Members Present
Hon. James Antoine, Hon. Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Hon. Charles Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Hon. Samuel Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Hon. Don Morin, Hon. Kelvin NG, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Hon. Manitok Thompson, Hon. John Todd
--- Prayer
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Good afternoon, members. Before I proceed with the orders of the day, I would like to make a ruling regarding the point of privilege made by the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi.
On October the second, 1996, the member for Sahtu, the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, raised a point of privilege that his right as a member would be infringed upon by another member tabling documents and petition that originate from his constituency. Mr. Kakfwi, in stating his point of privilege, indicated that tabling documents and presenting petitions from his constituency would be his duty and responsibility to do as their elected representative. In reviewing the unedited Hansard of the documents that the member from Hay River had tabled, which were the basis for the point of privilege by Mr. Kakfwi:
The first document tabled numbered 69-13(3) was a resolution of the Native Womens Association on the naming of the new western territory. The second document that was tabled by the member for Hay River, was a resolution from the Dene National Assembly of the Dene nation. The member for Hay River, Ms. Groenewegen, was in a process of tabling a third document, which according to the unedited Hansard, was a resolution from the Deh Cho First Nations Assembly. Mr. Kakfwi noted in his point of privilege that it would not be proper for another member to table a document that originated from another members constituency.
The documents in question however, were both from organizations that cross a number of members' constituency boundaries. Thus, are not specific to one constituency. I indicated in my ruling on the point of order, which was also raised by Mr. Kakfwi, that a member has a right to table any document provided that it does not contain any improper language and meets the normal procedural rules applied to tabled documents.
Specifically under rule 43: "A member may provide to the House any document which may be in the public interest." The point before us is not an infraction of the rules or of a members privilege. I am of course, not at liberty to comment on how members decide amongst themselves to bring issues or documents to the floor of the House. In this case, I rule that Mr. Kakfwi does not have a point of privilege, and the member from Hay River can, at the appropriate time, table the document she started to table yesterday if the member wishes to do so.
Orders of the day, Ministers' Statement. Mr. Kakfwi.
Minister's Statement 85-13(3): 1996 Forest Fire Season
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 831
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Forest fires this year, concentrated in the area between Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, and Norman Wells.
In 1996, 350 fires burned 364,000 hectares of forest. This is one tenth the amount that was burned in 1995. Despite twice as many fires as last year, expenditures of fire management remained within budget. These expenditures included the number of prescribed burns near Fort Providence and Fort Resolution for habitat management purposes and the trial use of CANSO's in communities where the larger air tankers can not be stationed. In total, the 3 CANSO's flew about 50 missions. A cost/benefit analysis on the use CANSO's will be completed this fall.
Reducing the cost of forest fire management has been one of our priorities. After cost-saving measures were introduced in 1995 by the previous Minister, forest fire suppression expenditures dropped from $27 million in 1994 to $14 million in 1995, and approximately $11 million dollars in 1996. These cost-saving measures will be evaluated this winter including the forest fire prevent program. Through this million dollar program, communities could apply for funding to reduce the threat of forest fires around areas important to communities. In 1995, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs matched funding and 18 communities initiated work to construct new or complete old fire guards.
The work was contracted to local corporations or band councils and provided seasonal employment both before and after the peak fire season. This year, about $750,000 in funding has been provided to projects in 11 communities. Projects include burning scrap piles, brushing areas and seeding cleared areas or planting with aspen. As well, several communities have begun developing long term plans to incorporate habitat and forest management objectives into community protection needs.
The level of compensation available to harvesters for losses due to fire was also increased to offset damages from fires that are too large to suppress. In these cases, efforts are still made to protect localized values-at-risk such as cabins or graveyards.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the forest fire management program is to protect areas prioritized by communities. Therefore, community consultation continues to be an important component of the forest fire management program. Our staff will again visit communities to discuss the 1996 forest fire season and I look forward to suggestions of further ways to increase the authority of communities in making decisions on forest fire management. Mahsi cho.
Minister's Statement 85-13(3): 1996 Forest Fire Season
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 832
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you Mr. Kakfwi. Ministers' Statement, Mr. Dent.
Minister's Statement 86-13(3): Senior's Fuel Subsidy Program
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 832
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, because of the fiscal climate, reform of social programs is a challenge currently facing governments across Canada. Reform is difficult because public expectations are high, and dependence on government programs is significant.
Recently, I announced a change to the Seniors Fossil Fuel Subsidy Program, which has generated considerable public discussion.
For many years, the subsidy was available to some people who really did not need it. For example, under the old rules an individual who earned more that 50-thousand dollars a year could still claim this subsidy. Clearly, this is not the type of person the program was designed to help, and the program had to change.
The NWT Seniors Society was advised in 1995 that we planned to change the program. The Society recognises the need for change. To date, it has not indicated any objection to having a needs test incorporated into the program.
Mr. Speaker, as a result of recent discussions with representatives of the Seniors Society and Members of this House, I have made further refinements to the fuel subsidy program.
To qualify, a northerner must be 60 years of age, own their own home and pass the same income test that applies to the NWT Seniors Supplementary Benefit. In other words, the income of a single person must be no more than 12,972 dollars. A couple's income must not exceed $30,744.
This government recognises and appreciates the valuable contribution that seniors have made and continue to make to our society. These adjustments reflect our continued goal of targeting support to those who really need it, and still meeting the budget approved by the House.
Mr. Speaker, changing social programs is not an easy task. However, given our fiscal situation, it is necessary. Changes must be made to ensure that our scarce resources are provided to those most in need.
Adjustments to the Seniors Fossil Fuel Subsidy Program are one step in our ongoing review of NWT social programs. The process of change will continue for the next few years. It will challenge all of us to find new and appropriate approaches to respecting the public interest in a restricted fiscal environment.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 86-13(3): Senior's Fuel Subsidy Program
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 833
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers statement. Mr. Kakfwi.
Minister's Statement 87-13(3): Creation Of Resources, Wildlife, And Economic Development
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 833
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development came into existence on August 19. This new department combines the functions formerly carried out by the departments of Renewable Resources, Economic Development and Tourism and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
Although the three departments have been merged into one, the new department is more than the sum of its parts. The amalgamation was not a takeover of two departments by another but rather a marriage of three units that had complementary and overlapping responsibilities.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to repeat the vision statement of the new department because it clearly defines the objectives of the new department:
"A prosperous, diverse economy built on the strengths of our people and the wise use and conscientious protection of our natural resources -- one which attracts investment and provides communities and individuals with opportunities to be productive and self reliant. Our children will inherit a secure future, which provides a healthy environment and which balances traditional lifestyles with a modern economy."
This vision recognizes that natural resources have always been the basis of our economy. Our future depends on natural resources. The Department promotes sustainable development of natural resources, and therefore must manage and protect the condition, the quality, diversity, and abundance of resources and the condition and the quality of environment.
However, Mr. Speaker, during the last three decades, government has been the main engine of economic growth. Fiscal realities dictate that this must change. The private sector will have to be relied upon to create the new jobs we need now and in the future. Government will encourage, promote and be supportive.
We must work together to expand our economy to create opportunities for those who are unemployed now and for those who will come after us. We need a prosperous and diverse economy that is built on the strengths of the people here and on the wise use and conscientious protection of our natural resources. We need an expanding economy which will provide communities and individuals with opportunities to be productive and self reliant - to be able to support families and a satisfactory quality of life.
Mr. Speaker, the Department is up and running. The 1997-98 Business Plan is being written. Staffing actions are underway.
Putting the department together has been a major undertaking taking many hours, week days and weekends. Extensive consultations have been carried out with stakeholders -- aboriginal groups, the mining industry, resource management boards, municipal authorities and environmental groups. Many of their recommendations and comments will result in changes to the final departmental establishing policy and departmental programs and services.
The restructuring has created some uncertainty for staff, who have in spite, carried on with their regular assignments, as well as, additional work generated by this process.
Even with this uncertainty, there is no decrease in the level of service to residents of the Northwest Territories. This reflects well on the dedication and professionalism of our staff and is indicative of the high levels of service Northerners will receive in the future.
Thank you very much.
Item 3: Members' Statements
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 834
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Members' Statements. Ms. Groenewegen.
Item 3: Members' Statements
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 834
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Rule 34(5), I move, seconded by the honourable member from Iqaluit, that Ministers' Statement 86-13(3) titled Seniors' Fuel Subsidy Program be moved into committee of the whole for discussion.
Item 3: Members' Statements
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 834
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried and accordingly Ministers' Statement 86-13(3) will be moved into the committee of the whole for today.
Members' Statements. Mr. Antoine.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 834
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, people all across the North are becoming aware that it is dangerous for women drink when they are pregnant.
They know that alcohol can cause health problems for the unborn baby. And they know that these health problems can cause hardship for the child, the family and the community.
In the past, people did not talk about these problems. Now we can see there is more knowledge and that people in communities are working together to address these issues openly.
I want to say that this problem is not just a woman's problem. People who blame women for this issue are wrong. It is a problem for all of society. Both in the north and in the south, it is a problem for the entire community including men. We all need to participate in finding solutions.
Early in September, the youth of Fort Simpson, organized the Deh Cho leadership conference. Young people from across the western Northwest Territories came together to talk about making choices and finding healthy lifestyles.
Some of the workshops focused on making...yes?
Mr. Speaker, I request consent to conclude my statement?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 834
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Nahendeh, is seeking consent to conclude his statement. Do I hear any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Antoine.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 834
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, early September, the youth of Fort Simpson, organized the Deh Cho Leadership Conference. Young people from across the western Northwest Territories came together to talk about choices, making choices and finding healthy lifestyles.
Some of the workshops focused on making responsible decisions to prevent the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
This was very encouraging and I think that the conference organizers and the delegates should be commended for their awareness-raising efforts.
Earlier this summer, people also gathered at the Fourth Annual Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Spiritual Healing and Gathering in Wrigley, again, there were discussions about alcohol abuse, wellness and healing.
I am very hopeful that these types of gatherings, coordinated by people at the grassroots community level are the best way to make sure the message gets out about the dangers of drinking during pregnancies.
Through these types of gatherings, we can encourage each other to be strong and to lead kinds of lifestyles that will bring healthy babies into our communities.
Once again, I would emphasize that this is an issue that affects everyone of us, not just women. And by working together we can raise awareness and build an understanding that will lead to the elimination of these problems
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 835
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Members' statements. Ms. Thompson.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 835
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about a tragedy in our communities, in the Northwest Territories, because babies are born as fetal alcohol syndrome and this is very, very dangerous, especially for our caregivers, the grandparents and also the mothers and the fathers and the teachers, nurses, care workers who work very hard, especially fetal alcohol syndrome children and adults.
We know that this is very important because fetal alcohol syndrome brings many challenges which mean these children and adults need extra support from caregivers when they are born with alcohol syndrome and also the parents and the teachers and the nurses have to work very hard caring for these alcohol syndrome people.
Mr. Speaker, this is not a woman's problem. It is an issue that involves all members of a family and a community.
It is sad that families have to deal with the special needs and demands of fetal alcohol syndrome. These needs can test the spirit and try the soul of even the strongest and most loving parent or guardian.
It is sad that those with fetal alcohol syndrome will always struggle to cope with challenges that will make them different from their peers.
All these things are sad, but for me, they are not the worst thing, the worst tradegy. The real tragedy is that fetal alcohol syndrome does not happen by accident. The real tragedy is that fetal alcohol syndrome is 100 percent preventable.
As a government, as communities, and as individuals, we need to do what we can to stop fetal alcohol syndrome before it happens.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 835
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Ms. Thompson. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 835
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker today you have heard from two of my colleagues on the challenge which affects people across the North. I, too, will speak about fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects.
Many groups across the North are beginning to address this problem through support to parents and those wanting to stop drinking during their pregnancies.
Some specific groups which have made contributions are: the Canadian Public Health, the FAS Project, The Status of Women and Native Womens' Associations among others.
If we are to address the problem FAS/FAE but with no new money, we must learn to work in creative ways. Early intervention is good. But if we take statistics of $1.4 million to care for each FAS/FAE person in their lifetime, we cannot afford to just make things better. We have to work to make things better. We have to work to prevent problems.
Government cannot fix the problem. Each community must take the responsibility for how they wish to handle it. Since FAS/FAE is 100% preventable, helping women to stay alcohol free during pregnancy is a community issue. And, remember, helping has neither male nor female gender.
When the statement, "It takes a community to raise a child", once again becomes a reality then the support will be there and our communities will begin to heal.
Members will find in front of them, an information package about FAS/FAE and also a strip of caribou hide, which is the symbol for fetal alcohol syndrome awareness. Caribou was picked because it is available in every community in the Northwest Territories and I encourage all MLAs to wear the symbol to promote discussion.
The knot represents the problem of FAS/FAE which is choking our communities. Taking responsibility for finding solutions will loosen the knot and progress to eliminating this tragedy will start.
I encourage others to adopt this symbol and promote it within their community.
Our goal for the future has to be healthy babies.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Fetal Alcohol Effect
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 836
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Henry. Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.
Issues Discussed At The Kitikmeot Leaders Meeting
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 836
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on October 1, 1996, I had the opportunity to attend the Kitikmeot Leadership Forum in Cambridge Bay and I attended this meeting.
Many of the issues were discussed during that meeting, in Cambridge Bay, namely community empowerment, housing, housing was the predominant issue according to my understanding. I only had the opportunity to spend one day.
Mr. Speaker, one of the problems that came about in the Natilikmiot region, I think this is a concern of all small communities in the eastern Arctic, namely Nunavut, was that government, this government is now in the process of selling staff houses. We are moving at full speed while in the communities we do not have alternative housing for our teaching staff.
Mr. Speaker, the number of enrolment, student enrolment, is growing every year, increasing every year. Subsequently, we will need a teaching staff for the communities of Gjoa Haven, Pelly Bay, Taloyoak, other communities in our region.
Government is now in the process of getting rid of all the government houses, Mr. Speaker. While the communities are concerned that, what happens if all the government houses are sold to individuals, corporations, private sector and so on, there will be no houses left to, boarded up, for the teaching staff.
And one of the alternatives that we were told, Mr. Speaker, is that municipalities could buy houses and in turn lease them to the government employees. Will the government ensure once those houses are privatized that there will be affordable, reasonable prices for teaching staff to house them?
That is one of the questions that came from the Kitikmeot Leadership Forum. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Issues Discussed At The Kitikmeot Leaders Meeting
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 836
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.
Tragedies Experienced By Residents Of Amittuq
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 836
Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday at the beginning the Legislative Assembly we were welcomed back again and I take this opportunity to extend that greeting to my fellow members in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I have some sad news to announce. News of the tragedies that have come upon us within my constituency of Amittuq since April 16 to September 11.
Within this timeframe there have been 13 deaths. In Pond Inlet, 7 people died, one being a suicide from an overdose, another drowned, and 5 more died from health reasons.
In Igloolik there were 3 suicides. Another person died from health reasons and a small child of 2 years old died after being seriously burned.
In Hall Beach another small child, who just turned 5, died while under the care of a dentist on April 11, 1996.
Mr. Speaker, although I have details of each of these deaths, it would be too lengthy to speak on them within this statement.
Recently there was another death on September 16, the former MLA James Arvaluk's, Mother Apphia Awa.
These deaths have caused a great deal of sadness. There is some consolation in the fact that the relatives of the deceased were able to come together for funeral arrangements with help from family and friends, and at times, strangers who helped to help out.
At this time when there is no more financial assistance from the government for compassionate leave, it is good to see community people helping one another in need of support that results in the healing of their emotional wounds.
Mr. Speaker, I will be detailing the reports as I receive the developments concerning a burning accident of a small child that happened more recently in order to clarify the situation in the hamlet involved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Tragedies Experienced By Residents Of Amittuq
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 837
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.
Concerns Regarding GNWT Preparations For Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 837
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as time passes, I am becoming more and more concerned about how prepared this government is for division in 1999. Since we came to the Assembly, my colleagues and I have been asking questions about progress in a number of key areas such as division of assets and liabilities.
In my opinion, the government has not made substantive progress, there may be staff working on this issue, but Ministers and committees do not seem to be actively involved in moving this work forward. For example, in the two months since the two members of the Standing Committee on Government Operations were appointed to the Cabinet Division Committee, no meetings of this critical Cabinet Division Committee have been called that I am aware of.
As an Assembly we have to make division a priority, it should be reflected in everything we do, from looking at budgets to revising programs to considering legislation. Mr. Speaker, in the last year, the government has focused on the budget, and I believe the budget process is on the rails, even though there are many tough decisions yet to make, now we have to get on with preparing for division. Thank you.
Concerns Regarding GNWT Preparations For Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 837
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. At this time I would like to recognize in the Gallery, Mr. Whit Fraser. Mr. Fraser is the chairman of the Canadian Polar Commission. Welcome to the Assembly. Members' statement, Mr. Rabesca.
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