This is page numbers 87 - 119 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 4th 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 chairman.

Topics

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

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 87

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in accordance with subsection 91(1) of the Financial Administration Act, I will be tabling the Corporate Plan for the Workers' Compensation Board for the years 1997-99 later today.

Implementation of an early intervention approach to claims management, development of a communications strategy and a comprehensive policy review have continued to improve the WCB's service to stockholders. Safety education initiatives were introduced to reduce accidents through several new programs; Safety Incentive and Rate Reduction (SIRR); Claims Management for Employers; Safety Awareness for Artists and Carvers; Safety and the Young Worker.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT Workers' Compensation Board has come a long way since the presentation of its first corporate plan in 1993. As the WCB has evolved in recent years, so has its corporate plan. Unlike previous plans, this document focuses on only four strategic issues. This is a conscious effort by the WCB to limit its new initiatives while preparing for division in 1999.

In the next three years, the WCB will work to promote safe and healthy workplaces by balancing its responsibilities for education and enforcement; promoting partnership and commitment with employers and workers; and, targeting industries and sectors with the highest accident frequency.

The WCB will also work to sustain the progress it has already achieved by evaluating existing programs and service delivery to ensure their effectiveness; examining alternative program and services delivery models; providing on-going training and development for staff; and, ensuring the information systems adequately support the standards set for delivery and accountability of WCB initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, while the 1995 Annual Report reflected the WCB's continued financial health, it is the strategic initiatives defined in this corporate plan that will ensure its success for the future. I encourage all members to take the time to read this important document.

-- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise members of two significant initiatives to document traditional cultural games. The first is the recently published Dene Games Resource Book, documenting the traditional cultural games of the Dene of the Western Arctic including Dogrib, Chipewyan, Gwich'in, Sahtu and Slavey.

Mr. Speaker, the second initiative is the development of a technical manual for arctic sports. This resource is being developed to promote the teaching and training of Inuit arctic sports. The project is sponsored by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, the governments of the NWT, Yukon, Alberta and Canada, Sports North, the NWT Arctic Sports Association and the coaching associations of Canada. The technical manual will overview the important groups of Inuit traditional games, and provide the cultural background of these games. These games completed in the Arctic Winter Games will be described technically, culturally appropriate training methods and values, as well as a process for competition will be described.

Mr. Speaker, resources like the Dene Games Resource book and technical manual for arctic sports preserve and promote traditional cultural values and behaviour of our peoples, and leads to greater understanding and appreciation of our Dene and Inuit cultures. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Ms. Thompson. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the programming of the northern aboriginal broadcasters, carried on TVNC, has helped enhance aboriginal languages and culture, and continues to increase understanding among and between cultural groups. Northern programs are also gaining increased recognition at the national, and international levels, for being innovative, creative and effective.

Today, I would like to congratulate the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation for having won some prestigious awards for their productions. In June, the program Secret Stories was awarded the Unesco prize at the Prix Jeunesse International in Munich, Germany. Secret Stories was co-produced by IBC and is about Linda Tucktoo's experiences in the Philippines.

The same program was also awarded the jury prize at the Fourth World Video and Multi-Media Forum held by the International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audio-visual in Cologne, Germany. In addition, the Alliance for Children and Television here in Canada has just awarded special recognition to the IBC series Takuginai.

The Inuit Broadcasting Corporation receives its funding from the territorial government through Education, Culture and Employment, and from the federal Department of Canadian Heritage. My department is proud to support IBC and its excellent programming. I congratulate IBC on receiving these awards, and on its continuing work to promote understanding of Inuit culture and values. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make a short statement today to call the members' attention to a change of procedure in the Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division, which I believe the members and most of their constituents should take note.

As of October 1996, the Motor Vehicles Division has stopped sending reminder letters to people advising them that their vehicle registration or driver's license is about to expire. The reminder letter was a small service the Department began in 1989 when it changed to the staggered renewal of vehicle registrations. The service was intended to give people a timely reminder, so they would not find themselves in the awkward position of having let their driver's license or vehicle registration expire.

The Motor Vehicles Division sent out about 50,000 letters annually at a cost of $25,000. In any month, the post office returned a quarter to half of these letters as undeliverable, mainly because people move without notifying the Motor Vehicles Division of their change in address. The number of returned letters made the Department question how important the service actually was. In our tight financial circumstances, by cancelling the reminder letters, the Department of Transportation has achieved a small saving with little or no inconvenience to the public.

So, I would like to advise the members and their constituents, that there will be no letter in the mail this year when their vehicle registration is due for renewal. People should check the expiry dates on their motor vehicle documents and remind themselves to renew them before they lapse. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will give this minister's statement on behalf of Mr. Kakfwi. On Wednesday, Mr. Kakfwi had the honour of speaking at the opening of the 24th annual Geoscience Forum now underway in Yellowknife. The forum is a major mining event, where the mineral industry can showcase its work, and raise issues of importance and concern.

The three day conference is organized by the NWT Chamber of Mines. Participants include over 300 members of the geological and mining fraternity, ranging from Baker Lake prospectors to presidents of major mining companies, all of whom are instrumental in mining and exploration activity in the Northwest Territories.

1996 has been a dramatic year for the northern mining industry and the excitement will continue to grow as the NWT's first diamond mine moves closer to production. The mineral industry, and the economic opportunities it provides, are crucial to the economic future of the Northwest Territories. There is potential for more activity as prospectors continue to search out new wealth. Mr. Kakfwi took note that some of the prospectors exploring the land, such as those from Baker Lake who are attending the Geoscience Forum, have been trained in the communities with the prospector training support offered by the department.

Geoscience work, like wildlife and habitat research, is an important part of the GNWT's research activities and an important ingredient in the development of resource management plans. Research that we do is also a key tool to encourage economic growth. As a result of work done in the late 1980's by a GNWT geologist in the Bathurst Inlet area, industry took a closer look at the region. Today BHP minerals is taking a bulk sample from the Boston Gold Property.

Issues of importance to the mineral industry are also presented and discussed at the Geoscience Forum. Departmental Staff will be speaking about the development of a protected areas strategy for the NWT, a process in which the mineral industry will be involved. The strategy, when completed, will enhance our ability to manage all resources, renewable and non-renewable, and provide greater clarity on the availability of land and mineral development.

Mr. Kakfwi looks forward to seeing the proceedings from the Geoscience Forum, and he wishes the industry the best in the coming year. Thank you.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Season's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 89

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

(Translator) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could be given the opportunity to speak. This may be the last sitting of this session, during this year, 1996. I wish the members of this House a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, and I encourage them to share their values with their families. Particularly, Mr. Speaker, I also wish Pangnirtung, Broughton Island, and Clyde River residents a very good Christmas. I also wish Yellowknife residents a very good year. I have enjoyed staying here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Season's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 89

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My member's statement today is in regards to the hiring practices of this government. Specifically, how they treat Aboriginal people in the P1 and P2 positions, especially with the lay-offs that have occurred. I will speak about individuals that have made a career move to get into fields, such as a managerial and technical trades, such as nurses, social workers, doctors, and dentists.

These individuals have made a choice by moving to southern institutions to take the training, and returning home. But, once they got home, there was a real mistrust by managers in regards to their experience or backgrounds because of the colour of their skin. I think we have made a decision to let managers manage. But we also have made a decision that there is an affirmative action policy, and this government has to implement that policy to its fullest, to ensure that people who are born and raised in the north will have the opportunities, so that we do keep those positions available to them. They will eventually be independent, and self-sufficient, by having the human resources from the north available to deliver those programs.

On one hand, we are telling the developer to hire north, maintain jobs for the north, but on the other hand, this government is not practising that. I believe that we have to make it clear to southern managers that we hire through this government, through our hiring practices, that there is affirmative action in place. We do have to educate them, about the opportunity available for those individuals who have gone to school for several years to come back either as dentists, nurses, social workers, or even teachers.

At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the minister for a statement on this.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Funding For Adult Education Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 89

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to thank the honourable Minister of Education, Culture, and Employment, for his timely response to the members of my constituency, who raised concerns over the lack of funding for a second position at the adult education centre in Rae. This position is needed, considering the number of students who are currently in this important program, as well as possible training programs, that are soon to be initiated.

Over the previous months, most members of this House have commented on the need for more adult education in the communities. I would like to add my support for this very worthwhile and important program. Currently, in our region, we have a centre in Rae that offers full time adult education. Three communities of Rae Lakes, Wha Ti, and Snare Lakes, have lobbied this government to provide this program. However, due to cut backs, and lack of funding, these communities have only been given short term solutions. This is not acceptable. We must find better solutions.

With the signing of agreements by this government, Treaty 11 councils, and BHP, we can realize some of our goals for training. I believe it is important for these parties to work together as partners to ensure our people receive the best possible training that we can provide. I also hope that we can start offering this in the very near future.

In closing today, maybe the final day this House will sit prior to Christmas, I would like to wish one and all a safe and Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Funding For Adult Education Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 89

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Thanks To Wife And Family For Support
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 89

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this is the last day of the sitting for 1996, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the people of Iqaluit, Apex, and the outpost camps a very Merry Christmas and New Year.

Mr. Speaker, to be able to come to Yellowknife for prolonged periods of time, when you have a young family, means you need support from your partner at home. Mr. Speaker, my wife Upa, is home with our three kids, ranging in age from 1 to 8 years old. My wife has been employed at the women's shelter known as Qimaavik in Iqaluit, since 1992. That job is stressful, Mr. Speaker. Having to maintain our home, and take care of the three children for weeks on end, while I serve here in public office, takes more than dedication.

It takes commitment and love. I could not be here today, I would not be able to do the job, to function in the stressful world of cutbacks and reductions, being in the public eye, without my wife's support.

Mr. Speaker, as we near the Christmas season and a new year, my wife has two more years of my prolonged absences, and missed birthdays, to look forward to.

Is public life worth missing seeing your baby walk for the first time? Or missing out on an award presentation to your son? I do not know. But the public should sometimes look at these aspects of public life. I now know why so many of our territorial, provincial, and federal politicians have failed marriages and other problems. It is not an easy life, Mr. Speaker. I have nothing but respect for any man or woman who can survive and dedicate four, five, six years or more in public life.

Mr. Speaker, to my wife and family in Iqaluit, that I will not see for another two weeks, I miss you, I love you, and I apologize to my son Wally for missing his birthday again this year, and I will try to make it up to you.

-- Applause

Thanks To Wife And Family For Support
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 90

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Season's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 90

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to send out best wishes for the coming Christmas season to all northerners, especially to my constituents in Arviat and Baker Lake.

Mr. Speaker, just this week, I was informed that the Premier and his Cabinet were not God and the apostles. Mr. Speaker, given the season, this being the season of good will, I will refer to the Premier as Santa Morin, and the cabinet, as his elves. Last Christmas, my list to Santa Morin was to have a little more equity, with reference to capital budgets and allocations, to my riding.

Unfortunately, these stockings, that were hung by the chimney with glee, were found nearly empty. One stocking that was filled, with a health centre for Arviat, was robbed by one of Santa's little elves. So Mr. Speaker, my message to the wisemen from the east, is that, you better watch out, and you better not shout, because he is making his list, and he is checking it twice, and he is going to find out who is naughty or nice. In all seriousness, Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish the Premier and his family nothing but the best for the Christmas season, and also, the godfather and his elves. Thank you.

-- Applause

Season's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 90

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Members' statement. Mr. Barnabas.

Season's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 90

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

(Translator) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also want to wish the members a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. All the best in the future. I would also like to wish Arctic Bay residents Grise Fiord residents, and Resolute Bay residents a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year. I want to wish NWT residents all the best in the New Year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Season's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 90

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.