Members Present
Hon. Jim Antoine, Hon. Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Hon. Charles Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Hon. Samuel Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Hon. Don Morin, Hon. Kelvin Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Hon. Manitok Thompson, Hon. John Todd
--- Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
Page 583
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Good afternoon. Orders of 'the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.
Minister's Statement 66-13(3): Appointment Of Rcmp Auxiliary Members As Peace Officers
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 583
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of participating in the appointment of 16 RCMP auxiliary members as police officers. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the significance of that event. This program is the first for the Northwest Territories. It allows citizens to take an active part in the policing of their community and is a major step towards the enhancement of RCMP resources. The RCMP auxiliary policing program would not have been possible without the initiative and efforts of the RCMP members of "G" Division, who worked so hard to make this program concept a reality. I congratulate those members responsible for the development of this program.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important program and is totally dependent upon the participation of volunteers. The volunteer is a special individual. These persons put others ahead of themselves and are willing to give something back to the communities in which they live. In this instance, they have dedicated many hours of personal time to this program, over and above the basic training requirements, and will continue to receive training on an ongoing basis. They have participated in a number of community events such as the 1996 air show and zero tolerance policing activities.
Their presence has been noted and well-accepted by the public. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to mention the new auxiliary members: Paul Mounsey; Mike Bourque; Linda Thiel; Mitch Siemens; Emmett Crossman; Melanie Lacroix; Ron Nickle; Ross Jan; Jeff Steinwand; Steven Pagotto; Michael Dunsmore; Jim Peterson; Allison Gloeden; Gerta Groothuizen; Lorraine Conway; and, Francis Jackson. I would like to thank them for volunteering for this program and to wish each of them luck with this very worthwhile endeavour. I am confident that the RCMP auxiliary policing program will be a successful one and that these individuals will prove to be an example for others to follow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause
Minister's Statement 66-13(3): Appointment Of Rcmp Auxiliary Members As Peace Officers
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 583
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.
Minister's Statement 67-13(3): Northern Nursing Program
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
May 22nd, 1996
Page 583
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the health care field offers northerners many opportunities for employment. Well-trained northern health care workers can make it easier for patients to receive treatment in a manner more reflective of their culture and language. Northern aboriginal health care specialists can reduce our staff recruitment costs and provide positive role models for our young people.
To develop this potential, my department has collaborated with Aurora College, Health and Social Services and the NWT Registered Nurses' Association to establish the northern nursing program.
Not only was a legislative amendment needed to ensure registered nurses could be graduated, but approval was needed from the Nurses' Association itself to ensure the program met all academic requirements and national standards. After an evaluation of the staff and curriculum, health care professionals said the program ranked with any in the country and could serve as a model of excellence for other programs. They praised the quality of the staff and the blend of traditional medicine and modern medical practices in the curriculum.
Mr. Speaker, the Nursing Association's board of directors has recently recommended that the northern nursing program be granted approval for two years. It will be reviewed again at that point and regularly in the future, so it can maintain its status.
I want to congratulate all partners who participated in the development of the northern nursing program. I would like to give special recognition to the staff at the Yellowknife campus of Aurora College. They have created a nursing program with high professional standards and one which will ensure a supply of well-trained northern nurses for the future.
--- Applause
Minister's Statement 67-13(3): Northern Nursing Program
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 584
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.
Congratulating Gjoa Haven Men On Commissioner's Award For Bravery
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to announce that last evening there was a Commissioner's award ceremony in Gjoa Haven, followed by a feast and a dance. The people of Gjoa Haven celebrated the commendable bravery of three young men. They are Sam Kenerk; James Kununak; and, Clarence Siutinnuaq. They saved the lives of five children who were going to play hockey on a lake which had just frozen over, in September of 1995.
The all-terrain vehicle they were on went through the ice in the deepest part of the lake. Some of the children pulled themselves out, when three men went over and pulled out the rest of the children who had fallen through the ice. We are all grateful that Sam, James and Clarence unselfishly came to the aid of the five children.
--- Applause
Congratulating Gjoa Haven Men On Commissioner's Award For Bravery
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements.
Treaty Rights
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is with regard to a question of aboriginal rights, treaty rights, programs and services being transferred from the federal government to the Government of the Northwest Territories, as well as regarding other treaty rights that have been signed in the past and new treaties, which are now called land claims agreements.
