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 647
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Good afternoon. Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.
Minister's Statement 71-13(3): New Handbook - "dealing With Child Abuse"
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 647
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my department has recently participated in the development of a handbook called 'Dealing with Child Abuse." I believe it will be an important contribution in helping to address a serious issue which I know is of great concern to all of us.
This handbook was developed in cooperation with the departments of Education, Culture and Employment; Health and Social Services; and, Justice, and with the support of the RCMP, Crown prosecutors and the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association. The book has been designed by northerners to be relevant to the northern context. It will build on some important work undertaken by these departments and agencies in recent years to combat the problem of child abuse.
The book explains the signs of child abuse and how to listen for a child's disclosure that they have been interfered with. Too often, children may try to tell someone that they are suffering abuse but the complaint goes unnoticed because those who receive it don't have the knowledge necessary to appreciate what is being said to them. This book will help solve that problem.
The handbook also talks about what to do when a child discloses that they have experienced abuse. Knowing where to go to make sure that the necessary reports are made to get the child some help and to initiate the necessary enquiries is an important step. This book describes how to get those things done.
I am also pleased to report that the work done to prepare this handbook has increased the interest in this important issue among educators. School staff are interested in pursuing more intensive training. We are encouraging them to invite their colleagues in policing, social services and health care to join them in this and in adopting joint planning initiatives to address this issue in their communities.
Adopting a collective approach to tackling the problem of child abuse has already produced results and I believe that much more can be achieved.
Mr. Speaker, departments and agencies which cooperated in the development of the child abuse handbook are also updating an interagency protocol designed to enhance their collective capacity to address child abuse issues. This government, for some time now, has advocated this kind of interagency, holistic approach to social issues and this is one area where real progress is being made.
Mr. Speaker, the goal is to make sure that when a child calls out for help, help will be there and the response will be the best that we can give. Our children can, and must, be able to expect that from us.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware that we experience disproportionate levels of child abuse and child sexual abuse in the Northwest Territories. That will only change if we are prepared to have the courage and the commitment to confront the problem in every community. The best place to start is in the home; but I believe that we must also act to ensure that our schools are a safe haven where children can find those who will listen and provide help, if and when help is needed.
Regrettably, there have been some occasions when that may not have been the case in the past. It would be an oversight if I failed to mention that there have been some instances when individuals working in our schools, or in other agencies, have themselves been the perpetrators of child abuse.
I note, for example, the recently completed case involving Maurice Cloughly who, after a guilty plea, is now serving a lengthy sentence, and rightly so, for years of abusive behaviour. Students who suffered from that abuse have carried the emotional scars from what happened to them for many years. 1, and I am sure all of us in this Assembly, profoundly regret that such a thing could happen here.
My view is that we need to express a collective apology to all who have experienced abuse in that case and in others. We must commit to continuing to make sure that our schools are an inhospitable climate for those who would abuse children entrusted to their care.
Mr. Speaker, my hope is that, by helping school staff to better understand the dynamics of child abuse, by providing clear information about where to go to get help and by improving interagency and intergovernmental cooperation to address these issues, we are taking the most important steps to combat a problem which demands our attention. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause
Minister's Statement 71-13(3): New Handbook - "dealing With Child Abuse"
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 648
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.
Minister's Statement 72-13(3): Presentation Of An Award To St. Patrick's High School Sadd Group
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 648
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to Members of the Legislative Assembly. Last week, I was at St. Patrick's High School to present an award to a volunteer group; Students Against Drinking and Driving. They are part of a national organization of Canadian youth dedicated to solving their own problems. The students at St. Patrick's High School formed their chapter of Students Against Drinking and Driving in November 1994. The group is not so much opposed to drinking as they believe that people can enjoy themselves at parties and social gatherings without having to drink. They care about their friends and want to protect them from dangerous situations, especially where vehicles are involved. They get their message out to students through school assemblies, red ribbon campaigns, dry graduations and controlled parties.
They were recognized for their achievements earlier this year when they received an award at the national conference of Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving in Regina. I want to commend their work and thank them for their helpful participation in the strategy to reduce impaired driving, with the Department of Transportation. With their cooperation, a chapter of Students Against Drinking and Driving has been formed at Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife. I think Students Against Drinking and Driving is a positive example of students giving of their time and energy for the betterment of their communities. I would like to see more students at other high schools across the Northwest Territories get involved in preventing the needless deaths and injuries that so often result from drinking and driving. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause
Minister's Statement 72-13(3): Presentation Of An Award To St. Patrick's High School Sadd Group
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 648
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.
National Access Awareness Week
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 648
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since 1988, National Action Awareness Week has been challenging Canadians in the communities where they live, to take collective action to eradicate the barriers faced by people with disabilities. Participation in the Canadian labour force for those who are between the ages of 15 and 64 years of age is 80 per cent. Among Canadians with disabilities, it is 50 per cent.
Active employment seekers in the disabled community are unemployed at a rate of 30 per cent, compared to the national figure of 10 per cent in the non-disabled population. In 1990, the average income from all sources for working age adults with disabilities was $20,710. The average income for adults without disabilities for this period was higher, at $26,210.
The GNWT affirmative action policy identifies four target groups: aboriginal people, women in management or non-traditional jobs, indigenous non-aboriginal people and people with disabilities. While aboriginal people have the first priority under the current policy, it is important to bear in mind that all four target groups are underrepresented in the workforce. We must implement strategies to include all members of our communities in employment. Affirmative action for people with disabilities means making accommodations for the disabled. This includes setting goals and timetables for increasing the representation of people with disabilities in the workplace; consulting with representatives of the disabled community; developing training initiatives that are suitable to the target population; making special efforts to contact suitable prospective employees who are disabled...
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
National Access Awareness Week
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 648
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Natilikmiot is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Ningark.
National Access Awareness Week
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 648
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. ...developing training initiatives that are suitable for the target population; making special efforts to contact suitable prospective employees who are disabled; providing physical access to buildings and access technology, and so on.
Eighty per cent of job accommodations for people with disabilities cost less than $1,000. With careful planning, measures such as ramps, railings, convenient parking, lower reception and service counters, accessible placement of merchandise, wider entrances and exits, and larger and more easy-to-read signs and advertising need not involve great expense. Without such improvements, though, people with disabilities are prevented from offering businesses their patronage as consumers, or their services as employees.
Figures from the International Association of Machinists Centre for Administering Rehabilitation and Employment Services, a federally and privately-funded program in Canada and the United States, shows that employing people with disabilities can considerably reduce social assistance payments and public welfare costs. American figures, for example, indicated that employing people with disabilities saved American taxpayers about $12 million for each $1.5 million invested. Employing people with disabilities, then, Mr. Speaker, can reduce the cost of public services and thereby reduce taxation levels. Money spent on education and training is an investment.
At a recent community meeting held in Gjoa Haven and hosted by the NWT Council for Disabled Persons, members of QuIlik Society of People with Disabilities voiced their concern about the transition from school to community living for young adults. In that community, Mr. Speaker, there are a number of young adults who are "finished school, but not finished learning," according to Mary Kikoak, the president of Gullik Society.
A day program that would offer both work skills and daily living skills to benefit these young adults is considered suitable by the members of Qullik Society in Gjoa Haven. Thank you.
National Access Awareness Week
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 649
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.
Proposed Make-up Of Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 649
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to make a few comments regarding the proposed make-up of the Nunavut government. I am very unhappy because I am becoming more and more convinced that there has been a lie told to communities in Nunavut.
During the capital campaign that occurred last year, people were told that their new government would be highly decentralized. This would see Cape Dorset benefit from 67 new jobs; Igloolik, 93.5 jobs; Pangnirtung, 80 jobs; Pond Inlet, 77 jobs, and so on. These promises were made on a model conceived by the Nunavut Implementation Commission and widely used by the Iqaluit Campaign Committee.
Mr. Speaker, that is the reason my constituents voted for Iqaluit. If the Rankin Inlet model would have had more benefits for my communities, then we would have voted for Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, a grave disservice has been done to my constituents due to recent announcements by the federal government to fund the incremental costs at a lower level than required. I have tried to bring this matter up with NTI, but I have been answered with accusations of trying to unravel their special deal with the federal government to own and construct all the incremental infrastructure required.
Mr. Speaker, where NTI came up with this logic escapes me. My children and I, as beneficiaries, are shareholders in these institutions. (Translation ends)
Proposed Make-up Of Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 649
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Arlooktoo, your time is up.
Proposed Make-up Of Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 649
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Proposed Make-up Of Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 649
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Baffin South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Arlooktoo.
Proposed Make-up Of Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 649
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said last week, the health of the Nunavut economy will be better with a larger number and broader base of individual businesses, rather than the economy relying on four large corporations, regardless of who the owners are.
This is a straightforward and logical argument for me, especially if we put in controls to ensure that the Inuit population will get its fair and proportionate share. I understand that the president of NTI has been invited to the Baffin Leaders' Summit next month, and I look forward to discussing this further with him at that time.
I would also like to note, Mr. Speaker, that it appears that the largest newspaper in Nunavut, which is also the local paper for Iqaluit, appears to be actively discouraging discussions on the low level of incremental funding through means available to it. I hope that is not the case and I look forward to seeing much more debate on this matter in future editions.
I must say that I could not blame them for trying to limit debate since, as the funding stands now, Iqaluit will get most of the positions, most of the buildings and so on. Nunatsiaq News has a vested interest in making sure that the jobs do not go out to other communities and obviously a larger population and more government jobs would be very good for that paper.
Mr. Speaker, there was also a popular argument recently that the GNWT did this to itself by not responding to the NIC report. I will concede that there has been no formal written document issued until recently, entitled "Response to the NIC Report." However, I do know that the GNWT has made a tremendous effort, through correspondence and face-to-face meetings, to influence the federal Cabinet submission on the funding needed for incremental costs for the Nunavut government.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I must advise all residents of Nunavut that I will not stay quiet on these issues, despite the pathetic tactics by those trying to protect their own interests in the building of our new government. I look forward to meeting and dealing with these challenges head on in the next 33 months leading up to Nunavut. I especially welcome the opportunity to work with the NTI Board of Directors to build the best future we can for all the people of Nunavut. Thank you.
--- Applause
Proposed Make-up Of Nunavut Government
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 649
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.
Recognition Of Brook Mattick In Locating Downed Aircraft Near Fort Simpson
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 650
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to bring some good news and some not-so-good news. A former Government Leader of this Assembly had the opportunity to witness the marriage of his daughter. Mr. Speaker, that leader was Mr. Nick Sibbeston.
--- Applause
Nick and Karen Sibbeston's daughter, Janice, was joined in marriage in Fort Simpson to Timothy McClelland, son of Nelson and Marjorie McClelland; long-time Yellowknifers. The ceremony and festivities were somewhat overshadowed by an aircraft accident of guests flying in to join the wedding celebrations at Fort Simpson.
Mr. Speaker, CBC reported this morning and gave a lot of credit to myself for finding the downed aircraft near Fort Simpson on Saturday. While this is true, credit should go to the skill and ability of another passenger: Brook Mattick, who is a flight instructor and pilot with Air Tindi in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, Brook had the knowledge, skill, ability and experience to fly our aircraft at lower speeds and altitudes and in the vicinity of other traffic, which gave Pat Scott -who is a CBC news reporter who was on the job -- and myself total freedom to give full time and attention to look for the downed aircraft which we found. From my perspective, full credit should go to Brook for a job well done.
I am pleased to report that both Lee Penney, the pilot, and Marie Benoit, the passenger of the downed aircraft, are in critical condition but are recovering in an Edmonton hospital. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause
Recognition Of Brook Mattick In Locating Downed Aircraft Near Fort Simpson
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 650
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Henry. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.
Increase In Fees To Seniors' Facilities
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 650
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
My comment in the House today is with regard to the Joe Greenland Centre in Aklavik, which is presently in the process of being negotiated for community transfer powers to the Aklavik aboriginal council, which consists of the hamlet, Inuvialuit and Gwich'in members of that community.
One of the problems they seem to have run into through these community transfers is the current financial problems with the increase in fees the seniors will have to pay for staying in these facilities. The aboriginal council has been in negotiations with this government for a number of months. They are asking if this government would seriously consider, because they are in the negotiation process, not allowing the June 1st increases to affect those negotiations. That is one item that is presently under negotiation.
There has been an outcry by the seniors about the impact these increases will have throughout the North, not only in Aklavik. They have asked that they be assisted in that. I will be asking the Minister a question on this matter with regard to those negotiations which have been under way for a number of months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Increase In Fees To Seniors' Facilities
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 650
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.
Creative Solutions For Financial Management In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 650
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last six months have been trying times for us as legislators. We have struggled since November with the threat of an enormous deficit. At times, it seems that everything we have done has been driven by this dark shadow. With the limited time available to us, we have had to rely on the kind of difficult, painful solutions that have been employed elsewhere in Canada: job cuts; public service wage reductions; cuts and benefits to those in need; and, cuts to needed programs to serve northerners.
We have incorporated all of these into the budget we are reviewing this month. We have at least pushed most of the shadow back. Now, as we wind down the session and as government departments start planning their budgets for next year, it is time we looked at other ways of managing the resources available to us. We have to find solutions which do not hurt northerners. This will take a lot of effort and creativity on the part of all northerners. We have to look at creative ways of attracting financial resources to the North. We have to encourage responsible development in the North, but do so in a way that keeps as much of the money and benefits in the North as possible. For example, if diamond miners live in Yellowknife, rather than flying in and out of the South, more personal income tax will come into our coffers instead of the provinces. We could use our tax rate, the lowest personal income tax rate in the country, as a selling point to potential employees in new mines.
We also have to consider creative ways to keep corporate benefits from new development in the North. Some suggest raising corporate tax rates and others suggest lowering them in the hopes of attracting more corporate income to flow into the North and to generate more of our revenue to pay for the programs we need. We have to work with the federal government to finalize the northern accord and ensure that a reasonable portion of mineral royalties from new mines and existing ones stay in the North.
Since the federal deficit is a driving force behind our deficit, we have to encourage the federal government to be more creative in generating revenue. The Auditor General suggests that every dollar spent on tax auditing generates many more dollars in additional revenues from tax evaders. Some economists suggest using a very small tax on currency transactions to generate revenue and to stabilize global currency markets. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Creative Solutions For Financial Management In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 650
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have
any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Erasmus.
Creative Solutions For Financial Management In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All of these ideas have good points and bad points. Most need a great deal of careful analysis before they are implemented. We need to look at new and creative solutions and give them careful analysis so we can solve our financial problems with less pain and suffering for our citizens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause
Creative Solutions For Financial Management In The Nwt
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.
Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have stated before, the constituents of Grise Fiord and Resolute ... (Translation ends) ... those communities are colder, darker, windier and further north than most other communities in the NWT. In fact, as we know, Grise Fiord is the most northern community in North America.
Mr. Speaker, I had a little research done about the climate in Resolute Bay. I learned, for example, that the temperature in Resolute Bay, on average, never goes above minus eight Celsius during May. That is the warmest it gets in Resolute Bay in an average month of May.
If you think May in Resolute Bay is cool, the winter months are extreme. For example, in January, February and March, on average, the warmest it gets is between minus 27 to minus 29 Celsius. The coldest temperature in February and March, on average, is minus 36 to minus 37 degrees Celsius. Added to those cold temperatures, it is a steady north wind which averages over 20 kilometres per hour all year round. These are tough conditions in which to expect little children to skate outdoors. In contrast, Yellowknife, for example, can warm up to an average of plus 10 degrees Celsius in May, and as warm as minus 12 or minus 20 Celsius in April or March, on average.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the Minister and her staff are looking at ways of dealing with these problems. I thank her for that. However, Mr. Speaker, I want Members of this Assembly to appreciate that we have a good reason for asking for modifications to the community outdoor rink program ... (Microphone turned off)
Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Barnabas, could you repeat your last sentence? It isn't on record. You were cut off before you were finished.
Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. However, Mr. Speaker, I want Members of this Assembly to appreciate that we have a good reason for asking for modifications to the community outdoor rink program. We are asking for shelter for our young skaters because of our climate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause
Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.
Survey On Deficit Elimination Tax
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From time to time, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business surveys its membership with various questions. Mr. Erasmus referred to various possibilities that could have been looked at, such as taxation. We have to look at alternatives.
One of the surveys and ballots that caught my eye is the question should the territorial government introduce a deficit elimination tax. Normally, they provide background, supporters' comments and opponents' comments. We all know the background to this. We have a deficit and we have to get rid of it. How do we get rid of it? The creation of new taxes is being considered as part of a balanced approach to getting rid of the deficit.
The supporters believe that taxes of this nature are the only fair way to allocate the burden of reducing deficits across a broad section of the population. They argue that deliberate item-specific taxes, which have a life span only as long as the problem they are set up to address, are the best method to quickly address budget deficits. The opponents contend that any new tax will have a negative effect on the economy and, thus, reduce the overall tax revenue eventually collected by the government. They believe there is no such thing as a temporary tax and are suspicious that any new tax created to fight the deficit will become permanent.
I agree with the results of this survey, Mr. Speaker. The question is should the territorial government introduce a deficit elimination tax. Yes, at five per cent in support; and, no, at 95 per cent. So I think there are alternatives for us to tackle our deficit by looking at items such as Mr. Erasmus raised and looking at more employment in the Territories so there is more income tax. Use the Territories as a base to have corporations have their headquarters so we can take advantage of the tax situation that we have here and thus benefit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Survey On Deficit Elimination Tax
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements Mr. Antoine.
Member's Statement Extending Thanks To Emergency Workers At Plane Crash Site Near Fort Simpson
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 651
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the weekend, I, along with Mr. Henry and many other people, joined to celebrate with friends and families of Janice and Tim on their wedding. This wedding was a very joyous occasion for the new couple beginning a new life together. I would like to congratulate Janice and Tim on behalf of my family.
Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to mention the tragedy that happened during this wedding day where two people were in the accident in which the plane went down. One of the victims was the aunt to the bride, who is now in hospital and is in good medical hands, as well as in the hands of God. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the people who helped in the rescue that occurred. I would like to recognize the people who performed very professionally and are all volunteers in the Fort Simpson area; they should be recognized. They are members of the volunteer firefighters, the ambulance personnel, helicopter pilots. There was the Fort Simpson Hospital staff, the doctor and especially the nurse who went to the crash site and took the victims out to Edmonton.
Mr. Speaker, it is impressive that there was volunteer rescue help. It is good to know that we have people in the communities who are trained and ready to jump into emergency situations and function on a professional level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause
Member's Statement Extending Thanks To Emergency Workers At Plane Crash Site Near Fort Simpson
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ningark.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 652
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Lydia Bardak. Welcome.
--- Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Welcome to the Assembly. 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 652
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I would also like to recognize Lydia Bardak and thank her for the show she put on on Friday with the puppets, for Members of the Legislative Assembly. Lydia is the executive director of the NWT Council for Disabled Persons.
---Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. 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 652
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the press who have been here time and time again, day in and day out. Thank you.
--- Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. Later this week, we will be discussing an amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act that I am introducing, to make it mandatory to use headlights at all times. Since this isn't a government bill, will the Premier allow all Cabinet Members to vote freely as they please?
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Premier.
Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This issue has not been discussed with my Cabinet colleagues as of yet. Once we have the opportunity to discuss it, I will let the Member know.
Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.
Supplementary To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Premier let the House know whether Cabinet will be voting as a block or not when they discuss it?
Supplementary To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Premier.
Further Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Definitely.
Further Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Kelvin Ng. It is with regard to the Joe Greenland Centre, which is in the process of being negotiated for community transfer to the Aklavik Aboriginal Committee, which consists of the hamlet, the band and the Inuvialuit.
At the present time, those negotiations have been proceeding for a number of months. They are looking at possible conclusion of those negotiations this fall. I would like to ask the Minister if he can assure me that he will allow the negotiations to be completed and not impose on those negotiations. They should allow that to succeed in the free spirit of negotiations Could I get that assurance from the Minister? Will he allow those negotiations to proceed without interference, especially with regard to the fees that have been imposed on others?
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng,
Return To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it isn't the intent of the department to impose any kind of barriers or restrictions in the negotiating process between the Aklavik Aboriginal Committee and the department, in trying to finalize an agreement to turn over this facility. It is my understanding that negotiations continue to be advanced and we are hopeful that there will be a successful conclusion to that.
Return To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 652
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that statement. It is good to know we can work things out. I would also like to ask, with regard to timing, that we look at a time frame and have these negotiations completed no later than the end of August. You can also try to ensure that it be a speedy resolution to this matter so we could have it completed as soon as possible. I would hope you put the adequate human resources into this to have it completed as soon as possible. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I see no problems in trying to meet the end of August deadline in trying to finalize these negotiations. Like I said earlier, I believe progress is being made, so it's just a matter of continuing on in trying to resolve any outstanding issues, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to the question about negotiations for community empowerment for priorities for communities. If there are any negotiations proceeding for any other communities looking at taking over health facilities or elders' facilities, such as in Tsiigehtchic or Fort McPherson, can we also consider those as part of the community transfer initiative? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If there are local groups interested in taking on the programs and services that we offer in any community, in conjunction with the community empowerment initiative of this government, there would be no problems entering into those types of discussions and trying to make progress. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, the Honourable Charles Dent. (Translation ends) This government has announced that about $40 million will be available to train people to work in the Nunavut government. Education and training is the responsibility of the Government of the Northwest
Territories. I would like to ask the Minister if it is our government's position that these new training funds be managed by our government, through the Nunavut Arctic College and our community learning centres. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.
Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the government recognizes that we must work with our partners in this issue but, as the northern public government, we are interested in direct responsibility for coordination and management of human resource development activities and in ensuring that, wherever possible, the identified incremental monies are spent in the North.
As northerners, we have a significant investment in our public colleges and feel that, rather than having to reinvent the wheel and start over again, the monies would most likely be most efficiently spent through the college system.
Mr. Speaker, we have commenced meetings with NTI, NIC and the Nunavut Implementation Training Commission, as well as the federal government, to discuss what each of our roles will be in administering these funds. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
Supplementary To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister said, I believe Nunavut Tunngavik has recommended that consideration be given to putting these training funds for Nunavut into what they call the Nunavut education and training trust fund; a fund which would be managed by three parties. I would like to ask the Minister whether the government has considered this option.
Supplementary To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have heard this suggestion from NTI but, I think, as I indicated earlier, it sounds to me sort of like setting up another structure to administer the funds. I would be concerned that, in doing that, we would risk not getting as much of the funds into training and losing a significant portion of the funds to administration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 653
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
Supplementary To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question I have for the Minister is that time is set up for a new approach for training. That was suggested by NTI. How are we going to know if we're going to have enough management trained within three and a half years? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, timing is obviously a concern. I think the Member has raised a valid point. I would be very concerned if we had to set up a brand-new structure to try to achieve as much training as possible. On top of that, I'm concerned about the amount of funds that are being provided. I understand that we have about $39.8 million that has been offered by the federal government, about $20 million of which is targeted at skills training, another $18 million on academic and job preparedness with the balance to go towards stay-in-school initiatives.
I would point out, Mr. Speaker, that this government and my department had estimated that it would cost about $110 million between 1996 and 2008 to achieve a representative workforce in Nunavut. NTI's own estimates were in the area of $236 million. So when you consider the three years we have to do the work and the amount of money that's available, I think it's imperative that we use the structures we have in place and that we look for a way to work with our partners to ensure that a majority of the money goes into training and not into administration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.
Supplementary To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
their comments. I believe we will have the information back in time for me to take the draft plans to Cabinet in mid-June and to ensure that we can respond to concerns and still complete the posting of the plans as required by July 9th of this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 319-13(3): Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland.
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be directed to the Minister responsible for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. Mr. Speaker, to my understanding, Health Canada stated that it provides health services to First Nations, only as a matter of policy and not as a fiduciary treaty or a constitutional right. Is this true?
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is the position that we've been receiving through my colleagues attending different ministerial meetings in Ottawa. Apparently, that's the position that the federal government is taking. Thank you.
Return To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister be clarifying this directly with the federal Department of Health? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Qujannamiik, Uqaqtii.
Further Return To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
The Minister has answered some of this, but I'll ask anyway. Early in this session, the Minister referred to the plan being developed by his department for human resource planning for the government in Nunavut. I would like to ask the Minister what the latest status of the plan is and when it is likely to be completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the plans are actually being developed by each of the individual departments. The overall coordination of the plans is being handled by Education, Culture and Employment. The initial drafts of the plans are completed right now and have been sent out to NTI and NIC to receive
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as one of the Members on Cabinet, this is a concern, as well as to people who have treaties in the Northwest Territories. The position that I've taken in the past -- as a treaty person, and now being on Cabinet -- is that it's a fiduciary responsibility of the federal government. They've chosen to interpret this particular situation close to their regulation in calling it a policy.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, the rest of the Cabinet will have to discuss this. This is an item that was raised by the Minister of Health and Social Services. We will be discussing this and see what kind of position we take on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 319-13(3): Training Funds For Nunavut Government
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 654
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This will be my last supplementary. Will the Minister be pushing for this to be put into legislation at the federal level? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this issue is an ongoing issue. I remember during the last government this was raised. We don't like it, but that's what the government is pushing forward. Like I said, I will have to discuss it with the rest of my colleagues on the Cabinet and look at what it really means, then we will take a position on it. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Question 320-13(3): Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. We've all heard about past problems of people having sticky fingers with government money, embezzlement fraud and that type of stuff; particularly, our most prominent case involved a senior manager in Social Services. Has this government taken steps to tighten up security measures to ensure that these fraudulent practices don't occur anymore?
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my understanding that the government has taken steps to tighten up on its purse strings so it can't be defrauded out of dollars, or dollars cannot be stolen by employees. However, with a big organization like this, those things do happen. I know of some cases in other communities where this has happened, as well. Every time it happens, we learn from that and we try to tighten up as best we can but, along with the responsibility, you give employees accountability in how you get people who are stealing dollars from you. It is usually picked up through the FMBS or through audits. Thank you.
Return To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.
Supplementary To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Are there any investigations going on right now? I'm not asking for any names, but are there any investigations going on now?
Supplementary To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Premier. Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been my experience -- as a Minister in this government for the past four years and as the Premier for the past seven months or so -- that it is safe to say there probably is an investigation going on right now in one community or another in the Northwest Territories. There normally is. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.
Supplementary To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Does the Premier know of any investigations that are going on within the government? I'm not talking about community organizations or that type of stuff; I'm wondering about the government itself. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would be pleased to check that out with the Minister of the Financial Management Board. He would know better than I if there is an investigation in government going on right now. I would be pleased to get back to the Member before we adjourn this session. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Question 321-13(3): GNWT Security Measures
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Again to remind the Members, Mr. Krutko, I believe, was referring to certain Members with regard to the term 'the right honourable.' You only address the Prime Minister by that title. In this House, you address Members as "the honourable." Just something in the learning process. Mr. Roland, item 6, oral questions.
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This time my question will be directed to the Minister of Transportation. There was a study done on an all-weather road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk by the department in 1990. I'm wondering what the costs were based on in this report.
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All Weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The cost of the study itself is unknown to me at the present time. I will get that information to the honourable Member before this House closes. Thank you.
Return To Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All Weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 655
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.,
Supplementary To Question 322-13(3):inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not looking for the cost of the report, but they came up with a figure of, I believe, $160 million for the length of the road. How did they come about those figures, is what I'm after. What class of road was it based on? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 322-13(3):inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I apologize for my misunderstanding. Mr. Speaker, this study was done in 1990 just to look at what the costs would be to build a road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk. What this study did was look at three scenarios and it varied in cost. It looked at the terrain, the types of rivers and creeks that have to be crossed, and where the material would come from to build this road. As you know, we're talking about the Mackenzie Delta which has very silty-type terrain. In order to build a proper road, you need a good base of gravel. Therefore, you have to go quite a ways to haul this material. All this was worked into the study. As a result of it, they estimated the cost to be $160 million to do this section of road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 322-13(3):inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is there a class of road on the highway systems; for example, A, B or C, and what would they correspond to? That is in line with my other question of the cost. Was it based on what level of road, if there are such classes? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 322-13(3):inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my recollection, after looking at that study, I would say that the study was done to build the types of roads we have now in the Delta. That is the total cost of the road. Yes, there are different classes of roads. There are different types of highways. As you know, a lot of the section of the highway between here and the Alberta border is paved or chipsealed, so it's a higher class of road. As you get into other parts of the North, you have gravel sections. Now we're building a fair-weather access road into Jean Marie River which is a smaller type of road system with a single lane. It's not built to have too many places where you have two-way traffic; the bridges are even single lane.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, there are different types of highways in the North. The type of highway that was looked at in the study was similar to the type of roads that are in existence in the Delta at the present time. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 322-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.
Question 323-13(3): Funding For Clyde River Wharf Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Transportation. I have a concern about the wharf in Clyde River. Is it possible to get some funding from the Coast Guard to fix up this wharf in Clyde River? Thank you.
Question 323-13(3): Funding For Clyde River Wharf Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 323-13(3): Funding For Clyde River Wharf Improvements
Question 323-13(3): Funding For Clyde River Wharf Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the honourable Member representing Clyde River. I was in Clyde River last winter, Mr. Speaker, and I know what the Member is talking about. The people in Clyde River want to have the wharf work done as soon as possible. The position of the Department of Transportation is that, yes, we intend to build a wharf. However, we'd like to do a study of the area first, perhaps this summer. We would then move on and build a wharf the following summer. The request was to see if we could get the funding to accelerate the construction of the wharf and that we would look at other sources of funding.
At the present time, I have to tell the Member that the plan that we laid out is still in place and that we haven't received any additional funding to accelerate this project for this summer. We are aware of their concern. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 323-13(3): Funding For Clyde River Wharf Improvements
Question 323-13(3): Funding For Clyde River Wharf Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. I wonder if he could tell us about the affirmative action plan -- I had expected a reply today -- to see when that might be tabled in the House. Could the Premier could tell us when we could expect that?
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Premier, Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I expect Mr. Todd will be back today. He is the Minister responsible for tabling the affirmative action plan in this House. Thank you.
Return To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 656
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Premier tell us if he will table this? Obviously, it will have to wait until tomorrow or, perhaps, it can still be done today.
Supplementary To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the Minister responsible, Mr. Todd, had made a commitment to Members to try and get that to this House prior to adjournment. We will try and get it here as soon as we can. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Obviously, we're running out of time to be able to spend a lot of time reviewing that report. I wonder if the Premier could give us a commitment that no major changes will happen and that we, as Members, will have an opportunity to have some input into this policy if changes are being proposed.
Supplementary To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin
Further Return To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member well knows, and the other Members of this House know, that is the way this government does business; it includes all Members of this House. It's guaranteed that Members of this Legislative Assembly will have the opportunity to have input into that policy and the rewriting of that policy. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Question 324-13(3): Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.
Question 325-13(3): Community Block Funding Payment Schedule
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. My question is directed to the honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Mr. Speaker, the honourable Minister has indicated to this House, during consideration of Committee of the Whole, her intention to give block funding community empowerment to communities within the Territories. I embrace the idea of giving more power to the communities and giving them block funding.
When the question arose from the discussion about funding arrangements, the honourable Minister indicated that the funding arrangement will be given on a monthly basis. To me, and to some of the Members of this House, funding on a monthly basis will require more administrative costs, it will not be cost-effective, it will not allow communities to get into short-term financing with the banks, and it will not allow the municipalities to earn interest in order to come up with more programs and services for the communities. In fact, I think it's going to be an administrative nightmare. I would have thought that a quarterly basis would be more economical. Is your decision to fund the communities on a monthly basis a final decision of the department? Thank you.
Question 325-13(3): Community Block Funding Payment Schedule
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mrs. Thompson.
Return To Question 325-13(3): Community Block Funding Payment Schedule
Question 325-13(3): Community Block Funding Payment Schedule
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a Cabinet Committee on Social Programs and Community Empowerment. The issues regarding block funding concerns that are addressed by the Member can be brought to that committee and we will discuss his concerns at the committee level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 325-13(3): Community Block Funding Payment Schedule
Question 325-13(3): Community Block Funding Payment Schedule
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 657
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to Opening Address. Mr. Steen.
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 657
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Steen's Reply
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 657
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the budget review draws to a close, Members can see what each and every region is receiving in the way of capital works and O and M expenditures for this fiscal year, as well as a forecast for the next year. Some regions are fortunate, in that millions of dollars worth of capital work will be undertaken over the next couple of years; capital works such as new schools, highway construction, marine facilities and land development. In comparison, other regions, such as my region, will see very little in the way of capital works. This is very unfortunate.
Mr. Speaker, those living in the southern part of the Territories do not seem to realize how fortunate they really are. They take for granted their paved roads, modern airports and all the luxuries of the city and large towns. For example, the other morning, while on my way to work in this Assembly building, I watched a large cleaning machine washing the streets and I thought it ironic that some areas can afford to wash their roads while some communities don't even have a decent road to drive on; never mind washing it.
Another example is the number of schools for some communities, whereby the residents can afford to choose where to enrol their children based on religious beliefs. Other communities receive new schools, even though the numbers don't justify the need at this time. Meanwhile, those communities that have schools that are in need of repairs or extensions are told to make due for another year or two.
Mr. Speaker, Members are told that the capital works budget is based on the needs identified by the communities. This government has the responsibility to ensure that each community has the fundamental community infrastructure before granting extras to other communities.
Mr. Speaker, I urge this government to assure this basic fundamental rule of good government is strictly adhered to. I suggest Members representing large communities in the southern part of the Territories should travel to the small, northern communities and see for themselves what we don't have, before asking for more capital in their regions.
Mr. Speaker, discrimination, in this and future budgets of this government, against the far northern regions of the Territories will only serve to feed the determination of people, of my people, for regional government and self-determination. No doubt, they feel there are other options available to them, but there are no other options available to them for proper expansion and economic development opportunities in their region.
Mr. Speaker, this is very unfortunate as this desire for regional government will serve to divide this territory into many different pieces. Recent decisions by the federal government, with regard to funding for the creation of a Nunavut government, suggest to me that the feds aren't too impressed with the way this government operates. I suggest the feds may be just as receptive to suggestions that regional governments are the way to go to assure equal distribution of resources and economic opportunities. It makes me wonder what this territory will consist of come 1999.
Mr. Speaker, when I came to this House last October, it was with the thought that this quest for regional government was not justified and, therefore, not necessary. I must say my thinking is rapidly changing and, unless there are drastic changes in the thinking patterns of this government, I will soon find myself in full support of this move to regional government. There will be no other alternative ways to respond to this discrimination against the have-not regions.
As an example, Mr. Speaker, within the past three months, my communities, on two separate occasions, requested the opportunity to negotiate construction contracts. On both occasions, they were turned down. Yet, this government continues to negotiate contracts in other regions. New policies are being created which are applicable only to a certain region of this territory.
Another example is the access road program of this government. It seems to apply only to certain regions at this time. Mr. Speaker, I don't believe the request for work and economic opportunities brought forward to this House for my people can be considered extravagant or unreasonable.
We are requesting work rather than welfare. We see millions and millions of dollars being spent on the southern portion of the highway system and next to nothing on the northern portions. The response we get is the funding this government receives for highway construction is earmarked only for existing highway infrastructure and can't be used for the construction of new highways. However, I note this government had no problem using federal funds earmarked specifically for construction of two new hospitals for other purposes.
This fact cannot be denied as this funding is not in our coffers at this time. Mr. Speaker, I wonder what these hospital capital funds were spent on and in what region. One thing I am sure of, there was nothing in my region, at least not in this budget.
Mr. Speaker, in the first draft of the budget, the Minister of Transportation identified expenditures of $9 million over the next three years, towards the construction of an all-weather road north of Yellowknife. I thought this was a very positive move and a way of indicating to the federal government that this Assembly was in support of this project continuing on to its conclusion on the shores of the Beaufort Sea. Unfortunately, along comes the Standing Committee on Resource Management and out goes the majority of this funding ensuring we are continuing with the hard topping of the highway south of Yellowknife.
I urge the Minister to reintroduce this project in next year's budget. I also urge the Resource committee Members to be more considerate of other people's needs and aspirations when doing future draft budgets.
Mr. Speaker, since the signing of the final agreement in 1994, the Inuvialuit have not been sitting back idle waiting for development to come to them. For example, they have planned to take advantage of an overabundance of muskox on Banks Island.
The Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation is in the process of developing a viable natural gas which could serve to supply the town of Inuvik with a cheaper source of energy. We also have the only herd of reindeer in the NWT, which can still be expanded into a more economic project. The Inuvialuit believe both the muskox harvesting project and the reindeer herding project could be made more viable through the establishment of a meat processing plant within one of these communities. This would serve to reduce freight costs which is the major factor in preventing these projects from succeeding at the present time.
Mr. Speaker, you would think that, with the fear in Europe of widespread mad cow disease, these disease-free meat products would market better. I urge the Minister of Economic Development to work closely with these business groups towards this end.
Mr. Speaker, the people in my region were not high from solvent abuse when we put forward the natural gas proposal. We are not inflicted with mad cow disease when we talk about muskox and reindeer harvesting. The conclusion of the highway to Tuk is not a wacky-backy pipe dream, like some people would like to believe. Let me assure you that we believe these are viable projects that would benefit both the region and this territory as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier has requested economic development ideas that would benefit this territory. I suggest he send his representatives to talk to the business people in my region, if he is unable to come himself. No matter who comes, they must come with a positive attitude
in order for the meetings to be successful. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Premier started off on the right foot when he appointed Mr. Newmark to serve on the Economic Development Advisory Panel. I thank him for his positive attitude in accepting this nomination brought forward by me as a representative of my people.
Mr. Speaker, while reviewing the Department of Public Works and Services in Committee of the Whole, I brought forward a motion to suspend the business incentive policy until this government can present a balanced budget. Mr. Speaker, I did not expect this motion to pass and it didn't. My true purpose was to see what measures this Assembly was willing to support in order to achieve this goal. It was also a way to force Members to show their true colours, so to speak. Members have stated in the past that they do not support cuts to programs for the needy, in favour of continuing with subsidy programs with the business sector. Only one Member present in the House at that time, other than myself, backed up their words with action.
My honourable colleague from Hay River even went as far as to suggest this government would be shooting itself in the foot if we suspended the BIP at this time. Mr. Speaker, the more I think about this suggestion, the more I believe it could be a very honourable move on the part of this government. By all means, this government should take a pot shot at its own foot.
--- Laughter
However, Mr. Speaker, if the honourable Premier or the Finance Minister do decide to carry out these suggestions, then I suggest they obtain a heavy calibre weapon, such as a 50 calibre size buffalo gun. That way, if they should flinch at the last moment and miss the proverbial foot, they might by accident nail that sacred cow right between the eyes.
--- Laughter
--- Applause
Then we can all say good riddance. Then this government could justly boast that everyone is being made to bear their equal share of the pain. Then we may avoid a strike by employees this summer, as the employees would be able to see that this government is not asking them to bear all the pain.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise my honourable colleague for Hay River that there are many business people in my region, as well as in other parts of this territory, who have indicated to me that the suspension of the BIP would not affect them in the least. Some say their business was never established through the subsidy program while others say they will continue to operate successfully in the NWT, regardless of
Business people believe this government is responsible for the high cost of living in this territory. The BIP is the largest contributing factor in the formula. Many people have stated that they would gladly do without the subsidy, but because this government has made the subsidy available to one business person, they must make it available to all. Mr. Speaker, I urge this Assembly to reconsider and support the suspension of this subsidy in future, possibly when we return in the fall.
Mr. Speaker, as my honourable colleague, Mr. Henry, has stated in the past, the business community believes the Finance Minister can balance the budget and wipe out this government's cumulative deficit. If he and the rest of this Assembly have the political will to do so, I believe this is possible. The Finance Minister, the Honourable John Todd, has stated that he will accomplish this next year or the year after. These are very encouraging promises, Mr. Speaker. However, until the Finance Minister introduces further cuts to other subsidy programs such as the BIP, there are some of us who believe we will see pigs fly before Mr. Todd can fulfil his promise. We hope he proves us wrong.
Mr. Speaker, the implementation of community empowerment through block funding can be considered as a positive move on the part of this government. We all look forward to the success of this program. Getting control of these social programs in the hands of the people most affected is definitely a good move and I would support this policy.
However, sufficient funding to carry out the programs must accompany this political move; otherwise, the communities are doomed to fail. In most cases, the community councils are forced to try to succeed with less where, in the past, this government failed. I will be watching very closely at the success of this program and, in particular, this government's support of the communities to ensure the program works. I don't want to see the communities left holding the bag when the going gets rough.
Mr. Speaker, over the past number of months since this Assembly was elected, this government, under the capable leadership of Premier Morin and other Members of Cabinet, has been working with all concerned parties towards drafting a constitution that would serve the western NWT after division in 1999. I am glad to say I believe this was accomplished very efficiently and without undue expenditures. I believe we are now at the point where the honourable Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine, can be encouraged to table a draft constitution in this House early in the fall session for deliberation by the Members.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Minister to table a draft constitution that will be colour-blind and fair to all residents of this new territory. It is the only type of constitution that would serve to hold the future territory together. There can be no special rights for any one group or individual. Each and every person in every walk of life, no matter from what side or from what ethnic origin, must be seen and treated as equal. I believe, if we accept this fundamental principle early in our deliberations on this important subject, it will not take this Assembly long to agree on a document that could then be presented to all residents of this future territory for ratification, in the form of a plebiscite.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to wish you and the rest of my honourable colleagues a warm, safe and enjoyable summer. I look forward to debating with them again in the fall. Thank you.
--- Applause
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 660
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Steen. I would like to recognize some students from Sir John Franklin School. They are grade 10 students who are taking northern studies and their teacher is Scott Daniels. Welcome to the Assembly.
--- Applause
Item 9, replies to Opening Address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Mr. Erasmus.
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Page 660
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Report On Bill 15
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Page 660
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 15 and wishes to report that Bill 15, Statute Revision Act, is now ready for Committee of the Whole. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 17(5) to have Bill 15 moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration as of today's sitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Page 660
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 17(5) and have Bill 15 moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration today. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent, Mr. Erasmus. Bill 15 will be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration today.
Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Steen.
Motion 13-13(3): Extended Adjournment
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 660
Vince Steen Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, May 29, 1996, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Keewatin Central, that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when this House adjourns on Wednesday, May 29, 1996, it shall be adjourned until Wednesday, October 2, 1996.
And further, that at any time prior to October 2, 1996, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time.
Motion 13-13(3): Extended Adjournment
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 660
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Roland.
Motion 14-13(3): Tabling Of Draft Western Constitution
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 660
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, May 29, 1996, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, when this House reconvenes on October 2, 1996, the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs table the draft constitution package for the purposes of public discussion.
Motion 14-13(3): Tabling Of Draft Western Constitution
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 660
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Mr. Erasmus.
Motion 11-13(3): Appointment Date Of Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 660
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
WHEREAS Motion 2-13(3), adopted on March 20, 1996, recommended the appointment of Ms. Judi Tutcho as Languages Commissioner;
AND WHEREAS the date of appointment was to be effective May 1, 1996;
AND WHEREAS Ms. Tutcho was unable to assume her duties on May 1, 1996;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that the appointment date for Ms. Tutcho to assume her duties as Languages Commissioner be effective June 1, 1996.
Motion 11-13(3): Appointment Date Of Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 660
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Motion 11-13(3): Appointment Date Of Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 660
An Hon. Member
Question.
Motion 11-13(3): Appointment Date Of Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 660
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
--- Carried
Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 661
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act to eliminate cost-of-living increases in respect of allowances and constituency expenses payable to Members of the Legislative Assembly and to roll back the increase made to the amount of the allowances and constituency expenses on April 1, 1996. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 661
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 661
An Hon. Member
Question.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 661
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
--- Carried
Bill 14 has had second reading. Item 18, second reading of bills. Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 661
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Mr. Speaker, I wish to seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 69(2) and have Bill 14 ordered into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 661
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 69(2). Do we have any nays? There are no nays, Mr. Ng. You have unanimous consent and, accordingly, Bill 14 will be moved into Committee of the Whole for today.
Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act; Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28; Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act; Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act; Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97; Bill 11, Appropriation Act, 1996-97; Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2; Bill 13, Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97; Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3; Bill 15, Statute Revision Act; Committee Report 1-13(3), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates; Committee Report 2-13(3), Standing Committee on Infrastructure Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates; Committee Report 3-13(3), Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates; Committee Report 4-13(3), Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates; and, Tabled Document 1-13(3), Report of the Commission on MLA Compensation, with Mr. Steen in the chair.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
The Chair Vince Steen
I would like to call the committee to order. We left off on Friday on contributions under Municipal and Community Affairs, page 10-37 of the main estimates. I wonder how the committee wishes to proceed. Mr. Ootes.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I would recommend, Mr. Chairman, that we continue with the departmental review of Bill 11, Appropriation Act, 1996-97, and continue with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 11, Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Department Of Municipal And Community Affairs
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Yes, I would, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
The Chair Vince Steen
If the committee agrees, we will take a 10-minute break while we prepare the witnesses.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
--- SHORT RECESS
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
The Chair Vince Steen
I would like to call the committee back to order. I will ask the Minister to introduce her witnesses.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my left is my deputy minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Penny Ballantyne; to my right is Mr. Vern Christensen, ADM; also to my right is Jim France, director of finance, Municipal and Communities Affairs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman's Ruling
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 661
The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you. I would like to take this opportunity to read out the chair's ruling on Committee of the Whole last week. At this time, I would like to provide my ruling on the point of order that was raised in Committee of the Whole on Friday, May 24, 1996, by the Honourable Don Morin.
Members will recall that the committee was debating the estimates for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and Mr. Morin raised a point of order to indicate that, in his opinion, the Member for Amittuq, Mr. Evaloarjuk, was making allegations against Cabinet Members by saying that their constituencies were receiving, and I quote, "More capital than ordinary Members' ridings. That isn't true. Capital is given out by this government on need and need only. If the Member is saying that the Ministers of this government are pork-barrelling into their riding or padding their riding, that isn't a true statement. I would like that statement taken back."
I have reviewed the unedited transcript for Friday, and would like to offer you the following comments. The rules of this House and the precedence of parliamentary procedure are clear in this regard. Beauchesne's citation 41 states that Members must not impute bad motives or motives different from those acknowledged by a Member. As well, Members must not make a personal charge against another Member.
After reviewing the unedited transcript, I find that Mr. Evaloarjuk was close to contravening our rules of order and, in fact, would likely have been called to order if the Premier had not raised his point of order as quickly as he did.
To be fair to both Mr. Evaloarjuk and the Premier, I should clearly note for the record that Mr. Evaloarjuk was speaking in Inuktitut. As the Premier pointed out, there is some question whether the translation was entirely accurate and true to Mr. Evaloarjuk's intentions. As the committee chairperson, Mrs. Groenewegen, stated at the time, it wasn't clear if Mr. Evaloarjuk was referring to speculation on capital allocations or stating this allegation as a matter of fact. Upon my review of the transcript, I must say that this point is somewhat moot.
The precedents are clear, Members must not make allegations or impute false motives against another Member. As the chairperson, Mrs. Groenewegen, said, "Members should be cautioned not to imply motives or attribute actions to Ministers which could be speculative and negative.' I could not agree more. I should also note, for the record, that Mr. Evaloarjuk did apologize for his comment.
All Members are asked to keep these rules in mind when commenting on the motives or actions of their colleagues; Ministers and ordinary Members alike. Without this mutual respect and trust, the important matters of this House cannot be dealt with in a productive manner. I trust you will agree. As Mr. Evaloarjuk has apologized for his comments, I rule that no further actions are required. Thank you.
To get back to the order on the table, we were on page 10-37, contributions, total department, $56,507. Agreed?
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
The Chair Vince Steen
Page 10-38, detail of work performed on behalf of third parties, total department, on page 10-39, $1.030 million. Agreed?
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
The Chair Vince Steen
We will now revert back to the items that were deferred. I believe it was on page 10-31, buildings and works, Keewatin. Does the committee agree that we move back to the item that was deferred on page 10-31, building and works, Keewatin, total region, $2.172 million? Mr. Miltenberger.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Mr. Chairman, unless there is new information, my understanding was we were going to wait until the Member was back in the House later today to deal with this specific issue.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
The Chair Vince Steen
I'll ask the committee if what Mr. Miltenberger suggested, to wait for the Member, is the wish of this House or if we should proceed. Mr. Miltenberger.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Mr. Chairman, I'm suggesting that we just leave this item deferred and continue with the rest of Municipal and Community Affairs. I understand that the Member just walked through the door and should be here momentarily.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
The Chair Vince Steen
We will then move to program summary, which was deferred as well. For the Member's information, that concludes the detailed review of this department. Does the committee agree that we defer consideration of the program summary until consideration of Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, has been concluded?
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
The Chair Vince Steen
For the Members' information, it's being suggested here that we defer. Since we did not complete the detailed review, it would not be proper to suggest that we are finished with the department and we defer. If the committee agrees, we would then proceed on to the next department. Is that the wish of the committee?
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
The Chair Vince Steen
I would like to thank the Minister and the witnesses for their attendance here. Perhaps, I can get a recommendation from a Member as to where we proceed from here. Mr. Ootes.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 662
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
May I suggest that we review the Department of Safety and Public Services?
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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Department Of Safety And Public Services
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you. We will then move on to the Department of Safety and Public Services. We start on page 5-9. I will invite Mr. Antoine, the Minister responsible for Safety and Public Services, to make his opening comments.
Minister's Introductory Remarks
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, I am pleased to present the Department of Safety and Public Services proposed main estimates of $6.879 million and 75.5 PYs. This small department is responsible for regulatory programs which provide inspections, certification systems and registries that reduce the risk of fire, explosions and electrical hazards in the Northwest Territories' communities. The department also provides a range of public services; including, lotteries regulation, vital statistics, labour standards regulation and the administration of several professional registries. It provides administrative support for the Public Utilities Board and is responsible for the distribution and control of liquor in the Northwest Territories.
I have now had an opportunity to appear before the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development on four different occasions, to provide an overview of the department's 1996-97 business plan. We take the comments made by Members of the standing committee about the importance of maintaining the safety margin that presently exists in northern communities very seriously.
NWT residents should remain assured that, even though some of the mechanisms for program and service delivery may change, there will be no reduction in safety at the community level. However, current fiscal conditions require the department to seek new and more effective approaches to delivering safety programs and public services.
We will continue to make progress in the transfer of lotteries administration authority to community governments. Through the liquor law review, we are also continuing to work toward the introduction of new liquor legislation -- by the fall of 1997, or sooner -that will reduce government bureaucracy and empower communities so they can implement their own solutions to liquor control problems.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, all honourable Members will be aware that, with tight fiscal conditions and with division only 34 months away, we need to examine whether it continues to make sense for these services to be delivered within a stand-alone department. The department has already conducted considerable research into alternative organizational possibilities for its programs and services and will continue to explore future options. Planning activities in this area will, of course, need to be carefully coordinated with initiatives announced by the Finance Minister, with respect to a review of our overall regulatory framework.
These challenges cannot be addressed by working in isolation. We will continue to depend on input and recommendations from this House and I look forward to
working closely with the standing committees, individual Members and their constituents, over the year to come. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. May I now request Mr. Ootes, a Member of the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development to put forward ... I'm sorry, Mr. Krutko, to put forward the standing committee's comments on Safety and Public Services.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, I am pleased to present the Department of Safety and Public Services proposed main estimates of $6.879 million and 75.5 PYs. This small department is responsible for regulatory programs which provide inspections, certification systems and registries that reduce the risk of fire, explosions and electrical hazards in the Northwest Territories' communities. The department also provides a range of public services; including, lotteries regulation, vital statistics, labour standards regulation and the administration of several professional registries. It provides administrative support for the Public Utilities Board and is responsible for the distribution and control of liquor in the Northwest Territories.
I have now had an opportunity to appear before ... Excuse me. I'll try this again.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Standing Committee On Resource Management and Development Comments
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development's review of the 1996-97 main estimates of the Department of Safety and Public Services. During the review of Safety and Public Services, committee Members were concerned with the cost-saving measures proposed by the department. Given this department's responsibility to ensure public safety, Members were uneasy about approving cuts in the areas of consumer education, staffing and capital expenditures. The department responded by reassuring the committee that the proposed cuts would compromise public safety.
Occupational Health And Safety
One large area of concern for Members was the transfer of occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board, completed in early April 1996. During its initial review in January 1996, Members raised concerns about this transfer and asked that the government provide a detailed briefing on the issue. It is only now, after the transfer has been completed, that such a briefing is being scheduled. Committee Members were also disappointed that the government did not consult with stakeholders prior to completing the transfer.
In the future, when the government is undertaking major organizational or program changes, the committee expects that information about the changes will be provided well in advance. This will allow the Members to review the information and either offer suggestions and recommendations or provide support for such a change.
Liquor Revolving Fund
During the January and February reviews, the committee raised concerns about the large amounts of capital being retained under the liquor revolving fund. Members recommended that the government make better use of these dollars by decreasing and monitoring inventory levels and negotiate more timely delivery dates with liquor manufacturers. The committee will be looking for cost savings in this area during the fall 1996 review of the business plan.
Liquor Boards
Committee Members raised concerns over the cost of maintaining the current Liquor Board structure. Members were told that each board had up to nine members, but required only three to establish a quorum. The committee feels this is another area of ineffectiveness and recommends that the department amend its legislation to reduce the total number of board members from nine to five. The committee further asks that those amendments be initiated by the department as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. For the record, it is the second statement that is the official statement of the standing committee's comments.
--- Interjection
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The Chair Vince Steen
Very well. I will now ask the Minister if he would like to bring in witnesses.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Yes.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
You may bring in your witnesses, Mr. Antoine.
I welcome the witnesses to the House. I will ask the Minister to introduce his witnesses.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I have with me the deputy minister of Safety and Public Services, Mr. John Quirke; and, on my left, the director of finance and administration for the department, Mr. Henry Dragon. Thank you.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Welcome to the committee. I will now open the floor to general comments on the department's expenditures. Have we any general comments? Mr. Ootes.
General Comments
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Yes, I just have a question with regard to the comment made by the Minister regarding whether this department should remain as a stand-alone department. What is the potential of combining with one other department, if this department is combined with another one? What department would it likely be combined with?
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Safety and Public Services is a small department and it has a number of functions. The staff and department have been looking at options. This is just a preliminary look at what the department would do. In the past, there has been a review of this department to look at the possibilities of where different functions of this department would go, if this department is no longer a stand-alone department.
At the present time, there are different options which I would like to look at before even consulting with Members of the Legislative Assembly during this upcoming business plan cycle. To answer the Member's question specifically of which department we will go with, we don't know at this point. There are different variations that we are beginning to develop. As we go along, we would like to consult with the Members. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Are there any further general comments? Do Members agree that we proceed on to page 5-10, directorate?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Line By Line
Directorate
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Directorate, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $904,000.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Consumer Services
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 5-11, consumer services, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $849,000.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Public Safety
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 5-12, public safety, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $2.365 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Occupational Health And Safety
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The Chair Vince Steen
Occupational health and safety, page 5-13, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $1.78 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Labour Board And Labour Services
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 5-14, Labour Board and labour services, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $499,000.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Public Utilities Board
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 5-15, Public Utilities Board, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $482,000.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 5-17, information item, Liquor Commission revolving fund. Page 5-18, detail of work performed on behalf of third parties. Total department, $65,000.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
I now return to program summary. This concludes the detailed review of this department. Does the committee agree that we defer consideration of the program summary until consideration of Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, has been concluded?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Antoine and witnesses.
I would like some direction from the committee as to how we proceed. Mr. Ootes.
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Chairman, I would recommend that we consider Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97.
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
I would suggest that while we are getting ready that we take a five-minute break.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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The Chair Vince Steen
I would like to call the committee to order. We are on Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, and I will ask the honourable
Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd, if he would like to introduce the bill.
Minister's Introductory Remarks
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I will. I just have a very short statement to make, and then, if I may, I will move to my witnesses.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Budget Measures Implementation Act is a consolidation of the most significant legislative changes necessary to implement the plans upon which the 1996-97 budget is based. Each component of this legislation is required to implement a particular aspect of the budget. Any substantial change to the act would require a change to the appropriation bill and an increase in the projected deficit for 1996-97.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed each component of the act and has held public consultations. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Todd. I will now ask the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Government Operations, Mr. Erasmus, for comments of the committee.
Standing Committee On Government Operations Comments
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations on the review of Bill 10.
The Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97. Bill 10 is a bill to complement and support the 1996-97 budget that is currently under review in the House. It contains nine schedules which address the acts requiring amendment to allow changes proposed as part of the budget process to proceed.
From May 15th to 18th, the committee held public hearings on the bill and entertained six submissions. A public clause-by-clause review of the bill was held on May 21 st and 22nd.
The standing committee does not have significant concerns with schedule B, amendments to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, dealing with the Conflict of Interest Commission; schedule D, dissolution of regional councils and repeal of Regional Councils Act; schedule E, amendments to the Charter Communities Act and Hamlets Act, dealing with levies for water and sewage; schedule G, amendments to the Legal Services Act, dealing with the payment of disbursements only in contingency cases; or, schedule H, amendments to the Condominium Act, dealing with condominiums on leasehold land.
Committee Members recognized a need for schedule A, amendments to the Deficit Elimination Act. The original act was passed during the 12th Assembly when Members anticipated a slight deficit as a worst-case scenario. The current financial crisis and potential deficit of $150 million were not contemplated at that time. Most Members agreed that the targets set in the original act are not achievable at this time and it is more appropriate to revise the act, making it more consistent with the current fiscal reality, than to ignore it. There was considerable discussion among standing committee Members regarding the proposed amendments to the Deficit Elimination Act and, in particular, the two per cent limit set for 1997-98. With the process of business plan and budget reviews, all Members of the Assembly contribute to the development of the budget. With this in mind, the decision was made to bring the bill to the House and to allow full debate on this schedule by all Members.
During committee consideration of schedule C, amendments to the legislation governing the pension plans for Members of the Legislative Assembly, some further amendments were made. The majority of the standing committee supported a change to allow Members to defer the start of their pension past age 55 and draw an increased pension at a later date. To ensure this change did not allow a pension taken in later years to be inconsistent with the pension originally intended, there was an additional amendment to cap the compacted pension at 75 per cent of the best four years of service.
The committee supported schedule F, the repeal of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act. Part of the reason for this support were the assurances of the Minister that there are other programs available to assist victims of crime. Through the Standing Committee on Social Programs, Members will ensure that this is the case and that victims do not fall through the cracks without support.
Schedule 1, which provides amendments to allow the transfer of occupational health and safety from the Department of Safety and Public Services to the Workers' Compensation Board, was the subject of many of the public presentations. The primary concern among those who spoke to the bill was not the transfer itself, but the process used to undertake the transfer.
A major issue was a lack of consultation regarding the actual transfer. The standing committee agrees with the Minister that there has been considerable discussion over the past 10 years regarding the transfer of occupational health and
While the Members of this Assembly have all been elected to represent all northerners, we still have a responsibility to consult affected individuals and organizations before proceeding with initiatives such as this transfer. All government Ministers should ensure that extensive and adequate consultations be undertaken before any similar initiatives are presented to committee in the future.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes the report on Bill 10 of the Standing Committee on Government Operations. After the general comments by the Members, I will be making a motion on behalf of the committee.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. I would like to invite the Minister to bring in his witness. Does the committee agree?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my immediate left is Mark Aitken, who is legal counsel with Justice; and on my immediate right is Lew Voytilla, who is the deputy minister -- I was gone for the weekend, Mr. Chairman; I apologize, it was a rough day in Iqaluit -- Mr. Voytilla, who is in charge of FMBS and most other things that go on in the government. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Todd, and good afternoon to the witnesses. I now open the floor to general comments on the bill by the Members. Does anyone wish to make general comments on the bill? Mr. Erasmus.
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As there are no general comments, I would like to make a motion.
Committee Motion 9-13(3), To Establish Public Review Panel To Review Transfer Of Occupational Health And Safety, Carried
I move that this committee recommends that the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, in consultation with the chairman of the Standing Committee on Government Operations, establish a public review panel comprised of representatives of business, labour and aboriginal organizations to consider and report on the following aspects relating to the transfer of occupational health and safety programs to the Workers' Compensation Board. The review panel shall consider:
a) the rationale and reasons for the recommending of the transfer;
b) a consultation process is under-taken to provide information to the parties of the transfer;
c) the initial organizational steps taken by the Workers' Compensation Board to integrate occupational health and safety program and employees into the Workers' Compensation Board; and,
d) the organization structure for the new prevention services division of the Workers' Compensation Board.
Further, that the review panel report, within 45 days of its establishment, to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board and the Standing Committee on Government Operations but, in any event, no later than July 30, 1996.
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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An Hon. Member
Question.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
--- Carried
We are now back to the cover sheet of Bill 10, reprint, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97. Agreed?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule A, Deficit Elimination Act
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The Chair Vince Steen
We will start on page 3, schedule A, amendments to the Deficit Elimination Act. Clause 1. Mr. Ootes.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I would like to make a motion. The motion is to the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97.
Committee Motion 10-13(3), To Amend Clause 1 Of Bill 10, Defeated
I move that clause 1 of schedule A of Bill 10 be amended by
(a) striking out proposed paragraph 2(b) and by substituting the following:
(b) for the year 1997-98 fiscal year, 0;
(b) striking out proposed section 3 and by substituting the following:
3. (1) If the actual deficit in the 1996-97 fiscal year exceeds the deficit allowed under paragraph 2(a), there must be a surplus in the 1997-98 fiscal year in an amount not less than the amount by which the allowed deficit was exceeded.
(2) If there is a deficit in the 1997-98 fiscal year, and subsection (1) has not operated to require a surplus in that fiscal year, there must be a surplus in the 1998-99 fiscal year in an amount not less than the amount of the deficit for the 1997-98 fiscal year.
(3) If there is a deficit in the 1997-98 fiscal year, and subsection (1) has operated to require a surplus for that fiscal year, there must be a surplus in the 1998-99 fiscal year in an amount not less than the sum of the amount of the deficit for the 1997-98 fiscal year and the amount of the surplus required for that fiscal year by operation of subsection (1).
(4) If there is a surplus in the 1997-98 fiscal year, and subsection (1) has operated to require a greater surplus for that fiscal year, there must be a surplus in the 1998-99 fiscal year in an amount not less than the difference between the surplus required for the 1997-98 fiscal year and the actual surplus.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Ootes. We will have to take a 10-minute break in order to ensure that this is translated. Does the committee agree?
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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The Chair Vince Steen
I call the committee back to order. We have the translated version of this motion. We have a motion on the floor and it is in order. To the motion.
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Some Hon. Members
Question.
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The Chair Vince Steen
The Member is calling for a recorded vote. We will then ask the Members to stand when the vote is being counted. Did I hear question?
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Some Hon. Members
Question.
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Deputy Clerk Mr. Schauerte
Mr. Ootes, Mr. Henry and Mr. Rabesca.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Deputy Clerk Mr. Schauerte
Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Ng, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Antoine, Mr. Kakfwi, Mr. Morin, Mr. Todd, Mr. Arlooktoo, Mr. Dent, Mr. Ningark, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Mr. Barnabas, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Roland and Mr. Miltenberger.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
The Chair Vince Steen
Abstentions? There are no abstentions. For the record, we have three in favour of the motion; and, 15 opposed to the motion. The motion is defeated.
--- Defeated
We are now back to schedule A, amendments to the Deficit Elimination Act, section 1. I believe we were going clause by clause. Clause 1.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule B, Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
The Chair Vince Steen
We now revert back to page 1. I am sorry, I mean schedule B, page 4; amendments to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. Clause 1.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
---Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
---Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 668
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule C, Members' Pension Plan
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
The Chair Vince Steen
Page 10, schedule C, amendments to the legislation governing the pension plan for Members of the Legislative Assembly. Part 1.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
The Chair Vince Steen
Page 13, part II, amendments to the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act. Clause 7.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule D, Dissolution Of Regional Councils
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
The Chair Vince Steen
Page 16, schedule D, dissolution of regional council and repeals of Regional Councils Act. Part 1, division 1, dissolution of regional councils. Clause 1.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 669
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Regional Councils Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Lotteries Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule E, Charter Communities Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
The Chair Vince Steen
Schedule E, amendments to Charter Communities Act and Hamlets Act, part 1, amendments to Charter Communities Act. Clause 1.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Hamlets Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
No. Go ahead, Mr. Chairman. I wish to make a motion that the...
Schedule F, Criminal Injuries Compensation Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
The Chair Vince Steen
We are on Schedule F, repeal of Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, for the record. Mr. Ootes.
Committee Motion 111- 13(3) To Delete Clause 1 Of Schedule F Of Bill 10, Defeated
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I would like to make a motion that Bill 10 be amended by deleting clause 1 of schedule F.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
The Chair Vince Steen
The motion is in order. We need it translated. For the record, I will read out the motion, that Bill 10 be amended by deleting clause 1 of schedule F. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
The Chair Vince Steen
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is defeated,
---Defeated
We are back to clause 1, page 19.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule G, Legal Services Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule H, Condominium Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Schedule 1, Workers' Compensation Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
The Chair Vince Steen
Page 24, schedule 1, amendments facilitating transfer of responsibility for occupational health and safety legislation to Workers' Compensation Board, part 1, amendments to Workers' Compensation Act, clause 1. Mr. Morin. Oh...
--- Laughter
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 670
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Explosives Use Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Mine Health And Safety Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 671
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Safety Act
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97 Clause By Clause
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
The Chair Vince Steen
We now return to page 1, Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97. Clause 1.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 672
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
Bill 10 is now ready for third reading. I thank the Minister and the witnesses for their time.
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Could I get some direction from the committee on how you wish to proceed? Mr. Erasmus.
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee requests that we go back to the departmental review of Bill 11, Appropriation Act, 1996-97, and proceed with Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs.
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Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
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Some Hon. Members
Ministry Of Intergovernmental And Aboriginal Affairs
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The Chair Vince Steen
For the Members' information, it's on page 2-43, program summary, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. I will ask the Minister responsible, Mr. Antoine, if he has opening comments on the department's main estimates.
Minister's Introductory Remarks
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the opportunity to present the Ministry of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs' budget for 1996-97. I am presenting the budget on behalf of myself, the honourable Minister responsible for National Constitutional Affairs, and the honourable Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs.
The budget is derived from the ministry's business plan which has been developed based on the standing committee's recommendations. I would like to present a brief summary of the highlights of the ministry's proposed budget and the identify how the budget reflects previous recommendations by the standing committee.
The ministry's 1996-97 proposed budget is $2.983 million, which represents a reduction of 29 per cent from the 1995-96 budget. The 1996-97 total person years budget is 22.4, which represents a 17 per cent reduction from the 1995-96 budget. Included in the reductions is the transfer of the community transfer initiative to the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Without consideration of this transfer, the reduction of the ministry's budget is 10 per cent.
The 1996-97 operations and maintenance budget is broken down as follows: $1.791 million for salaries and wages; $460,000 for grants and contributions; and, $732,000 for other operations and maintenance. The ministry has no capital budget nor any revenues. The ministry receives $544,000 in vote 4/5 funding from the federal government to meet obligations of land claims. The budget reductions implemented will not require any legislative amendments to be included in the proposed Budget Measures Implementation Act.
The recommendations of the standing committee, related to reductions, are incorporated into the proposed budget in the following manner:
- one person year was deleted and related salary and benefits costs were reduced by $80,000. The position was vacant, so a lay-off was avoided;
- the grants and contributions to aboriginal organizations budget was reduced by $50,000;
- vote 4/5 funding is to be maximized by sharing the salary of the financial and administration advisor;
- the community transfer initiative was transferred to MACA, to be incorporated within its responsibility for community empowerment effective March 1, 1996; and,
- reductions to other O and M resulting from general fiscal restraints.
Further initiatives will be implemented later in the fiscal year, once reviews are completed. The most significant of these are:
In response to the ministry's refocusing initiative, responsibilities for Intergovernmental Affairs has been assumed by the Premier and it should be fully integrated within the Department of Executive in June of 1996.
Associated with this integration, an in-depth review of the Ottawa office is under way and is also to be completed in June 1996. The Premier is the lead on these initiatives. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. I would now like to call on Mr. Henry for general comments of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure.
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Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my pleasure to present the comments of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure regarding this department.
In reviewing the draft business plans of this ministry, the standing committee rejected some additional funding and staffing proposals and accepted the ministry's proposed reduction options. However, committee Members felt that more could be done in this area. Therefore, the standing committee recommended that the role and structure of this ministry be reviewed and consideration options developed which would result in a more efficient operation. As a result, the responsibility for the community transfer initiative, formerly held by the ministry, will now be undertaken by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. MACA is obviously best suited for managing the community empowerment process, and the standing committee approves of this transfer.
As well, committee Members approved of the plans to incorporate the ministry more closely with the Executive. However, some of the side-effects of this move seem to be contributing to increased duplication and confusion. It now appears that the responsibilities of the ministry are being supervised by three Cabinet Ministers: Mr. Antoine, for aboriginal affairs; Mr. Kakfwi, for national and constitutional affairs; and the Premier, Mr. Morin, for intergovernmental affairs. Committee Members felt that this would only lead to more confusion and inefficiency and that the principle of accountability could be strained by this arrangement. Therefore, the standing committee recommends that the structure of this ministry be more clearly outlined, that the responsibilities of the ministry fall under one Minister and that the government present a proposed solution to this situation to the Standing Committee on Infrastructure by June 15, 1996.
A further concern of the committee Members was the GNWT office in Ottawa. While the ministry did discuss some of their justification for maintaining this office, the standing committee is still not convinced. Three provinces have chosen not to have an office in Ottawa, and we may not be able to afford such a luxury in this fiscal climate. As one Member put it: "Do we really need an office in Ottawa when we're laying off northerners?" We understand that a comprehensive review of the role of the Ottawa office is being developed and should be ready by the summer. The standing committee recommends that the comprehensive review of the Ottawa office be presented to the Standing Committee on Infrastructure by June 15, 1996. The committee can then review the report and make appropriate recommendations at that time.
Committee Members raised some concerns about grants and contributions made by this ministry. The standing committee suggested that the grants and contributions to organizations for special events be revised into a dollar-matching program, where the ministry would match funds generated elsewhere for special events, rather than just granting free money. This would encourage all organizations to broaden their funding base. We understand the ministry is examining this suggestion and look forward to seeing the results of the ministry's review.
Committee Members also noted, with appreciation, the efforts under way in the self-government division to work with communities and aboriginal organizations on furthering community government and self-government. The committee agrees that the community is often the most effective, if not necessarily the most cost-effective level at which to deliver programs and services to the people of the North. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Yes.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, on my left, I have Bob Overvold. He is the deputy minister of this ministry; on my right, we have Peter Bannon, director of policy and coordination. Thank you.
Intergovernmental And Aboriginal Affairs
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Antoine, and welcome to the committee. I open the floor now for general comments from the Members. Have we any general comments? If we have no general comments, can we move on to page 2-44, intergovernmental and aboriginal affairs, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $2.983 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 2-46, detail of work performed on behalf of third per-ties, and 2-47, detail of work performed on behalf of third parties, total department, $643,000.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
That concludes the detailed review of this department. Does the committee agree that we defer consideration of the program summary until consideration of Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, has been concluded? Agreed?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you very much.
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The Chair Vince Steen
I will need some direction from the committee. Mr. Ootes, do you wish to give me some direction?
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Yes, if I may recommend that we return to the review of Bill 11 and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Department Of Municipal And Community Affairs
Community Planning And Lands
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The Chair Vince Steen
We will then move to the deferred item. The deferred item is on page 10-31, and it was buildings and works, Keewatin, total region, $2.172 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am not going to bring my witnesses in; I have answered a lot of questions on this issue. I will be here by myself. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. We will proceed with buildings and works, Keewatin. This was a deferred item. Total item, $2.172 million. Mr. Krutko.
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to the Rankin Inlet residential subdivision, $1.535 million, and to the financial situation we're in -- cutting back on roads, highways and services -- is there a possibility that we can cut in that particular area and put it towards the deficit?
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Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We can't do it for this year but we can look at it in another year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Do you mean you can't do it for this year because the money has already been allocated or because you want to look at it down the road? That means there's an additional $6 million we're looking at for future years. I'm not too clear on that. You don't want to do it or ... My question in the first place was, is there a possibility of cutting that and putting it towards the deficit.
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Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At this time, I'm not prepared to cut from this capital plan. However, we can discuss next year's cuts.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
I believe the other deferred item is total buildings and works, $6.616 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
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The Chair Vince Steen
That concludes the detailed review of this department. Does the committee agree that we defer consideration of this program summary until consideration of Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, has been concluded?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
I thank the Minister for answering questions. Can I have some direction from the committee? Mr. Henry.
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Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Mr. Chairman, I would suggest that we go on to the executive offices, if the Minister is ready.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Department Of Executive
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The Chair Vince Steen
The Department of the Executive, executive offices is on page 2-9. I would now ask the honourable Premier, the Minister responsible for this department, to provide opening comments on his department's estimates.
Minister's Introductory Remarks
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to be here today to discuss with you the main estimates for the Department of Executive, executive offices, for the year 1996-97. This budget is built on the priorities and strategies of this government and reflects the current fiscal reality. I am confident it is the best approach, given the job we have to do and the resources we have to do the job.
A few of the key features of the budget are:
- The focus is on our core responsibility, which is to provide service and support to the Premier and Cabinet and its committees to ensure that the broad strategic directions of government are implemented.
- The Personnel Secretariat has been downsized and amalgamated with the department.
- Regional operations have been eliminated; there is funding in 1996-97 to help make a smooth transition.
- Remaining regional council funding has been eliminated. Instead, funding for regional leadership meetings is available in each region.
Mr. Chairman, the department's overall budget for 1996-97 is $11.672 million and 78.5 PYs. This represents a reduction of 22 per cent of our O and M funding from the previous year and a cut of 54.1 PYs.
The budget is broken down into these three main activities:
1. The Commissioner's office is budgeted for two PYs and $226,000.
2. The Ministers' offices activity is budgeted for 23 PYs and $3.716 million. This includes the Premier's and Ministers' offices, Women's Advisory and the press secretary's office.
3. The Executive Council Secretariat is budgeted for 53.5 PYs and $7.730 million. The secretariat includes: financial and management services; legislation and house planning; Priorities and Planning Secretariat; official languages unit; Division Secretariat; and, Personnel Secretariat.
In addition, the department's budget includes $587,000 in grants and contributions. This funding is distributed by the Women's Advisory to the Native Women's Association, the Status of Women's Council of the NWT and various women's initiatives.
Mr. Chairman, there are no funds allocated to capital expenditures.
Decisions to downsize and streamline the department are consistent with the department's core responsibilities. One example is in the area of regional operations, where the process is under way to transfer remaining funding for GLOs to communities. Further, in keeping with increased ministerial responsibility and the need to reduce the cost of government in this time of fiscal restraint, regional and area director offices are being closed. Regional superintendents will have the authority and responsibility to take the lead on matters within their Ministers' mandates. Steps are being taken to ensure that delivery of government programs and services is maintained and that communities and regions are not adversely affected by these changes. In the process of the upcoming budget planning cycles, the department will continue to streamline and divest itself of functions not directly related to its core responsibilities.
As I mentioned, a key feature of this budget is the integration of the Personnel Secretariat into the Department of Executive. The Personnel Secretariat has been downsized and the remaining functions integrated into the department's Executive Council Secretariat. The department will establish guidelines for staff recruitment and hiring and monitor for compliance. However, the responsibility for recruitment will be with departments, boards and agencies. This will give managers increased authority to manage. Training and assistance will be provided to departments to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibility. In addition, advertising funding will be distributed to departments on an equitable basis.
Mr. Chairman, it is never easy to cut a department's budget and eliminate PYs. Some tough decisions have to be made and issues are bound to arise; however, given our financial targets and our focus on our core responsibilities, I believe that this is the right budget.
That concludes my opening statement. Mr. Chairman, I would be pleased to answer any questions Members have. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Morin. I will now ask Mr. Henry for comments from the Infrastructure committee.
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Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my pleasure to present the comments of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure regarding this department.
Committee Members have noted the way in which the regional and area directors' positions have evolved. In the past, regional directors wielded quite a bit of administrative power in regional offices. The standing committee felt that the positions of the area director would no longer be needed. Therefore, the standing committee recommended that area director positions be eliminated by March 31, 1996.
The standing committee also recommended that the Executive prepare a detailed review of the remaining regional director positions by March 31, 1996. This is getting a little late now.
However, the government decided instead to eliminate all area director and regional director positions without a review. Committee Members expressed concern regarding this proposal, as regional directors often have the important task of coordinating community efforts in transfer initiatives and of coordinating interdepartmental initiatives in the region.
The effort to reserve $555,000 of the savings from the elimination of the regional director positions to alleviate the difficulties that might arise did meet with some agreement from the standing committee.
Personnel
The outgoing government directed the creation of a number of government structures and process review options, which provided some very broad direction to the 13th Assembly. Incoming Members reviewed these options and, in many cases, recommended their implementation. One recommendation of this exercise was that the responsibility for staffing functions be transferred from the Personnel Secretariat to individual departments and that a small policy unit be established within the Executive to develop and monitor policies and coordinate interdepartmental initiatives. The standing committee recommended that this option be reviewed by the government. The government has now implemented the change and it is reflected in these main estimates. Some elements of the Personnel Secretariat have been retained in the Executive in order to ensure that departmental staff be appropriately trained and to ensure that affirmative action and other relevant policies are followed by government departments.
Concerns were expressed by committee Members regarding implementation of this initiative at the regional level. The standing committee wants to ensure that regional implementation of this amalgamation does not end up being less efficient and more costly.
As well, committee Members had some concern that, if adequate controls were not in place, this initiative might lead to less compliance with the affirmative action policy and more opportunity for nepotism. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Morin. I mean Mr. Henry. Mr. Morin, would you like to bring in witnesses?
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That's okay.
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The Chair Vince Steen
In that case, I will open the floor for general comments. Are there any general comments? Mr. Erasmus.
General Comments
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to make a brief comment regarding the integration of the Personnel Secretariat into the Department of Executive. I have indicated since the first announcement this was a recommendation from the proper committee my concern with this initiative, I had indicated that I was worried that affirmative action and other policies of this government might not be implemented properly.
Quite some time ago, at the beginning of April or thereabouts, prior to the students coming back from university, I had asked questions on how this government was going to deal with putting our students to work when they got back. I have heard some complaints that people are putting in requests for specific students and I am quite concerned that this does not follow our affirmative action policy. It doesn't allow for this government to show a commitment to those people who have shown a commitment to the North. Having people put in a request for a specific student who might be a manager's son or daughter, or a manager's friend's son or daughter, who may have only been in the Territories for a year or two, is no way of doing business.
Our jobs for students should be for those long-term students who have been in the North and have shown a commitment to the North. The Minister of FMBS had indicated that during their negotiations, he had attempted to get the union to agree to have a separate category for students, so we could have more jobs for students. Pay them a little less so you can use the money allocated for student positions and have more jobs. The union told them no. So in some instances, we are paying students $20 an hour, some $18 and some $14.
In a case when there aren't enough positions to go around, this government should have the initiative to ensure that our affirmative action policy is being followed in the area of our students. Mr. Chairman, is this an indication of what is going to happen in the next years that are upcoming?
This policy was implemented April 1st, as I understand it. It is less than two months later and already long-term northerners are being overlooked for others who haven't been here for that long. I know that there have been other Members who have expressed the fact that they are concerned. Recently, Mr. Ootes was asking about our students. Mr. Picco also asked. I am not alone. We need assurances that affirmative action and other government policies will be properly implemented. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me assure the Member that the affirmative action policy will be implemented and any new policy that comes forward will be implemented, as well. The concern he has raised is a legitimate concern; it's not the first time that it's been raised in this Legislative Assembly. The issue of nepotism has been raised before; of people hiring their relatives or good friends;
issues like that. Having a stand-alone Personnel Department never did stop that. I believe that by empowering the managers and by holding managers accountable, the buck will stop at their door. They will be held accountable and dealt with accordingly if they do not follow the policies of this government.
I would use this forum to publicly say that if anybody is aware of people doing that, please let your MLA, myself or anyone know and we will follow it up. We do have a process in place to follow up concerns about people getting hired and not going through the proper process. We will follow it up.
The good thing about amalgamating Personnel into the departments is that you now have one manager accountable and one manager only. One Minister, as well; people that you elect to sit in this Legislative Assembly to represent you. We will not only hold the deputies accountable, we will hold those Ministers accountable, as well.
It is up to them to make sure that the policies of this government are adhered to. As far as people putting in requests for specific students, I'm not aware of this. It should follow proper procedure and should be done properly.
You are absolutely right that Mr. Todd did try to negotiate with the union to get a better value for our dollar to be able to hire more students. We could hire more students and we can get better use of our dollars if we are allowed to do that. We have discussed this before, as a government, and Mr. Dent is going to be looking at a cost-sharing arrangement with the private sector, as well, so that we can find a way to get the best value for our buck and hire more students. One of the priorities of this government is education, and every student should have a summer job when he or she comes back to the North. We can no longer afford to pay $22, $20 or $18 an hour. If we were able to pay $14, $12 or $16, we could hire a lot more students.
As far as the concern that Mr. Erasmus raised, Mr. Chairman, that concern has been raised before and it's always looked into. It's not because of Personnel amalgamating into the departments; this is not the first time I'm hearing it. Thank you.
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wonder if the Premier could indicate whether affirmative action is supposed to be followed when the students are being hired for summer positions this year.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the past, the summer student program gave casual hiring priority to students from May 1st to August 31st. As a result, many people who should have benefitted from the affirmative action policy were not being hired as casuals during the summer months. On February 2, 1994, the Minister of Personnel approved changes to the casual employment guidelines. From May 1st to August 31st, casual positions are filled according to the following priorities:
Priority 1A: Indigenous Aboriginal Students
Priority 1B: Indigenous Aboriginal Persons
Priority 2A: Indigenous Non-Aboriginal Students or Resident Disabled Students
Priority 2B: Other Indigenous Non-Aboriginal Persons or Resident Disabled Persons
Priority 3A: Resident Student
Priority 3B: Other Persons
That's how they are to give priorities with hiring. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Mr. Chairman, I've had a complaint that ... I'm not exactly sure where this person fits in. He's a long-term northerner, non-aboriginal. I don't know if that's P-1B or P-2A or whatever. This person has not been able to get a job but that person knows of several P-3 students who have positions. Either this policy is not being followed or somehow they're finding ways to slip through. We need reassurances that our long-term students should be getting these jobs.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would be pleased to meet with Mr. Erasmus to get the details of the concern he has raised. If I could get the specific details -- I would not ask for them in public -- then we can check the system and see if it's working. I and my staff will investigate it personally so we can find out if this system is working or not. We'll hold those who are accountable, accountable. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Morin. If the committee agrees, I recognize the clock for the evening break. A reminder that Government Operations is meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in committee room A. Agreed?
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
--- DINNER RECESS
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
I will call the committee back to order. We were on 1996-97 main estimates, executive offices, general comments. Are there any more general comments?
--- Interjection Line By Line
Commissioner's Office
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
We will then move on to Commissioner's office, operations and maintenance, page 210, total operations and maintenance, $226,000.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Ministers' Offices
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In this area of Ministers' offices, regarding other O and M, can the Premier explain what this is?
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Excuse me, Mr. Chairman, I never got the question. On what page?
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
We are on page 2-11, Ministers' offices. Mr. Roland, please repeat your question.
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Yes, Mr. Chairman. I would like an explanation of what other O and M, for $956,000, is.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ministers' offices includes the Premier's office, Executive Members' offices, Women's Advisory and public affairs. The Premier's office includes salaries and operations expenses. Under other O and M ... I will find it in a minute.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 2-11, the third item down, under operations and maintenance. There is a reference to other O and M $956,000.
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under other O and M on that page, is leadership meetings for five regions, $205,000; community wellness empowerment, $555,000; transfer of Personnel Secretariat to executive offices, $211,000; transfer of telecommunication costs from Public Works, $74,000; transfer of Fort Providence field service, $3,000; government liaison officer, Gjoa Haven, Pelly Bay and Holman, minus $35,000; contract service, Legislative Assembly, $35,000; and, internal reallocation to cover salary increases, $25,000. Thank you.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don't have the direct detail of who that would include. I can get that information for the Member. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance ... Did you have your hand up, Mr. Krutko?
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
With regard to the O and M, does that also include travel for the Executive for charters and things like that? What is the cost?
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can I have him repeat the question? I couldn't hear it.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Is there a price tag with regard to travel for the Executive and staff?
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That would all be covered under that. Thank you.
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Could he give me a breakdown of what the cost of charters and travel is for the office of the Ministers?
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, I don't have that amount of detail with me here. I would be pleased to ... (Microphone turned off).
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We do make monthly reports. All Ministers report monthly travel to my office and we would be pleased to forward it. Thank you.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Once again, I would have to forward that information to the Member. I don't have that detail with me.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Mr. Krutko.
Committee Motion To Defer Total Operations And Maintenance For Executive, Withdrawn
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
I would like to move a motion that we hold off on dealing with this until we get that information.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Mr. Krutko, are you suggesting a motion to defer total operations and maintenance, $3.716 million? Mr. Krutko, are you putting a motion forward to defer total operations and maintenance, $3.716 million?
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Perhaps I will have the staff draft a motion. Can we move on to the next portion of the main estimates, which would be Executive Council Secretariat?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Executive Council Secretariat
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Operations and maintenance, page 2-12, total operations and maintenance, $7.73 million.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 2-14, detail of work performed on behalf of third parties. Page 2-15, total department, $595,000.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
Now I would ask that we move back to the motion. Can I get some direction? Do we want to break while we draft this motion? Mr. Miltenberger.
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
I would just like to ask the Premier if he could get me that information so we could review it, just as long as we get an idea. I would like to have an opportunity to look at all aspects of the Executive, which includes travel. I would like that information as soon as possible. I will cancel my motion.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
The motion is withdrawn.
--- Withdrawn
Ministers' Offices
We will turn back to Ministers' offices. Operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, Mr. Morin.
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the Member for being reasonable. I do have the number of $642,000 for total executive offices' travel and transportation. I don't have that broken down by Ministers. I just have that lump sum. I didn't bring that with me in my briefing books. Thank you.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Does the committee agree that we defer consideration of the program summary until consideration of Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, has been concluded?
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just like to thank the committee for passing this budget and thank the staff for their help in preparing it.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Morin. I need some direction now from the committee. Mr. Ootes.
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I would like to recommend, Mr. Chairman, that we carry on with Bill 11 and the Financial Management Board Secretariat next, followed by the Legislative Assembly.
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Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Financial Management Board Secretariat
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
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The Chair Vince Steen
Financial Management Board Secretariat, page 2-25. I will ask the Minister responsible, Mr. Todd, to provide us with opening comments on the department's estimates.
Minister's Introductory Remarks
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Financial Management Board Secretariat provides support and services to the FMB and departments. The secretariat's responsibilities include comptrollership; human resource management; information management; internal audit, budgeting, evaluation; and, operational and capital planning.
Mr. Chairman, the secretariat's 1996-97 budget requests a total of $50.829 million and 202.1 person years. The budget has been adjusted to reflect increases resulting from the transfer of staff housing from Public Works and Services; devolution of Arctic A airports from the federal government; and, an increase in the power subsidy support.
Mr. Chairman, the proposed FMBS budget reflects a strategic direction within the FMBS to downsize and reduce the amount of bureaucratic red tape in the management of government operations. We expect this approach to lead to greater flexibility for departments and reduce the administrative overhead associated with the current system. In FMBS, this means fewer resources are required for many functions. This budget reflects a 23 per cent reduction to the projected 1995-96 actuals and a 16 per cent reduction in person years.
Mr. Chairman, in addition to the new directions I have already mentioned, the secretariat will also be supporting several major initiatives. FMBS is coordinating and supporting the development of an effective strategy for the management of the government's information resources and systems. In the current year, the most significant initiative is the government's support for the cost-effective development of an advanced telecommunications network capable of bringing the benefits of the information highway to all northerners. This network will facilitate distance education, telemedicine, video conferencing and economical use of the Internet.
In support of the government's concern to provide greater access to housing, the FMBS will be promoting home ownership for employees. An important component of our strategy is getting a mortgage and loan company up and running to improve availability of mortgage loans for potential purchasers. To this end, I will be making a motion at the appropriate time, Mr. Chairman, to amend the appropriation act to increase the budget of Economic Development and Tourism by $5 million, to make the government's initial equity investment in the mortgage and loan company.
FMBS is also finalizing the report on the review of the affirmative action policy, which I will be bringing forward to the Standing Committee on Government Operations, I believe, tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Todd. I will now ask the Member of the Infrastructure committee, Jane Groenewegen, to supply us with comments from the Standing Committee on Infrastructure.
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Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my pleasure to present the comments of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure regarding this secretariat. Referring to the 24 options, the standing committee suggested that the Financial Management Board Secretariat should develop proposals for sharing its staff and services -such as payroll and other human resource related functions - with health boards, education boards, hospitals and related agencies in the regions. Further, the FMBS should also develop further proposals to devolve compensation services and other human resource related functions to departments. While options have been developed by FMBS for consideration, the standing committee recommends that specific proposals be developed and provided to the committee for evaluation by June 15, 1996.
Staff Housing
As the government agency primarily responsible for expenditure control, the standing committee feels that the FMBS should be more active in developing and implementing creative solutions to the government's expenditure crisis.
Committee Members would like to see the FMBS encouraging government departments to implement more cost-saving measures, such as:
- requiring that all air travel be on excursion-fare tickets;
- replacing grants to third parties with low-interest loans, where possible;
- reimplementing an incentive program for employee suggestions;
- amalgamating regional boards and authorities, where practical; and,
- gearing income support programs towards job creation and away from handouts.
Committee Members feel strongly that much of the government's budgeting and spending problems can be corrected through creative measures such as these. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. I would now ask the Minister if he would like to bring in witnesses.
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would, indeed.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
You may bring in your witnesses, Mr. Todd.
Could the Minister introduce his witnesses, please?
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my immediate right is Mr. Voytilla, the deputy minister of the FMBS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Todd. I now open the floor to general comments on the department's estimates. Mr. Miltenberger.
General Comments
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Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a few brief comments. One of the concerns I have about FMBS is, while they indicate that they are becoming more efficient, cutting their costs and size, to me, a lot of that is a function of off-loading onto the other departments; functions they have taken over -- data entry, verification, and all these other services -- where there has been no transfer of any resources. It's the same with Personnel; there's been a transfer of responsibilities with no transfer of resources and, often, to an already stretched-out regional department or area departments. I'm concerned that we have to be very careful about how we do this and monitor the situation so that we don't end up in the situation where we may have saved, but, as Minister Todd has indicated many times, we're, in effect, penny-wise but pound-foolish.
I'm also very concerned and interested in this initiative with regard to telecommunications. Some systems, where they do exist at all, are very fragmented or antiquated: our financial systems, the types of computers we use, the whole reliance on mainframes in this day in age. They have a very ambitious kind of schedule and I'm going to be very interested in how it proceeds. Thank you very much.
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John Todd Keewatin Central
No.
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just some general comments. Earlier on, the results statements spoke of enhancing the information value of government financial reporting. I'm interested in what you mean by enhancing the information value of the government system.
They speak of identifying and eliminating areas that overlap. I have the same concern that was raised earlier about getting rid of overlap but handing down a job without the required resources.
I was reading in the business plans about how this department has said that things have become much more difficult; the methods of accounting and so on have become difficult. One of the things I would like to know: Is this department not the one that's in control of the formulas and reporting systems that are existing and being created in the government? Thank you.
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, I certainly would. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate my colleague's comments and Mr. Miltenberger's comments, too. Talking as the Minister responsible for the FMBS, I think it would be fair to say that perhaps it had an overbearing influence, if you want, on the way in which government did business. That's my contention. It didn't allow the managers to manage, it didn't allow the people at the field and regional level to make decisions and, to some extent, it still doesn't. We have to work very, very hard to make sure that happens, because we want to make sure that those who are closer to the problems and the issues have the capacity to make the decisions in terms of what action has to be taken and what money has to be spent.
That's just a general statement in response to why we're doing what we're doing. I would suggest to you that over the years -- I don't know whether Mr. Voytilla would agree with me or not because we haven't discussed this -- perhaps the FMBS has grown much larger than it had to be and has made people less accountable, in a sense, because it was all centralized in one particular core group of people. The overall principle that I've operated on all my life is to empower people, give people the fiscal authority to make decisions. That's where we're heading.
In doing that -- and we've only started that the last year or so -- it's not without its bumps. It has its ups and downs because we've gone from doing this to doing this. In the process, there may be some glitches in it. However, overall, when I talk to people in the field, superintendents and others, there is an enthusiasm for the approach we're taking. There is some apprehension, as my colleague has pointed out, about the resources necessary. To be frank, we are saying to people that you have to do it within the existing resources which, on occasion, makes it difficult. We're examining those on a one-to-one basis.
When we talk about the accounting being complicated, I think that with all governments, the larger we get, the more difficult we tend to make it. I fundamentally come from the, as they say, KISS method -- that's "keep it simple, stupid." That's not meant as disrespect to anybody around this table, it just happens to be the way it's explained. We need to find a way to make things less complicated, more streamlined and more efficient. It's fair to say that we have to take some responsibility for making it cumbersome and, in many cases, duplicated. So, we're trying to work very quickly to try and correct that. But, again, we've been 12 months into this exercise and Mr. Voytilla and his staff have had a tremendous workload just trying to pull all the budgets together, meet some of the new political realities that we deal with in this House and develop a strategy to bring in a balanced budget. So it's been a long, hard year for them, and we're perhaps not as far along on that issue as we'd like to be. But certainly we are going to work aggressively there, empower people, put the responsibility where it belongs and, I think more importantly, put the spending authority where it belongs. That is sort of the intent of this direction that we're taking.
I believe Mr. Miltenberger mentioned the communications strategy. We're excited about that. We think the digital communications strategy that is currently out for RFP, and will close on July 29th, will put this country and the Northwest Territories onto the information highway. Hopefully, it will be a second-to-none, state-of-the-art system that comes forward. Whatever entrepreneurial or coalition of joint ventures or created partnerships, as I keep talking about, if that comes forward, we're excited and optimistic about that. That will bring about, as I said in my opening comments, distance health, distance education and, I believe -- and finally I've been convinced over the last 12 months --it will bring about significant savings on the expenditure side which is going through the roof; that's in the social envelope. So we are very optimistic about that.
When you are on the cutting edge of a new industry, it's not going to be ... You know, I can't predict how it's going to go, because we're on the cutting edge of the information highway, Mr. Chairman, and this project, if it all goes well and if we get the right kind of interest from the private sector, will put us in the national arena, where, as I said in my budget statement, we can have an elder from Clyde River sell his carvings to a buyer in Tokyo; where we can have a kid in school in Deline talking to kids in Ireland; where a nurse in Whale Cove can talk to the doctor with a machine and show the X-ray to a doctor in Montreal. So we are very excited about this. We don't know quite how it's going to unfold, but it certainly will, as I said, bring this territory and, of course, the two new territories into the 21 st century with a bang. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Todd. Before I recognize you again, Mr. Roland, I would like to welcome Mr. Picco back from Iqaluit...
---Applause
... and in order to do that, I must also welcome Mr. Todd and congratulate him on his safe return from Iqaluit. Mr. Roland.
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. From your comments, I can take it, then, you are making a commitment to giving the departments and the communities more power to manage, as it should be. Can the Minister give me an idea of what he sees FMBS being, as things are more devolved to the departments and managers?
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John Todd Keewatin Central
All my life, even when I was in government and when I was in the private sector, I have fundamentally believed that you have to put responsibility and management, et cetera, where the issues are, and this job gives me the unique opportunity to be able to do that. I see this, and I am almost -- I don't know if obsessed is the correct word -- but I certainly see it as a fundamental change in the way we do government. I think it is a cost-saving measure at the end of the day and I want to assure my colleague that this is going to be priority within the department. I suppose, if I had to envision my good friend, Mr. Voytilla, and his colleagues, three years from now, I would see them as a very small but very effective and influential secretariat. Thank you.
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The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Todd. We are on general comments by the Members. Any further general comments? Can we move on to directorate?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Line By Line
Directorate
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The Chair Vince Steen
Operations and maintenance, page 2-26, total operations and maintenance, $21.009 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Human Resource Management
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 2-27, human resource management, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $14.731 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Government Accounting
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 2-28. Government accounting, operations and maintenance, total operation and maintenance, $10.795 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Audit, Budgeting And Evaluation
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 2-29, audit, budgeting and evaluation, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $4.294 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
Page 2-30, detail of grants and contributions, contributions, $5.857 million. Mr. Roland.
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Grants and contributions, power subsidy; is that the amount this government pays for subsidies going out to all the power users, commercial and residential?
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, Mr. Chairman, that's for the private home ownership subsidy and for the small commercial enterprise subsidy. Mr. Roland's correct.
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Does that tie in ... I believe when we looked at an earlier one that the Power Corporation itself ... Is this sort of recovered from them?
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, thank you. Mr. Voytilla has pointed out to me that whatever the expenditure is, they declare a dividend for that amount so, in a sense, it's revenue and expenditure neutral, yes.
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Minister indicated that these subsidies go to communities, I understand. Does this include the community of Yellowknife?
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, the subsidy is actually based on the Yellowknife rate and the factors built into it and the subsidies are for all communities outside of Yellowknife. Thank you.
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
So the power subsidy goes to most or just about all the communities, other than Yellowknife and probably Hay River and Fort Smith. Can I assume that?
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Mr. Voytilla advises me not Fort Smith because I believe the rates are lower in Fort Smith. Maybe I can explain it. The domestic power subsidy provides a discount to all for example, in the domestic power subsidy, Mr. Chairman residential users outside of Yellowknife for the first 700 kilowatts used per month. There's a subsidy built in there. So that's how it's done. The Yellowknife rate is used, and this year it's going to cost $5.857 million, and the Power Corporation declares a dividend, so the net impact to this government is zero. Thank you.
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Does this subsidy ... In recent years, there was a low water rate built into the system. Is that included in this?
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John Todd Keewatin Central
No. Mr. Voytilla advises me that we didn't work in the low water surcharge.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
We are on page 2-31, information item, schedule of lease budget requirements. Page 2-32, detail of work performed on behalf of third parties. The total for those is on page 2-33, total department, $8.446 million.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
I believe this concludes the detailed review of this department. Does the committee agree that we defer consideration of the program summary until consideration of Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, has been concluded?
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
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The Chair Vince Steen
I would like to thank the Minister and his witnesses. I am seeking more direction here. Mr. Ootes.
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Chairman, I would recommend that we carry on with Bill 11, Appropriation Act, 1996-97, and that we cover the Legislative Assembly.
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The Chair Vince Steen
We have a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is defeated.
--- Defeated
We will move on to the Legislative Assembly.
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Legislative Assembly
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The Chair Vince Steen
For the committee's information, we are on page 1-9, Legislative Assembly's 1996-97 main estimates. I would invite opening comments from the Honourable Sam Gargan, Speaker.
Speaker's Introductory Remarks
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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have with me Mr. Hamilton, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present the 1996-97 budget for the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is requesting an expenditure of $9.414 million, which includes a capital budget of $45,000; included in the budget are cost reductions in the ongoing areas of running the Legislative Assembly. Reductions have been made in the Hansard production and printing, catering and security services, janitorial services and audio recording. Mr. Chairman, the committee will also note that there has been a reduction of 4.8 person years, decreasing the permanent staff complement from 33.8 to 29.5.
Mr. Chairman, the budget before you has been streamlined and contains only those items that are of a non-controllable nature and those approved by the Management and Services Board. The budget, Mr. Chairman and colleagues, has no room for movement as every dollar has been assigned. The budget does reflect the seven per cent reduction to all Members' indemnities which was passed by the House earlier this year. It should be noted that there will be further reductions to the budget of this Legislative Assembly to reflect the removal of the three per cent supplementary pension plan. Once the pension acts have been amended as reflected in Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, and an actuarial evaluation has been completed, I will be in a position to reduce our budget further. At that time, I will bring forward a negative supplementary request implementing the savings that have been calculated.
Mr. Chairman, I am sure Members would be interested to note that the television coverage of TVNC of this Legislature is the most watched program of all programs across the TVNC network. I submit, Mr. Chairman, that, while we have streamlined our language services in the House, we are still broadcasting our sessions in nearly all of our official languages. In fact, we have been requested to expand our coverage to include Committee of the Whole and standing committee meetings. I am encouraged by this as it is always hard, with such a large geographic constituency, to have the electorate see and hear what we, as their Members, are doing.
Mr. Chairman, the Legislative Assembly is unique within the territorial government, but we must continue to recognize and respond to factors such as fiscal restraint, division and the changing nature of government which affects all departments.
However, it must be also remain separate and distinct from the overall government structure in order to fulfil its roles as the legislative body accountable to the electorate. Mr. Chairman, changing the way we do business to improve efficiencies in consensus decision-making will have a constant impact on our operational environment over the next three years. I am concerned that we must be ready for division as a legislative body. To that end, I will continue to ensure that this Legislative Assembly and the Clerk's office is positioned to offer support, training, advice and whatever assistance is requested or required to address a variety of issues. Such issues include electoral boundaries establishment; elections; and, the initial placement of trained personnel for management organizations, for the two Legislatures in 1999. That concludes my remarks. Qujannamiik.
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 685
The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Mr. Erasmus, do you have comments from the Standing Committee on Government Operations? Mr. Erasmus.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 685
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 685
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my pleasure to present the comments of the Standing Committee on Government Operations regarding the Legislative Assembly. Following January's hearings on the first draft of the Assembly's business plan, the committee instructed the Assembly to return with further proposals for reductions. These proposals -- reductions in contracts for such services as security, catering, reduced printing and distribution of Hansard and reductions in the number of Conflict of Interest Commissioners -- have been met and have contributed to the reduction of the Assembly's overall budget.
Reductions in Members' salaries and indemnities are also reflected in the Assembly's reduced budget. Changes to Members' pensions are not yet reflected in the estimates, as more analysis is required to determine the actual expenditure reductions that will result from those changes.
Committee Members had asked for specific proposals to reduce planned costs for paving the capital site in 1997-98 and 1998-99, to be included in the second draft of the business plan. These proposals were not included, and the committee insists that such proposals be presented to the standing committee by June 1, 1996. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair Vince Steen
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Mr. Gargan, would you like to bring in a witness or introduce the witness? Would you like to bring in a witness?
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
No, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair Vince Steen
I know we have the Clerk of the House. General comments. Are there any general comments? Mr. Erasmus.
General Comments
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I had indicated earlier that, in the committee's report, the committee wanted proposals to reduce the costs for paving the capital site. I have to indicate that the chairman of the Government Operations committee does not vote on these matters. 1, for one, think that the capital site has to be presentable to visiting dignitaries. I don't know how I would feel if Premier Ralph Klein came here on a visit with Premier Morin and we had to bring him here on the gravel road. Or, if the Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien, came here again and he had to again come down the gravel road.
Mr. Chairman, I believe that the road leading into here and our parking lot should be paved. It should be done as quickly as possible. Thank you.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Mr. Speaker, would you like to respond?
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
Mr. Chairman, we don't have any funds allocated for this year regarding the paving program for the Legislative Assembly site. We will have a capital estimate for next year, 1997.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Shall we go into detail? Agreed?
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Line By Line
Office Of The Clerk
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Okay. Page 1-10, office of the Clerk, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $4.421 million.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Detail of capital, office of the clerk, buildings and works, headquarters, total region, $45,000.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Total buildings and works, $45,000.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Total activity, $45,000.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Office Of The Speaker
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Page 1-12, office of the Speaker, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $149,000.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Expenditures On Behalf Of Members
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Page 1-13, expenditures on behalf of Members, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $4.428 million.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Office Of The Chief Electoral Officer
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Page 1-14, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $20,000. Mr. Miltenberger.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is this the complete cost that we currently now expend on elections? What do we pay this guy?
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Speaker.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 686
Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
Mr. Chairman, the total cost for elections is paid by the federal government. The cost here is to maintain a small office and have a person on contractual arrangement to operate that small office.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Miltenberger.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
If we were to repatriate this service, would the federal government transfer funds as well?
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Speaker.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
If the transfer was something like the health transfer or the forest transfer, then it would be negotiated.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Total operations and maintenance, $20,000.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Commissioner Of Official Languages
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Page 1-15, Commissioner of Official Languages, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance, $351,000.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. We have an information item on pages 1-16 and 1-17. Back to program summary. So that concludes the detailed review of the department. Does the committee agree that we defer consideration of the program summary until the consideration of Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, has been concluded?
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--- Agreed
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
I would like to thank you, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Clerk.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Krutko.
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Chair John Ningark
There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
--- Carried
I will rise and report progress to the Speaker. Thank you.
Speaker's Ruling
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 687
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The House will come back to order. I had to remind a few Members today regarding the dress code. According to our dress code, which is on 12(9), "When in the Assembly every Member shall be attired in native dress or in a manner appropriate to the dignity of the Assembly." That's just a reminder to the Members because I had to remind a Member this afternoon. I also noticed that a Member just left because of the way he was dressed. I would like to remind the Members to dress appropriately. We're all honourable Members and I don't think we have to continually remind Members. You're all responsible for the way you dress so try and dress to respect the Chamber itself.
Item 20, report of Committee of the Whole. Mr. Ningark.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 687
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 10 and Bill 11 and committee reports 1, 2 and 3 and would like to report progress with one motion being adopted, and that Bill 10 is now ready for third reading. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 687
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Seconded by Mr. Ng. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 687
An Hon. Member
Question.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 687
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
--- Carried
Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Todd.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 687
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek consent to proceed with the third reading of Bill 10.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 687
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Keewatin is seeking unanimous consent to deal with Bill 10. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Todd.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996- 97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 687
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Bill 10, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97, be read for the third time. Thank you.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996- 97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 687
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996- 97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 687
An Hon. Member
Question.
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996- 97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 687
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
--- Carried
Bill 10 has had third reading.
Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, item 22, orders of the day.
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Page 688
Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
Mr. Speaker, there are meetings for tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. of the Working Group on Access to Information; at 9:00 a.m., of the Standing Committee on Social Programs; at 10:00 a.m., of the Western Caucus; at 10:30 a.m., of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure; and, at 11:30 a.m., of the Ordinary Members' Caucus.
Orders of the day for Tuesday, May 28, 1996:
1. Prayer
2. Ministers' Statements
3. Members' Statements
4. Returns to Oral Questions
5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
6. Oral Questions
7. Written Questions
8. Returns to Written Questions
9. Replies to Opening Address
10. Petitions
11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees
12. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
13. Tabling of Documents
14. Notices of Motion
15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills
16. Motions
17. First Reading of Bills
- Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act
- Bill 17, Business Corporations Act
18. Second Reading of Bills
19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and
Other Matters
- Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act
- Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28
- Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act
- Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act
- Bill 11, Appropriation Act, 1996-97
- Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2
- Bill 13, Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97
- Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3
- Bill 15, Statute Revision Act
- Committee Report 1-13(3), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates
- Committee Report 2-13(3), Standing Committee on Infrastructure Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates
- Committee Report 3-13(3), Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates
- Committee Report 4-13(3), Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on the Review of the 1996-97 Main Estimates
- Tabled Document 1-13(3), Report of the Commission on MLA Compensation
20. Report of Committee of the Whole
21. Third Reading of Bills
22. Orders of the Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Page 688
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 28, 1996, at 1:30 p.m.
--- ADJOURNMENT
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