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

North Slave Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

James Rabesca North Slave

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to tell the House that this week is one of the most important weeks for my people in my constituency. They are presently negotiating with the federal government on self- government in Rae Lakes, and I am very sorry that I cannot be there with them while the session is on here.

I wish to tell this House that I strongly support my people for all the energy, time and effort that they have put into this very important initiative. I wish them all success and I want them to know that thoughts are with them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

North Slave Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Opposition To GNWT Purchase Of Canarctic Shipping
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, everyone. I understand that the federal government is negotiating to transfer its ownership of Canarctic Shipping Company to the Government of the Northwest Territories, and that negotiations are well under way. I understand that a number of aboriginal development companies were approached with a proposal to buy this shipping company. It seems that none of them pursued it, and now this government itself is planning to buy the company in the hopes of finding some northern company to ultimately purchase it in the future.

Three main difficulties exist to me. If the GNWT becomes owner of Canarctic Shipping, it will probably be able to find an eventual buyer only if our government retains the inherent liabilities. This means the GNWT would relinquish control but still be exposed to financial burdens.

Under the existing shareholder's agreement, a company named FedNav retains the indefinite right of first refusal on any transfer, so there is no guarantee that after all the agreements are signed the eventual transfer to a northern company can actually take place. Canarctic Shipping is saddled with a number of liabilities which the federal government will pass on to the GNWT if we accept ownership. Some of the liabilities which have been identified to me are the following: Canarctic has already accumulated over $79 million in losses, and future operations can be considered only economically marginal at best. There is a guaranteed floating rate credit facility with a Canadian bank for $10 million. Previous financial statements consistently show a foreign exchange loss of $500,000 every year. There exists a potential liability exposure relating to the sinking of a ship under charter with Canarctic whose case has not yet been resolved, for the amount of $5 million.

The possibility of finding a northern company to buy Canarctic is not assured. There already exists a northern aboriginal owned company, and resources in the North to encourage another company to enter this field may be limited. Thank you.

Opposition To GNWT Purchase Of Canarctic Shipping
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Equal Representation Of All NWT Residents
Item 3: Members' Statements

February 20th, 1996

Page 104

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. In a previous statement, I spoke of coming up with a balance when it comes to representing the people of Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we are elected to represent those who have a voice as unions do, as well as those who do not have the same voice as the unions: the elders, the children, the sick and the unemployed.

Equal Representation Of All NWT Residents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

Equal Representation Of All NWT Residents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, taking into consideration that all MLAs had input into the direction set by this government to reduce the deficit, we have to be conscious of the impact this direction will have on all the residents of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier, this government is changing the way we do business. I believe that this will be seen and everyone is going to know that what we are doing is in the best interest of all people in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I want to read something that I write down in my book on a daily basis. It is something I read early in the morning. It comes from the Bible; it is Proverbs, chapter 31, verses 8 and 9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Equal Representation Of All NWT Residents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Importance Of Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 104

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we are aware, in the last few years with regard to aboriginal communities,

self-government has been high on their agenda. We have had the opportunity to start negotiations in settlement areas, particularly in the area that I represent with the Gwich'in and Irruvialuit negotiation process.

In the last few weeks, there have been statements made regarding the Premier's statement, as well as on events happening in this House. It is not clear how those changes will affect the aboriginal negotiations for self-government. In the past, negotiations between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the aboriginal communities have been strained with regard to the relationship between this government and the federal government. The majority of aboriginal communities are represented by band councils, as well as aboriginal groups such as the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

The current status as to the process with this new Assembly has been changed with the new Premier, Cabinet and Members of this House. There is now dialogue between the aboriginal groups and the regional summit that has been established for the aboriginal forum. In the Premier's statement, there were no comments made about self- government and the importance of it in the North. There has been restructuring of the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio. Does that mean the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs will no longer be the key person in those discussions?

The Government of the Northwest Territories has also talked about community transfers and community empowerment. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

Importance Of Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 105

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Importance Of Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 105

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to community wellness and income support, these are all initiatives that are presently being negotiated at the table between the aboriginal groups and the federal government. So the question is, does the government seriously feel these issues will be looked at through self-government negotiations or will these transfers empower the communities to take over these programs through the transfers.

Looking at the possibility of restructuring government with regard to empowering communities and transferring more initiatives to the regional governments, will that pose a problem in these negotiations? Later on, I will also be asking the Premier questions with regard to his sessional statement. Thank you.

Importance Of Self-government Negotiations
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 105

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)... Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak in my own language. because of a shortage of money. We can't afford it, so I will speak in English.

On January 15th, Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of attending an awards ceremony in my home constituency of Fort Simpson. The Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, Helen Maksagak, hosted the awards presentation and recognized the three individuals who rescued a Fort Simpson man from certain death. Mr. Ernie Paul Isaiah and Mr. Jack Lee Mouse received the Commissioner's Award for Bravery at the Highest Level.

They were instrumental in saving Mr. Mike Cazon from a burning house in Fort Simpson, which had ultimately taken the lives of three others in September of 1993. Mr. Isaiah and Mr. Mouse were in a neighbouring house when the community fire alarm sounded. They ran to the burning building, ran inside and while searching through the smoke for residents, they discovered Mr. Cazon unconscious and pulled him into the hall. While both ran back to look for others who still may have been in danger, Mr. Loutit entered the building and helped Mr. Cazon outside. By that time the whole building was engulfed in flames and both Mr. Mouse and Mr. Isaiah had been forced to give up the search.

Although Mr. Cazon received burns to 60 per cent of his body, he is here today as a result of the heroic efforts of Mr. Ernie Paul Isaiah, Mr. Jack Lee Mouse and Mr. Ernest Wayne Loutit. I wish to acknowledge the risk that these men took with their own lives and there are many people in the North who show heroic feats and we should acknowledge them in this House. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Just to let the Member for Nahendeh know, I believe there was a ruling in the federal Parliament and Mr. Anawak did make a statement in his mother tongue. The ruling was that you have the political right to be heard, but not understood. Mr. Antoine, you do have the right to speak in your own language in the House and it is up to the Members if they want to make a point of order regarding whether they understand Mr. Antoine or not. The rules are there for the Members. It is up to the Members to use them.

Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions.

Further Return To Question 62-13(2): Community Wellness Worker Training Programs
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 105

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have two returns today. The first was a question asked by Mr. Erasmus on February 19, 1996, regarding community wellness worker training programs.

Mr. Speaker, a proposal for a community wellness worker training program was recently developed by Aurora Campus, Aurora College in Inuvik. Aurora Campus is currently having the proposed program content reviewed by community groups and other interested parties. If a community wellness worker training program is implemented, third-party funding will need to be identified to support the college's delivery of this program.

Return To Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 105

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

The second return, Mr. Speaker, it I may, is a reply to a question asked by Mr. Rabesca on February 20th, regarding the award of brush-clearing contract at Frank's Channel.

Mr. Speaker, the request for bids to conduct brush clearing along 34 kilometres of the Snare transmission line was advertised for the first time in News/North on January 29, 1996, with a closing date of February 16th.

On February 7th, the Rae band sent a fax to the Power Corporation head office in Hay River requesting the tender documents be sent by bus. The documents were sent that same day.

Two bids from qualified registered NWT businesses have been received and they are currently being evaluated. The contract has not been awarded yet. The target date for awarding a contract is February 29th.

Mr. Speaker, the process used is consistent with all Power Corporation tendering procedures. The level of security bonding requested is consistent with standard Power Corporation contract requirements. The corporation can adjust bond requirements, depending on the nature of the work. In future, contracts of this nature will be reviewed to assess the necessity of posting bonds, and tenders will be designed accordingly.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation endeavours to increase local employment and business opportunities wherever practical and cost effective. It is committed to obtaining goods and services at the most economical rate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 106

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mrs. Thompson.

Return To Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 106

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Mr. Speaker, I have three returns to oral questions. Can I read them all at once?

Further Return To Question 59-13(2): Government Employees Attending Awg
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 106

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

I would like to make a return to an oral question asked by Jake Ootes on February 19th regarding the Arctic Winter Games.

Mr. Speaker, the following officials plan to attend the Arctic Winter Games as representatives of the Government of the Northwest Territories

I will attend, Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for sport and recreation. While at the games, I will attend a meeting of elected officials from all the participating units with the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. These meetings are scheduled to discuss strategic plans for the future of the Arctic Winter Games.

Also attending the Arctic Winter Games will be the Honourable Helen Maksagak, Commissioner.

Staff of the department who will attend are the deputy minister, who will attend with me the elected officials meeting and also meetings with Sport Canada officials who fund a portion of Arctic Winter Game costs; the director of the sport and recreation division will also attend, who is our representative to the Arctic Winter Games International Committee and the committee's technical director; the manager of sport programs will also attend, who is our representative for liaison purposes with the NWT Team mission staff.

Mr. Speaker, these are the government officials and staff representing the GNWT at the Arctic Winter Games. There are other Members of this Legislative Assembly and other government staff who may choose to go on their personal time and at their own expense. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 71-13(2): Retention Of Hamlet Budget Surplus
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 106

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a reply to an oral question asked by Mark Evaloarjuk on February 19th. Mr. Speaker, the question concerned the retention of surplus in the hamlet of Hall Beach.

Mr. Speaker, the question from Mr. Evaloarjuk was regarding the water and sewage services budget in Hall Beach. Recently, the economic rate for Hall Beach water and sewage services was raised because it was too low and there was a deficit in the program. The rate was increased to help recover that deficit. There is no surplus in Hall Beach.

Community water and sewage service rates are occasionally adjusted to reflect the costs of the program. If there is a surplus in the water and sewage services fund, the economic rate is lowered; if there is a deficit --as there is now in Hall Beach --the rate for water and sewage services must be raised. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Further Return To Question 76-13(2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 106

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

I also have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Mike Miltenberger yesterday on the GNWT staff dedicated to Arctic Winter Games support.

Mr. Speaker, the department has no positions that are responsible full time for Arctic Winter Games, Sport North, a non-government federation of territorial sport governing bodies, is responsible for overseeing the selection and participation of our NWT Team for the Arctic Winter Games, but it also has no positions dedicated full time.

Mr. Speaker, the only full-time position I am aware of is the position of 1998 Arctic Winter Games general manager. This position is a city of Yellowknife position, recently filled and with responsibility for the planning of the hosting of the next Arctic Winter Games to be held in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 76-13(2): GNWT Staff Dedicated To Awg Support
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 107

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Kakfwi.

Return To Question 37-13(2): Training Session For Justices Of The Peace
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 107

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is in response to a question asked by Mr. Barnabas on the 15th of February with regard to training sessions for justices of the peace.

Mr. Barnabas asked the question of whether or not the Department of Justice would be prepared to hold training sessions for justices of the peace.

Training sessions were held in September 1994 in lqaluit, and in October 1994 in Yellowknife.

Judge Bruser from the Territorial Court is currently on sabbatical leave and is currently redeveloping the justice of the peace training manual. As portions of the manual get completed, they are being used for JP training. A JP training session was offered by Judge Bruser in Yellowknife on January 26th to 28th of last month. The training module offered was the basic module, and 16 people attended the training.

A training session is now being offered by Judge Bruser in lqaluit on March 22nd to 24th. The training module offered will be the sentencing module, and it is estimated that 12 people will attend that training.

A training session is being offered by Chief Judge Halifax in Yellowknife on March 22nd to 24th. The training module offered will be the sentencing module and it is estimated that 10 people will attend that training.

We will advise Members when the training schedule for the coming year becomes available. Thank you.

Return To Question 37-13(2): Training Session For Justices Of The Peace
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 107

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Picco.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 107

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jeannie Areak-Kullualik of CBC North Radio, based in lqaluit.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 107

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen.