Members Present
Hon. Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Hon. Charles Dent, 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
-- Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
Page 877
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Good Morning. Orders of the day. I am sorry, the chair does not recognize a quorum. The chair recognizes a quorum. Orders of the day, Minister's statement. Mr. Morin.
Minister's Statement 88-13(3):ministers Absent From The House
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise members that the Honourable John Todd will be absent from the House today to attend a Ministers of Finance meeting in Ottawa.
As well, Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Jim Antoine will also be absent from the House today to attend a funeral.
Thank you.
Minister's Statement 88-13(3):ministers Absent From The House
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Minister's statement, Mr. Dent.
Minister's Statement 89-13(3): World Teacher's Day
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
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Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Good Morning.
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is World Teacher's Day, a time to recognize the people at the heart of the educational system. This year's theme is "Teachers Make a Difference."
Travelling across the Northwest Territories, I have met with teachers in many communities. I have been impressed with their dedication and professionalism.
Teachers juggle demanding and challenging situations; shifting social values, advances in technology, changes in the family environment and educational reforms. In addition, they are on the front lines as we all try to work with fewer resources.
Despite these challenges, our teachers have not lost sight of the most important part of the education system - the students. Teachers see the inherent dignity of each child, and work to ensure that learning is meaningful for each and every one of their students.
In the Northwest Territories, teachers are very much a part of the community. They run winter carnivals, coach minor sports teams, plan drama festivals, concerts and other school celebrations. They raise money for student travel outside the Territories, organize countless school events and through it all, encourage students to become confident and contributing members of society.
Mr. Speaker, teachers are known for their tireless efforts to inspire, cajole, encourage, coach, support and cheer on their students. Their influence can be extraordinary. Their legacy lies in the young people who shape the next generation. Mr. Speaker, teachers do indeed make a difference.
-- applause
Minister's Statement 89-13(3): World Teacher's Day
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Dent. Minister's statement, Mr. Kakfwi.
Minister's Statement 90-13(3): 1996 Energy And Mines Minister's Conference
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
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Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, between September 15 - 18, I had the privilege of hosting the 53rd annual Energy and Mines Ministers' conference in Yellowknife. This meeting brought together energy and mines Ministers from the provinces and territories, the federal Minister of Natural Resources and Energy and mining industry representatives. It provided an opportunity for governments and industry to discuss common issues and concerns.
At this year's meeting, the Geoscience Accord was signed. This accord provides the mechanisms to increase cooperation between federal and provincial/territorial government geoscience agencies and optimize the use of resources among all geological surveys organizations.
It is important to recognize the role that geological surveys have played and will continue to play in the economic development of the North. Our signing of the Geoscience Accord is an indication of our support for a cooperative and coordinated approach to geosciences and geological mapping here in the North.
At the energy Ministers' meetings, national industry association representatives made presentations on several topics including energy and the environment. Various representatives highlighted achievements under the Voluntary Challenge Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For the first time at an Energy Ministers' conference, the renewable energy organizations were represented. The renewable energy industry offers a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at reasonable costs and with substantial socio-economic benefits including regional employment.
At these meetings, industry expressed concern with the progress of regulatory efficiency across Canada. We agree with industry on the need to increase efficiency and believe that gaining full responsibility for mineral development in the North is the first step towards achieving this objective. Mining industry delegates fully supported devolution from the federal government.
I am pleased to see that many of you took the opportunity to meet with officials from other jurisdictions and with industry.
The meeting, I believe, was a success and many delegates expressed sincere appreciation for the hospitality that we extended and showed to them while they were guests here in Yellowknife.
Thank you.
-- Applause
Minister's Statement 90-13(3): 1996 Energy And Mines Minister's Conference
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Ministers' statements. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.
Funding For Tl'oondih Healing Society
Item 3: Members' Statements
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Tl'oondih Healing Society has been in operation since June, 1995. And to date we have had about 250 clients participate in its family program which is unique to Canada and certainly the North. This is the first time in Canada that an aboriginal organization has taken on an independent approach to healing and established a program to respect the generation of abuse of alcohol and other substances and have lead to the breakdown in the traditional native family unit and communities.
The Tl'oondih Healing Camp is a first class facility that is wholly owned by the Gwich'in Tribal Council and was built for a total of 2.1 million dollars and operated by aboriginal staff, fully trained in respect to its operations. The Government of the Northwest Territories has not contributed any money for the manpower in the design, development or construction of the camp or programs, which have boosted the economy and pride of the MacKenzie Delta region.
With unemployment in the MacKenzie Delta at over twice the average of the rest of Canada, Tl'oondih Healing Camp has been a valuable source or income and hope for many families. Funding for the treatment centre and funding to other treatment centre in the North West Territories is provided by the Department of Social Services.
In the last fiscal year, all treatment centres have received core funding except the Tl'oondih Healing Society. Mr. Speaker, I ask your consent to complete my statement.
Funding For Tl'oondih Healing Society
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member is seeking unanimous consent to continue. The Member for MacKenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Just to remind the members that to run the clock out before you ask for unanimous consent. Mr. Krutko.
Funding For Tl'oondih Healing Society
Item 3: Members' Statements
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Yet other facilities, like the one is Hay River, just a 30 bed facility, unlike the Tl'oondih Camp, which has not received core funding, the Hay River program has received $1,024,540.00 in 1995 core funding and is only an 11 hour drive from Edmonton.
Northern Addiction Services manages a 20 bed facility outside of Dettah and receives $1,108,139.00 to operate its facility. Delta House, an old 12 bed facility in Inuvik, has received $672,000 to operate its program. Tl'oondih, a 30-bed facility, receives no core funding for its healing program.
Recently the GNWT has agreed to contribute $300,000 to the Tl'oondih Healing Society, which is not core funding. I would like to state, this is not core funding. These funds were an advance against future clients that are admitted into the program. The cost of running the Tl'oondih Healing Camp and office were in excess of what we are receiving and we shall be running into a deficit this year. If we do not take an action now, because of financial restrictions, the camp shall be closed until January 1997. We shall be completing organizational review and study over the options or whether we are welcomed in the field of healing in the Northwest Territories by this government.
I will have a question for the Minister later on in regards to questions.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Funding For Tl'oondih Healing Society
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Member's statement, Mr. Steen.
World Teacher's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak towards World Teacher's Day as well, I believe that we should give as much recognition as possible to the teachers that teach our children and are responsible for their education.
Mr. Speaker, in the small communities I have seen many times in the mornings, cold, blowing, sometimes you can not even see 30 feet and you see teachers walking to work. And I do not know if the public really realizes the amount of work these teachers put in. They work evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and I would hope that the government, when you negotiate the teacher's salaries and benefits, to take this into consideration. I would also call on this government and the rest of the members of this House to assure that teachers have sufficient housing in the small communities so that we can assure qualified teachers for our school system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
World Teacher's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Steen. Member's statement. Mr. Barnabas.
Difficulties In Getting The Sealift Into Grise Fiord
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I have an emergency announcement to make regarding the sealift to Grise Fiord. There is a problem right now.
I am asking for support because the Minister of Transportation is absent right now, perhaps the Premier can assist me in this emergency situation regarding the sealift to Grise Fiord. The ship is currently in Pond Inlet, right now, but due to ice they are unable to make it to Grise Fiord.
Now what is going to happen to the sealift that is due to Grise Fiord, because they are unable to make it to Grise Fiord right now. What is going to be happening now with the load destined for Grise Fiord?
Difficulties In Getting The Sealift Into Grise Fiord
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Member's statement, Mr. O'Brien.
GNWT Deficit Recovery Plan
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since my statement in this House on Wednesday, October 2nd regarding this government's bleak financial state and a recovery plan, I have had many supportive calls from various residents in my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, my concern is over the path of our financial recovery and how it is working.
Mr. Speaker, we have listened attentively to debate in this House regarding the disappointment and frustration over capital projects being deleted such as the Arviat Health Centre and other much needed essential services and infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to reiterate my deep concern over this government's deficit recovery program. Members have had the past number of months to listen and review with constituents, the impact of these cuts and also of potential future cuts.
Mr. Speaker, for example, the department's restructuring of departments such as Renewable Resources and Social Services is having a drastic impact on the communities of Arviat and Baker Lake. There is a real concern that our communities may be stepping back in time only to remain there with the loss of these jobs. Even the promises associated with division in 1999 will be difficult to overcome the damage this government will inflict with this drastic budget cutting exercises.
Mr. Speaker, in recent national news it was stated that the lifestyles of senior citizens in Canada are bordering on poverty. But here in the NWT, we are increasing their rent in government run facilities, in some cases, taking away fuel subsidies that will directly affect NWT residents who most need it.
Mr. Speaker there is more recent national news that the federal government is not in the sorry financial state that it said it was. With this in mind, I would suggest that we may very well be on the wrong track, a very critical mistake we cannot afford to make.
Mr. Speaker, is it time to reconsider the Deficit Elimination Act? Is it time to dissolve the BIP and replace it with full contract authority agreements to the hamlets and towns with strict conditions to protect and assist local contractors and businesses?
Mr Speaker, before we inflict any more pain and despair on the people of the NWT, I would once again strongly recommend that it is time this government to rethink its agenda, cutting and slashing.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
GNWT Deficit Recovery Plan
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Kivallivik is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement Mr. O'Brien.
GNWT Deficit Recovery Plan
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 880
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker before any more pain and despair on the people of the NWT, I once again strongly recommend that it is time for this government to re-think its agenda of cutting and slashing, in all areas, and focus on improving our health, education and housing programs before it is too late.
Mr. Speake,r I will close by saying that the people of the NWT deserve better and, if nothing else at least, for this government to take a second look to see if our cost-cutting agenda could do with some refocusing and fine tuning based on measurable criteria and public acceptance.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause
GNWT Deficit Recovery Plan
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Member's statement, Mr. Henry.
Future Job Markets In The Mining Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to address the issue of future job markets in the mining industry.
We have the responsibility to make sure northerners are ready and trained for jobs with the BHP mine and not give the company a choice to hire southern workers. Let's train northerners for those jobs. Rather than wanting hiring guarantees from industry, that we may not be able to live up to, we need to have northerners ready to take those jobs.
We can not afford to give BHP the choice. Let's ensure northerners take those jobs. Let us get trained, let us show BHP the merits of hiring northerners.
In this present job market, prospective employees cannot expect employers to come calling. Those looking for jobs have to become aggressive.
Governments should most definitely place strong demands on investors, such as BHP, to hire northerners. But governments should not stop there. They should be telling and assisting northerners to prepare for those jobs. Talk to the companies, find out what types of programs are needed and how the education system, in conjunction with the mining industry, respond to those needs.
Premier Morin has made comments on guaranteeing jobs to northerners but he must also recognize what the companies want for employee qualifications and assist prospective employees to present themselves accordingly. Employees must make the effort to get qualified if they want a job. Filling out an application is not enough.
Mr. Speaker prospective employees should keep going back, or phoning the personnel departments of these companies, thereby demonstrating that yes they want the jobs and are ready, willing and able to do their part.
Later this morning, I will be asking the Premier what his government is doing in this area, to ensure that we have a northern workforce available to take those jobs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Future Job Markets In The Mining Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Henry. Member's statement, Mr. Picco.
Funding Reductions To Cbc Radio And Television Services
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Edward Picco Iqaluit
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Recently the federal government announced more cuts and reductions to the CBC.
Mr. Speaker, the CBC radio and TV service is the only one available in many of our smaller communities. These services have help sustain and enrich the usage of native languages. Unlike southern jurisdictions where there are competing private radio and tv stations, thus any reduction to local programming by CBC would not be felt as hard. However in Nunavut and most of the western arctic, this is not the case. People rely on the CBC to provide the only outlet for local news, weather and native language programming.
Any reduction to these services would have a drastic effect on our people. The Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, has struggled, for the past few years, on less and less funding. Reductions to CBC native programming would compound the problem.
Many times we have said that our situation in the north, is unique. In the case of radio and television services, it is and can be dramatically demonstrated. CBC radio is a lifeline for the residents of Nunavut. We do not have the luxury of competing private stations. This government has to realize this and take it in account.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister responsible and the Premier to lobby on behalf of the CBC Northern Service immediately and will question the Minister later today on this topic.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Funding Reductions To Cbc Radio And Television Services
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Picco. Member's statement, Mr. Evaloarjuk.
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