Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier tell us if there is a timetable to meet with the federal officials? I understand about the March or April 30th aboriginal summit but could you advise us what the schedule is with federal officials?
Debates of March 21st, 1996
Topics
Supplementary To Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 28
Supplementary To Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 28
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 28
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have made a commitment to the federal officials and they've agreed to meet with us on a weekly basis for the next month on many different issues. This will be one of those issues, as well; to set up schedules for how we can end up accomplishing something within the overall time schedule and the life of federal government, what they have left. Once we get those time frames nailed down, I'll be quite happy to share them with the Members of this Assembly. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Question 26-13(3): Northern Accord Negotiations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 28
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Steen.
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 28
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the information given to us yesterday in the briefing on the BIP
suggested that the BIP was originally introduced in 1974. That's 22 years ago. If we take into consideration the possibility of $25 million a year that it's been costing this government for BIP, that's a total of $550 million. Mr. Speaker, I'm surprised that after 22 years we don't know the benefits of this subsidy to the business world. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, we were advised that the review for BIP was introduced and requested in 1993. It's been going on to this date. I would like to request, Mr. Speaker, from the Minister, when we can expect to see a report on the review tabled in this House and whether or not the intent of the review is to, in fact, consider eliminating the BIP grant. Or, what is the purpose of the review? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo. That was three questions.
Return To Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
March 20th, 1996
Page 29
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Mr. Speaker, I'll try to deal with the three questions but probably not in the order that they were asked. The purpose of the review is to see how we can make the business incentive policy better and how the North can realize more benefits to the business community and to its residents through employment and more northern companies receiving government jobs, etcetera. The review will be completed by April 2nd. Shortly after that a report will be made to the Cabinet and, following that, the Assembly and other MLAs can be consulted. As I indicated before, the responsibility of the business incentive policy will soon be transferred to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism so by the time the report and the recommendations have been completed, another department will be responsible for the program.
Return To Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions Supplementary, Mr. Steen.
Supplementary To Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Minister suggest that I redirect my question to the next Minister who will be responsible when that Minister becomes responsible or, at some point in time, do I get a response from this government? Thank you
Supplementary To Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Premier.
Further Return To Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to reassure the Member that he will get a response from the government no matter which Minister is responsible or which department. In a timely fashion, we will respond to his question. Thank you very much.
Further Return To Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Question 27-13(3): Business Incentive Policy Review
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Henry.
Question 28-13(3): Notification Of Lay-offs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance. He stated earlier that within the next couple of days all employees -- and it's presently going on right now -- who are going to be laid off will be notified. Do you have an exact date when that will be done? Will it be done by Friday, for example?
Question 28-13(3): Notification Of Lay-offs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.
Return To Question 28-13(3): Notification Of Lay-offs
Question 28-13(3): Notification Of Lay-offs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is not an easy task for anybody when you're doing the kind of budget elimination strategy that we have in place. We're trying to do this in a compassionate and caring way and I've instructed the departments that they do it on an individual basis rather than by letter or by phone. It's going to take and it is taking some time. I can't define today to the Member if it's going to be done by tomorrow or the next day. What I can tell you is that we are trying to do it as quickly as we can. We're trying to do it on an individual basis. We're trying to, in the counselling of those who are being laid off, indicate to them that every effort is going to be made to give them first opportunity for any other jobs, new jobs or existing jobs, that will become vacant so we can try to manage a minimal number of lay-offs. That was the intent of my Minister's statement earlier today. We have made considerable effort to ensure that we didn't end up with 300 PY lay-offs. That is why we are taking an inordinate amount of time and care in the way we do it in trying to manage people into new jobs, where possible, and counselling, should new jobs not be available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 28-13(3): Notification Of Lay-offs
Question 28-13(3): Notification Of Lay-offs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 29
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Question period is now over. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, return to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Mr. Barnabas.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 29
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am presenting Petition No. 1-13(3), signed by 13 workers from Nanisivik and Arctic Bay. This petition states that members of the Union of Northern Workers are not the cause of the deficit. Cutting positions and wage rollbacks is not the solution. Cutbacks will bring widespread hardship to each northern community. Private enterprise does not work as a community service. Private enterprise works for profit. Privatization will cost more. We believe it is your duty to oppose the cut-and-slash policy adopted by the Government of the Northwest Territories in its contract negotiations with the Union of Northern Workers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 29
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Mr. Henry.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 29
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My request is not for that particular item. I seek unanimous consent of this House to return to Members' statements.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 30
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Yellowknife South' is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 3, Members' statements. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry, did you make a statement today?
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 30
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
I did, Mr. Speaker.
--- Laughter
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 30
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Members are only allowed one Member's statement per day. Sorry.
--- Interjection
--- Laughter
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 30
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
We are still on item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.
Birthday Wishes To Linda Henry
Revert To Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 30
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to wish Mr. Henry's wife, Linda, a happy birthday.
--- Laughter
--- Applause
Birthday Wishes To Linda Henry
Revert To Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 30
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.