This is page numbers 131 - 149 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 3rd 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

Supplementary To Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 144

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad the Minister brought that up because it is the second or third major spill by NTPC over the past few years. My question to the Minister is what kind of policy has the Minister directed NTPC put in place so these things don't happen again. As the Minister said, it happened last year and it happened this year. Maybe next time we won't be so lucky that it will happen in the winter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 144

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 144

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the past, a number of oil spills in the corporation's facilities have been caused by human error. Because of that, the amount of technology that has been introduced into the system to try to avoid human error has been dramatically increased over the past number of years. Unfortunately, this situation was caused by a technical problem with one of the pieces of equipment. At the present time, to avoid the possibility of a similar situation happening in other locations, any other facility which has the potential for a similar problem, has been directed to not engage in fuel transfers, unless there is human supervision of the transfer. A correction for the problem, which was unforeseen, in the equipment is being looked for and will be installed in all facilities where it is relevant. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Question 118-13(3): Update On Fuel Spill In Igloolik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 144

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Item 6: Oral Questions

April 30th, 1996

Page 145

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Public Works and is with regard to the Fort McPherson water treatment plant. In the past few weeks, there has been a problem noticed by the residents of Fort McPherson. The water from the tap comes out brown in colour. In some studies, there seems to be traces of magnesium in the water system. What has the department done with regard to the incident and has there been anything done to resolve that incident?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Return To Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Public Works and Services cleaned the two key wells and flushed out the distribution system earlier in April. The chemical feed systems have been adjusted to reduce some of the colour in the water. On April 16th, Public Works and Services was informed by the hamlet that the water quality had improved. Further, Mr. Speaker, the department is having a consultant travel to Fort McPherson for further study.

Return To Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Supplementary To Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary with regard to the individual who is going in there. Could I be informed of any reports that do come out on the status of it and also the possibility of looking at an alternative way of resolving this so it does not happen again?

Supplementary To Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Further Return To Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Mr. Speaker, I will keep the Member informed of the progress. I will also sit down with the Member and experts in the field to see how we can avoid this problem in the future.

Further Return To Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Question 119-13(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Treatment Plant
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance. We recently heard about an increase in education taxes. Can the Minister of Finance explain this situation? Was it started during this Assembly or during the previous Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Ministers of Finance, previous ones and the current one, do set the general mill rates across the Territories for tax-based communities. It's my understanding that this particular education mill rate increase, that the mill rates have only risen twice since they were instituted in 1967; by 10 per cent in 1987 and 10 per cent in 1992. I believe the recent increase was the last one that we increased. So they've increased twice since 1967. The recent increase that the Member alludes to is in the editorials of the newspapers this week. Thank you.

Return To Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Supplementary To Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the information. Was this recent increase started by this Assembly of the previous Assembly? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

John Todd Keewatin Central

I believe I was responsible for the current increase in the education tax rates, Mr. Speaker. The notes tell me here that we anticipate that the revenues will be somewhere in the range of $575,000. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Question 120-13(3): Increase In Education Taxes
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 145

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Item 7, written questions. Mr. Picco.

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation concerning the lack of availability of aviation fuel in the Nunavut area.

Many pilots would fly north to visit the Arctic Circle and other areas if the AV fuel was more readily available. The GNWT could be losing potential tourism dollars as a result of the lack of said fuel.

Also, the usage of smaller planes in the Baffin region and other areas in the NWT is severely limited. This can pose very serious safety concerns.

Mr. Speaker, my questions to the Minister are:

1. Will the Minister investigate the possibility of a more even spread of locations that would have AV fuel available?

2. Has the Department of Transportation been made aware of possible safety concerns of the lack of AV fuel specific in the Baffin and generally in the NWT?

3. Will the Minister commit to having AV fuel made more easily available and that the required supply structure be in place by the fall of 1997 to meet sealift requirements?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Mr. Speaker, Return to Written Question 1-13(3), asked by Mr. Enuaraq to the Premier concerning the regional director's position.

The Baffin regional director has played a very important role in coordinating the community wellness strategy. With the closing of regional director offices, the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to ensure that the implementation of the community wellness strategy is coordinated at the regional level.

The Honourable Kelvin Ng, Minister of Health and Social Services, is responsible for the regional wellness strategy and is working with Cabinet Ministers to develop a broad framework to guide implementation. The Minister of Health and Social Services would be better prepared to address questions regarding the development of that framework and any plans under consideration for the Baffin region.

It is, of course, important that overall program and service delivery in all regions continues to be coordinated after the closing of regional directors' offices. That coordination begins with the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the envelope committee system established by this government. The coordination continues through to government departments which have worked together within the same envelope system to create three-year business plans. Deputy minister committees consistent with the envelope system have also been created to allow for improved planning, coordination and information sharing between departments.

It is this improved planning, cooperation and communication at all levels of government which will form the basis for

ensuring the coordinated delivery of government programs and services in the regions and at the community level.

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Return to Written Question 2-13(3), asked by Mr. Evaloarjuk to the Premier concerning the elimination of the regional director's position.

To obtain the GNWT perspective on issues, GNWT Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly and employees can be invited to attend Baffin leaders' summits at the discretion of Baffin leaders.

Return To Question 3-13(3): Regional Director And Community Transfer
Return To Written Question 2-13(3): Elimination Of Regional Director's Position
Item 8: Returns To Written Questions

Page 146

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Return to Written 3-13(3), asked by Mr. Barnabas to the Premier concerning the regional director's position.

The Baffin Senior Management Committee has been active, effective and cooperative in dealing with issues of concern in the region.

The Baffin senior managers will continue to play an important role in the delivery of GNWT programs and services after the closing of the regional director's office. A framework for the effective operation of senior management in all regions is being developed as part of a transition plan to ensure the orderly closing of regional directors' offices. A possibility under consideration is that the Senior Management Committee would be chaired by regional superintendents on a rotating basis. It is clear at this point, however, that individual superintendents will be given the authority and responsibility to take the lead on issues within their department's mandate.

Regarding responsibility for the community transfer initiative, this initiative will continue through community empowerment. The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs has the mandate for community empowerment. Regional superintendents of MACA will take the lead on community empowerment in each region.

The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs has the mandate for this government's community empowerment priority and would be better prepared to address questions regarding any plans under consideration for the Baffin region.

It is, of course, important that government program and service delivery in all regions continue to be coordinated after the closing of regional directors' offices. That coordination begins with the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the envelope committee system established by this

government. The coordination continues through to government departments which have worked together within the same envelope system to create three-year business plans. Deputy minister committees consistent with the envelope system have also been created to allow for improved planning, coordination and information sharing between departments.

It is this improved planning, cooperation and communication at all levels of government which will form the basis for ensuring the coordinated delivery of government programs and services in the regions and at the community level.