This is page numbers 1165 - 1196 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 liquor.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Hon. Silas Arngna'naaq, 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 1165

The Speaker

Good afternoon. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, representatives from our government have travelled regularly to Europe to alert the European community of the potential impacts on our wild fur industry of a proposed regulation. Last year, our efforts were successful in delaying the implementation of the regulation for one year. Since then, we have carefully monitored activity in the European Parliament and the European Commission, which is responsible for determining how the regulation will be implemented. We have also taken every opportunity to push the Government of Canada into becoming actively involved in resolving our concerns over this regulation.

I can now report that our vigilance has resulted in the following actions by Canada:

1. In March, the Prime Minister of Canada, after his meeting with the President of the United States, advised the Premier of renewed commitment by the US to deal with this issue and to coordinate efforts to achieve shared goals;

2. In May, the Minister of International Trade, after his meetings with his counterparts in the United States and the European Commission, advised the Premier of the important role that our government has been playing and of the potential for a negotiated solution involving Canada, the United States, Russia and the European community to resolve our outstanding concerns. If the European Commission does not accept the joint Canadian/US proposal, the Honourable Roy MacLaren has advised the Premier that Canada will take steps to protect the fur industry by initiating the dispute settlement process of the World Trade Organization;

3. In May, the Canadian Council of Environment Ministers unanimously agreed that a strong message needed to be sent to Europe immediately. Following this, the Minister for Environment Canada indicated she would contact all the European Environment Ministers to advance Canada's position; and,

4. In mid-June, the leaders of the G-7 countries will meet in Halifax and the European fur import regulation will be discussed. The Premier has written to the Prime Minister that it is important to gain the support of the other G-7 countries if we are to resolve our concerns.

The four national aboriginal organizations have also become involved and are sending representatives to Europe over the next four weeks who will make presentations and hold seminars in different countries.

Over the next few weeks, we will learn of the European community's reaction to these actions. Since only a few months are left, it is very important that any action our government takes is carefully planned to have the maximum effect. This is why I decided not to return to Europe at this time. I still believe that our government has a role to play, but that role will depend on the European community's response to the Canadian/US proposal for a negotiated solution.

On June 2nd, I wrote to both the Minister of Environment Canada and the Minister of International Trade advising them of the few months left for action, urging them to meet with their European counterparts and offering assistance from our government. In early July, I will be host to seven members of the European Parliament, who are travelling to Canada to learn about fur and forest management. I will also remain in contact with the federal Ministers to review Canada's plans for action.

Mr. Speaker, it is critical for us to continue to work together with each other, the federal government and other governments. This has been the key to our past success. For this, I would like to thank the ordinary Members for their interest, support and involvement; in particular, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Ballantyne, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Whitford, who have taken the time to participate in meetings with the Europeans.

I would like to assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to ensure that the wild fur trade continues and flourishes. We have some very hard work ahead of us yet and, as events unfold, I will keep the Legislative Assembly informed. Mutna, qujannamiik, mahsi.

The Speaker

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

expensive in this area. These supplements and milk products are very important for proper nourishment, for small children in particular.

I would urge the government look into the high cost of these products, especially in the smaller communities where it is difficult to obtain these everyday necessities. I would urge the government to take a better look at this problem because these products are essential, especially 9 a mother, for one reason or another, is unable to breast-feed her child. We want more assistance with this problem. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

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

Zero Tolerance Declaration
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1167

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak today about the zero tolerance declaration adopted by this House a little more than a year ago. I have the feeling that there is a lack of understanding about the principle of zero tolerance, particularly in Nunavut. Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, some clarification is needed to remind our constituents and ourselves just what the focus of this philosophy is.

In February 1994, we adopted the declaration of zero tolerance for violence that occurs in the lives of too many northerners. Family violence, particularly spousal and child abuse, can be both physical and psychological and it leaves a victim scarred both physically and emotionally. It is sad that much of the time, we only hear about the violence in the homes in our community when something else occurs that brings it to our attention. Often that something else has to do with alcohol. Then the use or abuse of alcohol is mistakenly seen as the cause of violence, rather than a symptom of deeper sickness. In many cases, we are shocked to discover that the abuse has been going on for years.

Mr. Speaker, our greatest enemy in the fight against family Violence is silence. In order to stop the cycle of violence, existing attitudes must change. I quote from the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi when he addressed this issue on February 10, 1994: 'The elimination of family violence requires a wide range of actions but, at the end of the day, any family violence requires changing our attitudes which allow it to continue. We must challenge our old attitudes, values and behaviours today."

As the chosen representatives of our people, Members of the Assembly decided to adopt the declaration of zero tolerance for violence and encouraged other organizations and leaders in all communities to adopt similar declarations. It is true, Mr. Speaker, that we have many problems in the north today, but none are more damaging than violence and abuse in the home. Adopting and living up to the principle of zero tolerance for violence in our lives is a crucial first step but it is said, Mr. Speaker, that the longest journey begins with a single step.

Later this session, another step may be taken on this journey as Members debate a bill that will put in legislation what has, until now, been a parliamentary convention: that violent offences will result in expulsion from this Assembly. Whether the bill passes or not...

Zero Tolerance Declaration
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

Ms. Mike, your time is up. Ms. Mike.

Zero Tolerance Declaration
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Zero Tolerance Declaration
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

The Member for Baffin Central is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Ms. Mike.

Zero Tolerance Declaration
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Whether the bill passes or not, we must keep in mind that each step on this journey brings us all closer to making our homes the safe havens they are meant to be, and reminds us that in our families we find sanctuary. Qujannamiik.

--- Applause

Zero Tolerance Declaration
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

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

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to extend my congratulations to 10 members of the first community-based grade 10 high school program to graduate from Repulse Bay.

I am sure that without this program, many students would have chosen not to leave the community to continue their education. With the addition of grade 11 this fall, and grade 12 in the fall of 1996, these students will now be able to stay in their home community with their families and friends, to complete their high school education.

Mr. Speaker, my thanks and congratulations goes out to the staff of Tusarvik School for their hard work and dedication to the students of this community. Even with the limited space in their school, they are still able to provide a quality education to the students. However, the problem of overcrowding in Tusarvik School is beginning to have a negative impact on both staff and students. Due to the lack of space in the school, they were forced to use the library as a classroom and a computer lab. Next year will be even worse with the addition of grade 11. Both grades 10 and 11 will have to share the library space. To compound the problem even further, 22 new kindergarten students will be enroling in the fall of 1995.

Mr. Speaker, this is why the residents of Repulse Bay are asking to have the expansion of Tusarvik School identified in the government's five-year capital plan moved from 1998-99 to the 1996-97 fiscal year. It is my hope that the government will take action on this matter so that the education being provided to the students of this community will not be compromised in any way.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I wanted to make this statement and I thank you, Mr. Speaker. The students who graduated in Repulse were the first in that community once higher grade levels were introduced within those communities. Had they not attended school within their home community, I doubt that they would have completed grade 10 or the higher levels. With the introduction of grade 11 within those communities, and eventually grade 12 in 1996, this is joyous to see. It's good that young people will be able to stay within their own communities to be amongst their friends and their own people and complete their education at higher levels.

Mr. Speaker, I'm very grateful and I'm very proud of those people who were involved in teaching these students.

--- Applause

The Speaker

Are you finished? Mrs. Thompson, are you seeking unanimous consent to conclude your statement, or are you finished? You're finished?

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

(Microphone turned off)

The Speaker

I guess it's difficult for the technician to see you to be able to ... I ask Members, just in case the technician isn't able to see you, to put on your mike. The Member for Aivilik is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mrs. Thompson.

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

(Translation) I was a little bit confused. Please accept my apologies.

As I was stating, in Repulse Bay there is a shortage of space to ensure adequate education. While we're proud of the work that has been done to implement higher grades, the space in the school is still very limited so they're using their library as a classroom and a computer lab. Next year with the addition of grade 11, both grades 10 and 11 will have to share the same library space. While that is a problem, they're expecting 22 new enrolments of kindergarten students in 1995.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Repulse Bay are requesting an expansion of the school, and that a new capital plan be forwarded from the fiscal year 1998-99 to the fiscal year 1996-97. It is my hope that the government will take action on this matter so that education will be adequately presented. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

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

Canadian Mental Health Association, Inuvik Branch
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1168

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge some of the activities of the Inuvik branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. On May 30th, the Canadian Mental Health Association of Inuvik held their annual general meeting. The meeting was held in their new offices, which are located in, one of the old government row houses. It was a real cooperative effort to get this row house ready for this event. The Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Public Works and the regional director, Roger Connelly all worked hard to see that this building was eventually turned over to the Canadian Mental Health Association. I would like to thank the departments and the government for facilitating this transfer.

When this transfer was done, then the community organizations took over. Volunteers, staff, clients and board members all worked together to complete the necessary renovations. At the annual general meeting there were approximately 40 community members who attended. They elected a new board

of directors, had a feast prepared by the staff and the women of the Inuvik Transition House. At this meeting, Mr. Speaker, Clayton Gordon, the secretary-treasurer of the Inuvialuit Community Corporation, presented a cheque for $9,000 to go towards helping children who are affected by sexual abuse.

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Mental Health Association is a real grass-roots program that belongs to the people. This is reflected throughout our office with people stopping by with donations or just to meet and have coffee. The support of the community continues to grow, and the donation of $9,000 is just one indication of this. This organization is also an active participant on Inuvik's Interagency Committee.

I would like to congratulate the past boards of directors, welcome the new board of directors, and thank the administrators and staff of CMHA, and also thank the Inuvialuit Community Corporation for their donation and encourage the Canadian Mental Health Association to continue their good work in Inuvik and in the region. Mahsi.

--- Applause

Canadian Mental Health Association, Inuvik Branch
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1168

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will speak to an item that has been brought to my attention on a number of occasions. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak today on the directive of the NWT Housing Corporation that was issued on April 5, 1995. I'm somewhat concerned with the provision regarding the required use of local accommodation by contractors.

Under the northern preference policy of this government, we try to do things in a way that supports local economies and businesses. The new Housing Corporation directive seems to contradict this objective. What the directive says, Mr. Speaker, is the business contracting with the Housing Corporation must use local commercial room and board facilities when they are working in communities. Mr. Speaker, the concern I have is in defining what constitutes a commercial room and board facility.

The directive specifically excludes bed and breakfast facilities. This does not make a lot of sense to me, Mr. Speaker. Bed and breakfasts are operated by local people trying to make a living by providing a service which, in many communities, is a welcome addition considering the lack of larger community establishments.

Mr. Speaker, I am just not sure why bed and breakfast facilities are not considered to be eligible under the Housing Corporation directive, and I will be following up on this issue with the Minister during question period at the appropriate time. Thank you.

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Safety Concerns Of Bird Dog Officers
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1169

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I expressed my concerns about the safety of our current forest fire operation in relation to the DC-4s. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in this House, the Minister responsible for fire management indicated that all the Bird Dog officers were working or in orientation. I'm not disputing that fact, Mr. Speaker; in fact, that was true. However, they were working with the CL-215s, not with the DC-4s. These officers continue to question the safety of the tankers, of the DC-4s, and of the land-based program.

Apparently, there is one Bird Dog pilot without any experience with fires, and one experienced tanker captain. The crews are still short a Bird Dog pilot and a tanker pilot with experience. At first, Mr. Speaker, it sounds positive that there are two experienced pilots; however, as an example, the tanker pilot's experience is 392 hours as co-pilot, not the 500 hours called for in the request for proposal. As well, because the hours were as co-pilot, he does not have the direct experience with how to make the attack. In the thick of things, it is the pilot, pot the co-pilot, who pulls the trigger to drop the retardant or the mixtures. It is the pilot who will drop the substance where it belongs; or misses the target and loses valuable time; or worse, hits crews working on the ground.

Mr. Speaker, firefighting is how these Bird Dog officers make their living. The fact that they refuse to work with the DC-4s and, given no alternative, would rather lose their job, tells me that the safety concerns have still not been met. As we hear of more fires like the one in Fort Norman, we will need our full fire suppression team. I hope the Minister will take these comments seriously and ensure the Bird Dog officers' concerns are addressed soon.

Mr. Speaker, the Bird Dog officers believe that the situation is an accident waiting for a place to happen. It is up to the Minster and this government to make sure that this does not happen. Thank you.

--- Applause

Safety Concerns Of Bird Dog Officers
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was very happy to be part of the effort by this government to lobby on behalf of the fur industry in April. I've been interested in the fur issue since 1987 when we first began to become very heavily involved in what was, for us, a major issue.

Since April, Mr. Speaker, I undertook, in cooperation with Mr. Antoine and the Department of Renewable Resources, to inform many of our students about the importance of this issue in Europe. We learned when we were there that the big impact that was taking place on European parliamentarians was the fact they got many letters from animal rights activists; many of them very radical, and they seemed to have a tremendous impact. So this afternoon, there will be a campaign begun in

the Northwest Territories where students, in fact, will look through a large package of information about the fur industry and will be writing to European parliamentarians giving another point of view about how important the fur industry was in the whole establishment of this great country of ours. It was the basis of our economy for so long. It matters an awful lot psychologically and culturally to the people of the Northwest Territories. They will, in fact, begin writing letters to these people to give them a different perspective. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause