This is page numbers 17 - 42 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 2nd 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 communities.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Jim 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 17

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, honourable Members.

Earlier this afternoon, Commissioner Helen Maksagak, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, MP, the Honourable Charles Dent, myself and many others participated in a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Canadian Flag.

The flag-raising ceremony was held as part of the Canada - Take it to Heart initiatives, where all Canadians are being asked to take time to honour those things that are important to us as individuals and members of the Canadian family.

Our Canadian Flag was raised for the first time in 1965, and for the past 31 years has been the most potent symbol of our identity and our sense of belonging to Canada.

There are so many reasons for joining together to celebrate this cherished symbol that identifies us as unique, proud and confident people. I hope that this event today on the anniversary of the Canadian Flag will strengthen our sense of belonging and our faith in this country as today and every day we realize how fortunate we are to live in a country like Canada, truly the envy of the world.

At this time, I would like to recognize in the gallery, our MP for the Western Arctic, Ms. Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

---Applause

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, we sometimes get so caught up in the day-to-day issues we face in Canada that we forget the many things that work right in our country and, for all the challenges we face, many things do work well. For the second year in a row, the United Nations has ranked Canada as the best country in the world in which to live. I believe we occasionally need to take time to reflect on the benefits of living in Canada and the contributions of the peoples who have helped build our country.

I am pleased to inform this Assembly that the Government of Canada has designated February 12th to 19th as National Citizenship Week. As part of the celebration, I was pleased to take part today in a ceremony you mentioned, Mr. Speaker, marking the anniversary of the Canadian Flag.

Heritage provides a foundation for each one of us. Our culture and heritage shapes how we see the world, how we learn and how we relate to others. Understanding our heritage helps us understand ourselves and gives each of us the self-confidence we need to meet the challenges in our everyday lives.

Heritage Day, February 19th, has special significance for the Northwest Territories. The NWT is made up of peoples of many different cultures, each of which has made important contributions to our society. Heritage Day presents us with an excellent opportunity to learn more about our own culture, and to learn more about our neighbours.

Heritage Day is a project of the Heritage Canada Foundation, which has chosen the contributions of Nordic Canadians as its theme for this year. To celebrate this theme, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre will be holding special programs this Sunday and Monday. A significant event on Sunday will be the First Annual Knut Skibstad L'il Loppet ski race, which is being held to honour the late Knut Skibstad. Mr. Skibstad was a Canadian or Norwegian descent who worked as a cabinet maker and exhibit fabricator at the Northern Heritage Centre for 14 years.

The Heritage Centre will also host a series of children's activities on Heritage Day to promote awareness of Nordic Canadian cultures. Museums and heritage organizations in other NWT communities will also hold events and activities in celebration of Heritage Day.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has a rich cultural heritage that stretches over thousands of years. There are many ways in which all northerners can learn more about their own culture and heritage. Some of these include visiting an elder and asking about his or her childhood; visiting a museum, heritage building or historic site; exchanging stories or traditions with someone of another culture; or, spending an evening looking at family photos.

I encourage all Members of this Assembly and all residents of the NWT to take some time on February 19th to reflect on the many advantages of living in Canada and the importance of culture and heritage. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.

Minister's Statement 3-13(2): Community Wellness
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 18

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, this statement is a short progress report on the community wellness strategy. In the summer of 1995, an intensive round of consultation resulted in a directions document for community wellness. Following this, a series of regional and community meetings were held to develop plans for the implementation of the strategy across the Territories.

In conjunction with these meetings, a community action fund of $2.9 million was established. The fund allowed community groups to pilot a variety of initiatives. These initiatives were aimed at preparing communities to take on more responsibility for wellness programs and services.

I am pleased to say that interest in this initiative has been unprecedented. More and more communities are developing their own plans for implementing wellness initiatives for their residents. As you know, this government recognizes community wellness as a top priority.

As a result, I have been asked to finalize a framework that will allow communities to take on responsibility for the full range of wellness programs and services currently managed by our government. This framework will be complete by June 1996, and will empower communities to accept the transfer of resources by the beginning of the new fiscal year in 1997-98.

Mr. Speaker, this is more than simply a transfer of government programs and services. We all recognize that we cannot afford our current way of doing business. As well, communities have told us that the government's methods of delivering services are not always in keeping with the traditions and priorities of our residents. The most consistent feedback we have received is that the proliferation of government departments, boards and agencies in communities has been a source of frustration.

The framework will allow communities to accept responsibility for community wellness programs as part of a larger community empowerment initiative of this government. When it is complete, communities can be provided with block funding to deliver many of the programs and services that are currently delivered by government departments and agencies within the social envelope.

The funding arrangements will provide flexibility, allowing communities to develop their own priorities for service delivery. Ideally, the funding for government programs and services would be managed through a single organization at the community level, possibly the local governing body. This will promote consistency and ensure that services are linked and complementary to each other.

Standards for many of the wellness programs and services will need to be fairly general, Mr. Speaker, to give communities flexibility for their own unique solutions. However, some of the services are guided by legislation and communities will have to recognize these statutory limitations on their spending. The requirements of the Canada Health Act and the Education Act are two examples of areas where territory-wide standards will have to be met.

However, we are confident that, even in these areas, there is room for much more flexibility through block funding arrangements. More details will be made available as departmental business plans are finalized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 3-13(2): Community Wellness
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 18

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Potential Diamond Mine
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 18

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Five years ago, the idea of North America's first diamond mine being located here in the NWT was a mere dream. Today it appears that such a mine is a definite possibility and one that I feel that this government, from the Premier's remarks yesterday, supports.

Before this mine can proceed, it must meet with the approval of the Environmental Assessment Review panel appointed by the federal government. This week the panel is here in Yellowknife, hearing views of many different people. Many of the presenters are northern residents sharing their ideas from technical, cultural, environmental and social points of view. Northerners are recognizing the potential of the possible diamond mine, but also reminding us of the importance of our land, the wildlife and the environment.

The panel has also heard from groups outside of the Territories; in particular, my attention was drawn to the comments by a member of an Australian environmental group advising northerners who to listen to and what to believe. As I listened to the remarks, Mr. Speaker, I kept thinking of others who have told northerners what is best for them; in particular, the North has struggled as a result of those in southern Canada and in Europe who know better than us about the fur industry, about what is humane and what is not humane. These groups or individuals have taken trapping as a way of life from many northerners and cannot be allowed to influence northerners regarding a potential economic means to survive in the event of a complete ban of fur products.

Mr. Speaker, while the experiences of others can be valid, we live in a unique part of the world and have unique ways of doing business. I believe the environmental panel, which includes northerners, will focus on the concerns and issues of northerners, rather than advice from those in other parts of the world who think they know what is good for us.

I hope the panel will make recommendations which will help northerners and BHP build a long and prosperous future together, one which will benefit the people of the Northwest Territories as well as the company. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Potential Diamond Mine
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 1996, I was pleased to be asked to participate in a teleconference with the mayor, councillors and officials from the hamlet of Pangnirtung and the regional office of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs in Baffin. We discussed capital priorities for Pangnirtung at that meeting. We discussed a number of capital projects, and some of those capital projects such as dump sites and sewage disposal sites, sealift staging. We were told that the projects are on schedule and are okay.

On another topic, the hamlet requested that a new dump truck should take priority over a new bulldozer. The hamlet asked that the dump truck be moved forward and the bulldozer moved back. They were told by the officials that it should not be a problem. However, when the hamlet requested moving the maintenance garage project ahead to the 1996-97 capital plan since it is a priority for the community, the regional superintendent said that the 1996-97 capital plan might be cut and he was not sure if it was going to be possible to move the maintenance garage forward.

I would like to inform the honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs that the maintenance garage is a strong priority for the hamlet of Pangnirtung. It is necessary to prolong the life of hamlet vehicles. The new maintenance garage is an investment for our government since it will make the hamlet equipment last much longer.

I welcome the chance to participate with the officials in our government...

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Enuaraq, your time is up.

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Mr. Speaker, I am seeking unanimous consent.

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for High Arctic is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Enuaraq.

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Mr. Speaker, just one correction: Member for Baffin Central, instead of High Arctic. Thank you.

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

My apologies.

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

When the officials say they cannot answer a question, I hope that the message is communicated to the Minister.

Later today, I will be asking the Minister whether she has any news about the important request from the hamlet of Pangnirtung. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Pangnirtung Capital Projects
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

National Citizenship Week
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say a few words about the celebration we had here at the Legislative Assembly at 1:00 today to mark National Citizenship Week. It was a very meaningful ceremony for me. I came to Canada as a young boy in the early 1950s with my parents when they emigrated from our native Holland after the Second World

War. Over the decades, my family has really learned to appreciate the wonderful country that Canada is.

In order for us -- my family, that is -- to become Canadian citizens, we had to be resident here for four years. On the very day of our fourth anniversary my father filed application forms for all members of our family to become Canadian citizens. People from around the world want to emigrate to our country to become citizens here.

To celebrate National Citizenship Week, the federal government has distributed an activity guide with ideas on how we can celebrate this special week. It's called "Canada - Take it to Heart." All of us here should encourage our citizens and organizations in our communities to participate in some of these activities suggested in the guide so that we continue to build on our unique heritage and identity. All northerners should be encouraged to participate in ways that are important to them and, in the process, continue to build this country that remains the envy of the world.

National Citizenship Week is a very special week for us all. This week is also the 31st anniversary of the unveiling of the Canadian red maple leaf flag; I believe it was today. I am very proud to say that I was on Parliament Hill when Prime Minister Pearson declared that the maple leaf be Canada's official flag and as it was raised on the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. Our red maple leaf is recognized and respected around the world. I want to ask all of us here who represent many different cultural, aboriginal and ethnic backgrounds to think about the strength of Canada this week and to look up with appreciation at the Canadian flag on the standard flying outside this building. Thank you.

---Applause

National Citizenship Week
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 19

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

GNWT Staff Training Courses
Item 3: Members' Statements

February 14th, 1996

Page 19

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have had the opportunity to review the GNWT staff training courses calendar for 1996. I discovered that 88 courses will be available over a period of five months. Mr. Speaker, after reviewing this list of courses, I strongly question priorities set by our government.

Mr. Speaker, courses that are offered in high schools and in the first year of college and university -- such as working with basic IBM, Wordperfect 6.1 for Windows and Lotus 1, 2 and 3 -- will be offered to the employees this year. There are courses listed for employees who are interested in entering the enforcement area. I wonder if this is being offered so the government can recruit its own employees into the enforcement areas. I understand that this course was offered by Sir John Franklin High School to a student in 1994. I became more baffled when I noticed that communication courses would be available to senior managers. This alone gives the impression that senior managers are hired without the necessary communication skills to perform their duties.

This government has never met its target of 50 per cent aboriginal hire. Based on that, anyone can assume that 50 per cent of public service employees taking any list of courses over the years could have been aboriginal employees. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance stated in the last session that the deficit was due in large part to higher social program costs than budgeted for. According to the list of courses, social programs are also available to government employees. Courses are available to help employees break out of their comfort zones and unworthy habits as well as for those wishing to live with increasing fulfilment and those who wish to feel more productive and less pressured. Mr. Speaker, I trust those who have contributed largely to the deficit may be the poor on social programs who use those courses that have been available to them.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, for courses to be delivered, the government has to pay costs for newspaper advertisements of tenders for instructors, travel from destination points for employees and instructors alike, pay for accommodation costs and expenses...

GNWT Staff Training Courses
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 20

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Rabesca...(Microphone turned off)

GNWT Staff Training Courses
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 20

James Rabesca North Slave

May I have the unanimous consent of my colleagues to continue speaking?

GNWT Staff Training Courses
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 20

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for North Slave is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement.

GNWT Staff Training Courses
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 20

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for courses to be delivered, the government has to pay the costs for newspaper advertisements of tenders for instructors, travel to and from destination for employees and instructors alike, pay for accommodation costs and expenses, printing of calendars, course fees, including salaries and benefits of the employees while they are on courses. Mr. Speaker, there is no way to measure whether the courses have been successful over the years because in order to do that one would have to find a way to determine if the employees acquired their skills in the workplace after completing the courses they have taken.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly feel that the government has not made strong enough efforts to provide adequate adult education or training programs, especially in the three outlying communities within the Dogrib region. We have to continue with the pilot projects but because they are so short term, there are no constructive ways for this government to determine the success of the short-term programs. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to the Department of Education that they eliminate the training courses for government employees in order to invest heavily where it is most needed, such as education and training programs for constituencies like mine that don't have enough adult education programs and courses.

Mr. Speaker, I feel training courses being offered to the public service employees have been a waste of public funds and no doubt help contribute to the deficit issues. The government must hire the best qualified individual to work with the people of the North and only those who are interested in retiring with us in our North. Mr. Speaker, we have been seen as living off social welfare and not contributing to society as a taxpayer. Only through the government's financial investment an education and adequate training programs and employee initiatives can we alter the grey lines on social welfare and not be seen as making devastating impact on the government's deficit problem.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I feel that the only way our people on social programs can help this government is if this government puts financial investment in our people so they can be in a better position to assist the government to eliminate the deficit problem. Later today, I will be providing the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment with several written questions on this subject. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

GNWT Staff Training Courses
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 20

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.