This is page numbers 100 - 127 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was public.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Jim Antoine, Hon. Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Hon. Charles Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, 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 101

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Good afternoon. Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Bar Association is having its first annual meeting of council in the Northwest Territories in the 100-year history of that organization. These meetings are occurring from February 22nd through the 27th in Yellowknife. Over 200 council members and guests have registered. Lawyers and judges from all across Canada will be attending the mid-winter meeting which is being hosted by the Northwest Territories branch of the CBA. The federal Justice Minister, Alan Rock, is among those scheduled to speak to council. Council will also debate various resolutions and will hear an expert panel debating legal and constitutional questions relating to national unity.

The local organizing committee of the NWT branch of the Canadian Bar Association has been very busy for the last year and a half planning a variety of activities and actively promoting the Yellowknile meeting. When the delegates are not in meetings, they will be involved in a variety of activities including dogsled rides, ice fishing, bus tours of the city, an aurora tour at Prelude Lake Lodge and tours of the Assembly facility, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and local art galleries. There will be a performance at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre featuring noted northern performers including Tracy Riley, the Gumboots, the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School Drummers and Dancers and the Yellowknife Youth Choir.

The NWT branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and in particular recognized for the work that they put into promoting the Northwest Territories as the site for this meeting, and should be congratulated for putting together an exceptional slate of activities for delegates. I am sure that Members of this Assembly will join me in wishing all the delegates and guests very productive meetings and an interesting stay in Yellowknife and safe travel to and from their homes. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the creation of the Nunavut territory is now about 36 months away. It will provide many new opportunities for Inuit to directly guide the growth and development of the new government and communities. To ensure the government of the new territory reflects the priorities of Inuit, it is essential that they hold key positions. I am pleased to inform this Assembly that Nunavut Arctic College is a partner in an initiative to train Inuit for senior management positions in Nunavut.

The three-year program is called Sivuliuqtit. Twenty participants from the Keewatin, Kitikmeot and Baffin regions are taking part. Each is training on the job with a sponsoring organization in his or her own community.

The program also includes mentoring, a distance-education component and six weeks at the Keewatin Campus of Nunavut Arctic College. The Keewatin Campus is managing the program in partnership with Radian, the business unit of the Canadian Centre for Management Development.

Sivuliuqtit is the result of cooperation between a number of Nunavut organizations, including the Government of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut Implementation Commission, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee. These organizations share a commitment to developing management training and, as a result, have created a program which can serve as a model for others as we work towards the goal of creating Nunavut. The Government of Canada has also been a partner, along with Radian and Nunavut Arctic College

Mr. Speaker, I was honoured to attend the launch of the program a few weeks ago in Rankin Inlet and meet the participants. I believe that the kind of cooperation and collaboration that went into this program is essential if we are to provide the training needed to prepare the Inuit for employment in a Nunavut government and in other public I look forward to seeing the graduates of this program take their places in administering the new territory. Thank you.

---Applause and safe travel to and from their homes. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have an emergency statement. During the past weekend, 18 children were sent out from the Keewatin to Manitoba because of chest infections. The health centre nurse believed that most were suffering from a croupy illness called respiratory syncytial virus, usually referred to as RSV. RSV is a common winter infection of babies that makes it hard for them to breathe. This winter it has been particularly prevalent in the Prairie Provinces, in fact Saskatchewan has hundreds of cases. Last winter, there were many cases in the northern Baffin region. The last NWT outbreak was in Sanikiluaq in 1991.

Mr. Speaker, the department will be sending an experienced medical health officer into the region tomorrow to assess the situation and to assist the health board in dealing with the matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recognition of Education Week, which is coming up from March 16th to 22nd, I would like to take this opportunity to inform the House of the outstanding record of service from the teachers in the community of Hay River. I had research check this out for me and we have 53 public school teachers in Hay River and their accumulated years of service in Hay River is 630 years amongst 53 teachers. That speaks very well of their commitment to education arid their commitment to Hay River. So I would like to recognize them today and I would also like to offer congratulations to Ms. Pat Thomas who is the recently newly-elected president of the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Baffin Leaders' Summit met in lqaluit January 13th and 14th. As the chairperson of that meeting, I am reporting to the Assembly on our discussions. The Baffin

Leaders' Summit is composed of all MLAs and mayors of the Baffin region. The four executive members of BRIA are the three chairpersons of the regional health and education boards and the regional chamber of commerce.

During our January meeting we passed 14 resolutions which dealt with a range of topics, some of the more significant resolutions were, one, invite the Minister of DIAND to visit lqaluit, the future capital of Nunavut; two, endure the principles of our decentralized government for Nunavut based on the Iqaluit-as-capital model developed by NIC; three, pledge our cooperation and goodwill towards the leaders and residents of the Kitikmeot and Keewatin regions; four, support the maximum number of jobs in all communities of the three Nunavut regions through a highly-decentralized Nunavut government and through community transfers; five, petition the Minister of Health and Social Services to allow communities to take on the transfer of positions or programs without having to take over the entire departmental responsibilities in the communities. Mr. Speaker, I would like to have unanimous consent to continue with my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Six, support our MP, Jack Anawak, as he works to have the federal government deliver on a 1998 commitment to provide a new hospital for the Baffin region; seven, encourage the Minister of Justice to support community justice initiatives as alternatives to expensive court circuits and correctional facilities; eight, develop community-based plans to address community wellness issues; nine, have Nunavut Arctic College develop community development training programs; 10, petition the Government of the NWT to suspend the sale of staff houses in Nunavut until a strategy is put in place to address the future staff housing needs of the Nunavut government; 11, urge Cabinet and the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to reinstate a suitable level of funding for public service training to meet the spirit and intent of article 23 of the Nunavut land claim agreement; 12, reform the system for providing student financial assistance in the Baffin region.

Mr. Speaker, later today, I will be tabling the resolutions passed at the Baffin Leaders' Summit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Concerns Re Rankin Inlet As Hub For Fuel Resupply
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 102

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, plans to change the resupply operations in the Keewatin region have been under development for the past three years. While we all agree with the need to be as efficient as possible in all government departments, including resupply, there have been a number of concerns about the government's plan to start using Rankin Inlet as a hub for fuel resupply in the Keewatin. Mr. Speaker, in response to these concerns, the Minister of Transportation and Public Works provided a briefing in Caucus this morning on resupply operations, specifically on the proposed changes in the Keewatin resupply. I would like to

thank the Minister and their staff for providing us with the detailed information on this important subject.

However, I still have some concerns in this area, Mr. Speaker. One major example is the issue of anticipated cost-savings on using Rankin Inlet as a hub for fuel resupply in the Keewatin. Mr. Speaker, when the option was first proposed, I understood the government expects to save $1.8 million per year. However, I understand the figures have changed and we are now looking at a savings of approximately $600,000 per year.

Mr. Speaker, I think we all need time to digest the information provided to us before we proceed with such a large and important project. I appreciate the assurances received from the Minister that due to other circumstances, the project will not be going ahead in time to meet the summer of 1997 deadline.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure all the Members of the House will be able to take the extra time now available to ensure that this project receives the full and careful consideration that it deserves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Concerns Re Rankin Inlet As Hub For Fuel Resupply
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Tribute To Bazel Jesudason
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to pay tribute to a man who was much loved and very much respected in his home of Resolute Bay, in the High Arctic, throughout the circumpolar North and indeed throughout the world. Bazel Jesudason died in Resolute Bay on August 9th of last year after a brief illness. Born in India in 1941, Bazel chose to be buried in the Arctic amongst people he loved.

Mr. Speaker, Bazel was a man well-known for his love of people and acceptance of many cultures. He spoke many languages, including Inuktitut, and was a devout Christian all his life. Bazel first came to the North in 1969 to lqaluit and then Lake Harbour as a power plant operator and mechanic. In 1970, he was transferred to Grise Fiord. It was there he met his lifetime partner, Terry DiPasquale.

Bazel had travelled extensively with Inuit on the land and decided to start his own business in tourism. In 1979, Bazel left the security of the civil service and launched High Arctic International Explorer Services Ltd in Resolute.

Starting with well-organized sled trips between Resolute and Grise Fiord, the business expanded to include a hotel which was very much a home away from home under Terry's guiding hands, and package trips were added to other High Arctic destinations including the North Pole.

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

Tribute To Bazel Jesudason
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Tribute To Bazel Jesudason
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bazel become well-known worldwide for his sound advice to a wide variety of groups who planned assaults on the North Pole, whether by dogteam, snowmobile, ultra-lite aircraft, skis or on foot. Bazel often joked that he was going to be the first one to reach the North Pole by elephant.

Many major expeditions relied on Bazel for logistical advice and radio support. In the slower winter season, Bazel travelled extensively around the world giving slide shows wherever he went. He was a wonderful ambassador for the North. More than any other person, Bazel put the High Arctic on the international tourism map.

Even though he was very well known throughout the world, Bazel never lost touch with his many beloved friends and neighbours in my constituency and in the North. He involved Inuit in his business and was very happy to take them with him on some of his trips. His old friends, Pijamini from Grise Fiord and my predecessor, Mr. Ludy Pudluk's father, Mr. Kalluk, went with Bazel to Las Vegas and even to India.

Mr. Speaker, Canada and the Northwest Territories has benefitted enormously from Bazel's work in making the North accessible and friendly to all who came to explore. Bazel's efforts produced lasting benefits for the airline, communications and travel industries, and resulted in new facilities and knowledge in the North.

Beyond all this, though, it is the man we will always remember for his humanity, his humour and his joy in living. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tribute To Bazel Jesudason
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Member's Statement On Industry's Concern With Privatization

Tribute To Bazel Jesudason
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The honourable Mr. Don Morin announced in the Assembly on February 14th that a number of government functions will be privatized; among them, computer systems and services. A number of northern businesses currently providing these services have concerns as to how this privatization will be achieved. They believe that an open and competitive tree market provides the government with the best goods and services at the lowest prices, and wish to be consulted on the privatization plan that will be executed.

At this time, they have not been consulted and are concerned that a privatization plan may have been developed completely in house without any consultation from private companies arid industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tribute To Bazel Jesudason
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Opposition To Public Service Act Amendments
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling in this House several petitions from my constituency of lqaluit and other communities in Nunavut against the amendments to the Public Service Act. Mr. Speaker, I spoke against the proposed act in this House

earlier in the week, and, Mr. Speaker, unanimous consent at that time was not there.

Mr. Speaker, I think that putting the proposed amendments to the act to the Standing Committee on Government Operations, which I have the privilege of sitting on, was the correct process. Mr. Speaker, over the past days, I've been called a unionist. Mr. Speaker, I am and I do not deny this. However, I do understand the principle of the bill and I've tried to articulate this in and out of this House.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Government Operations committee had the opportunity to seek input from the two major stakeholders on this issue, and I thank all of my constituents who have phoned arid faxed me to let me know that I had their support. I would also like to thank my fellow brother and sister MLAs for their support. Thank you.

Opposition To Public Service Act Amendments
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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