Under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, it clearly identifies aboriginal people having distinct rights. It seems through the transfers that have taken place and the downsizing of government, there is a fundamental problem in how people are recognized. We have band members who are registered Indians, under the Indian Act, in bands in the Northwest Territories, yet may live in southern Canada for medical, personal or family reasons. Those people have rights to only one band in Canada and that's the band with whom they're registered. The same thing applies to Metis organizations and people registered in land claims settlements.
It seems like we are spending a lot of time talking about devolving programs and services to communities, and also cuts in delivery of programs and services; yet, when it comes to the principle of individual rights, the whole question about who has authority over aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories, they are played off as pawns by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and also this government. We have to identify the exact right we're talking about, in the context of the right to programs and services which have been transferred from Indian Affairs to this government, by way of contribution agreement or block funding.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Treaty Rights
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Krutko.
Treaty Rights
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In concluding my statement, issues have been raised in this House about individuals who return home from the South after a couple of months, and the problems we have seen in how they're dealt with by Social Services for access to social programs such as welfare and being restricted from those rights based on residency. These people we call aboriginal people have been here for thousands of years. In some cases, 20,000 to 30,000 years. Yet, when it comes to where they come from, this government seems to have a problem in identifying exactly where their homeland is. This is their homeland. They were here long before this government, or even Canada.
Treaty Rights
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
An Hon. Member
Hear! Hear!
Treaty Rights
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
So I think we have to somehow deal with this question about how we deal with the aboriginal people who traditionally come from this homeland, to make them feel at home in their land without being questioned or disputed with regard to their status. This government should do an internal review on exactly how they see the registered systems for program delivery and how people's health cards or status cards can be put into all aspects of government, not just a number where you show up and say I've been gone for a while. Oh, sorry, you're not a resident.
At the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister a question on this item. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Treaty Rights
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
An Hon. Member
Hear! Hear!
Treaty Rights
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.
Community Wellness Conference In Iqaluit
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 584
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, an important event is happening at the present time in Iqaluit. The community is holding a community wellness conference. Workshops on topics like communication skills, sexual abuse, parenting skills, suicide, traditional Inuit healing practices, smoking, elders' issues and mental health are just some of the topics being discussed. Phyllis Chelsey from the Alkali Lake Indian Band will be one of the keynote speakers. The conference is being co-chaired by Mayor Joe Kunuk and Lena Evic Twerdin.
Mr. Speaker, this conference is part and parcel of the type of activity envisioned when the GNWT announced the community wellness strategy. Community wellness, to me, means taking control of our lives and social conditions at the community level. We have to build bridges and support mechanisms between cultures and economic conditions. We have to base the strengths of the community and balance these against the undercurrents of helplessness that have permeated through our communities.
Mr. Speaker, this conference in Iqaluit will build on the pride that has been evident in our community over the past several months. I congratulate the organizers, participants and volunteers who have made this event possible.
I will not be in the House tomorrow as I will be travelling to Iqaluit with Mr. Todd. I will be participating in a panel discussion on community wellness this weekend and, of course, will be hosting Mr. Todd. I am looking forward to participating with the guests and participants of the community wellness strategy and, of course, playing host to Mr. Todd, who will be much in evidence and in the spotlight this weekend in Iqaluit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Community Wellness Conference In Iqaluit
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 585
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Picco. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.
Baffin Fishery
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 585
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A week ago today I talked about my optimism for the Baffin fishery. Today I am pleased to report some new developments.
In response to a letter sent on March 27, 1996, on behalf of all Baffin MLAs, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Fred Mifflin, has sent a reply to us, care of Mr. Arlooktoo, dated May 16, 1996. The Minister included with the letter a copy of a letter he had written recently to the chair of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Mr. Ben Kovic.
Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by the contents of the Minister's letter. In his letter he stated, "I understand the importance of marine fisheries to the people of Nunavut." In his letter to Mr. Kovic, the Minister also noted that weather has devastated the 1996 winter fishing for inshore turbot, as I have already described in this House. Taking that bad weather into account, the Minister stated that he would allow unfished inshore quotas to be transferred to offshore fishing for Nunavut in the amount of 970 tonnes.
He also agreed that again in 1996, Pangnirtung Fisheries will be allowed by the Minister to arrange to charter a Newfoundland vessel to fish for turbot in area "0," since they do not yet have a vessel of their own.
Baffin Fishery
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 585
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.
Graduates From Mowhi Community Learning Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 585
James Rabesca North Slave
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am pleased to stand in the House to announce that at the Mowhi Community Learning Centre there will be a graduation ceremony for 36 young adults who have worked hard to better themselves over the past year. I wish I was able to attend this important event. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate each and every one of them for their achievements, as well as congratulate all the graduates from across the Northwest Territories.
The graduates for the academic upgrading program are Bessie Apples; Doreen Apples; David Gon; Marilyn Kotchilea; Madeline Mackenzie; Mary Adele Mackenzie; Tiny Mackenzie; Alice A Mantla; Kathy Simpson; Mary Louise Tinqui; Adeline Wedzin; and, Alice Wedzin.
For the northern skills development program the graduates are Nora Beaverhoe; Therese Drybone; Johnny Dryneck; Nora Ekendia; Betty Ann Mackenzie; Joyce Washie; Betty Ann Wedzin; Lena Drybone; Rose Bailey; and, Mary Margaret Mantla.
For the pre-trades program the graduates are Peter Beggair; Peter Eyakfwo; Paul Lafferty; Gilbert Mantle; Raymond Mantle; Jean Louie Rabesca; Stanley Wallin; Alfred Whane; Justin Whane; William Tatzia; Wayne Sabourin; Jerry Quitte; and, Richard Bishop.
Mr. Speaker, these are the graduates and I would like to congratulate them and say best wishes for the future. Mahsi cho.
--- Applause
Graduates From Mowhi Community Learning Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 585
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.
Student Summer Employment
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 585
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Qujannamiik, Uquqtii. I would like to report on the town hall session held here in Yellowknife by the federal Ministerial Taskforce on Youth, on May 15th, and suggest ways our government can help youth employment. As you are aware, the federal government -- as we are, here today, in the North -- is very concerned about the lack of employment opportunities for current graduates of our schools, colleges and universities. To address this problem, the federal government is providing short-term funds for summer student employment this year to each province; including, I understand, the NWT. These funds are double what they have provided in previous years.
The federal government has also established a taskforce to address long-term plans to improve employment opportunities for new graduates. One of the Taskforce on Youth strategies is to hold town hall meetings throughout Canada to obtain views and opinions from the youth themselves and others who are concerned.
I attended the town hall meeting here in Yellowknife and heard many different ideas. One of these ideas is to provide hands-on career and technology programs. We have the CALM programs in our schools -- which stands for "career and life management' -- but students believe the program should be started in an earlier grade; that the employment experience should be extended over the summer; and that a stronger network be set up between schools and the workplace.
Other ideas put forth were that workshops and information sessions be held with people presently employed in certain careers; workshops should be given on the weekends for setting up student businesses; and, that the present career days be given in greater depth.
Some of the concerns that students in Yellowknife had were that it's difficult to get jobs while in high school, but students need part-time jobs, they feel, year-round to get the experience. Another concern is that in the communities the chance for student employment is even less; less than in Yellowknife, for example. The career program in the schools, they feel, is not suited to community situations.
I wonder what the government's long-term initiatives are for youth employment. I've just stated some ideas from the town hall meeting that should be considered.
Also, I wonder what our government's short-term plans are for summer employment this year. I understand...
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Student Summer Employment
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 586
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ootes, conclude your statement.
Student Summer Employment
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 586
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder what our government's short-term plans are for summer employment this year. I understand that Mr. Dent was to meet this week with federal government representatives concerning how much money is coming to the NWT for student summer employment, and I'm anxiously waiting for a report on that.
In my opinion, the funds are very late in coming because post-secondary students have finished their courses already and have been job hunting for over a month. I sincerely hope that the GNWT also will not use these funds to hire students at the casual wage rate of $22 an hour which, I understand, under the collective agreement, in some cases, they have to. I hope that we will see use of those funds provide a basic student wage, and in order to maximize the number of students who can be hired in government.
In order to take advantage of these one-time funds, I hope the personnel services of this government can arrange a special student rate more suited to the beginning skills of students, either by an immediate arrangement with the union or by temporary legislation. We have little time left to institute this temporary program and I would hope we don't let this opportunity slip by. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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