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 85
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Good afternoon. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.
Minister's Statement 8-13(2): Energy Development Initiatives
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 85
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report on two areas of energy development now under assessment by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Both items relate to making better use of readily available sources of energy; the power of wind and surplus heat.
Mr. Speaker, after more than a year of operation, there are encouraging results from a new type of wind generator operating in Cambridge Bay. The unit was installed by Dutch Industries of Regina in September of 1994, with financial assistance from this government and the federal Department of Natural Resources.
The twin-bladed generator can produce up to 80 kilowatts of power, or about 10 per cent of the needs of the community. Since last spring, it has performed at between 96 and 100 per cent availability when the wind is greater than six kilometres an hour. In total, it has produced more than 190,000 kilowatt hours of power, which the corporation purchases at rates comparable to diesel generation.
Another promising project is in Igloolik where two 15-kilowatt wind generators have been operating reliably for more than a year and a half.
The corporation is working with Dutch Industries to try to arrange private, community and aboriginal partnerships to install generators in other communities.
Wind power will never replace the need for diesel engines, but I'm happy to note that the unit in Cambridge Bay has displaced the need to buy about 55,000 litres of fuel.
Mr. Speaker, an additional source of energy that is readily available is the heat produced from diesel engines. Even the most efficient generators capture only one-third of the potential energy in every litre of diesel fuel burned. Most of the rest of the energy is heat.
Since the 1970s, buildings in nine communities have tapped into this available resource. The Power Corporation itself uses residual heat extensively to supply the needs of its own plants and offices.
Mr. Speaker, as community transfer initiatives become more active, local governments will be more responsible for the cost and efficiency of their buildings. The corporation is working on arrangements that may make it economic and efficient for more communities to take advantage of residual heat, especially those communities where power plants are already centrally located.
Both wind power and residual heat hold potential for reducing the cost of energy in the North and reducing the impact of our environment. But, as always, Mr. Speaker, every resident of the NWT has the responsibility to use energy wisely and use it only as needed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 8-13(2): Energy Development Initiatives
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 85
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.
Minister's Statement 9-13(2): Acknowledgement Of The Visually Impaired
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 85
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, White Cane Week took place between February 4th and 10th. The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to acknowledge the work that has been done with the blind and visually impaired of the Northwest Territories and to reaffirm its commitment to northerners facing special challenges.
We must continue to develop a supportive attitude towards blindness and visual impairment in the Northwest Territories. Residents who have poor or failing vision often play important roles in our communities.
We must also work to draw blind and sighted northerners closer together, not only in the workplace but in activities in our communities and our families. We commend the work of the CNIB in this area.
Mr. Speaker, we all know of blind or visually-impaired members of our communities. I urge each of you to pause for a moment and think about these individuals, the lives they are leading and if there is anything we can do to improve conditions for their benefit.
Blind and visually-impaired individuals should be integrated into the mainstream of community life based on their ability to function in the community.
Mr. Speaker, it is up to us to assist groups such as CNIB in finding ways for blind and visually-impaired individuals to lead satisfying lives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 9-13(2): Acknowledgement Of The Visually Impaired
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 86
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mrs. Thompson.
Minister's Statement 10-13(2): 1996 Arctic Winter Games NWT Team
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 86
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Mr. Speaker, as many of the Members of this Legislative Assembly know, the 1996 Arctic Winter Games will be held in Chugiak-Eagle River, Alaska, from March 3 to 10, 1996. The NWT has participated in the 13 Arctic Winter Games held since the first games were hosted by Yellowknife in 1970.
Team NWT for 1996 will consist of 371 athletes, coaches and mission staff in 19 sports, plus a cultural contingent. The team has representation from 33 communities across the NWT, a fact we are particularly proud of.
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing with Members of this Assembly, a complete list of members of Team NWT, so that they may be aware of those athletes who have earned the right to represent the NWT at this, the largest and most important games in the North. (Translation ends)
The Arctic Winter Games involves far more than these 371 athletes, Mr. Speaker. The regional and territorial trials used to select the final team are an important opportunity for broad-based competition. Nearly 2,400 participants from 52 communities were involved in the regional trials that took place in November and December of 1995.
From these regional trials, 1,389 participants from 44 communities advanced to territorial trials that were held in 11 different locations in the NWT, January 18 to 21, 1996.
Providing opportunity for as many young athletes as possible, regardless of the community in which they live, is an important objective of the Arctic Winter Games. Participation in sport and recreation can contribute to individual and community wellness, and extending these benefits as broadly as possible to all young people is our intention.
It is true that there is a cost to the broad-based competitions that we sponsor in the Northwest Territories. However, Mr. Speaker, this government's direct contribution is modest: $150,000 each year, or $300,000 for each games held every two years. Revenue is raised from registration fees, lottery proceeds and other donations to offset total costs.
Mr. Speaker, the biggest factor in keeping costs of the Arctic Winter Games down are the hundreds of volunteers who make all this happen. Without the volunteer officials, coaches, managers, chaperons and organizers, the Arctic Winter Games would simply cost too much and this opportunity for our young people would be lost. It has been conservatively estimated that volunteer time was $420,000 for the regional trials; $230,000 for the territorial trials; and another $25,000 for the games, nearly $700,000 in volunteer help. These figures do not include the months of volunteer time of every coach who trained teams or individuals for the competitions. In fact, it has been calculated that volunteers who work with the various territorial sport governing bodies contribute $5.5 million of their time each year.
I wish to say a special thank you to the parents and other adults whose commitment and hard work has made this all possible.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure Members will join me in congratulating those who will be representing the Northwest Territories at the 1996 Arctic Winter Games and wish them the best of luck in their competitions. May they compete in a spirit of friendship and goodwill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Minister's Statement 10-13(2): 1996 Arctic Winter Games NWT Team
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 86
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.
Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 86
James Rabesca North Slave
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituency of Rae-Edzo was most interested in undertaking the brush-clearing contract of Smiley Lake and Frank's Channel. The request for quotes on the contract date was February 7th, and the closing date of February 16th, leaving nine days for the Rae band to forward the original submission to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation in Hay River. The residents had nine days to review and assess almost 50 pages of tender document costing and development of appropriate quotes.
Given the GNWT's stated commitment to increasing employment and business opportunities at the local level, we presumed the Northwest Territories Power Corporation shared this strong commitment. Had there been consultation with the Rae band on this employment opportunity for their members, it would have been a clear example of what this government has been saying it will do. However, this was not the underlying intent judging by the unrealistic requirements in the tender document.
The process expectation and financial commitment that this tender requires is beyond the ability of local organizations and business to compete because of the limited financial resources. The expectation in the tender document requires a 10 per cent bid bond and a performance bond in the amount of 50 per cent of the contract price, and a labour and material bond is also in the amount of 50 per cent of the contract price. Given the significant size of the contract and the Rae Band Limited financial resources, it is almost impossible for my constituency to accommodate the security requirements.
The time frame for submissions allowed no room to negotiate financing or to make other arrangements precludes us from satisfying the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. The irony of this process is that the brush clearing is within the area of Rae-Edzo, but the approach taken by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation sabotages any idea that employment may be possible for the local residents. Fundamental change is critical here if the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is committed to creating employment at the local level.
I would suggest that for contracts of this nature, advance consultation with the communities in the area be undertaken and realistic security requirements be developed.
Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Rabesca, your time is up.
Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
James Rabesca North Slave
May I have the consent of my colleagues to conclude my statement?
Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for North Slave is seeking unanimous consent. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Rabesca.
Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
James Rabesca North Slave
The irony of this process is the brush clearing is within the area of Rae-Edzo, but the approach taken by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation sabotages any idea that employment may be possible for the local residents. A fundamental change is critical if the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is committed to creating employment at the local level.
I would suggest that for contracts of this nature, advance consultation with the communities in the area be undertaken and realistic security requirements be developed; and that the contract terms and conditions be negotiated officially if the work that is to be done is near the communities.
I will be asking the Minister of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation a question on these concerns later today, Mr. Speaker.
Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.
Support For Dogteam Participation In Awg
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is in support of the dogteams participating in the Arctic Winter Games. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the fact that we have Inuit and their dogteams participating in the Arctic Winter Games.
Since the Arctic Winter Games began, many Inuit and other native people have been expected to compete in sports such as basketball and volleyball, which are not our traditional sports. I am very happy that the Arctic Winter Games include Dene games, Arctic sports and dog racing because these sports are traditional for aboriginal people. When we include Arctic sports like dog racing in the Arctic Winter Games, it reflects our northern way of life and our culture.
I don't think the Arctic Winter Games should only include the sports they play in southern Canada. Dogteams are a very important part of our history and our culture in the North. They are also very important in Yukon, Alaska and Greenland. The use of dogteams is growing in the Eastern Arctic.
I hope that the Arctic Winter Games will continue and that the games will continue to be a reflection of our northern way of life and our culture. Thank you.
---Applause
Support For Dogteam Participation In Awg
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.
Successful Rescue Attempt In Iqaluit
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the honourable Member for Baffin Central spoke about receiving his tie from the Premier. Today, I'm proud to say that I'm wearing the tie given to me by Mr. Jerry Ell of Iqaluit. Yesterday, after an intense search and rescue in Iqaluit with Hercules aircraft and helicopters, my friend and official agent of my election, Jerry Ell, and his brother, John, were plucked off the ice floe on Frobisher Bay; safely, I might add.
Successful Rescue Attempt In Iqaluit
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
An Hon. Member
Hear! Hear!
---Applause
Successful Rescue Attempt In Iqaluit
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the coordination and professionalism of the ground search team from Iqaluit, Mr. Simon Nattaq who kept watch at the floe edge and kept radio contact with the search and rescue people in Iqaluit, the Canadian Air Force Hercules crew and Canadian Helicopters based in Iqaluit.
Mr. Speaker, during this operation, the Honourable Manitok Thompson, Minister of MACA, kept me informed and up to date on the progress of the operation in Iqaluit and I thank her for that.
Mr. Speaker, I wear my tie proudly today in recognition of Jerry Ell and his brother, John, and the search and rescue people in Iqaluit and the Ell family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Successful Rescue Attempt In Iqaluit
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.
Financing For New Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 87
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the date for the establishment of Nunavut on April 1, 1999 only about 36 months away, I'm becoming concerned that there are some very important questions, particularly about the financing of the new Nunavut government which we are not getting answers for.
As a Member of the Nunavut Caucus in the last Assembly before division, I want to be sure that there's enough funding for the Nunavut government. With Nunavut so close, we should know that the funding will be available so that the new government can do its job properly.
I was concerned when the Nunavut Leaders' Summit planned for Arviat had been cancelled this month because there was no one available to speak for the federal government to tell us what is really going on in Ottawa. I understand that under the Nunavut political accord signed by the federal government in 1992, the federal government is required to consult with the Government of the Northwest Territories and with Nunavut Tunngavik on the financial arrangements for Nunavut.
Later today, I will be asking our Premier if he has been informed of what the federal government is doing about the funding for Nunavut, and if our government has had input. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Financing For New Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 88
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.
Support For NWT Development Corporation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 88
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I wish to give my strong support for the NWT Development Corporation. Mr. Speaker, this corporation creates jobs in small communities like the ones I represent, where the private sector won't go. This corporation creates jobs for people who otherwise wouldn't have them.
Across the Territories, Mr. Speaker, 80 per cent of the people who work in Development Corporation projects are aboriginal, 65 per cent are women and 46 per cent the sole income for single families. I understand that in 1996, the Development Corporation will spend about $17 million in the Northwest Territories. Of that, $9.5 million will be spent employing about 1,200 people and the rest will go to northern businesses. To conduct themselves, the Development Corporation will spend a total of $5.6 million of government contributions of all kinds; including subsidies, purchases of assets and working capital and administration costs. For an expenditure of about 32 cents...(inaudible)...including investments, the Government of the Northwest Territories will put $1 directly in the territorial economy through its Development Corporation, if we just count up the cost of head office and loss allowance and not investments.
It costs the government only 16 cents to create $1 in the Northwest Territories. The economy in my riding, the Uqqurmiut Weave Shop employs 15 to 20 people a year. Since it began, Uqqurmiut is projected to expend up to 1998, $3.5 million in purchases and payments to the artists.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
Support For NWT Development Corporation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 88
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Baffin Central is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Enuaraq.
Support For NWT Development Corporation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 88
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For a cost of $1.5 million, Pangnirtung Fisheries employs 35 to 40 people year-round and about 10 fishermen. By 1998, Pangnirtung Fisheries is projected to contribute $15.7 million in payments to fishermen and related businesses at a cost of $6 million.
Mr. Speaker, I know that in these times of financial restraint it may be tempting to judge government programs by whether they are self-sufficient or not. That may be fine for larger communities which have a developed economy and a strong private sector, but in my constituency where the private sector will not go and where unemployment is very high, the Northwest Territories Development Corporation mandate allows it to create real jobs for a relatively small government contribution.
Mr. Speaker, without the Development Corporation contributions, many more of my constituents would be on welfare or even worse. I salute the NWT Development Corporation for what it's doing in my riding and other smaller communities in the NWT, and ask other honourable Members to recognize even in these difficult financial times that in some cases it is very worthwhile to spend government money to create jobs in communities which have little or no private economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Support For NWT Development Corporation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 88
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.
Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 88
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to make a comment today about the Hanging Ice Bison Ranch and the Department of Renewable Resources. The Department of Renewable Resources gave the community of Fort Smith until December 1st to submit a proposal to possibly salvage the Hanging Ice Bison Ranch. After I was elected, I made this an issue and we tried to come up with a salvage plan, but lo and behold we found out that the government had moved ahead and ignored its own deadline to us and said it's too bad, it's unfortunate, but we've already signed a contract.
That was fine. We weren't that happy but we decided we would make the best of it because some of that was our own fault. We indicated to the government that we would be interested in pulling together a salvage plan with possibly using Elk Island buffalo and possibly going to the people of Fort Providence to see if they would be kind enough to give us some buffalo to restock Hanging Ice Ranch.
The government indicated that they would be very happy to work with us in a positive way that, yes, they would leave the infrastructure that was there to help us possibly pull together a salvage plan. We accepted that in good faith. As things have proceeded, the buffalo are now gone and it turns out that not only are the buffalo gone but they've killed the ranch and now they're in there looting the corpses. They've taken away the infrastructure that they promised they would allow us to keep to work around to see if we could put together a proposal. The deputy minister, who seems to be running the department, has made that commitment. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that the people of Fort Smith feel very shabbily treated by the Department of Renewable Resources in this case. We've attempted to be very calm and rational about this to work with the government; and it's extremely disillusioning, I might add, as we talk about open government and working with the people. If it's an indication of how the Department of Renewable Resources intends to do business, then I think we have lots of work to do if they want to have a good working relationship in the community and I think it's very unfortunate. Thank you.
Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 88
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.
Correction To Statement Re Language Pathologists
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 89
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I look on the orders of the day, I do not find a position for errors or correction so I'll make my statement here.
Last Friday, I made a statement in this House regarding speech and language services offered by Stanton Regional Hospital. In my statement, I incorrectly advised that the number of speech and language pathologists available to the Western Arctic were two positions. In actual fact, the number is four, with a possibility of a fifth position which would service Yellowknife schools.
I apologize for any misunderstanding this may have caused. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Correction To Statement Re Language Pathologists
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 89
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Steen.
Appreciation Of NWT Workforce
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 89
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday when we were going through the supplementary expenditures, we recognized $41 million that was spent by this government on some programs. Little or none of these expenditures were directed towards the present GNWT workforce. Most of the monies were identified as being spent on education, social assistance and harvesting programs.
I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to point out that the $41 million is roughly the amount of money this government has as an accumulated deficit. None of it or very little of it can be contributed towards our workforce.
I think at this time, it would be appropriate to take this opportunity to thank the people who are working for us out there, and to let them know that we do appreciate what they're doing. There are some of us here who do support them.
Mr. Speaker, I don't doubt that when it comes to third reading, the bill for amending the legislation with regard to our workforce agreement will be passed. I just want them to know that there are some of us here who appreciate what they're doing for us. Thank you.
---Applause
Appreciation Of NWT Workforce
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 89
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Roland.
Selection Process For Awg
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 89
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. First off, I would like to say hello to my wife and children back home. Sorry, I would like to wish my parents back home best in their quest to become the king and queen of the Muskrat Jamboree Festival in Inuvik.
---Applause
He's 74, going on 75, and he's trying to become king.
Mr. Speaker, today I bring into this House a concern with the selection process of the Arctic Winter Games. It was brought to my attention that during the trials, it has been said that certain coaches were using this process to confirm selections already made. Mr. Speaker, when these concerns were brought forward to me, I requested of MACA information on selection process, who was picked and the ratings given to all athletes. Up until now I have not received this information.
Mr. Speaker, what I am speaking about is to do with ice hockey. Mr. Speaker, I don't know exactly how much this government is spending on trials -- although I have just been given an update -- if the teams are already picked, what are the purpose of these trials? In this day and age of budget cuts and reducing funding to programs, can we justify this ongoing commitment to the games, especially since the process is not seen to be fair in its selections? If this process does not change, then I would have to agree with the Member for Thebacha...
---Laughter
...about the need for review of the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Selection Process For Awg
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 89
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.
Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 89
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A number of organizations and individuals in my constituency have contacted me about the potential closure of the extended care unit at Stanton Regional Hospital. This is a unit that provides extended care to patients from around the NWT, who need long-term, supervised convalescence, or who are, unfortunately, terminally ill and need medical and quality care to provide comfort during their last days.
The extended care unit was established at Stanton Hospital because many of the care requirements are medical in nature. The extended care unit is a 14-bed unit and has been used for long-term care, palliative care, convalescent care, respite care and rehabilitation for the past eight years, maintaining a 97.8 per cent occupancy rate. The unit provides care through an interdisciplinary approach with a wide range of services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and respiratory therapy that are available only at Stanton Regional Hospital.
A very dear and long-time friend of mine, Ross Harvey -- who many of you may know -- spent his last days in this unit. With great physical effort, he wrote to the chairman of the hospital board urging him to maintain the unit at Stanton Hospital. He expressed his gratitude to the staff for the truly concerned effort they made to ease the pain and provide some quality to his final months of life.
Many of the patients of the extended care facility require immediate and round-the-clock access to medical services and staff.
While the current fiscal situation may be a factor in considering the possibility of relocating the unit to various other locations in Yellowknife, I would urge the Minister of Health to recommend relocating other areas of the hospital administration such as Finance or Personnel, which do not require close proximity to medical equipment or medical staff.
In view of the lack of alternatives in support programs in care, I am deeply concerned about the impact of the potential closure of the extended care unit of Stanton of the current and future residents of this unit. Thank you.
Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.
Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to note that yesterday, going through the Supplementary Appropriation, No. 2, I was amazed at my colleague from Tuktoyaktuk when he stated that the Housing Corporation are presently still in the process of purchasing units that have been given to individuals as HAP units and buying them back at possibly twice as much as what it cost to build. If that practise is being continued, this government should seriously look at it. In this time of restraint, we are short of a lot of houses in the Northwest Territories.
The previous government announced that they were in the process of selling off government units to employees and getting out of the housing market. I find it awful that this practice is continuing. With the need of housing for individuals and the cutback with regard to the funding for housing from the federal government, we should seriously look at individuals who receive HAP units as a house which is given to them, versus the existing program of access where a person has to qualify and pay into that program. This should be looked at, especially if this government is purchasing units that have been given by this government by individuals and then buying them back. That practice doesn't make sense. I will be asking the Minister question on this later on. Thank you.
Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.
World Championship Dog Races In Manitoba
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to indicate that I have not heard one Member in this House who has indicated that they do not appreciate our public civil service.
---Applause
In fact, we have heard quite the opposite. People do appreciate our civil servants. However, we do have a potential deficit of $150 million. We see lots in the papers about MLAs receiving too much and MLAs having to take a decrease in their salaries. I think everyone else has to take their share as well.
With that, I would like to turn to a fax I received from the Arctic Marina Kennels on last weekend's world championship dog races at the Pas, Manitoba. I am happy to inform this House that Richard Beck from Yellowknife is the new world champion dog musher.
---Applause
Richard Beck is from Yellowknife North.
---Laughter
---Interjection
World Championship Dog Races In Manitoba
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Third place was Frank Kelly from Yellowknife; fourth place was Grant Beck from Yellowknife; third place was Ernie Campbell from Yellowknife; tenth place was Heather Beck, the only girl and a rookie from Yellowknife; twelfth place was Raymond Beck from Hay River; thirteenth place was Jim Essrey from Hay River; and fourteenth place was Brian Cole from Yellowknife.
I don't know if any of these people are going to the Arctic Winter Games, but I am glad we went to The Pas. Thank you.
---Applause
World Championship Dog Races In Manitoba
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. To remind Members, when you do a Member's statement, keep it to one subject. Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.
Safety Of School Children In Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe, and surely Members of this House believe, that education is a priority of this government thereby making the safety of school children also a priority of this government.
Safety Of School Children In Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 3, Members' statements. Are there further Members' statements? Mr. Antoine.
Importance Of Native Languages
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 90
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) I would like to say something in my language today. I would like to say something about my language. I seldom here anyone speaking their own language in here. I believe this is a step backwards. There are many issues regarding the lack of for languages. I would like to say something today. I have been wanting to say something ever since we started sitting. Over half of the people back in my constituency speak in their own language. This is why I like to speak my own language once in a while. They talk about the cut in funding and we
seem to be taking the languages...I would just like to say something in my language to recognize the importance of our language.
---Applause
Importance Of Native Languages
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Krutko.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 91
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
I would like to recognize a pool shark in the gallery, Mr. Pete Liske.
---Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Henry.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 91
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The gentlemen, among others, who are responsible for bringing light to this Chamber and other buildings; Dave Maguire, an employee of NTPC.
---Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Are there further recognitions? At this time, I will recognize the Pages. We have a number of Pages here who belong to the Boy Scouts. There is Chris Mercredi, Stewart MacKenzie, Ryan Silke, Adam Gordon, Zoltan Kalnay -- I hope I pronounced that right -- Julian Morse, Jeff Nungaq, and Nathan Arngna'naaq. These are our Pages for today.
---Applause
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, would the honourable Minister kindly report to the status of the urgent situation in Arviat whereby approximately 15 babies were medevaced to the South due to some type of viral attack? Thank you.
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.
Return To Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we were informed this morning by the Keewatin Regional Health Board staff that 12 children were medevaced to Winnipeg this weekend as a result of pertussis or whooping cough. That is the information I have to date, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.
Supplementary To Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in view of this urgent situation, can the Minister tell me if any additional assistance has been provided to the health centre? If not, could you look into this matter? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there hasn't been any formal request made by the Keewatin Regional Health Board yet for assistance. So I understand that the situation is in hand. We would be willing to look at it if the request were made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Question 64-13(2): Status Of Medical Emergency In Arviat
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Rabesca.
Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
James Rabesca North Slave
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was some concern raised earlier on about the Frank's Channel brush-clearing contract in the House. I would like to ask the Minister of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation if the contract has been awarded yet.
Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, Mr. Dent.
Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to the Member's statement earlier today, but I don't have that information with me, so I will have to take the question as notice.
Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The question was taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Renewable Resources. I would like the Minister to indicate, if he could, how he sees his department working with the community of Fort Smith in the area of restocking or pulling together a proposal for the bison ranch, given all that has happened and the fact that they made a prior commitment and stripped the place bare, all the while telling us they wanted to work together. Thank you.
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
To the Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Kakfwi.
Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 91
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government, through the Department of Renewable Resources, is still prepared to entertain any viable proposal from the community of Fort Smith with regard to their stated continued interest in looking at bison ranching, provided that there is no
requirement for funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories who are still waiting for some proposal to illustrate to us that people are working together in the community of Fort Smith, set aside their differences to put forward a viable proposal and that the proposal would have some indication of how it would be funded in the interim and in the long term. When we receive such a proposal, we are happy to sit down to see what could be done. Thank you.
Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.
Supplementary To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that laudable sentiment and that expression of willingness to work, what values can we place on that kind of written commitment when we have heard that and we were told that. We have been in ongoing contact with the department, yet the department seems to have done everything in its power to make sure that it is almost an impossibility to pull together a viable proposal. We have signed letters from the Minister and the deputy, yet they seem to forget the paper commitments. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately for the community of Fort Smith, a neighbouring community had come forward with a proposal which this government felt it needed to, in a timely manner, respond to. The community of Fort Resolution did put together a proposal. There was an agreement amongst the leaders in the community about how they were going to go about initiating the proposal. They did find someone who was willing to provide funding to make sure this proposal was financially viable. Because of the timing required, the government felt we wanted to stick to the deadline of December 1st, as a time when we would get out of bison ranching. Because the community of Fort Smith did not give any indication that it was putting forward a proposal up until that time, we felt we had to respect the proposal that was sitting in front of us. This is the one we are still working with. We are doing what we can to ensure that this particular initiative is also given our full support. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.
Supplementary To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe I should rephrase my question because obviously it wasn't clear. I am not asking you about the buffalo that are now gone. I am asking about the process and commitments that were given to allow us to put together a proposal and the commitment to leave the infrastructure on the ranch that was there, so we had that chance to do that. A written commitment was reneged on, like the deadline you gave us. What can we believe?
Supplementary To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure of what assurance or commitments were made that said we were going to leave all the assets of the ranch that belongs to the government at the site. As the Member knows, we have had to construct the winter road to the Hanging Ice Bison Ranch in order to take out the bison. We aren't prepared to leave the equipment that belongs to this government there for another year on the assumption that a viable proposal from Fort Smith will be coming. There is an ice bridge now constructed that is still crossable. We intend to take all the property that belongs to this government out on that winter road as soon as possible. All other assets that belong to the HTA or the Hanging Ice Ranch will stay where they are. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.
Supplementary To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If it is so clear, why did the department lead the community on? Why did your deputy put his name to paper giving people hope when it was very clear that you obviously had a plan already in place, not only to give away the buffalo but to strip the ranch bare?
Supplementary To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, there is no proposal, as I've said, coming from the community of Fort Smith. We indicated in May that we were going to get out of bison ranching by December 1st. We wrote to the community a number of times reminding them of that statement we made. We asked them in August and again in September if we should be expecting a proposal. There has been no proposal made by the community of Fort Smith. We do recognize that there are a lot of strong feelings about the way in which business is done, but we can't do business when there is no proposal to respond to. We cannot hold everything in abeyance until something emerges.
The community of Fort Resolution has asked if they could borrow a number of pieces of equipment, and we've agreed to loan the equipment to Fort Resolution for the time being. Other equipment that we own will be moved out because the road is available, and will be stored on government property. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Question 66-13(2): Status Of Hanging Ice Bison Ranch Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 92
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the honourable Premier, Don Morin. I would like to know about the status of the federal Cabinet submission on Nunavut. Has
the Government of the Northwest Territories been consulted and involved in the preparation of the federal Cabinet submission?
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Premier of the NWT, Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The status of the Cabinet submission of Nunavut, as we understand it, the federal Cabinet is considering a Cabinet submission on Nunavut planning as early as mid-March. We do have a concern that the Cabinet submission may not adequately address all relevant issues. We're also concerned that neither the GNWT nor NTI have been involved significantly in the preparation of the numbers to put that submission forward.
We have been involved in submissions with the federal government in recent weeks. Simply stated, we are not satisfied with the current level of federal disclosure of how they propose to deal with issues like incremental funding, for example. Further discussions are to take place with NTI and NIC later this week. We have been advised in the last day or so that senior officials from DIAND will participate in those discussions by telephone conversation. This is a start towards getting the process, the way we see it, back to where it should be. We must have a multi-party cooperative process to build towards successful completion of division, not only in Nunavut but also the new Western Territory. Thank you.
Return To Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
Supplementary To Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Nunavut political accord require that the Government of the Northwest Territories be consulted on financial arrangements for Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In our view, the answer to that question is yes. It also requires consultation with NTI, and that's not happening to the extent that it must and should be happening. From my perspective, there's not only a legal requirement, it just makes good common sense to get everybody involved in a process at the same table. We need the federal government to get back to seeing division more as an opportunity than as a problem. This is the only real example of a positive and a major political change where people are achieving their aspirations within the Canadian Constitution context. If we work effectively together with the federal government, with NTI, with aboriginal groups in the West and other northerners, I believe we can shine on how to solve problems that people in the South are having problems solving and I remain optimistic that we can still make this happen in partnership with NTI and hopefully the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Question 67-13(2): Status Of Consultation Re Federal Cabinet Submission
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.
Question 68-13(2): Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Is the Minister considering supporting a recommendation to close the extended care unit at Stanton Regional Hospital?
Question 68-13(2): Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.
Return To Question 68-13(2): Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Question 68-13(2): Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To my knowledge, there is no recommendation to close the extended care ward at the Stanton Regional Hospital at this time. I would like to advise the Member that the Stanton Hospital Board has been looking at options for reducing some of their operating costs, of which one of those was the possible closure of the extended care ward but, at this stage, no decisions have been made. Thank you.
Return To Question 68-13(2): Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Question 68-13(2): Closure Of Extended Care Unit At Stanton
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, is for the honourable Premier as the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. As the Premier heard in my Member's statement today, I believe that the NWT Development Corporation is doing a very good job in created much-needed jobs in the smaller communities where the private sector is not yet strong. Does the Premier agree that the NWT Development Corporation is generally doing a good job creating jobs and business opportunities in smaller communities of the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Premier of the NWT, Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 93
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I absolutely do. I recall when we passed the act in this House and we passed the formation of the NWT Development Corporation, this is one of the major vehicles that we do have to solve some of the social conditions that we do have in our country. It's a major vehicle that we have to create employment in our communities and give our young people some hope to be productive and have a wage economy in their community. It's an excellent vehicle that needs to be used at its fullest. It does create jobs, as the Member said previously today, where the private sector will not go because you have to have a subsidy in order to create those jobs. But it's a good investment by this government, it puts people to work and makes people productive, and it teaches people self-esteem, as well. So as far as I'm concerned, it does a good job and it will continually do so. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Enuaraq.
Supplementary To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
Does the Premier agree that even in very difficult financial times, it is still necessary to invest money in our small communities to create jobs so as to keep people off welfare?
Supplementary To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In these financial difficult times, whether or not the NWT Development Corporation is a good idea, I believe the Member asked, I think it is more important today than it was when we had more money. We have less money nowadays, and it's an important vehicle to create economic activity in the community and help develop the renewable resource sector and other business ventures that are in level II and III communities that have unemployment rates as high as 85 and 90 per cent. It is the only hope for our younger generation to get into the wage economy and be productive. Statistics have proven that the suicide rate doubled, especially in the Eastern Arctic, when Greenpeace got their way to save the seals and basically killed Inuit at the same time. But they did get their way and they killed the sealing industry and it had a devastating effect on our young Inuit population.
We see the Development Corporation hopefully developing markets for seal products and help to generate that economy, as well as the fur in the West with a tannery, and the food industries and the renewable resource sector. So I believe it's one of the best things that we have going. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Enuaraq.
Supplementary To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Premier. Recognizing the corporation's successes in giving 1,200 people across the Territories this year, people who might well be on welfare if it were not for these projects. I would like to ask the Premier if he will keep in mind the importance of these jobs to the small communities as he is finalizing the business plans for his department; in particular, the government's annual contributions to the NWT Development Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. That was two questions. Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely. We will keep in mind the jobs that the NWT Development Corporation, in partnership with the communities, have created throughout the Northwest Territories. We will keep that in mind when we are developing our business plans.
The NWT Development Corporation, we all agreed on the principles in this House when we formed that. I still believe in those principles that in order to get some economy going in our small, level II and III communities, we need a vehicle to do that and we need a driving force to work with our communities. So I'm of the fundamental principle that we do have to subsidize a certain portion, but it should also run well and manage properly. If we say, for example, we're going to create so many jobs in Whale Cove for so many dollars, then we better do that for those amount of dollars. It cannot be allowed to be doubled or tripled. It has to be managed well, as well. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of Nwt Development Corporation
Question 69-13(2): Assessment Of NWT Development Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Mr. Ng. In my opening statement, I mentioned the Supplementary Appropriation, No. 2. Special warrants were given for $414,500 for a purchase of individuals' houses in Tuktoyaktuk of $166,400; in Arctic Bay, Broughton Island and Norman Wells for $248,000. My question is with regard to the practice of this government, in the case of Tuktoyaktuk, apparently the unit that was purchased by the government which was a HAP unit which was given to the individual from the Housing Corporation of the Northwest Territories at a cost of whatever. With the intention of purchasing it back for $166,000, basically you could have built yourself two houses. I think at that cost, for the shortage of housing, I would like to know how long this practice has been going on and how many other units which were HAP units are being purchased back by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Ng.
Return To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the purchase of employees' housing units has been going on as long as the policy has been in existence, where employees move to a different community and they don't have the opportunity to dispose of their units in a timely fashion or at the value that they want within their community. I can go back and check on that for the honourable Member.
As far as the specifics on how many of those units were HAP units, that again is a very detailed question. I could try to ascertain those numbers for the Member and report back to him. Thank you.
Return To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 94
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to a HAP unit, I believe there's a residential time period in which you have to live within the community for so many years in order to acquire these things. You stated that the individuals have moved into the community, got a house, and then they had to leave. I wonder if that element could also be look at. If that's the case of people moving in, getting a HAP unit, selling it and leave, I think there's a time frame that they have to fall within.
Supplementary To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the HAP program, as all Members know, is no longer in existence. It ended a few years ago. But a majority of the clients of HAP units were community members who were originally from those communities, so they may have happened to have been government employees within those communities and have chosen to relocate to another community. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko, your final supplementary.
Supplementary To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to have the Minister make an attempt to have something come back to this House with regard to the possibility of a review of this process, the policy that you guys are following. You're saying this thing has been in effect for a number of years, and I believe it should be reviewed with the financial restraints that we're under and also the need for housing by other clients. We have a large number of individuals in a lot of communities where there are long waiting lists. In some cases, there are 70 people waiting to get a house, and I believe this is not fair to the other clients in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'll take the honourable Member's suggestion and possibly recommend that a review of the existing policy be completed. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Question 70-13(2): Purchase Of Hap Houses By Housing Corporation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk.
Question 71-13(2): Retention Of Hamlet Budget Surplus
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of MACA. Someone from Hall Beach requested that I ask about the municipality's services when there's a surplus within their budget for water trucks, and the surplus is given back to the government. They want them in their own communities. Is the Minister aware of this? Thank you.
Question 71-13(2): Retention Of Hamlet Budget Surplus
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mrs. Thompson.
Question 71-13(2): Retention Of Hamlet Budget Surplus
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know the details of this incident and I will get back to the Member as soon as I have information. Thank you.
Question 71-13(2): Retention Of Hamlet Budget Surplus
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mrs. Thompson, are you taking the question as notice? The question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions.
---Interjection
Question 71-13(2): Retention Of Hamlet Budget Surplus
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Can we have some order, please? Mr. Evaloarjuk, when a Minister says they don't know the details and they're taking the question as notice, then the Member cannot ask another question until they receive a response to the question taken as notice. The next person is Mrs. Groenewegen.
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week in the House, I asked the Minister of Housing what the outstanding arrears are owed to the Housing Corporation through the local housing authorities. He took my question as notice, so I'm going to continue on with my questioning today on that subject.
The Minister reported that the amount was over $5 million, so I would assume from that that from time to time, people living in public housing have difficulty paying their rent. I think we could also assume that some tenants in public housing have personal problems which preclude them from paying their rent, and those problems could be any number of things.
Recently, a situation in Hay River arose where a tenant in public housing had to be evicted from their unit through the courts. The point was that the tenant ended up having to be accommodated in other housing in Hay River at the expense of the Department of Social Services. Is there anything that can be done within the department to assist people in paying their rent so that they don't lose their rental unit because of personal problems? Is there some initiative that can be taken to deal with that, prior to it coming to the housing authorities having to take legal action to evict tenants? I want to add one footnote on there, that the other side of that is that we do have a $5 million debt and the people in the housing authorities are doing their jobs in trying to collect those rental arrears, I understand that. But is there anything that can be done before it gets to that adversarial and court-type eviction? Thank you.
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 95
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Ng.
Return To Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, local housing associations and authorities do a lot of tenant counselling, particularly as it pertains to rental arrears. When individuals find themselves getting in arrears, usually it starts off at one or two months and then it starts to build. The housing authority or housing association staff will go and speak with the individuals, first of all, to try to make some kind of arrangements to pay off some of these arrears. Failing that, there are different progressive actions that are taken. If the individual makes an effort to pay off their arrears, then no further action is taken. But if it were to escalate, in extreme situations where eviction orders are requested and received through the rental officer and subsequently through the court system, it's generally as a result of tenants refusing to pay and not trying to make any effort towards rectifying their arrears. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.
Supplementary To Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 19th, 1996
Page 96
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I'm aware that there are tenant relation officers in several of the housing authority offices. They would attempt to counsel the tenants, but if there is some other factor that is affecting the tenant's ability or willingness to pay their rent, I don't know if the tenant relations officer would delve into things like household budgeting or say if the person had a problem with alcohol or gambling or something like that, I don't think the tenant relations officer would delve into those areas. Is there any cooperation between the Housing Corporation and the department's services in addressing some of those broader issues which might affect their ability to pay their rent? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not positive at this time that there is. Certainly, given the new structure of the Social envelope committees in trying to specifically address these types of overlap situations between Members of the social envelope. I think it's a good point that Mrs. Groenewegen has made and I will take it positively, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Question 72-13(2): Financial Assistance For Housing Tenants
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.
Question 73-13(2): Criteria For Receipt Of School Bussing Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier in my Member's statement, my question is directed to the honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, imagine a five or six-year-old child plodding away to school in weather that is minus 50 or 60; one day, some day, a child will be a provider, a child will be a leader, a child will be a doctor when you and I, Mr. Speaker, will be frail and old. Most of us, when we go to work in the dead of winter, have the luxury of using heated vehicles. But in some communities, we don't have such services. What are the criterias for communities across the Territories to be eligible to receive a school bussing service? Thank you.
Question 73-13(2): Criteria For Receipt Of School Bussing Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.
Return To Question 73-13(2): Criteria For Receipt Of School Bussing Services
Question 73-13(2): Criteria For Receipt Of School Bussing Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, funding for student transportation is provided consistently across the Northwest Territories as part of the school-based funding formula. The bussing formula provides boards with funding, based on a set of criteria, which the Minister has asked for, which includes, for instance, five to six year olds, their board will qualify for funding for busses if those students live 500 metres or further from the school facility; seven to 10 year olds can be bussed if they live one kilometre away from the school; and 11 year olds and over can be bused if living 1.5 kilometres from the school facility.
Mr. Speaker, in the new Education Act, education bodies will hold responsibility for transportation of students, and we will be proposing some general regulations to assist them in determining how to provide the transportation. As I'm sure the Member is aware, the department is currently consulting on regulations for the new Education Act with education bodies and registered organizations interested in education. Mr. Speaker, the regulations governing transportation will be available for public comment in April. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 73-13(2): Criteria For Receipt Of School Bussing Services
Question 73-13(2): Criteria For Receipt Of School Bussing Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.
Question 74-13(2): Feasibility Of Power Provided By Wind Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I listened with interest as the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation informed us about the wind generating operations in Cambridge Bay, and my question is directed toward him. As I say, I listened with interest that 10 per cent of Cambridge Bay's electrical needs are being generated through wind power. Also, he wanted to know if there would be people willing to form partnerships to install generators in other communities. Before we have all kinds of people from Yellowknife running to become partners, is it possible or is it feasible to have these wind generators in the Yellowknife area?
Question 74-13(2): Feasibility Of Power Provided By Wind Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, Mr. Dent.
Question 74-13(2): Feasibility Of Power Provided By Wind Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware that the last set of generators which were looked at would not necessarily be that efficient in Yellowknife. The new ones, I can't answer that question, so I'll have to take it as notice.
Question 74-13(2): Feasibility Of Power Provided By Wind Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 96
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Personnel. The Premier has announced the downsizing and amalgamation of different departments. I have received several calls from affected constituents. When will the affected employees be notified of possible lay-off, et cetera? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Premier, Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is aware, we are presently redoing our business plans to present to the committees again. Once we are through that process and once the budget is approved in this Legislative Assembly, then there will be due process set up. If and when people are to be laid off, there are agreements with the union that have to be concluded so that there's a certain time, that everyone is treated fairly and given due consideration prior to that action being taken. Thank you.
Return To Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.
Supplementary To Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Yes, Mr. Speaker, I do understand the process, but I've received word that some of these affected people have been told to get their resumes updated and they'll be gone on March 31st. So somewhere down the line, that information is not being passed. I agree with you that the business plans aren't completed and there may be changes. I think we have to inform our staff of that.
Supplementary To Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is also a process in place from the previous year that may be still being implemented in this year's budget process. Maybe that is why the Member is hearing this. Let me assure him, that any reductions or lay-offs of employees through this budget cycle process will be dealt with properly. Proper notice will be given and a proper benefits package will be involved to compensate employees. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Question 75-13(2): Date Of Lay-off Notices In Public Service
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to address my question to the Minister of MACA. I would like to thank her for the information on the Arctic Winter Games. I note the value that they place in the Arctic Winter Games is nearly $6 million every two years, which sort of reinforced my concern that that's a big pricetag. Could the Minister tell me how many GNWT staff work on the Arctic Winter Games as part of their job, please?
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mrs. Thompson.
Return To Question 76-13(2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to verify the information he asked about, the total cost for the 1996 team is $1.533 million; GNWT contribution is $300,000; funds from the Sport North lottery contribution is $1 million; athlete contribution, registration fees, only $250,000; estimated total volunteer contribution, between $600,000 and $700,000 for the games process. Regional fees paid by athletes to offset travel costs to participate in the regional trials for the Arctic Winter Games were in excess of $166,000. Tomorrow I will be returning the oral question on how many government staff are going to the regional games. The question was asked by Jake Ootes. Thank you.
Return To Question 76-13(2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.
Supplementary To Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not sure whether I heard the response correctly because I'm not arguing with the Minister's costs and the almost $6 million figure, I just didn't hear the Minister. Did she indicate a number of employees? I didn't hear that.
Supplementary To Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mrs. Thompson.
Supplementary To Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will get back to him with that. I'll take the question as notice. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Question 76-13((2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Your question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Finance. Mr. Speaker, what is the estimated figure for the incremental cost for division?
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if I could get clarification on that? Is it our cost or the federal government's cost? Thank you.
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Clarification, Mr. Speaker.
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Mr. Speaker, I guess the total cost, and I'll have a supplemental on the percentage.
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
I think the clarification was the territorial government or the federal government. The total cost. Mr. Todd.
Return To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As my honourable colleague knows, the NIC has prepared a proposal for both the territorial and federal governments and NTI. In that proposal, they've recommended a certain framework, certain size of departments and new PYs, et cetera, that would be associated with the development of a new Nunavut government.
The Premier and my office are currently assessing that report and trying to make an evaluation -- although we concur with some of the framework of the NIC report -- whether we concur with the PYs et cetera, and when that's done we will then be able to provide my honourable colleague what we believe will be a full costing associated with the division of the Territories. Thank you.
Return To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.
Supplementary To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what is the percentage or is there a framework in place for percentage to be paid by the GNWT? Let's say, for example, a 60/40 split or something like that with the federal government. What is the mechanism in place for that?
Supplementary To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think perhaps I could explain it this way for my colleague. There are incremental costs associated with division of the Territories. What is under discussion right now, which my honourable colleagues, Mr. Barnabas and the Premier, addressed earlier today, is the incremental costs associated with the division of the Territories. There is no clear figure at this time as to what it should or shouldn't be, but discussions are under way with respect to this important fiscal side of the division question. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.
Supplementary To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
Edward Picco Iqaluit
I understand that, Mr. Speaker. My question was and still is, is there a mechanism in place outlining how much of the total cost? Let's say the cost was $100 million. Would the GNWT be expected to pay $60 million of that, for example? I would like to see in these tough fiscal times, what the amounts would be owed by this government.
Supplementary To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What has to happen is under the new division of the Territories there have to be two formula financing agreements arranged, and that would have to be discussed with the present government and the future two new governments that will evolve after April 1, 1999.
Further Return To Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Question 77-13(2): Estimated Cost Of Division
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the honourable Minister of Transportation. Because of the shortness of the runway in Taloyoak, the type of aircraft that is facilitated by that runway in that community is restricted, thereby making air service to the community costly for that community. Sometime along the road, Mr. Speaker, since the regulations are getting tougher -- in this case the Transport Canada regulations, perhaps they will impose stricter regulations some time in the future -- as a result, the community may not be able to get the kind of service it is getting now. What is the status of the government plan to extend the runway in Taloyoak?
