This is page numbers 331 - 362 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 communities.

Effects Of Fas/fae
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 334

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to make a statement concerning a very grave problems that we face in the Northwest Territories. This problem I speak of is fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect. There have been comments made that 40 to 60 per cent of the children in some of the schools are suffering from these effects. This problem occurs when women drink during their pregnancy and it affects the formation of the organs of the foetus. Also, when the father of a child drinks prior to making love, that can also affect the child. It's not only on the mother's part. It can affect fertility and miscarriage.

Some of the effects, Mr. Speaker, of fetal alcohol syndrome is that the children are born smaller, they are lower in weight, they get sick easily, they take longer to get better. Normally, an FAS child only matures to a grade 4 level and they usually do not become independent as adults. It also affects the nervous system. They can be colicky and fussy as a baby, they can be hyperactive as a toddler, they may have learning disabilities. It also affects facial features and causes birth defects such as heart defects, kidney problems, liver problems and smaller brain size.

It has been estimated that FAS costs approximately $100 million from birth to the age of 18, with extra education, health and everything else.

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

Effects Of Fas/fae
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 334

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Continue, Mr. Erasmus.

Effects Of Fas/fae
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 334

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This study that I was just talking about indicated that, in 1990, the economic cost of FAS to the United States totalled more than $2 billion in US dollars. If Canadian numbers are 10 per cent of the United States numbers, that implies the 1990 cost to the Canadian economy was over $250 million.

Mr. Speaker, I urge this government to come up with a comprehensive program to deal with fetal alcohol system and fetal alcohol effects. This would include education in schools, the warning labels on liquor bottles, posters in bars, working with the women's organizations and health organizations to implement such a program, and any other factors that people can think of that would help. Thank you.

--- Applause

Effects Of Fas/fae
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 334

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Further Return To Question 133-13(3): Public Input On Business Incentive Policy
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 334

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Erasmus on May 2, 1996, regarding public input on the business incentive policy.

Over the past three years, there have been two rounds of public consultation on the proposed business incentive policy. Meetings were held in 17 communities in all the regions. The concerns and issues raised at those meetings will be taken into consideration when Cabinet reviews the proposed policy. Unless major changes are made to the proposal, I do not see a need at this time to hold further public meetings or sessions on this issue. However, we remain open to receiving input from interested groups or individuals. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 133-13(3): Public Input On Business Incentive Policy
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 334

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Questions 147-13(3): Guidelines For Use Of Social AssistanceReturn To Question 152-13(3): Information Provided To Retailers On Social Assistance Provisions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 334

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Steen on May 3, 1996, regarding information provided to retailers on social assistance provisions.

Mr. Speaker, income support workers assess the needs of all clients asking for support. They calculate what they are entitled to receive through the income support program and give them a written assessment, including the amount of money provided for rent, food, clothing and utilities.

Income support workers provide cheques directly to about 40 per cent of people receiving assistance. They also provide cheques to local suppliers, such as grocery stores, landlords and utility companies, on behalf of about 60 per cent of income support clients.

We do not have a policy saying exactly what groceries people should buy with their support cheques; nor do we tell grocery stores what they can sell to income support clients. Health and Social Services has information and staff in communities promoting good nutrition. Also, where the income support worker thinks it is necessary, he or she may ask the community health representative, or a homemaker, to advise individuals receiving support about nutrition and budgeting, and to help individuals shop for their groceries.

Hand-outs on nutrition and NWT food guides are available in community health centres. We will now ensure that income support workers provide some of these basic information hand-outs on nutrition to clients receiving support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Questions 147-13(3): Guidelines For Use Of Social AssistanceReturn To Question 152-13(3): Information Provided To Retailers On Social Assistance Provisions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 335

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Ng.

Return To Question 99-13(3): Evaluation Of Child Welfare Information Systems In H&ss
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 335

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two returns. One return to an oral question asked by Mr. Miltenberger on March 28, 1996, with respect to evaluation of child welfare information systems in Health and Social Services.

Since the departments of Health and Social Services were consolidated, there has been an ongoing review of information needs and the systems needed to meet management requirements. As expected, there is a need to integrate and upgrade or, in the case of child welfare, replace the existing information system.

Work has already been initiated on the redesign of the department's management information function and systems, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. A new and comprehensive child welfare system that meets all legislative and management requirements is included in the redesign program and will also be fully implemented by the end of the year.

Return To Question 148-13(3): Inquiry Into Electronic Monitoring Program For Nwt Offenders
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 335

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Mr. Speaker, a second return to an oral question asked by Mr. Erasmus on May 3, 1996, with respect to the inquiry into the electronic monitoring program for NWT offenders.

