This is page numbers 151 - 177 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 community.

Topics

Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Deputy Premier. For a long time, Nunavut residents have been waiting for the northern accord agreement. We are trying to find out how many more people can gain employment from the GNWT and also for economic development, and to be able to set up their own businesses. When is the territorial government going to establish this policy regarding article 24?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Arlooktoo.

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Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

(Translation) The question the Member is posing regarding article 24 is one of the most important clauses in the Nunavut agreement. I would like to inform the Member that we are talking about article 24, which is being recognized by this government. We will be following all our agreements and honouring all our contracts. When Nunavut Caucus is meeting after the session, I will be informing them further and update them on information regarding this matter.

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. We have heard over the past few months from this government that one of the main reasons why our transfers from the federal government have decreased is because of the perversity factor built into our formula financing agreement. This means that when southern jurisdictions reduce their spending we, in turn, have a reduction in our grant. Will the Minister be approaching the federal government to somehow try and renegotiate said formula, because of our growing accumulated deficit? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

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Edward Picco Iqaluit

Mr. Speaker, it can never be said that Mr. Todd is a man of few words. Mr. Speaker, have the Minister and his officials reviewed the implications of major reductions in spending by southern jurisdictions, like Quebec, that will impact on our federal cash transfers?

Supplementary To Question 125-13(3): Renegotiation Of Formula Financing Agreement
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd.

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we're well aware of the implications of the deficit reduction strategy that was put in place in Ontario and the impact it had on our revenues. We're also aware that depending on what happens with the current deficit reduction strategy by Mr. Bouchard in Quebec -- who has a $3 billion deficit -- if he does take the same dramatic steps that his counterpart in Ontario took, it could have and will have a serious impact on our revenue formula agreement. However, I have communicated with Mr. Martin, the Minister of Finance for the country, and it's one of the issues that I will be dealing with him on when I meet with him later this month. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Supplementary To Question 125-13(3): Renegotiation Of Formula Financing Agreement
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Edward Picco Iqaluit

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT raises roughly 11 per cent of the money that we expend. Will the Minister also take our case of continued transfer reductions to other jurisdictions to build support for our unique position, because of our low revenue-generating ability at the present time?

Supplementary To Question 125-13(3): Renegotiation Of Formula Financing Agreement
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd.

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I haven't myself initiated any discussions with other provincial jurisdictions, but I know the Premier has spoken with the Honourable Ralph Klein and the Honourable Roy Romanow to ensure that we have some provincial leaders who are sympathetic to our position; not just in our deficit strategy, but also on other issues related to this government like the accord, like investment, at cetera. So it is our intention in the coming months to work very aggressively, through partnerships with our provincial colleagues, to try to seek their support in some of the initiatives that we're taking. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

Question 126-13(3): Restructuring Of Public Works And Services
Item 7: Oral Questions

May 1st, 1996

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Public Works and Services. I was

wondering if the Minister could update the House on some of the changes that are under way with Public Works and Services, over and above what was in the business plans in terms of restructuring and reworking the department. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.

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Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Public Works, like all government departments, is participating in delayering of management positions and efficiency movement. At the present time, here at headquarters, we have eliminated two ADM positions. We've reduced the number of directors from eight to five, and there are further reductions proposed.

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger,

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister indicate whether these changes are going to affect the whole length and breadth of this department, or is it just a headquarters restructuring? Thank you.

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Arlooktoo.

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Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Mr. Speaker, the restructuring is department wide. We are beginning with positions at headquarters, and down the road with consultation with the rest of Cabinet, there will be further changes in regional offices also.

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr.

Miltenberger.

Supplementary To Question 126-13(3): Restructuring Of Public Works And Services
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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister indicate whether the appropriate committee, as well, will be involved in this restructuring of this major department? Thank you.