thank you.

Return To Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

I would like to rule that question ... Maybe you could rephrase it, because it's not a supplementary to your first question about who the acting Premier is. Maybe you could rephrase it so it would be in order.

Return To Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Question 643-12(7): Acting Premier
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Mrs. Marie-Jewell, I understand that, so I'll put you down on my list. I have to go to another Member for a first question. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 16th, I asked the Minister of Health and Social Services about the status of the Metis health benefits. The Minister, at the time, indicated that it was still under review. I understand that the issue is more than under review; that they're trying to negotiate the terms of the program. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance if an agreement has been reached with the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories on the Metis health benefits?

Return To Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, I don't believe an arrangement has been concluded between the Department of Health and the Metis Nation. However, there has been an agreement between

myself and Mr. Bohnet that the Metis health benefits will be retroactive to the date of assent of the budget bill that passed through here in late April, I believe around the 26th or 27th of April, Mr. Speaker. I did that last week in order to take pressure off of both sides who were trying to get this deal together. I wanted them to have some assurance that they didn't have to rush the process through, because I would like it to be fair to both sides and I would also like it to be an economic arrangement, as well. So that's the latest, and the department will continue to discuss this issue with the Metis Nation and, hopefully, they'll conclude a soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Pollard. Mr. Koe.

Supplementary To Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi. One of the contentious issues, I understand, is the issue of when the benefits are going to come into effect. Has any arrangement or agreement been made as to what date the Metis benefits will come into effect?

Supplementary To Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you. Mr. Pollard.

Further Return To Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

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John Pollard Hay River

Mr. Speaker, assuming an agreement can be reached some time this fiscal year, it will be retroactive to the date of assent of the budget that went through here in April, and I think that date is around the 26th or 27th of April. So if an arrangement is made, it will be retroactive to that particular date, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Question 644-12(7): Status Of Metis Health Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Pollard. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.