Mr. Bilodeau, could you lead us in prayer?

Oh God our Father, we thank Thee that we can serve the people of the north. We thank Thee that we can gather to enact laws for peace and justice in this land. We thank Thee for the rich blessings that we enjoy, for the many things that we partake of that so many do not. We pray that Thou would bless us at this time with Thy inspiration and Thy guidance and spirit, to help us to remember who we serve and to remember to uphold those principles that we feel are right and serve best the people of the north. We thank Thee for These things and we pray for these things in the thy holy name. Amen.

Amen.

Thank you, Mr. Bilodeau. Members welcome to the new session of this Assembly. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if Her Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories is prepared to address this Assembly?

-- O Canada

Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly. I am pleased to welcome you to the fourth session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

When I look back at the past 365 days I am impressed with the work you have accomplished to date, despite the many difficult challenges and circumstances you faced when you took office at this time last year.

Today we mark the beginning of a session that will continue to see many important issues and decisions brought before the members of this House.

In the months to come, you will be reviewing and adopting the 1997-98 territorial budget, addressing a host of constitutional issues and considering a variety of other items in preparation for Division of the Northwest Territories in 1999.

As part of this, the legislative agenda for the fourth session will include the Appropriation Act 1997-98, and the Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1996-97.

In addition, the government will be bringing forward four new family law bills, including the Child and Family Services Act, the Adoption Act, the Children's Law Act and the Family Law Act.

These bills represent the culmination of nearly ten years of work on family law reform and will provide the Northwest Territories with modern legislation that reflects the unique circumstances of the north and respects the cultural traditions of its people.

Mr. Speaker, your government considers these bills essential to the good conduct of government and, as such, I recommend their passage.

Mr. Speaker, before this House begins discussion and debate on all of these important issues, I would like to make a personal comment on the spirit and nature of consensus government.

We are in a unique situation in Canada. The 24 members of the Assembly are elected to this House based on what people believe they can offer to government as individuals, rather than as members of some organization or party.

Because of this, each member of this House is free to vote as they wish, and for what they feel is in the best interests of their constituents and the people of the North.

Mr. Speaker, as members know, any decision of this House requires agreement by a majority of members. This means that all members must work together to build consensus by finding common ground and moving forward.

The eyes of the world are upon us as we prepare for April 1, 1999.

We have an opportunity to show the world what can be accomplished when we value our different viewpoints and experiences, when we listen to what others have to say, and when we work together to find solutions that will work for all.

Consensus government is a good form of government. It is a government system you can be proud to be a part of.

Critics may say it does not work well in difficult times. But I believe it is during the difficult times when consensus government is more effective.

As we have learned living in the north, it is when we face difficulty or need help that, as a community, we must draw together and cooperate in order to survive.

Mr. Speaker, as members enter the second year of this term, I encourage you to work together to fulfil the spirit and intent of consensus government.

As Commissioner, and on behalf of all citizens of the Northwest Territories, I would like to thank and commend all members for your hard work and positive efforts over the past year, and encourage your continuing earnest consideration and good judgment in the weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I now declare open the fourth session of the 13th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The House will come back to order. Item 3, Ministers' Statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and fellow members.

As we mark the opening of the fourth session of the 13th Assembly of the Legislative Assembly, I would like to take this opportunity to not only reflect upon our achievements over the past year but, more importantly, to talk about how we must work to continue moving ahead towards April 1, 1999.

Mr. Speaker, it is almost exactly one year to the day when the members of this Legislative Assembly took their seats in this House.

At that time, we noted that no other government in the history of the Northwest Territories took office faced with the number and degree of financial, administrative, economic, social and constitutional challenges as those faced by members of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

However, early on, as a group, we decided we must confront all of these issues together.

As a Legislative Assembly, we developed a vision for a financially secure Northwest Territories where people are able to enjoy a good quality of life and have access to the jobs they want and need.

In working to fulfil that vision, over the past 365 days, an extraordinary amount of activity has taken place to address the priorities of this government.

Probably the most notable accomplishment to date has been in our efforts to secure our financial future. Mr. Speaker, as the Honourable Mr. Todd reported during the last session, we are on track in our deficit reduction plan, and are projecting that the deficit for the current year will be about $43 million.

On of the key contributing factors in achieving this target is our effort to develop a more effective and efficient government structure.

Over the past year, we have begun implementing a strategy for reducing the size and cost of government. As part of this, we have amalgamated departments, reduced duplication of services, to implement change.

In other parts of Canada, where similar action was necessary, governments were only able to bring about change through unilateral legislative action.

By comparison, in the Northwest Territories we were able to negotiate equal or greater reductions without work stoppage and without significant interruptions in levels of service to the public.

I believe that not only speaks well for the people who serve in government, but for the people who work in this government as well.

As we continue to review and improve government structure and operations, we must acknowledge the hard work and cooperation of all of these individuals, and thank them for their efforts in managing in these difficult times.

Mr. Speaker, we have also made great progress in our efforts to help improve economic conditions, and create more job opportunities in the North.

Over the past few weeks, we have celebrated the signing of several agreements to clear the way for the development of the BHP Diamonds Project near Lac de Gras.

As part of that, we have successfully negotiated a socio-economic agreement that guarantees over half the jobs associated with the mining operation will be for people living in the north, and, in turn, over half of those jobs are guaranteed for people of aboriginal descent.

To the credit of BHP Diamonds, and all parties involved in the project, we were all able to rise to the challenge, and work out a deal that is truly beneficial to all, and that is guaranteed to bring economic benefits to the north.

As well, we remain vigilant on our attempt to secure a diamond valuation facility to be based in the north that will reap additional economic benefits associated with the establishment of the first diamond mine in North American.

Mr. Speaker, this past year has also been filled with planning and preparation for the division of the Northwest Territories in 1999.

In the west, the Constitutional Working Group of Western Caucus and the Aboriginal Summit released a Draft Constitution Package to begin the public consultation process and debate on how the west will be governed.

With that launch, we are now in the most important phase of constitutional development for the west. We are determining our future, and have an opportunity unlike any other in our history. Working together, we can create a system that works for everyone, and that allows us to blend our cultures, traditions and rights in an effective and productive manner.

A similar opportunity exists in the east. A substantial amount of work has progressed on the creation of Nunavut. Most recently the Nunavut Implementation Committee has released Footprints 2, a report outlining recommendations on moving ahead with the creation of a new government for Nunavut.

As members know, as an active participant in the implementation process, the Government of the Northwest Territories is currently drafting an official response to that report. In preparing our response, we will be seeking your input and comments in the days ahead.

As with the western constitutional debate, this issue deserves open and effective debate to ensure a positive and successful outcome. Our challenge over the weeks and months ahead is to work with all of the parties involved - in both the east and the west - to balance the efforts to ensure all activities are conducted in a fair, equitable and timely manner.

Our goal, as I have stated in the past, is to do all we can as a government to make April 1, 1999 a day for celebration. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is worth noting that all discussions on division and the formation of the two new governments have included recognition of the inherent right to self-government.

Our aboriginal culture and population are among the things that make us unique in the Canadian landscape. It also provides us with an opportunity to create unique, progressive and positive governments for the north.

The Commissioner stated in her opening remarks that the eyes of the world are upon us. More importantly, the eyes of all northerners are upon us as we work through the maze of uncertainty, and do what we can to make both new territories financially and politically viable.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the things I have highlighted here today, there is also a long list of initiatives on which we have begun work, and that we will see completed in the months to come. By any standard, our achievements to date have been remarkable and significant, and serve as a testament for the efforts of every member of this Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken for the past few minutes about where we have been.

Now I believe we must ask ourselves where do we go from here? How do we focus our energies so that we can make best use of the time that remains?

In accomplishing all of the things I have just outlined, it is important to note we have taken positive action on each of the ten priorities we set out for this Assembly as part of our Building a Foundation for the Future: Agenda for Change.

But as we take our next steps forward, it is now important to narrow our scope, and start drawing our priorities together towards a common goal...toward our common vision.

Mr. Speaker, while the ten priorities we established will remain vital to our decision-making process, I believe we must now focus on three core priorities for the future:

One, to establish two new viable territories by April 1, 1999; two, to improve economic conditions; and three, to address social conditions.

The methods, or processes by which we will accomplish these things will include our priorities of community empowerment, community wellness, taking action on aboriginal issues, improving the structure of government, being heard at the national level and doing all we can to control our own future.

But at the same time, focusing on these three critical issues will allow us to advance on the road to completing what we have set out to do.

These three priorities must be central to the decision-making process associated with the 1997-98 budget, and must guide what we debate in this House as we continue to establish a firm foundation for the future.

Mr. Speaker, we have embarked upon a path of change. It is also a path that we collectively must believe is for the best for the people of the Northwest Territories, as well as for the future of the two new territories.

At this time last year, we all acknowledged these would not be easy times, and now, if anything, our jobs will become more challenging in the weeks and months to come.

Mr. Speaker, every member of this House chose to run and to serve the people of the north, and now, more than ever, we must stand behind our choice to serve our people and to govern effectively. But I would like to remind members that government is not designed to be all things to all people. Government means balancing and allocating resources in the best interest of all - not just a few.

In some cases there will be people who feel the effects of change and of our decisions more than others, and while affecting or changing some aspects of peoples' lives is not something we like to do, in many cases it is a result of something we need to do.

It has always been a challenge to balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the whole. But in times when money is tight, the change is vital, that is particularly difficult.

In general, Mr. Speaker, we must not let the short-term impacts of our long-term plans direct our actions. We simply cannot afford to debate every short-term issue, complaint, or concern.

As MLAs, we must continue to deal with individuals and specific circumstances as they arise, but as a Legislative Assembly we must continue to focus on the long-term goals.

As elected officials, our job is to set direction. It is not our job to manage the day-to-day operation of the government. If we do not focus on our jobs of moving the government and the north forward at a broader level, we will not have done all we can do to lay the groundwork for the creation of two new and prosperous Canadian territories.

Mr. Speaker, we have set a course towards what we believe is right, and now we must continue to work together to stay on that course. If we do not maintain that course, more people will suffer in the long run that could ever be affected in the processes of implementing change and fulfilling our vision.

As a government and as a Legislative Assembly, we only have about 850 days left to accomplish an ambitious, and extremely important agenda. We cannot afford to waste even half a day if we want to make a difference for the people in the north, and leave a positive legacy for future generations of northerners.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to summarize what I believe outlines what we must do if we are going to fulfil our vision.

First, we must focus our priorities on division, improving economic conditions, and addressing social conditions.

To make this government and this Assembly effective, these three core priorities must be at the heart of what every MLA must focus on from here on in.

Second, we must continue to work together, as cooperatively as possible, and as the Commissioner said, in the true spirit of consensus government.

Third, we must take the broad view of all the large issues facing the north, and on the three priorities on which we must now direct our energies. This is particularly important on division, where it would be easy for all of us to think in terms of our specific ridings, or in east and west.

We must remember as a whole, and in this House, we are the Government of the Northwest Territories, and we must think in terms of the whole, not any specific part.

As it says in our own caucus chamber, Change can come from the power of many, but only when it comes together to form that which is invincible...the power of one.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, we must stay the course we have set for ourselves. As we have already seen, that may mean we have to weather a few storms, and fight some big waves, but if we can ride it out, I believe when we reach our destination, we will say it was worth the journey.

Mahsi cho. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Ministers' Statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise members that the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo will be absent from the House today, Thursday, and Friday to accompany Ronald Irwin, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, in the Canadian delegation to Nuuk, Greenland. Mr. Arlooktoo will be representing the Government of the Northwest Territories.

As well, Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Kelvin Ng will be absent from the House today, to attend a meeting of the Ministerial Council of Social Policy Renewal and Reform in Toronto.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Minister's statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to announce the appointment of Mr. Fred Koe of Yellowknife as the new chairperson the Workers' Compensation Board. Mr. Koe replaces the former chair, Mr. Jeffrey Gilmour, who recently became Secretary to the Cabinet and Deputy Minister of the Department of the Executive for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Koe, a certified management accountant, is a long time northerner and businessman who is familiar with the working conditions in the north. He has a first hand understanding of the operation of the Workers' Compensation Board as he chaired the 1992 Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions review of the Workers' Compensation Board during his time as a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Koe assumes this position on a part-time basis. The responsibilities of chief executive officer, formerly handled by the chairperson, have been delegated to the President, Mr. Gerry Meier. The move to a part-time chairperson is consistent with the recommendation contained in the Report of the 1989 Review Panel, the 1992 Standing Committee on Agencies, Board and Commissions and the WCB Garven Report.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Ministers' statements. Are there any further ministers' statements? Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like many northerners, I have been watching the recent trials of Canadian Airlines with a great deal of interest. I recognize how crucial air travel is to the north, and I appreciate the crucial role Canadian Airlines and its predecessor, Pacific Western Airlines, has played in providing northerners with this vital service.

Mr. Speaker, the future of this airline is now at stake. Canadian North is, and has been, an important part of the northern economy. Not only do they provide approximately 100 jobs to the north, they also contribute between $7 million and $8 million annually to the northern economy. Some of these contributions are contract employees in communities supplying ground services and monies for sale, marketing, advertising and joint promotion, airport operations, a form of fuel purchases, hotel expenses in various communities, terminal fees, management expenses, and supply of service by local catering companies. Community support through various discount travels for events and charities and for sporting groups.

The importance and significance of Canadian North is centred around all these services, and the loss of Canadian Airline, would have a direct effect on many additional people.

The competition that Canadian Airlines provides in the marketplace ensures that airfares in the north are reasonable and that northern communities have the greatest opportunities to be served by competitive commercial airlines.

If Canadian Airlines were to go under, it would be a serious and financial inconvenience to many Canadians. But the effects in the north would be devastating. We would suffer a great proportionate impact with the loss of jobs to our small, fragile economy. As well, we would feel the effects of reducing competition through higher airfare and reduced services.

Mr. Speaker, the northern economy cannot afford to lose Canadian Airlines, that is why I am glad to see progress as being made in negotiations between the airline and the government such as Alberta and B.C. where they have taken the initiative to rebate a fuel tax levy of approximately 1 million dollars, in Alberta's case, to assist the company.

Later today, I will be asking the Minister of Transportation questions regarding the role the Government of the Northwest Territories can play to ensure the survival of this important corporate citizen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have recently had the opportunity to review the Nunavut Implementations Commission's Report entitled, Footprints in the Snow 2. This is a 300 page document that lays out the framework for the proposed new decentralized government for Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, this extensive and thorough document speaks very highly of the Commission's work and dedication, ensuring that Nunavut gets off to an organized and healthy beginning.

The report covers such areas as telecommunications in Nunavut, recruitment and employment for the workforce in Nunavut, required infrastructure, the decentralized model of government, financial matters, the administration of justice in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, the 20 year trek to arrive at this point has been a long and hard road for the Inuit leaders and pioneers. A large part of the dream was the potential for Inuit people to secure gainful employment and be authors of their own destiny.

In all of these small off-road communities in Nunavut, there is great anticipation and hope that the new proposed, decentralized government will deliver these much needed and wanted jobs.

Mr. Speaker, this brings me to my main point of concern. In order for the residents of Nunavut to secure the jobs there must be a decentralized government, and in order for these jobs to occur, there must be sufficient funding negotiated in the gross expenditure base to ensure that decentralization will, indeed, occur.

It is also critical that the federal government provide an adequate level of funding to the gross Expenditure Base to ensure that this is realized. After speaking to my fellow MLA, Mr. Picco, who represents the largest constituency in Nunavut and also to, Mr. Barnabas, who represents one of the smaller ridings, there is a consensus that this is not just an issue with the Kivallivik.

Mr. Speaker, the new territory of Nunavut is suffering in a number of areas, which I believe are all in some way inter-related, such as the lack of proper housing, health care concerns, high unemployment (in some areas up to 80 percent).

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

The member for Kivallivik is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays, Mr. O'Brien. You have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last issue, Mr. Speaker, unfortunately is, Nunavut has the highest suicide rate in the country.

Mr. Speaker, I realize that the decentralized Nunavut government will not solve all of these problems, but it will certainly go a long way to help alleviate these socio-economic concerns. Therefore, we must all work together, both east and west to this end. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.