This is page numbers 1229 - 1250 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 premier.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Allooloo, Mr. Antoine, Hon. Silas Arngna'naaq, Mr. Ballantyne, Hon. Nellie Cournoyea, Mr. Dent, Hon. Samuel Gargan, Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Ms. Mike, Hon. Richard Nerysoo, Hon. Kelvin Ng, 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 1229

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1229

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, may I make a brief emergency statement with regard to the forest fires that are happening in the Sahtu region?

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1229

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Madam Premier, proceed.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Don Morin's return has been delayed so that he can attend to matters related to the Norman Wells forest fire and evacuation. The Honourable Stephen Kakfwi is also remaining in the region because of the fire situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to make an emergency statement about the Sahtu forest fire.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

You may proceed, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Minister's Statement 86-12(7): Sahtu Forest Fire
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1229

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the hot and windy weather caused the forest fire at Fort Norman to move down the Mackenzie Valley and it is now a threat to Norman Wells. The winds died down overnight and the fire remained about 50 kilometres southeast of Norman Wells. Based on advice from the Department of Renewable Resources, the emergency measures organization made the decision to also evacuate Norman Wells. All night planes flew. First, the 340 people from Fort Norman were moved to Deline and then the jets moved about 400 people to Yellowknife. The evacuation proceeded very smoothly and the Honourable Don Morin indicated that he has nothing but praise for all people involved.

The firefighting crews have now returned to Fort Norman. About 30 firefighters from the Sahtu and Deh Cho are in Fort Norman working to put out spot fires and they have set up a sprinkler system to keep buildings wet. The only loss at this time is the Ursus Airways building at the airport. The worst of the fire seems to be through that area now.

Actions are now being concentrated to protect Norman Wells. Four CL-215s are on site and one DC-4. Two more CL-215s are coming from Quebec. Caterpillars are working to establish a fireguard at Jackfish Lake, about five kilometres out of Norman Wells. Mr. Morin has been impressed with how hard and efficiently the firefighting crews are working in very difficult conditions.

The weather is expected to be hot and windy again today. At this time, we cannot predict when people will be able to return to their homes. Anyone wishing to know who arrived in Yellowknife from Norman Wells and where they are staying can call a special number at city hall. That number is 920-5693. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to praise all those who are involved in responding so capably and efficiently to this emergency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 86-12(7): Sahtu Forest Fire
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1229

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Arngna'naaq. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne.

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Yellowknife MLAs and I'm sure all the Members of the House, I would like to express our support and our gratitude to the literally hundreds of individuals who have been involved in fighting the terrible fires in the Sahtu region and who have been involved in the emergency response organizations in Deline, Norman Wells and Yellowknife. On short notice, they have responded magnificently to this crisis. I think all of us owe all of those people a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Here in Yellowknife, at 10:00 pm last night, a team was mobilized. There are some 384 people who flew in from Norman Wells through the night. Dozens of municipal officials, territorial government officials and volunteers have been working with these people. They are set up in hotels and at Akaitcho Hall. The city is putting on recreation programs today for some 200 kids. I think all of us recognize that in a time of crisis, people of the Northwest Territories stick together and help one another. This is one of those times and I think we can all be proud of the way we've come together to deal with this crisis. Thank you, very much.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudluk.

Kitikmeot Boarding Home Costs For Constituent
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1230

Ludy Pudluk High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to raise something that is of concern to me. Last winter, the GLO positions were cut in half to part-time positions; few ended up with full-time positions. Since those cuts were made, people are only working part-time so their income has decreased drastically. At this time, there is a problem. The daughter of a woman who is a GLO is in Yellowknife and I believe it was yesterday that she tried to move to the Kitikmeot boarding home but she was told that she would have to pay room and board.

She was told that, since her mother works for the government and is a GLO, she would have to pay room and board. She couldn't stay at that boarding home when she found out she had to pay. Her mother's income has decreased and this is a big problem. Right now, she's house-sitting for people who are on holidays. She is all alone and her mother worries about her. She doesn't know what to expect, all alone in that house. I'm sure this will create a lot of problems.

A lot of people work as GLOs and most of them work part-time. This will have a big impact on the future. I just wanted to make that comment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Kitikmeot Boarding Home Costs For Constituent
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1230

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today as chairperson of the Nunavut Caucus to address an issue of some concern to Caucus Members and Nunavut leaders. Mr. Speaker, at the Nunavut leaders' summit in Gjoa Haven from January 19 to 21, 1995, several resolutions were passed which dealt with education and training preparations for Nunavut. To date, aside from one letter to a Nunavut Member of this House, to my knowledge, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has not responded to any parties of the Gjoa Haven summit on the specific recommendations.

The Nunavut Caucus and other Nunavut leaders would be interested in learning about the progress to date on the consideration and possible implementation of these resolutions. Mr. Speaker, there were a number of recommendations directed to the department, including the suggestion of the immediate appointment of an assistant deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment for Nunavut and the establishment of a Nunavut education leaders' working group to be chaired by the assistant deputy minister for Nunavut.

Mr. Speaker, as 1999 draws near, planning for Nunavut must address training and education needs as a priority. Therefore, it is imperative that the Minister formally respond to the resolutions with respect to education so that planning can continue in a coordinated and cooperative manner. An initial response from the Minister will be expected when Members of the Nunavut Caucus address this issue during question period before the conclusion of our session. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat.

Problems With Custom Adoption Process
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1230

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe it was yesterday that my colleague from Baffin made a statement about custom adoption. We introduced the bill because we wanted to make it simpler to custom adopt. My constituents in the Baffin region have had problems with adopting children. Many of us have run into obstacles with adoption. Maybe after we agree on the bill, it will become simpler to go through custom adoption. Up to now, there have been many problems with adoption. I just wanted to show support to my colleague. It isn't just her constituents who are having this problem. It is all over Nunavut that they encounter this problem. We have to have identification.

As we all know, no one will stop adopting. We just want the people who are responsible to be more careful with this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Problems With Custom Adoption Process
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1230

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, it was disappointing, to say the least, when members of the European commission adopted such a rigorous stance concerning the importation of Canadian furs. While I can't say I am surprised at their refusal to consider our views, I am sorry that they appear to be influenced by poorly informed, emotionally-based groups when making trade decisions. Unfortunately, this has led to the commission taking a judgemental stand on the issue, rather than forming an opinion based on objectivity and factual data. It is frustrating that despite genuine efforts by our government representatives to reach a compromise and negotiate in good faith, the other parties appear to be using delay tactics.

In the meantime, our traditional fur industry and the livelihood of some of our people here are threatened by well-funded animal rights' groups who are largely ignorant of the real facts. I take issue, Mr. Speaker, with those who feel they have the right to dictate what constitutes cruelty and kindness for other people. This is a very complex subject that differs with particular circumstances and the cultural values of societies.

If we reacted in the same spirit, Mr. Speaker, it would be tantamount to our North American free-trade union banning trade with Spain until the end of their long tradition of bullfighting, or we could refuse to trade with Britain unless fox hunting was banned and abolished, and insist that France adopt a kinder method of transporting their calves and feeding of their poultry. Obviously this type of behaviour, especially at an international trade level, would be uncharacteristic of people from the Northwest Territories.

At the same time, however, representatives of different nations have to try to establish a common ground. Put simply, that is why our government held the recent meetings with members of the European commission.

I would like to conclude by congratulating the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq, Mr. Lewis and other government officials, for representing the Northwest Territories in a gracious manner with attitudes that demonstrated our sense of fairness and our respect for the views of others. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Invitation To Ministers To Visit Aivilik
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1231

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since I have been elected for the Aivilik riding, I have learned how much the needs and concerns of the residents of Aivilik have been neglected in the past. Unfortunately, smaller communities have a difficult time making sure their voices are heard in Yellowknife. Because of this, they often do not receive a lot of attention and, as a result, they feel neglected by the government.

This is why the consultation process is so important to the people of my riding. They need to know that they matter; that the issues that are important to them will be discussed and that any problems they may have will be dealt with soon. To ensure that my constituents' concerns are being addressed, I am extending an open invitation to all Ministers of this government to take some time this summer and travel with me to meet and speak with the citizens of Aivilik.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to make this statement because Aivilik citizens feel neglected. I will try to be a voice for them, so their concerns are dealt with as soon as possible and that we give more consideration for the people of Aivilik. They felt that they were ignored.

So for this summer, I extend an open invitation to all Ministers of this government and welcome them to travel with me this summer to meet with the communities and the citizens of these communities, and listen to their views. Their views need to be heard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Invitation To Ministers To Visit Aivilik
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1231

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Congratulating Pwk High School Graduates
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1231

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to take the time to congratulate 23 graduates from PWK High School who graduated May 18th. Mr. Speaker, this graduation was quite significant in the community of Fort Smith because I believe it is the first time in history that they had a majority of aboriginal students graduating. Out of 23 graduates, 16 were aboriginal.

I also want to thank the Honourable Richard Nerysoo for attending such a significant event. I know the students, parents and the school appreciated his attendance. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the school, the staff, the principal and the parents, particularly, for giving the support to the students as they took each step of their grade school throughout the years.

Mr. Speaker, we know these students are going to be our future leaders and I am sure we made every effort to give them the keys to their success. It is now up to them to use their keys to open the doors that will allow them to be successful. I know that with the support they have been given, they will do that.

My congratulations to each student and my thanks to all who gave the support to make such an event happen. Thank you.

---Applause

Congratulating Pwk High School Graduates
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1231

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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