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Taloyoak airstrip has been stated by the hamlet to be too short to accommodate a certain type of aircraft. They do have aircraft service there now, but they are requesting the airstrip to be extended so they could have bigger and faster airplanes coming into their airport. I understand the concern by the Member.
At the present time, the department hasn't any plans at all to extend the airstrip. However, the department is looking into this particular request. They are looking at the numbers. In light of the budget restraint we are under, it is very difficult to say we are going to do it at the present time. Perhaps after a further review, there might be a way of doing it in the future. At the present time, it isn't in the plans.
Return To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.
Supplementary To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated, Transport Canada regulations are getting tougher and tougher, the runway in Taloyoak can only facilitate a minimum of air service and the only mode of transportation in that area is by air, except for snow machine. Given the possibility of Transport Canada putting more restrictions on the length of runways and the type of aircraft being used, will the honourable Minister seriously consider making a plan to extend the runway in Taloyoak? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The honourable Member made reference to Transport Canada in the development of Canadian aviation regulations. For that particular concern, which is expected to come into force in June of 1996, this is a great concern to myself and the department. Under the regulations, aircraft will have to be able to abort take off and come to a full stop. On landing, the aircraft will have to be able to come to a full stop using only 60 per cent of the available runway service. This, Mr. Speaker, is of great concern to all of us here, since the majority of the communities in the North are primarily serviced by airports. The department does not anticipate that this new regulation will have a large or immediate impact on scheduled air services or the airport system in the Northwest Territories.
We intend to conduct a detailed comparison of runway length at all the airports, with the types of aircraft most commonly used by these airports. This analysis will identify where problems may arise. Mr. Speaker, as for the particular concern of the honourable Member for the community in question, we know this airstrip is a certain length and there is a desire by the hamlet and people in the community to have it extended. We are aware of the concern there and we are looking into this particular concern.
However, under the particular budget restraints we are under, it isn't in the immediate plans to do any work into extending this airstrip. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.
Supplementary To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the response by the Minister. The honourable Minister has indicated the fiscal restraint of this government. Realizing the fiscal restraint of this government, also realizing the people of Taloyoak depended heavily upon air service for the basic food and commodities and knowing that times are going to be getting harder, will the Minister consider the plan to extend the runway very seriously? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I get the message, Mr. Speaker. The department knows the concern of the community the Member represents. We will get back to the Member. We will be having further discussions as we go along in this process. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Question 78-13(2): Status Of GNWT Plans To Extend Taloyoak Airport Runway
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.
Question 79-13(2): Defining Treaty Hunting And Fishing Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. In 1982, when the Canadian Constitution was repatriated to Canada, aboriginal and treaty rights were protected through certain provisions in the Charter. To this date, many of those rights have not been defined properly. Recently, around 1990, there was a case called the Horseman case at the Supreme Court of Canada, which indicated that Treaty 8 Indians had a commercial right to hunt and that they likely had a right to commercial fishing as well. If we can start defining those treaty rights and how they are to be exercised within the Northwest Territories...For instance, in the community of Lutsel K'e, there is a big sign saying it is illegal to sell fish unless you have a commercial fishing licence. The people in the Lutsel K'e area are Treaty 8 people.
Question 79-13(2): Defining Treaty Hunting And Fishing Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Minister responsible for Aboriginal Rights and National Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 79-13(2): Defining Treaty Hunting And Fishing Rights
Question 79-13(2): Defining Treaty Hunting And Fishing Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The question by the honourable Member for Yellowknife North is are we in a position to start defining the aboriginal treaty rights for people in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, the ministry responsible is beginning a process where we started having closer relationships with the different aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories and developing a protocol process. Hopefully, by initiating such a process, we would start identifying some of the common areas that we should clear up. One of them is certainly the area of aboriginal and treaty rights. This is a protocol arrangement. The dialogue that has started with the aboriginal groups and the aboriginal leaders' summit is holding a conference in April where hopefully these discussions will come out.
Certainly, as we go along in this Legislative Assembly, we will be identifying some of these areas and we will be helping to identify and clear up some of these concerns. Thank you.
Return To Question 79-13(2): Defining Treaty Hunting And Fishing Rights
Question 79-13(2): Defining Treaty Hunting And Fishing Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.
Question 80-13(2): Date Of Diand Minister's Travel To The North
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the postponement of the Nunavut Leaders' Summit in Arviat, do we yet have a firm date as to when the federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs will travel north? If not, when can we expect a confirmation of this date as this is a very critical meeting. Thank you.
Question 80-13(2): Date Of Diand Minister's Travel To The North
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 99
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Premier of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Morin. That was two questions.
Return To Question 80-13(2): Date Of Diand Minister's Travel To The North
Question 80-13(2): Date Of Diand Minister's Travel To The North
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 100
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot confirm with the Member today when Mr. Irwin will be travelling north. As soon as I get that information I will relay it to this House if this House is still sitting, or else I will relay it to the Members by letter. Thank you.
Return To Question 80-13(2): Date Of Diand Minister's Travel To The North
Question 80-13(2): Date Of Diand Minister's Travel To The North
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 100
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Time for question period has lapsed. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Mr. Roland.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 100
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I received today a Petition No. 3-13(2) from the president of Local X0019, Dennis Rivard, Union of Northern Workers. It has been signed by up to 53 people and it is regarding the amendment of the Public Service Act. They are requesting that it does not go through. Thank you.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 100
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters. Item 20, report of Committee of the Whole. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Todd.
Bill 1: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 100
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96, be read for the third time.
Bill 1: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 100
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 1: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 100
An Hon. Member
Question.
Bill 1: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 100
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 1 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Item 22, Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
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Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
Mr. Speaker, there will be a meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations this afternoon at 3:45. Also this evening at 6:00, there will be Caucus briefing and also at 9:00 tomorrow morning there will be a Caucus briefing. Orders of the day for Wednesday, February 21, 1996:
1. Prayer
2. Ministers' Statements
3. Members' Statements
4. Returns to Oral Questions
5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
6. Oral Questions
7. Written Questions
8. Returns to Written Questions
9. Replies to Opening Address
10. Petitions
11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees
12. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
13. Tabling of Documents
14. Notices of Motion
15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills
16. Motions
17. First Reading of Bills
18. Second Reading of Bills
19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
20. Report of Committee of the Whole
21. Third Reading of Bills
22. Orders of the Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 21, 1996, at 1:30 p.m.
---ADJOURNMENT
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