Research by corrections staff on the possible use of electronic monitoring in the NWT has been ongoing since 1991.

Information about new projects in other jurisdictions was circulated to the heads of corrections meeting in October 1995. Two different articles were taken from the Internet dated March 7, 1996.

The most recent cross-Canada survey to determine how many jurisdictions use electronic monitoring was completed by RCMP officers working in aboriginal policing. This was shared with NWT corrections staff on March 29, 1996. Corrections staff discussed the issue with NorthwesTel in early April 1996, in order to determine if electronic monitoring was technically feasible.

The correctional services division in the Department of Justice in Alberta and the Department of Justice in the Yukon were also contacted at that time to discuss their progress in implementing this technology. Reports were received from Alberta and a status report was given over the phone from the Yukon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 148-13(3): Inquiry Into Electronic Monitoring Program For Nwt Offenders
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 335

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

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

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

Page 335

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome to the gallery a neighbour and friend of mine. He is a prominent well-known lawyer in Yellowknife. Did he leave? I will introduce him anyway; Mr. Adrian Wright.

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

Page 335

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. 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 335

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, I would like to recognize the press who have been sitting here and taking in what has been happening over the last few weeks. Thank you.

--- Applause

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

Page 335

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Question 210-13(3): Delay In Mail Delivery To Eastern Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 335

Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question to the Deputy Premier with regard to the mail that goes into our communities. It takes a long time in order to reach the communities. For instance, there are about six flights that go back east. Even from Ottawa to Montreal, they have regular flights every day back east. There is a direct flight from Iqaluit to Igloolik, Hall Beach and Pond Inlet. It takes a long time for the mail to arrive at those communities, even if they are just coming from Iqaluit. The mail takes a long time to reach the communities from Iqaluit. Can the Deputy Premier find out why it takes so long for the mail to reach the communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 210-13(3): Delay In Mail Delivery To Eastern Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 335

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Evaloarjuk. Deputy Premier.

Return To Question 210-13(3): Delay In Mail Delivery To Eastern Communities
Question 210-13(3): Delay In Mail Delivery To Eastern Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 335

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

(Translation) Even though we don't have any control over Canada Post, we communicate regularly with Canada Post. I will relay that question to them and then inform the Member. Thank you.

Return To Question 210-13(3): Delay In Mail Delivery To Eastern Communities
Question 210-13(3): Delay In Mail Delivery To Eastern Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 335

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

(Translation) Thank you. (Translation ends) Mr. Krutko.

Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 335

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs or Public works and Services, whoever can help me with the issue of the water treatment plant in Fort McPherson, which I made note of in my opening statement. Over the years, there has been a real concern. This past spring has probably been the worst. The water smells and has heavy traces of chlorine. People have been complaining to the Health department, the

hamlet office and myself asking if anything is going to be done.

The mayor of Fort McPherson has written to Goo Arlooktoo with regard to the possibility of finding an alternative well, or lake. Their main concern is because the lake that is presently being used has become a dead lake. That is where they are tracing the water to. In a report I received yesterday from Ken Lovely, it clearly states that one prominent concern, which is still outstanding, is that ... (inaudible) ... which is a by-product between chlorine and certain dissolved organisms in the water system. THM is a source of carcinogens, which is a cancer-causing component. That is what is in this report.

My concern is, if this is a cancer-causing component in the water treatment process, what effect is it having on the population of Fort McPherson. The solution is to try to pour as much chlorine into the system to get rid of this cancer causing component. It doesn't seem to be working. My question to the Minister is, will he make this a priority item for his department and find the resources needed to look at a new water source and resolve this problem which I now see as a health issue and not just a public issue.

Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 336

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. Deputy Premier.

Return To Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 336

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Mr. Speaker, I am well aware of the situation. I did give information to the Member this morning, which was the report he talks about. In this report, it states that the water quality is an annual problem. It talks about a temporary problem on an annual basis. I am informed that the water quality is treated and it does conform to the Canadian drinking water guidelines. However, there are complaints about odour and discolouration. As for further work that the Member asks about, I am informed that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has allocated $40,000 to review the functions and operations of the existing water supply for next year. The intent there is to find and recommend a more stable year round water source. So we are working on it.

Return To Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 336

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Supplementary To Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 336

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't see $40,000 as much of a solution to a major problem, especially when we are talking about cancer-causing components which are being traced to the water treatment process. My view is it has to be a larger-scale project than just the $40,000 Band-Aid solution, which we are going to have to deal with next year. Will the Minister allocate reasonable amounts of revenue and also work along with the community as soon as possible to try to find an alternative source of water to deal with this concern at this time?

Supplementary To Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Question 211-13(3): Quality Of Drinking Water In Fort Mcpherson
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 336

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. Deputy Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo.