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. John Todd
---Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
Page 733
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Roland. Good afternoon. Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.
Minister's Statement 77-13(3): Wind Generation Initiatives
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 733
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise the Legislature of recent initiatives which may see the addition of wind generation in more Arctic communities.
New technology, more stringent environmental conditions, sustained high fuel costs and emerging business interests are creating this opportunity. It is time for the NWT Power Corporation to make its commitment to proving that wind energy can be a viable part of the North's power supply.
The corporation is developing business arrangements in several communities with aboriginal and private sector investors, and the governments of both the Northwest Territories and Canada.
In Sachs Harbour and lqaluit, the corporation is working with government and aboriginal interests to install and evaluate 50-kilowatt wind turbines. Talks are also under way with private sector investors for similar installations in Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
In Coppermine, the corporation will fund two 80-kilowatt turbines which are expected to be on line this fall. And in Yellowknife, the corporation will assist with setting up measuring equipment to evaluate the potential of a wind farm.
Mr. Speaker, where the right weather conditions exist, wind technology can help reduce dependence on diesel generation and create new business. It also offers major environmental savings. The proposed arrangements could see the Power Corporation purchase power at rates that would allow cost recovery and a reasonable return on investment. Even where these rates may be higher than the avoided cost of diesel, the corporation will consider paying a premium in order to advance this new technology.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to advise the Assembly that an operations unit has been created to focus engineering and planning expertise on wind and other alternative energy projects. The four-person energy utilization group will be headquartered in Hay River and has a two-year mandate. It will assist customers, developers and the corporation in coordinating efforts aimed at making better use of energy technology for all northerners. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Minister's Statement 77-13(3): Wind Generation Initiatives
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 733
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' Statement. Mr. Morin.
Minister's Statement 78-13(3): Minister Absent From The House
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 733
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Manitok Thompson will be absent from the House today to attend the National Status of Women's Conference in Winnipeg. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 78-13(3): Minister Absent From The House
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 733
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.
Rate Of Pay For Student Summer Employment
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past few days in the House, there have been some discussions and statements concerning wages for summer students. I, for one, am pleased to see that the proposal to reduce said wage scale for students was dropped from the government proposal during the recent collective bargaining negotiations.
Mr. Speaker, if a student is hired to replace a worker, that student will be judged on the abilities that they bring to the job and thus will be remunerated as such. They should not be penalized for being a student because, at the end of the day, the more money the student makes the less money that student will need from the GNWT in the form of grants and other financial help. It would also help the student in the debt load they will have to carry to pursue their academic or vocational training. Mr. Speaker, I see no problem with this.
We have to realize that the GNWT, by hiring students for summer replacement at the designated rate for said occupation, will not only monetarily help the student, but will also give the individual a sense of worth in the occupation they are employed at. Our community was quick to react in early March when it was learned that the students may be paid less. Several parents and students contacted me because they had anticipated working for the GNWT and thus the anticipated pay to be received would help offset the cost of post- secondary education to the students and parents. By dropping the rates, some Members have alluded to the idea that this would stimulate the government hiring more students. But, if, for example, the government only has 12 available positions to be filled for summer relief, are we going to invent extra positions to place students because we've lowered the student employment salary rate? 1 don't think so. In the private sector world, there may be an opportunity to hire more students when the salary rates are lower, but that is out of the context of decreasing the rates for summer hires by the GNWT.
I congratulate the government for dropping the proposal to lower student rates for the reasons I have just mentioned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Rate Of Pay For Student Summer Employment
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Picco. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.
Appreciation Of Interpreter/translators
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say thank you that I was able to participate during session, and especially to the interpreter/translators who worked exceptionally hard. I am the only unilingual Member in this House; there are three of them at times who translate all the material and interpret during the House. I wish to thank the interpreter/translators. Thank you.
Appreciation Of Interpreter/translators
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Review Of Report On MLA Compensation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Speaker, one of the few items remaining for consideration in Committee of the Whole is the report on MLA compensation. Mr. Speaker, with the support of my fellow Members, I had placed this item back on the order paper and this was in response to concerns raised by some of my constituents that there had not been enough public debate on this item.
When the report on the MLA compensation was tabled by the Speaker, we realized there were many issues which needed to be discussed. These included both monetary and non-monetary items. It was clear we would need time to look carefully at the recommendations and how they fit in with the new way the Assembly has been operating. As a Caucus, we agreed that it was important to make some decisions quickly. In order to lead by example, we decided to approach our compensation by dealing with the big monetary items: salaries, indemnities and pensions. We cut our salary and indemnities by seven per cent and we eliminated the supplementary pension plan, cutting our pensions by 60 per cent and bringing them in line with other people working as part of the government.
Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I do not feel that we would be doing justice to the work that went into this report or to the concerns of our constituents about a public discussion if we were to rush this report through today on the last day of the House business before the summer. Instead, we intend to take time over the summer, hearing the concerns and suggestions of our constituents on the MLA compensation report. When we return in October, we can deal with this report in the House, giving it the time and attention that it deserves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Review Of Report On MLA Compensation
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.
Substance Abuse Among NWT Youth
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many of us are no doubt aware there is a major problem with substance abuse among our youth in the NWT. This is reflective of the problem with substance abuse in the NWT overall. As the society of tomorrow will be built on today's youth, it is imperative that we focus preventative and treatment programs for our youth.
In the current fiscal climate of restraints and cutbacks, it is inevitable that choices have to be made as to which programs and services will be funded. It is also imperative that programs be coordinated to get the most efficient outcome for the money spent. Because funding for some programs such as youth solvent abuse has been provided by the federal government, access to treatment has been restricted to youth of aboriginal descent. This has neglected the needs of youth of non-aboriginal descent who are equally at risk from substance abuse.
By focusing on all youth under the umbrella of community wellness, we will be investing in the future of the NWT by providing the necessary services to our youth affected by substances, drug and alcohol abuse. I will be asking questions of the Minister of Health later on today, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Substance Abuse Among NWT Youth
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 734
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Henry. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.
Amendments To Wildlife Act And Bankruptcy Act
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 735
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My comments are with regard to a statement I made at the beginning of the session as to looking at amendments to the NWT Wildlife Act and also the Bankruptcy Act. Currently, the NWT legislation defines the maximum fine of $1,000 or one year imprisonment, or both.
With regard to section 83, section 91 of the act titled 'general punishment,' outlines that the fine not exceed $1,000 or imprisonment of a term not to exceed one year. Because of that, there is inconsistency in the act. I made contacts in the Yukon territory and a section of their legislation outlines the range from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on the nature of the offence. In discussions with the Yukon government, it is clear that even those amounts are insufficient. The Yukon government is once again looking at updating its legislation and the fines that are in place to date.
I am sure you would agree that wildlife is one of the most valuable resources we have in the North. Not only does it provide an economic base and a food source for many communities, but it is also unique to our northern culture and the way of life. By not increasing these fines, I fear that the NWT will become a prime territory for poachers, illegal hunters and a host of related problems that are associated with that trade which is presently taking place, especially in southern Canada.
I have been in touch with the Minister on the matter, working along with his department, to look at these amendments for the fall session.
With regard to the Bankruptcy Act, I've noted that there is a real discrepancy; especially in the North where we talk about beekeepers and protecting people's cattle, et cetera.
Mr. Speaker, can I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement?
Amendments To Wildlife Act And Bankruptcy Act
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 735
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Krutko.
Amendments To Wildlife Act And Bankruptcy Act
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 735
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to the Bankruptcy Act, the way it's drafted, the items do not associate with the North, especially when you look at items such as beekeepers, farms, cattle, et cetera. I would like to, along with my colleagues, have input into this process to consider looking at the lifestyles we live in in the North and protecting items such as hunting, trapping, tools, guns, nets, skidoos and all-terrain vehicles; so when people claim bankruptcy, they are left with items that they can continue on with the lifestyle where they need these accessories to carry out their day-to-day activities, especially in a lot of the smaller communities.
I will continue to work over the summer on these two amendments to have something ready for the fall session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Amendments To Wildlife Act And Bankruptcy Act
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 735
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.
Completion Of Dogrib Power Snare Cascades Hydro Plant
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 735
James Rabesca North Slave
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to advise the Legislature that the Dogrib Power Corporation's Snare Cascades hydro plant has reached a significant stage towards completion. Mr. Speaker, for about 15 minutes on Monday afternoon of this week, the Yellowknife power system received its first energy from this important new facility. The amount of power was small, about one megawatt, but it's important because it marks the first successful test of the plant's full capacity, which will be 4.3 megawatts.
Representatives of the Dogrib Power Corporation and the NWT Power Corporation advise the testing procedure will continue for the next few weeks, leading up to the scheduled completion date of July 1 st. When tests are completed and the plant is declared ready, it will be handed over to the NWT Power Corporation as the operators and maintainers for the next 65 years.
I am also pleased to advise, Mr. Speaker, that this project came within the projected budget of $26.5 million. This project is a partnership of both the Dogrib Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories. It represents a development that combines the interest and the needs of the aboriginal people of the region and the NWT Power Corporation.
For the customers in Yellowknife, Rae-Edzo and Dettah, it will supply clean, efficient power for decades to come. I know that I speak for all the Dogrib people, as the owners of this plant, and congratulate the planners and builders and those who have helped make this project a reality. I wish them continued success in this completion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Completion Of Dogrib Power Snare Cascades Hydro Plant
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 735
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.
Large Volume Of Information Dealt With Since The General Election
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I look back over the past seven months since our election, I am overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information we have had to deal with in such a short period of time. Since October, we have dealt with 18 pieces of legislation, 30 formal motions, 75 petitions, 85 tabled documents and there were 450 oral questions. In amongst those smaller items, we have examined, reviewed and all but passed a $1.25 billion budget.
I think I speak for all the new Members when I say we are all looking forward to the summer; especially looking forward to letting events and the business of the last few months sink in, as it relates to where we have been and where we are going.
When we first arrived in November for orientation sessions, we knew we had a lot to learn. At this point in time, we have learned most of what we should have, but we still have a ways to go. We certainly aren't as polished as our veteran leaders, the Members across the floor, but we are working on it.
We are now much more comfortable in the House, in our standing committees and in carrying out the business of the Assembly in general. At times, I have looked across the floor at my fellow Members with a bit of envy, as most of these Members had previous experience and already know how the system works. I know they haven't had an easy time, for the most part, as Cabinet Ministers, but at least they have had a fairly easy time dealing with us rookies, given the difficult time with the fiscal situation we find ourselves in, albeit we are glad they didn't have a group of more experienced new Members to deal with.
We now know, for the most part, how the system works and I believe, when we come back in the new session, that the Members across the floor will have a more experienced group of Members to deal with. When it comes to the budget process, we will see that the budget will be much more scrutinized and hopefully better distributed to the smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Large Volume Of Information Dealt With Since The General Election
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Kivallivik is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? You have unanimous consent, Mr. O'Brien.
Large Volume Of Information Dealt With Since The General Election
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In conclusion, I would like to say that the next budget process will be more scrutinized and that hopefully it will be a lot better distributed amongst the smaller communities. We will be dealing with and focusing on the budget, more from a need standpoint rather than a greed standpoint.
Mr. Speaker, just to inform our honourable colleagues across the floor, the honeymoon is over. Have a good rest this summer and get ready for the next session. Thank you.
---Applause
Large Volume Of Information Dealt With Since The General Election
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.
Tribute To Art Sorensen And Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, I would like to take the time and opportunity to pay tribute to the many employees who are no longer employees of the government; who, perhaps because of our downsizing, retired or were terminated in the last while.
I feel it is important to thank them because, in many cases, they devoted years of their lives to this government and provided good service to the people of the North. They were a very valuable resource.
Many were people who provided a consistency over the years; a constant we northerners could always count on. I would like to talk a bit about one person. I single him out as a tribute to all the other former employees who should be thanked; and, I single him out only because I know him. It is a person who is responsible for designing and running the government's communications network; Art Sorensen.
Art was a reporter for the Edmonton Journal and a southern group of papers during the late 1960s. He joined the fledgling territorial government in 1971 as chief of public affairs and, through the years, he pursued the Grail of being the communications expert for the government.
For years he crafted the government's messages for public consumption: speeches; government policies; and, news releases, all with impeccable skill. He often had to play the undesirable role of devil's advocate with the Commissioner and Government Leader or Premier of the day; matching wits in order to not offend, being just and yet surviving.
It is significant to note that Art Sorensen could always be counted on to perform his responsibilities with both dedication and good judgement. During 25 years with this government and his service, he did things right and for just reasons.
Last week, his friends and acquaintances came together to celebrate 30 years of contribution, service and achievement. It was also to honour him for who he is --the fibre, the blood and the humour of the man --and to review his lasting contribution to the people of the North and to us, his friends.
It was 25 years ago this month, I had the privilege of hiring Art Sorensen to be the chief of public affairs for this government when I was director of Information.
Now I would like to say a message to Art and to your fellow...
Tribute To Art Sorensen And Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
I am sorry, Mr. Ootes, your time is up.
Tribute To Art Sorensen And Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
Tribute To Art Sorensen And Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Ootes.
Tribute To Art Sorensen And Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Art, to you and your fellow employees, you are the symbol that built, designed and kept this government operational from those fledgling days through two and a half decades. For me, and I am sure all of us here, I want to thank you for this service.
---Applause
Tribute To Art Sorensen And Civil Servants
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 736
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.
Visiting Communities In Nahendeh
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 737
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. (Translation) Today is the last day of our session. Before we prorogue, I would like to say something. We have been sitting for quite a while now and we have covered many different areas. There are a lot of important bills that were passed. Because of that, we are here negotiating bills and working on various matters, all concerning our constituencies.
Whoever elected me to be in this House, I would like them to hear me in their language. There are many people in my constituency who speak their own language. I seldom talk in my own language because the funding for languages have been cut. We are limited on the amount of time we can use language services. This is the reason I wanted to say a short message to my constituents in my own language. There are many things we have worked on here.
In my constituency, I have eight communities. I seldom go to these communities. But when I do get a chance, I will make sure and visit all the communities in my constituency. Ever since I became a Minister, my time has been very limited, but now that we are taking a break, I will take the time to go back to my constituency and visit the communities. Thank you very much.
Visiting Communities In Nahendeh
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 737
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Ng.
Visiting Communities In Nahendeh
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 737
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to return to item 2, Ministers' statements. Thank you.
Visiting Communities In Nahendeh
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 737
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
unanimous consent to return to item 2, Ministers' statements. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Go ahead, Mr. Ng.
Minister's Statement 79-13(3): Rcmp Sports Award
Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 737
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable colleagues. Mr. Speaker, it is well known through the NWT that RCMP members are among the most active of volunteers contributing to the development of amateur sport in the North. They volunteer as coaches, officials and as organizers of special clinics and courses for coaches and players. They also participate as players in the various sports.
Not just the members, but their families, too, are important participants and volunteers in amateur sport.
I wish to congratulate the RCMP and to express my gratitude to Sport North for giving this much deserved recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Minister's Statement 79-13(3): Rcmp Sports Award
Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 737
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.
Minister's Statement 80-13(3): World No-tobacco Day
Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 737
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Friday, May 31st, is World No-Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization theme for this year is "Sport and the Arts Without Tobacco: Play it Tobacco Free."
Our youth in the North are continually bombarded with media from the South; tobacco companies send many unhealthy messages to our youth as they view arts and sports events.
Cancer deaths in the NWT are rising. One of the major causes is tobacco use. Secondhand smoke is a major pollutant in northern homes and communities and is very dangerous to people exposed to it. Every person in the NWT can do something, right now, to prevent death and disease. Smoke-free homes and public places are a start.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see partnerships in community based health promotion initiatives like this. All of us must work together towards healthy people, families and communities. Thank you.
---Applause
Minister's Statement 80-13(3): World No-tobacco Day
Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 737
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ootes.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 737
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a number of people who have been working alongside of us for all the time that we've been here, and I'm sure they put in longer hours than we do because they have to leave here and file their reports and do their news items. I would like to recognize from CBC Radio, lan Hanna and Neeve Greg who are in our booth over here; from CKLB, Doug Johnson, who is in a booth in a back room. These people we usually don't see, so I just wanted to recognize them. CJCD, Lillian Au; News/North, Yellowknifer, Jeff Colbourne.
---Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 737
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Point of order. Mr. Krutko.
Point Of Order
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 737
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
In our statement, we talk about recognition of visitors in the gallery. That is the gallery, I believe.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Krutko, you do have a point of order. Again to remind the Members, the rule is quite specific with regard to recognizing people in the gallery. The purpose is for visitors, dignitaries and whoever wish to be recognized, to seat themselves in the gallery to be recognized. So that's just a friendly reminder.
Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Rabesca.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 738
James Rabesca North Slave
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, ... (English not provided) ...
--Applause
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to take some time for me to do a short announcement in Dogrib, to recognize a very important and respected elder from my constituency. He happens to be my brother-in-law, foremost. As a former chief of the Dogrib Nation, he's in the gallery. His name is Joe Migwi and he's with his wife, Dora. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mahsi. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland.
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last couple of days in the House, I've had some questions for the Minister responsible for Transportation. Once again, today I will follow up with more questions to the Minister. With the all-weather road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk, we've discussed the possibility of what type of road this proposal was developed on. Can the Minister give more information on the type of structure in which it was developed? Thank you.
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the request by the residents of Inuvik and the community of Tuktoyaktuk was to have an eventual highway connecting the two communities; as a result of that -- as in the question from the honourable Member for Inuvik -- is that highway.
There have been plans put in place from the studies done in the 1990 report. At that time, the type of road that was contemplated, if it was ever to go ahead, was categorized as a collector. There are different classes of highways and roads important to the Department of Transportation.
The class of arterial is a type of road such as we have on Highways I and 3, leading out of Yellowknife down into the South, where you have an inter-urban type of highway system which is probably the highest class of highways we have in the North. A collector class is the type that will allow access to land and to urban areas, and also has a connection to the arterial class. For example, people know that, in the southern part of the NWT, it would be similar to Highway 6 that connects Fort Resolution to Highway 1.
Finally, we have a local class of highways and roads which is land access, recreation access. An example would be an access road connecting the Paradise Gardens in Hay River and Sandy Lake access. These are the types of classes that the Department of Transportation has. Thank you.
Return To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would this collector type of road take on heavy traffic such as the transport trucks that are now travelling on the Dempster Highway?
Supplementary To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 341-13(3): Lnuvikto Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mr. Speaker, this type of roads would handle these vehicles that are used on the arterial highway. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 341-13(3): Lnuvikto Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With these collector type of roads, are they built with respect to certain speed limits in areas?
Supplementary To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this collector type of road has a design standard with a maximum speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a proposal put forward in the 1990 document that had a road approximately 140 kilometres long. In comparison, what is the distance of the ice road maintained over the winter from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk?
Supplementary To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 738
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the 1990 study, there was a report on all-weather road access from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk, which considered three alternate routes ranging in length from 140 kilometres to 175 kilometres. According to the study, it was preferred to have the 160-kilometre road for a number of different reasons. The length of the winter road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk is 185 kilometres. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 341-13(3): Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Question 341-13(3): Lnuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Steen.
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Speaker, tendering the contract through the BIP policy does not do the equipment operator any good. He doesn't get hired. By the time the process is through and the contract is over, that is the time you can see whether or not the contractor did hire local people. It doesn't force him to hire local people; it just punishes him if he doesn't. That doesn't put money into equipment operators' pockets. We have heard from Mr. Morin just recently, Mr. Speaker, that we have the highest number of trained equipment operators per capita. That is true. We will also go through the process of spending a large amount of money training these people further in Fort Smith. We don't seem to be getting any benefit out of it for the equipment operators. There are a number of equipment operators who have been trained for the Beaufort Sea oil and gas projects who are out of work and would be happy to take a seasonal job. That is the other thing about this, Mr. Speaker. These are seasonal jobs and if they don't get the benefits now, these guys are without work all year.
So my question to the Minister of Transportation is how is he intending to put these equipment operators to work before the season is out. How is the contractor going to be made to fulfil that obligation?
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Referring to the question of Mr. Ootes yesterday, the reply by the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi was in the Hansard. It was more of a hypothetical type of question in that no names were mentioned. What I have asked the department to do is find out if there is such a situation that exists out there in this year's contracting and try to find out the specifics of this particular situation. If there is such a situation, I have instructed the department to look into it and follow all the different policies and regulations we have to try to resolve the problem, if there is such a problem.
Return To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Steen.
Supplementary To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the last few months, the BIP has been explained to us quite clearly. It doesn't seem to be suggested that this government has any policy in place that would actually require the contractor to hire local equipment operators. It just suggests that if they don't, they don't benefit from the BIP. My point is that it isn't going to be any benefit to the equipment operator. By the time the department does anything about it, the season would be over. Therefore, I would ask the Minister if he would consider, if these people are not hiring local equipment operators, suspending the contractor and letting the Department of Transportation do the job themselves.
Supplementary To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the tender documents now, it is very specific on how work has to be carried out. I am very sure that all the very strict conditions are being adhered to. I would be prepared to look at this situation and find out all the details about it and get back to the Member with whatever the department has discovered. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Henry.
Further Return To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was requesting, Mr. Speaker, to return to recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Further Return To Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Question 342-13(3): Northern Hiring Provisions Of Bip
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Steen. I have already reminded the Members that while question period is on, we should carry on with question period until it is over. Then we will allow you to have unanimous consent. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko. I am sorry. I said Mr. Steen and it is Mr. Henry.
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Justice regarding a question I raised Tuesday, May 21st, on funding the Beaufort/Delta legal services clinic. At that time, you stated that you were going to be meeting with the Legal Services Board and you were having a board meeting last week. I would like to know what the outcome was and has anything been done with regard to the Beaufort/Delta legal services clinic.
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Justice, Mr. Ng.
Return To Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/delta Legal Services Clinic
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated to the honourable Member, I advised the Legal Services Board of the concerns that were brought forward by the honourable Member. To date, I haven't had a report
back on what took place during that meeting or the outcome of that meeting, but I will find out and advise the Member accordingly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/delta Legal Services Clinic
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/delta Legal Services Clinic
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell me how much time it will take to get back to me on this?
Supplementary To Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/delta Legal Services Clinic
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/delta Legal Services Clinic
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'll find out possibly this afternoon or early tomorrow morning and get back to him within a few days. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/delta Legal Services Clinic
Question 343-13(3): Funding For Beaufort/defta Legal Services Clinic
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.
Question 344-13(3): Notification Of Ministers' Travel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the summer recess upon us, many of the Ministers will be travelling. My question for the Premier: Is there in place a protocol or a policy that the executive informs individual Members when Ministers are travelling to their constituencies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 344-13(3): Notification Of Ministers' Travel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Premier.
Return To Question 344-13(3): Notification Of Ministers' Travel
Question 344-13(3): Notification Of Ministers' Travel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can assure the Member that if a Minister is travelling specifically to their constituency, the Minister will be in touch with the Member or the Member's staff to make arrangements for when the Minister arrives in their constituency. Thank you.
Return To Question 344-13(3): Notification Of Ministers' Travel
Question 344-13(3): Notification Of Ministers' Travel
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.
Question 345-13(3): Burned-out Light Bulbs In The Chamber
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Public Works and Services. In the last seven months, periodically, for a varied number of reasons, I have been inclined to cast my eyes heavenward. I've noticed over the past seven months, we have seven burned- out lights in the ceiling. As the Minister in charge of these important matters, will he be in a position to see if we can find some light bulbs before we come back in October? Thank you.
Question 345-13(3): Burned-out Light Bulbs In The Chamber
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.
Return To Question 345-13(3): Burned-out Light Bulbs In The Chamber
Question 345-13(3): Burned-out Light Bulbs In The Chamber
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Mr. Speaker, I also look up there on occasion, when Members are speaking.
---Laughter
But I will pass on the message to the facilities manager of the government.
Return To Question 345-13(3): Burned-out Light Bulbs In The Chamber
Question 345-13(3): Burned-out Light Bulbs In The Chamber
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister responsible for division, Mr. Todd. It is my understanding that the Minister recently met with the Commissioner of NIC in lqaluit. Would the Minister advise this House if discussions included the decentralization of jobs, as this is paramount to the future of both Arviat and Baker Lake? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.
Return To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, my honourable colleague is correct, I did meet with Mr. Amagoalik and some of his staff last Friday, in the late afternoon. I appreciated him taking the time because he had just come out of the hospital and, frankly, he didn't look very well when I saw him, but he did take the time to meet. We did discuss a number of topics as they relate to NIC's workplan that is coming forth over the summer. I did express to him the concern that was being expressed by my colleague and other colleagues across the Nunavut landscape about the decentralized model and if there would be a continuation of that. He assured me that that was going to be the primary thrust of the second report of NIC, and looked forward to working cooperatively with us to try to finalize the blueprint for a new decentralized Nunavut government on April 1, 1999.
Return To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.
Supplementary To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, is there any possibility that the Nunavut Caucus could meet with the Commissioner prior to the end of the summer? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We did indicate at the time that greater cooperation between the GNWT and NIC was essential, particularly as we are only 33
short months away from the dividing of the Territories. I did encourage Mr. Amagoalik that there should be greater contact between the Nunavut Caucus and his group than there has been in the past. I am fairly confident that we'll be able to arrange something prior to the end of summer with the Nunavut Caucus and the NIC to meet and discuss the next stage of the work schedule. Mr. Amagoalik also assured me that he intended to meet with the Premier as quickly as possible on the workplan for the NIC and ourselves, and the need to formalize the cooperative approach that we intend to take in the coming months. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.
Supplementary To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a point of clarification. Did the Minister state that the Commissioner inferred that the decentralized model is still on the books? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
John Todd Keewatin Central
I think it's clearly recognized by all parties, whether it's this government or NTI --who are partners to the northern accord -and the federal government, that there is a commitment to determine an appropriate decentralized government. However, in saying that, there is a concern that has been expressed by myself, as the Minister of Finance, and the Cabinet about the fiscal side of things and the paying for a decentralized government. So the chairperson of the NIC assured me that the next report would be focusing on tightening up the report and, taking into consideration our current fiscal condition, the realignment of some of our departments and some of the changes that we've made in this government; and, at the end of the day, they would still be working towards a decentralized form of government for the new Nunavut government on April 1, 1999. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Question 346-13(3): Meetings With Nic Re Decentralization
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of FMBS. I was reading The Hub earlier in the day, the newspaper from Hay River. It indicated in there that there are going to be several people from the union coming from down south to help promote a no vote with the package that is being offered to the union. I have also heard several concerns from constituents who are complaining that there is inflammatory material going around from the union. I was wondering if the Minister could indicate if the government is going to provide people with factual information about the package that is being offered.
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.
Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that the package that has been prepared by the UNW, for it's members, is going out as we speak. We have very little input into that package; that's a UNW presentation. What I have seen of it, it is advocating a no vote. I want to be clear, a no vote means a strike vote. There is no other money in the package. We've made that clear to the UNW and I've tried to be consistent on that issue. So it's our responsibility --the FMBS and this Cabinet --to ensure that there's balanced discussion and balanced information provided so that the members can make an informed decision without any undue persuasion either way. Our position will be to provide people with as much detail as to what the package is, to explain how it fits into the overall deficit elimination strategy and to explain the ramifications if we don't get people's cooperation in doing same. Thank you.
Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.
Supplementary To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the event of a strike, what kind of pay would the strikers receive?
Supplementary To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
John Todd Keewatin Central
I can assure my honourable colleague they won't receive any from this government if they're on strike, because that's just simply not on. I don't have the details of the strike pay, but it's certainly significantly less than they currently get in the collective agreement. I don't have the actual numbers on this, Mr. Speaker, but it's a fraction of what we're all currently earning.
Further Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.
Supplementary To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the union executive be affected similarly? Would they receive a fraction of their current wages if there's a strike?
Supplementary To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 741
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
John Todd Keewatin Central
I would think paid employees of the union would probably continue with full pay, but I would have to double-check that. I believe that there is provision within the agreement where we've negotiated with the union on what we call the essential services. I understand in the
agreement that the people who are designated as "essential services' will have to contribute, I believe, 30 or 35 per cent of their pay to the strike fund. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.
Supplementary To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Mr. Speaker, there has also been some concern that this government would take away the wages of people, even if they do work. But I think this may be a misunderstanding. Would the government be doing that or would the union be doing something like that? I just had a concern relayed earlier today.
Supplementary To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my understanding --and I qualify that by saying I stand to be corrected --that those who are designated as essential services and go to work have to contribute to the strike fund 30 or 35 per cent of their wages. This is under the rules, policies and procedures, et cetera; it is negotiated. Those who are working would get their paycheque but they would have to contribute to the UNW strike fund 30 or 35 per cent. I believe that is how the rules of the policy exist.
The other point I believe that was addressed, and has been addressed on a number of occasions, can people then apply for income support; welfare. The answer is no.
Further Return To Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Question 347-13(3): GNWT Information To Unionized Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Henry.
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier on in this session, I directed a question to the Minister of Health and I would direct the same Minister to answer a question presently. It's regarding the youth solvent abuse program offered at Northern Addictions Services. The Minister had committed to getting back to this House in June. As the House will not be sitting in June, I request the Minister to give us an update on where his department is with regard to funding for this program.
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.
Return To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have been having discussions with Health Canada officials. They are willing to look at funding the program until the end of September. So from their anticipated June 30th cut-off, they will fund it for an additional three months. Our Department of Health and Social Services is now looking at funding the program from October to the end of March, so we can get it through the end of this current fiscal year, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Return To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Henry.
Supplementary To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank you, Mr. Minister, for that positive response. Given that funding will be available through the federal or territorial governments, will the Minister consider opening this program to all youth of the Northwest Territories; aboriginal and non-aboriginal?
Supplementary To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the portion that is currently funded from Health Canada is specific to aboriginal youth under their initiative, so we would have no say in that because that funding would go directly to Northern Addictions Services up until the end of September. However, once our department's funding was to kick into place --and, of course, that funding is available to all residents of the Northwest Territories --the treatment programs would be available to all people. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.
Supplementary To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's two. Third one. I'm doing well, I think. That program is youth solvent abuse. Would the Minister consider extending that to drug and alcohol addiction, also, for the youth of the Northwest Territories; at least the portion of the time when the funding kicks in from the GNWT? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will look at it, but I understand now that youth treatment specific for alcohol purposes is provided through some of the other treatment centres. We wouldn't want to set up an environment that would be competitive of an existing program which we already fund. However, if that service isn't available or if it's more specific, then we'll take a look at it at that time, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Question 348-13(3): Solvent Abuse Program For Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 742
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland.
Question 349-13(3): Meeting With Inuvik Leaders Re Transportation System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be directed to the Minister of Transportation. In the statement
made in the House, the Minister talked about working on the development of a transportation system. He states that the development of the transportation system needed in the Northwest Territories for our economic development is a longer-term objective than in the three-year planning cycle. He talks of working with the federal government with respect to the Mackenzie Valley Highway. Is the Minister willing to meet with the leaders of the Inuvik region to discuss this road a little more? Thank you.
Question 349-13(3): Meeting With Inuvik Leaders Re Transportation System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 349-13(3): Meeting With Inuvik Leaders Re Transportation System
Question 349-13(3): Meeting With Inuvik Leaders Re Transportation System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member for Inuvik is referring to the statement that I made previously in this House. The statement itself was a strategy that I, along with the Department of Transportation, would like to put forward. It's a continuation of the transportation strategy that was put in place in 1990. We're looking at changing or revamping the strategies to accommodate the present-day situation in terms of the economic climate, the fiscal climate and so forth. That is the purpose of the strategy that I mentioned. It's a long-term strategy that we would like to aim towards. Therefore, we have something to try to achieve in the long term, starting now.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, I'm willing and able to go up into the lnuvik area and meet with the leadership up there to discuss any type of transportation strategy that they care to talk to me about. Thank you.
Return To Question 349-13(3): Meeting With Inuvik Leaders Re Transportation System
Question 349-13(3): Meeting With Inuvik Leaders Re Transportation System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I mentioned in my Member's statement about the wages for students. My question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. I would like to know if the Department of ECE has put in place or prepared something for a summer internship program for students. Thank you.
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.
Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, each department is responsible for hiring summer students. I don't know that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has a specific program for internship for summer students. All summer employment in Yellowknife is being coordinated through the Personnel Secretariat and in the regions through the individual departments. I do know, though, that something like an internship is used in some of the CTS modules during the balance of the year, but I am not aware of any internship - programs for summer students specifically. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Picco, supplementary.
Supplementary To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in quite a few of the jurisdictions in this country, a summer internship program is used to give the on-the-job training for students so they can actually enter the workforce. Will the Minister and his department look at something that we can develop over the coming months for implementation for this time next year; an internship program and work it through ECE so that each government department has the opportunity to hire these students for on-the-job training?
Supplementary To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, training-on-the-job programs are used quite extensively by this government already. There are more than 150 individuals currently on training-on-the-job programs. Those are typically for indeterminate-type positions. An It's certainly something we can take a look at, but I would suspect that most departments use the funding they have available for hiring summer students for positions that they have available, that students don't need to have extensive training for; typically entry-level programs. The training-on- the-job program is much more suited to bringing along a current employee to a higher level. That sort of investment it takes to train someone on the job is typically suited to that type of situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.
Supplementary To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 743
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ECE is the major department involved in career development for our students and for our youth. I appreciate what the Minister said about the on-the-job training. Specifically, I was thinking about on-the-job training for students who, before they get to the actual point of entering the workforce, get that on-the-job training as students, then continue on in their post-secondary vocational or academic training. What types of plans or initiatives have been formulated by ECE to prepare some type of career training path in conjunction with secondary and post-secondary students; not just for the jobs, Mr. Speaker, that are available today, but for the jobs and careers that are going to be available tomorrow? Something, for example, on the terms of the major development that we're going to see, possibly, in Lac de Gras, here in the West, and other projects in the East. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, every student in the Northwest Territories in grade 9 must, along with their parents and the school, complete a career plan. I think that, as far as is possible, we encourage students to look as broadly at the potential market as possible. We can't foresee all of the opportunities that will be out there, but I do think that we're aware of the potential for mines developing, the potential for other jobs in the non- renewable sectors, and do encourage students to take a look at all the alternatives. A clear example is that we've started allowing students to enter an apprenticeship program while still in high school. So I think that we are working with all of the students in the Northwest Territories to ensure that they do look ahead and plan for a career, and I think we are looking at where the opportunities for jobs will be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Final supplementary.
Supplementary To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was quite pleased to hear from the Minister that in actuality there is a plan in place where each student in grade 9 develops a career plan, right across the Territories. This is the first time I've heard about this wonderful program and plan. I wonder if that is a direction of the GNWT and, if so, would the Minister be able to provide me a copy of that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a policy of Education, Culture and Employment and, certainly, I would be happy to provide the Member with information on how that is achieved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Question 350-13(3): Summer Internship Programs For Students
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is also for the Minister of Education with regard to students and training on the job. possibility of an internship and the fact that people may be employed at $22 an hour. I certainly feel that, in many cases, students shouldn't be paid $22 an hour, and I've made that abundantly clear. My question is to the Minister. Does he have a minimum and a maximum level that is paid to students?
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Employment, Mr. Dent.
Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Mr. Speaker, salaries paid by this government are subject to the collective agreement and are not in the control of the individual departments.
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Speaker, the students don't have the experience nor the job-related experience. It is an internship program, in essence. They are hired to get on-the-job training, so $22 an hour, to me, is too much. I wonder if the Minister could tell me how many students may be at the $22 an hour level.
Supplementary To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is not responsible for hiring students, except those who come into the department itself. I am advised that, at this point in time, it would be difficult to tell the Member how many summer students may have been hired at $22 an hour, but I think it would be safe to say that significantly fewer students will be hired by this government than could otherwise be the case had we been successful at getting the union to agree to allow for summer student wages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Some Hon. Members
Hear! Hear!
Further Return To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I wonder if the Minister would pursue with his colleagues the possibility of looking at a program for next year, a summer student internship program which could have several levels on it of one/two/three salary levels, dictated by experience and numbers of years of working in that particular field.
Supplementary To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 744
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have seen wage scales that are used in provinces that relate to the years of education that students have had and are tied that way into how much they are paid by the government. But, Mr. Speaker, again, it's entirely a collective bargaining issue; therefore, it will be the responsibility of the Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat to take the lead in this. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Question 351-13(3): Remuneration Rates For Summer Student Employment
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Henry.
Question 352-13(3): Review Of Education Tax System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance. I think it's fair to say that the last few months have been taken up in this House by work on the budget. Now that that is out of the way, I have a situation that I would like the Minister of Finance to spend some time looking at. In 1994, there was approximately $9.5 million of school taxes collected in the Northwest Territories; $6.75 million was collected in Yelliowknife alone. In other words, for every student in Yellowknife, parents paid $51,890 over and above what the GNWT contributes; whereas, the average community in the Northwest Territories paid $226. Again, I would ask the Minister of Finance if, over the next few months, now that things have slowed down somewhat, he would consider looking at this inequity with a view to making it fairer for all students and residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
Question 352-13(3): Review Of Education Tax System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.
Return To Question 352-13(3): Review Of Education Tax System
Question 352-13(3): Review Of Education Tax System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
John Todd Keewatin Central
honourable colleague is correct, these have been long and difficult months and I'm convinced that there are more long and difficult months to come. The issue of education taxes, et cetera, is an important one. My colleague, as well as others, has addressed that with me. There's a concern that there may be some inequities out there. We would be only too happy to do a review of this issue and try to reassure my colleagues there isn't, or demonstrate that there is and make the appropriate corrective action if so necessary. Thank you.
Return To Question 352-13(3): Review Of Education Tax System
Question 352-13(3): Review Of Education Tax System
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.
Question 353-13(3): Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education. I listened to the Minister speak regarding the internships in the larger communities and regions. What is taking place in the smaller communities like Arviat and Baker Lake, Arctic Bay and Clyde River? Does this program exist there? Thank you.
Question 353-13(3): Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.
Question 353-13(3): Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Speaker, I don't have the community-by-community breakdown. I would have to take the question as notice. We will commit to get the information to the Member well before October 2nd.
Question 353-13(3): Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The question was taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Personnel, with regard to the number of lay offs that have taken place over the last few months. How many of these individuals who have been given pink slips are affirmative action clients who were hired under the affirmative action policy? We haven't seen the affirmative action review yet. Do you have an idea of how many of these level 1 employees have been given pink slips or been laid off?
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Minister responsible for the Personnel Secretariat, Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do have those details on how many aboriginal or affirmative action employees have been laid off. I can get those details for the Member later today. I have supplied those details already to some of the aboriginal leaders who have requested it. I will get it to him later today. Thank you.
Return To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Krutko. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The whole point of affirmative action is to try to entice long-term aboriginal people to work within this government. I am finding they have been laid off because of someone who may be in charge of a department who might say you are going and you are going. Do they look at the criteria of affirmative action when these lay-offs are taking place or do they just pick at random?
Supplementary To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay Offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 745
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lay-offs in this government are done in a constructive way and it is looked at how you can streamline a department and how you can still deliver programs and services to the communities with a fewer number of people. We laid off a little over 100 people. How many of those people are affirmative action, I don't know. I do have that information and I will get it to the Member. We are also concerned that affirmative action people are being laid off and people in the government are being laid off in general.
We have to look at the next round of reductions. In that round of reductions, we have to make sure there is more of a general lay-off of people from all categories. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay Offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay- Offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister is saying he is also concerned about this matter. I believe a lot of other people are. I would like to ask the Minister if he is willing to do an in-depth review of this to see exactly what the implications are on affirmative action of employees versus non-affirmative action employees to see if there is a discretion there to see if we can have a chance to look at it in this House.
Supplementary To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay- Offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay Offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are concerned about lay-offs and how they were handled. We are going to look at it. We have looked at it already and we do have those numbers. I just don't have them at my fingertips right now, but I would be pleased to get the Member those numbers.
Further Return To Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay Offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Question 354-13(3): Statistics On Lay-offs Of Affirmative Action Employees
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland.
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister responsible for Renewable Resources. Can the Minister tell the Members of this House if there are any restrictions on the sale of wild meat in the NWT?
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Kakfwi.
Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, there are some restrictions and controls placed on the sale of wild meat. It is set out in the Wildlife Act. It allows for the sale and barter of wild meat by aboriginal harvesters. It is reflected in some of the claims agreements. It also sets out the conditions that must be followed should a person wish to sell wild meat for the purpose of creating income. Thank you.
Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Do these restrictions apply to meat that is harvested under a commercial licence?
Supplementary To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are commercial quotas set for people who obtain tags for the purpose of selling wild meat. Other than that, there are no restrictions on the sale of wild meat by people who possess commercial tags. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the same issue of wild meat, has the Department of Renewable Resources developed guidelines for meat inspection systems?
Supplementary To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, the department has developed some guidelines to govern the inspection of wild meat, but they are guidelines only and not set out in regulation. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is it possible for the department, in cooperation with Economic Development and Tourism and possibly Health and Social Services, to work on a joint project that would see the development of a more cost-effective way of processing and doing meat inspections; especially in the smaller communities where trying to do these harvests would be an expense? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 746
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, this department, along with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, is interested in finding ways that would allow for the commercial sale of wild meat in the Territories that would also be acceptable for export and sale to commercial outlets in the South.
It is also a problem here in the Northwest Territories that many commercial outlets and institutions are hesitant to buy and serve wild meat obtained under commercial tags for the purpose of including it on their menus because of the possible liability that would be created since they aren't inspected and approved by federal inspectors. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Question 355-13(3): Restrictions On Sale Of Wild Meat In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Speaker, earlier, a question was asked about the business incentive policy and a reference was made to a question that I asked yesterday. The Minister of Transportation referred to it as a hypothetical question. Perhaps I could ask the Minister a question on that. To me, the question wasn't hypothetical. I didn't use names because I like to be discreet to ensure that the names I do have --and I do have names --are absolutely correct. I wonder if the Minister could tell me if he has found out any more information. I did pass on the names to the Minister. I wonder if he can tell us if he has found out any more information on this.
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.
Return To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point in time, the department is still looking into that question. They are unable to get the answers, so I have to get back to the honourable Member as soon as I receive any information about what has been going on with these contracts. Thank you.
Return To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I wonder if the Minister could tell us if he is aware that this sort of thing occurred previously.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just being a Minister for the last few months, I am unaware if this sort of thing happened. I haven't seen any information from the department indicating that these things have happened in the past. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I wonder if the Minister could look into this and perhaps look into the whole aspect of contracts under his department to ensure that no advantage is taken. After all, our effort has been to employ northern people. That is one of the reasons why the BIP was introduced. I wonder if the Minister could give me assurance that he will look into this for us.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Antoine.
Further Return To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I assure the honourable Member that I will look into it and get back to him as soon as I can. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 356-13(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Question 356-i3(3): Contravention Of Bip Hiring Provisions
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Henry.
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Health. The Canadian Mental Health Association currently operates the Yellowknife Victims of Crime service program, which provides various services to the community, from court assistance to operating a crisis phone line and victims' assistance and counselling.
As of May 31, 1996, this organization will be receiving no further financial funding from the federal government. It has, in the past, received funding from the territorial government. Will the GNWT, through his ministry, still be providing financial assistance to this organization? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.
Return To Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is under the Department of Justice, through the victims' services programs. The department provided $39,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association for operating their victims' assistance program in the last fiscal year. For this current fiscal year, there is no reduction to that amount. They will be receiving the same amount of funding from us. Thank you.
Return To Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Supplementary, Mr. Henry.
Supplementary To Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's effort to continue funding. Over the summer, I would ask that the Minister look, through his department, with a view to try to earmark some funds that may be placed in other programs that could be redirected to this organization for the services which they provide. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 747
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We would encourage the association to look at putting in applications through the victims' assistance fund, to possibly secure
some additional funding to assist them in providing their services for victims. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Question 357-13(3): GNWT Financial Assistance To Victims' Of Crime Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.
Question 358-13(3): Recognition Of Commercial Hunting Treaty Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A few minutes ago, the Minister of Renewable Resources indicated that aboriginal people were allowed to trade and barter under the act. I know a few years ago, there was a Supreme Court case which indicated that treaty people had a right to commercial hunt and, likely, a right to commercial fish as well. I would like to know if this was put into our act in order to comply with the court case or did this government already recognize those treaty rights to commercial hunting prior to that court case. Thank you.
Question 358-13(3): Recognition Of Commercial Hunting Treaty Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Kakfwi.
Question 358-13(3): Recognition Of Commercial Hunting Treaty Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of the current legislation, the Wildlife Act, and whether it has been changed to reflect the recent court decisions with regard to the aboriginal people's right to hunt, trap and fish. I will have to take the question as notice. Thank you.
Question 358-13(3): Recognition Of Commercial Hunting Treaty Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Question period is over. Before we go to the next item, there was a question asked by Mr. Ootes that was interpreted by the Minister as being hypothetical. If there is a hypothetical question, it wouldn't be asked. So I didn't interpret Mr. Ootes's question as being hypothetical, but the Minister did interpret it as such. I just wanted to make that clear.
Item 7, written questions. Mr. Ootes.
Question 358-13(3): Recognition Of Commercial Hunting Treaty Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I seek unanimous consent to return to item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Question 358-13(3): Recognition Of Commercial Hunting Treaty Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 748
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent, Mr. Ootes.
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 748
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
recognize Mr. Dave McCann, Yellowknife businessman and well-known personality in Yellowknife.
---Applause
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 748
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ningark.
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 748
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize His Worship Mayor Ovide Alakannuark from Pelly Bay...
---Applause councillor, Mr. Michael Hart
---Applause and councillor, Mr. Nick Amautinuar of Pelly Bay.
---Applause
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 748
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Henry.
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 748
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, Mr. Art Sorensen was recognized by my colleague. His wife, Lynda Sorensen, is in the gallery today and I would like to recognize her as a Member of my constituency and also Mrs. Sorensen's mother, Christine Klotz. I would like to welcome her to Yellowknife and to the House.
---Applause
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 748
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.
Return To Written Question 5-13(3): Education Issues In The Baffin Region
Item 8: Returns To Written Questions
Page 749
Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
Mr. Speaker, Return to Written Question 5-13(3), asked by Mr. Barnabas.
The following replies are in response to the six written questions asked by Mr. Barnabas on May 16, 1996.
1. There are five communities in the Baffin which will have more than one school next year. Will the Department of Education provide the Baffin Divisional Board with funds to allow every community school to have a school counsellor?
In the past, school community counsellor positions were allocated to communities which had a trainee in the training program. This resulted in an unequal distribution of counsellors. The new funding formula is more equitable because funding for counselling is now based on enrolment. The changes in the contribution funding formula are intended to support the autonomy of boards and school districts, and to prepare for division of the Northwest Territories in 1999 by distributing resources equitably across the NWT.
Since the Baffin Divisional Board of Education had a higher ratio of counsellors to students than other boards and, as a result of the new funding formula, the number of counsellor positions within the Baffin board decreased while positions in some other jurisdictions increased. Funding for counsellors will increase with increases in enrolment.
In addition, the department has recently considered the results of the review of the school community counsellor program. The review recommends closer ties between school community counsellors and community wellness programs. It further recommends that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment work with Health and Social Services to integrate counsellor training. The department will be pursuing these recommendations with Health and Social Services.
2. Will school community counsellor positions be built into the funding provided to divisional boards of education for the community grade extensions?
The department is looking at the issue of grade extensions to see what is needed to improve support, which includes counselling, for high school programming.
Forced Growth
3. Is there a supplementary reserve built into the 1996-97 budget which will be available to provide formula funding increases to respond to the growth in the student enrolments?
During the past meetings with the board directors and superintendents, the idea of establishing a reserve fund to respond to extraordinary student enrolment increases was discussed. The boards did not want the department to hold back funds. Establishing a reserve fund meant adjusting the pupil/teacher ratio. As a result, no reserve was established for the 1996-97 school year.
4. If the department now only considers supplementary funding after increases of more than eight per cent, does that mean we must wait two years before the Baffin can receive supplementary funding for the number of students we have?
Funding is based on prior year enrolment. Therefore, student enrolment increases would be reflected in the following year's contribution. For 1995-96, the department requested supplementary funding to address the above-average enrolment increases on behalf of the boards. The department has indicated to the boards that the possibility of supplementary funding for 1996-97 is very limited.
McGill University Tuition Fees For TEP Students
5. Is it true that the Department of Education is refusing to pay for these fees for 1995-96?
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment did not pay McGill University tuition fees for 1995-96. In the summer of 1994, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment advised Nunavut Arctic College that it would not be responsible for the additional tuition fees for McGill courses, effective in the 1995-96 academic year. The department funds the college for all delivery costs of the teacher education program. The department advised the college to meet with McGill to resolve the issue of fees and to identify alternate institutions to deliver the required courses if necessary.
The college reviewed the agreement with McGill and the fee arrangements remained in place. Following notification from the college of this arrangement, the department advised the college that all costs associated with the agreement would be the responsibility of Nunavut Arctic College.
University transfer agreements between northern public colleges and universities provide accredited training for northerners. Generally, however, such arrangements do not include a cost to the northern colleges. For example, the current arrangement for teacher training provided at Aurora College is accredited through the University of Saskatchewan, at no cost to the college.
6. Will the Department of Education, Culture and Employment be paying the McGill tuition fees for TEP students at Nunavut Arctic College for 1996-97?
Nunavut Arctic College staff have had opportunity to review and resolve the matter. Their decision to review the agreement with McGill University has direct cost implications for which the college is being held accountable. The department will not pay the McGill tuition fees for TEP students at Nunavut Arctic College for the 1996-97 academic year.
Return To Written Question 5-13(3): Education Issues In The Baffin Region
Item 8: Returns To Written Questions
Page 749
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 9, replies to Opening Address. Mr. Miltenberger
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 749
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Miltenberger's Reply
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 750
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Mr. Speaker, on October 16, 1995, 24 of us were given a mandate by the people of our constituencies. We, the Members of the 13th Assembly, knew we had many serious issues to deal with: the way we do business as an Assembly; the deficit, which literally grew before our eyes; division and constitutional development in the West; huge social problems; and, of course, the need for economic development. It is now May 29th and we have completed two important steps: we've significantly changed the way we do business as the Legislative Assembly; and we are just about to complete our first budget, making hard decisions that have never had to be made before in the history of this territory.
Mr. Speaker, many people said our new way of doing business would not last; that we were in a honeymoon phase and that we would quickly revert to the adversarial politics of the previous Assembly as soon as it was time to make hard decisions. Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has, in my opinion, successfully passed its first major test. With 24 MLAs, there is a wide range of opinions and perspectives. Some thought our budget didn't cut enough, some thought it cut too much. What we achieved, in my opinion, is a healthy compromise. We all agree that we have to eliminate the deficit, but discussion centres on how and when.
We have used our new approach in all our business in the House. The pace and work has been unrelenting and my opinion will continue to be unabated. I see no change in pace as we race the clock on the way to 1999 and division. It is by continuing to work together as we have up until now that we will be able to cope with the formidable agenda before us. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to note that any success that we achieve is a result, in no small measure, of the hard work and the dedicated staff throughout all the departments, boards and agencies of the GNWT, with a special note going to the staff of the Legislative Assembly with whom we work closely on a daily basis.
---Applause
Mr. Speaker, there are many things happening in my constituency. Since the election, our community has been trying to promote unity of all residents. We have regular community leadership meetings, which include the band, Metis Nation, municipality and myself to plan and discuss a common direction for the community of Fort Smith. This sharing of information and concern helps us to focus our energies together for the benefit of the people in Smith on such areas as community empowerment and economic development. I have also met with groups and individuals in the community on a regular basis. It is very helpful to have feedback on what people want and need.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Fort Smith recognize the need for everyone to cut back and do their share. They accept this as long as it is fair and equitable among all residents and communities in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, my constituents are trying to diversify their economic base. There have been talks with BHP and hopefully with Kennecott in the near future. A group is looking at the revival of the buffalo ranch where, hopefully, the buffalo will once again roam. A local airline company is getting into speciality work and repairs of pontoons and other specialized equipment for planes. A two-man lumbering operation is getting off the ground. Mr. Speaker, Fort Smith is a government town. The key for us in these times of ongoing government restraint is to diversify our economy and draw on our economic base.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents are also concerned with the protection of the environment. They recognize the value of the land and want to see sustainable development. As a result, I will be working with this House and the appropriate Minister to ensure that this government responds to the northern river basin study which will be signed off early next month. I will also be following up with the Minister responsible on my questions about inventories and use of timber resources in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the decisions we have made to date as an Assembly have not been easy. Many long hours and sleepless nights have been spent by us all in the past months. The decisions we have made have been tough ones, but I believe we have honoured our commitment to fairness and sharing the pain and not doing it on the backs of the poor and less fortunate. I think we've lead by example with our seven per cent pay cut and a 60 per cent cut to our pensions. It's now imperative that we remain resolute and firm in carrying out our two-year deficit elimination plan. We owe it to the people of the Northwest Territories, especially the children.
Mr. Speaker, it's now time to turn our attention, efforts and combined skills and experience to dealing with the major social problems facing us all, as well as the critical need for private sector economic development. Over the coming summer months, we will all be busy so that, come October, when we reconvene, the people of the Northwest Territories will be able to clearly see progress on initiatives like economic development, empowerment, division and community wellness.
Mr. Speaker, when I became an MLA, I entered a different world; one which, like many others, I had many opinions on but little in-depth knowledge of. Like my colleague, Mr. Picco --who, I'd like to note as a sidebar at this point, was not in the office at 7:30 a.m. when I arrived this morning, was not in the office at 7:53 when Mr. Ng came in and we had coffee together; so, contrary to the sterling image that Mr. Picco is carefully crafting for himself, there may be some feet of clay here; he was here at, I believe, 8:03 a.m --when I arrived, I didn't know some of my colleagues. Some I knew by reputation, some I knew through my work or previous involvement in community politics, municipal politics, and some --five, to be exact --I've known since I was a smooth cheeked stripling; I was a lot thinner and had a lot more hair back then. I refer to Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Kakfwi, Mr. Antoine and Mr. Morin. I would like to especially acknowledge my friend and colleague, who sits to my immediate right. He and I first met after we were elected. His election picture was nothing at all like the real person. I value his friendship and, of course, his sage counsel.
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to be serving with each and every one of my colleagues. I enjoy the spirit of give and take, the ideas and solutions that are generated as a result and, of course, the humour, which is an all-important factor, especially when dealing with the occasional absurdity that may bedevil us temporarily from time to time.
Mr. Speaker, I believe everyone has the best interests of their constituents and the NWT at heart when carrying out their duties as MLAs. If we continue to follow the path we've agreed to in the Agenda for Change, I believe we will be able to keep faith with those best interests in the days and months ahead.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish everyone a safe trip home, good hunting and a restful but productive summer. Thank you.
---Applause
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 750
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 9, replies to Opening Address. Mr. Ootes.
Mr. Ootes's Reply
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 752
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Qujannamiik, Liqaqfli. (Microphone turned off) month of our term and the time has passed extremely fast. I came in as a neophyte and, while I'm far from an expert, I am more experienced now. Like all the other MLAs, I jumped into the fray right at the start; I joined committees, I've diligently attended all sorts of briefing sessions, I've participated in the evolving of our mandate to govern, helping select a Premier and a Cabinet, reviewed the departmental business plans, et cetera. It's been a busy time. As a matter of fact, it's been too busy. The reality is we've done so much that it's been hard to find the time for
me to sit down and write about all the matters that I should review here. I will stick to those that are extremely important to me.
The Deficit
This has consumed six months of our time. I'm glad we have this budget out of the way because this has been all consuming and it is now time for us all to deal with economic development and opportunities. As the Minister of Finance knows, I'm not happy with the projected deficit elimination plan. It is my estimate that we will go into the new territories in 1999 with a deficit of $100 million. That is not acceptable to me. With the next budget, I will demand that the deficit be lowered.
Community Empowerment
While I am in agreement with empowering communities if they so desire, I'm of the opinion that community empowerment is a program that, over time, will be forced on communities. This was not the intent when it was first discussed. However, what I was told yesterday was that community empowerment is inevitable. It seems that eventually we will have only a skeleton public service to support those communities that do not want to run their own services. It is my opinion that community empowerment is fluff, with an implementation plan that has not been thoroughly thought out.
Accountability
Last week, I voted in favour of Ed Picco's motion to release all information on sole-source and negotiated contracts. To me, this motion was more than a symbolic gesture that we need more accountability and openness.
Business Incentive Policy
Affirmative Action
I have asked for this report consistently. It is too late now to debate this in this House during this session because I don't have the report. The affirmative action policy has some real problems with it. It doesn't work. It needs to be fixed. I have constituents who have encountered real problems because of this skewed policy. In order for us to deal with important issues like the BIP and affirmative action in this House, we need these reports. For me, these kinds of delays are not acceptable.
Constitution
We are in the process of designing a constitution for the Western Arctic. The time frame for the draft constitutional package will be about three months. I have been told and led to believe by all those who are participants in this process that, when it comes to ratification of the constitution, it will be put before the people of the Western Arctic on the basis of one person/one vote.
Mortgage Investment Corporation
I am aware of the need for housing in the North and the MIC is a means by which to solve some of these problems. However, I voted against the motion to approve funds for the MIC because, amongst all the things, I couldn't receive assurances that there would be long-term restrictions against use of this money for commercial loans.
MIA Compensation
The vehicles of communication in the Territories have been used over the past several months to comment about the MLA compensation package and the Report of the Commission on MLA Compensation. During my election campaign, there was one issue; that was MLA pensions. Since then, the number of issues seems to have grown to three: pensions, salaries and accountability. As Mrs. Groenewegen said earlier today, this matter will be deferred until the fall. However, I would like to say a few words with regard to salaries and pensions.
Two months ago, we rolled back our salaries and benefits by seven per cent. After the seven per cent roll-back, my salary is $55,413. I see we have an empty House just about, Mr. Speaker, but I am more than willing to carry on because I think other people will be listening.
---Applause
Hey, you folks out there, there are a lot of employees in these buildings who serve this government who make more than that, a lot more than that. The average Hay Plan employee is $82,736. I have 12 years of senior government administration experience and 20 years of business experience. If I had stayed in the government, I would be making more than $100,000 plus per year
---Applause
...because that's what the person who inherited my job was making when he retired. So, let me repeat that my salary is $55,413. In addition, I will probably make another $10,000 to $14,000 for committee work, for a total of $65,000 to $69,000. The Commission on MLA Compensation recommended a flat salary of $71,000, so I have accepted a salary less than the recommended amount.
I have changed my mind about payment for committee meetings. I think we should be remunerated for them. All Members sit on committees, some on two or three, plus extra ones like the constitution committees which seem to go on forever into the night. Those aren't paid for by anybody; we just volunteer for those. In the workforce, if you receive extra responsibilities or are required to work overtime, you get extra pay; whether you are a supervisor, a manager, an electrician, a plumber or a foreman. You get paid extra for over-time or extra responsibilities. Well, we get extra pay for committee work.
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 752
Some Hon. Members
Hear! Hear!
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 752
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
In Ontario, Premier Mike Harris cut MLAs' salaries by 4.8 per cent, including benefits, to $88,865 from an estimated $93,389. Ontario Members get an average $24,000 more than I do, and our cost of living is 20 per cent higher.
---Applause
And the public should know that the work of an Ontario MLA is no different than ours. As a matter of fact, the workload is likely less because they have a lot more Members than we do. Here, we have to carry the load on all issues, each individual.
I got elected to put my experience to work, and work it is. The hours around here are no piece of cake. Ask the media representatives who work alongside of us here at the Legislative Assembly. Since I was elected, I have worked the straight eight months at least six days a week, 11 to 12 hours a day. On Sundays, I do my homework to catch up from the past week and prepare for the upcoming week, and I can vouch that everyone here puts in the same hours, some even more. It strains family relationships.
The job of an MLA is unlike any other trade or profession. Members must deal with an increasingly wide range of issues and concerns. The MLA must act as legislator, negotiator, ombudsman, social worker, public relations officer and perform many of the tasks at all hours of the day and night. It is a demanding vocation. I have been required to become an expert on financial restraint, government operations, aboriginal concerns, constitutional development, division of the NWT, affirmative action, business incentive policy, municipal governments, school boards, hospitals, social agencies, chambers of commerce and various volunteer organizations. In addition, I must represent my constituents in a multitude of ways and resolve all kinds of problems.
This job is a huge invasion of our privacy. People expect us to be on call 24 hours a day. Every time there is a raffle ticket to be sold, we get asked to buy some. If constituents have a problem, they come to us. Let me tell you what happened to me two weeks ago; it happened to four MLAs from Yellowknife two weeks ago. A local organization sent us a fax two days prior to a meeting, inviting us to attend, and when I say us, I specifically mean me. I telephoned that organization and left a message that I had committed two months previously to attend another function that night. I asked that my apologies be passed on and that it would be mentioned at the meeting that I could not attend. The day after the meeting, a newspaper report complained that no Yellowknife MLAs attended. Even the editorial referred to our lack of attendance. I phoned the executive director and asked why we were singled out. Well, she hadn't checked her messages until the day after the meeting. I am here to serve. I will attend meetings when invited but, please understand, our schedules, from time to time, may conflict.
When I made a representation to the commission on MLAs' salaries, here is part of what I told them when they asked about salaries: "Many undertake public life at considerable personal sacrifice to themselves and their families. There is no job security. The workload is ever increasing. This Assembly will be busier than any previous one. Some serve at financial cost to themselves as a result of loss of income that may have been derived from business, professional practice or service with government in some senior administrative capacity, and many put their careers on hold while serving in public office.'
"The cost of living in the North is much higher than such places as Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria and Edmonton. Therefore, a comparison of MLAs' salaries and pensions should reflect the higher cost of living."
With regard to the matter of pensions, we have eliminated the supplementary benefit that was in place. That was the portion that the public had a problem with. In essence, what we have done is reduce our pensions by 60 per cent. With regard to the report of the Commission on MLA Compensation, the major recommendations dealing with salaries and pensions have already been dealt with. It has been made clear to me that many Members need the time to look carefully at the recommendations and how they fit in with the new way the Assembly has been operating.
I want to thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly and of the various departments that appeared before us in committee meetings and so forth, for their dedication and all the hard work that they've put in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.
---Applause
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 752
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 9, replies to Opening Address. Mr. Roland.
Mr. Roland's Reply
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 753
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, honourable Members, I would like to start by saying that this has been an education of its own. I came here with my eyes and ears open and my back to the wall. I came here with ideas given to me by the people of Inuvik. Some were accepted, some not.
Mr. Speaker, the main theme of ideas from the people of Inuvik was to change the way government does business. I believe that we have begun to do some changes, but many will still say it is not enough. There have been areas where we've started to do changes, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say that it seems that this 13th Assembly has come into a time of heavy skies, where the sun is hidden with the grey clouds of change.
There has been talk about division in this Assembly. I want to speak about division, but from a different angle. I want to talk about unity. I'm concerned that we're focusing too much on the things that make us different: East versus West, Dene versus Inuit, native versus non-native. The financial situation we are in is one reason why this is happening. The days when the government could throw money around are gone for good. We have limited financial resources, but also unlimited needs and problems. The budget process has really brought home to me how difficult the situation is. It is troubling to know that we can't keep one program without taking money away from some other program, and it's easy to understand how we can be at odds with each other when we're contending for pieces of a smaller pie.
The process of division is another area where people are being tempted into debating differences, rather than cooperating. The federal government has told us about the money that is available for infrastructure in Nunavut, they are telling us who should manage the capital projects. Groups in the Western Arctic are debating self-government, regional government, treaty rights and western constitutional development. I know we are supposed to debate and discuss important issues here and I know that all 24 of us are never going to agree on every single issue, but we have to rise above petty things, we have to rise above the concepts of "not in my back yard" and "my need is greater than yours.` We have to set an example of working together for the good of all northerners. Each one of us represents a portion of the 65,000 residents of the Northwest Territories; male, female, native, non-native. We will disagree and we will debate, but we have to work together. In many ways, we have done that and we are going to do that. But our goal has to be to make all of our decisions and our statements geared towards the issue of what is best for northerners.
In less than three years, division of the NWT will happen and we will probably be in the middle of two election campaigns. There is so much work to be done between now and then. It seems that very little is actually being done.
Mr. Speaker, we are quickly coming up to a point in the road where there is a bridge. We have to decide whether we are going to cross and how we will cross this bridge. As we are debating the ideas of how to get to the other side, we must be cautious of what is happening around us or behind us. Timing is also of significance here, because if we look back, coming down the same road is a truck built by the feds. It's big and its brakes don't seem to be working.
We need an interim Commissioner for Nunavut. We need an electoral boundaries commission in the East and the West. We need to start the process of revising our laws and statutes. We need to have a concrete set of proposals of how to govern the Western Territory after division. We need formula financing agreements with Ottawa that will ensure that both Territories will have sufficient resources to meet the needs of the northern residents.
Mr. Speaker, I do not mean to sound so pessimistic. In fact, I do see a number of examples of unity and togetherness around me, and I am grateful for those. The people of
Nunavut, for example, are more and more excited as we draw closer to the reality of their vision of their own territory. The dream of being in control of their own affairs is motivating them as nothing else can.
In the West, we are seeing the development of a partnership between western MLAs and the aboriginal leaders to advance the constitutional development of the Western Territory. We are also seeing the unity in the naming of the Western Territory. In fact, of all those who put forward suggestions of the name for the Western Territory, approximately 90 per cent, along with leaders in my region, agree on a single choice. Such togetherness is almost unheard of nowadays. Moreover, their choice will mean it will save a lot of money. We won't have to reprint stationary or change signs if we do keep the name "Northwest Territories."
Let's not contend among ourselves --and I've referred to the Good Book before and I'll do so again --the Good Book says avoid foolish questions and contentions for they are unprofitable and vain. Mr. Speaker, let's put petty differences aside. Let's use the time, talents and energy we have to work together to solve our problems, to take care of each other and build two new territories that will be places where northerners. can see their dreams come true.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, the 13th Assembly might still have a chance to see the clouds break and the sun once again shine on the people of the North. Mr. Speaker, it has been somewhat of a pleasure to be here during the initial number of months, but I will definitely be glad to get back home and hold my children once more. Thank you.
---Applause
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 753
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 9, replies to Opening Address. Mr. Antoine.
Hon. Jim Antoine's Reply
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 754
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be speaking to you for a while in my language today. Today, it seems like the Legislative Assembly will be proroguing, so I would like to leave a brief message with you. We, sitting here in the Northwest Territories, are from a lot of different places. Some people have been born here in the Northwest Territories; some are Inuit, some are Dene, some are Metis and some are from up north, Inuvialuit, and other people from other places in Canada and others from other foreign countries. But we are sitting here together and working together. For that, I would like to thank you.
This is the message I would like to talk to you about. Today, I would like to talk to you about the perspective of Dene. I grew up as a Dene and so I would like to talk to you in the perspective of a Dene. Dene people are born in the North. In my case, I grew up in the country with my relatives. A lot of Dene people grew up that way. From the first time I can remember, we had a lot of white people starting to live on our land.
In 1921, when there was a treaty, it was only a peace treaty. On the side of government, there were a lot of arrangements that had been agreed to, such as housing, education, rations and social assistance. These were the items that were promised at the time. So all our relatives were told that at the time. Since then, it seems like it was changing every year. In our communities, a lot of things were changing; on our land, our region and all over the North.
When things started changing here in the North, it seemed to be without the involvement of the Dene people. They didn't have any involvement. When there was a government that we didn't agree to, we had some input but we hadn't been taken seriously. Since the beginning of the Government of the Northwest Territories, it seems that they are becoming more prominent. So we know how the Government of the Northwest Territories is now.
We have names for the features on our land, such as rivers and mountains. We named all these land features in our language; but when the white people came on our land, all the places that we had names for, they gave different names to. So when you say "Deh Cho," they have renamed it to "Mackenzie River." There is a mountain close to Fort Simpson that is called "Beaver Hills." That was renamed to "Abbot Hills." The Horn Plateau we called "Horn Mountain." The Liard River we called " Nachahdeh." Since ancient times, we have had names for these places. Our community of Fort Simpson was called "Liidlii Kue." Fort Wrigley was called "Tthedzeh Kue," Fort Providence was called, "Zhahti Kue," Trout Lake was called "Sombaa K'e" and Fort Liard was called "Lateke" and Hay River was called "Katlodehe," and Jean Marie River was called "Tlhek'ehdel." We had names for communities and land features on our land. What I'm saying is that we, as Dene, have names for our land.
First, when the government started coming up this way, they did not listen to us. This was kind of classified as colonial mentality. When they came up here, they governed the land as they did in their land. So Fort Franklin was renamed to Deline; and Fort Norman is Tulita; Snowdrift went back to the Dene name of Lutsel K'e. So the Dene people have renamed some of their communities to their original name.
When we first started calling ourselves the way we call ourselves, "Dene," it was hard. When the white people first came up here, we were called Indians. The organization, the Indian Brotherhood, was renamed the Dene Nation, as well. So when you change things, it's hard. The word that we used to classify ourselves was Dene, and we expressed that it would be good if they called us Dene. When that was done, we used the letterhead of Dene. At the time, the Indian Brotherhood was in existence.
There are other lands that have started recognizing us. Now when people hear the term "Dene Nation" they know what it is about. In that way, when we changed the name to Dene people, they saw us as constructive. When the English word of NWT is used, a lot of Dene people do not understand what it means.
When the Northwest Territories came into existence, it was part of the other provinces, such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories. Therefore, when the older Dene people heard the term "Northwest Territories" they did not know what it meant. Now we will have another piece chopped off:
Nunavut; and we are the leftovers. When you say Nunavut in the Inuit language, it means "our land," and I'm thankful that they named it that way. When we are searching for a name, I don't think we should be called "NWT." What I would like to say is, when the Dene people hear the word "NWT," they don't know what it means.
I grew up along the Mackenzie in the area called Rabbit Skin River. When I was growing up, my relatives didn't know what the word "NWT" meant. When we talked about our land, it was the way it meant, in our language, "our land." This way it was recognized by the Dene people. When the Dene people started getting involved in politics, it seemed like the NWT was imposed on us as well as the government system. So when we say the Northwest Territories, in Dene we are saying it; interpreted back it would mean "cold land" or "cold place." This is how you would say the Northwest Territories to the Dene people, in my language. So I didn't feel the word "Northwest Territories" was relevant to Dene people and that is why I am saying this. Also, the Dene languages such as Chipewyan, Dogrib and the Sahtu, all say the words "cold land" or "cold place" in their language. They don't say "Northwest Territories."
So when the Chipewyan people talk about the Northwest Territories, the way they say it is translated back as "cold land." I would just like to express that. There are many people who are Metis, Dene, Inuvialuit and when they stay within their community, maybe if we talked about this to them, they would probably agree with what I said. That is why I am saying this to you in my language today.
Many of the MLAs probably understand their language. If they are going to rename the western NWT, it would be good to listen to the Dene people's suggestions. I am just saying to continue using the name "NWT" doesn't sound suitable to me. This is why I am saying this in my language. This is what I would like to say at the moment. Thank you.
---Applause
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 754
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 9, replies to Opening Address, Mr. Barnabas.
Mr. Barnabas's Reply
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 759
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends) ...my reply to Opening Address with some good news. I am referring to outstanding achievements of my constituents.
My first credit goes to Tudjaat, an outstanding new musical group, composed of Madeline Allakariallak and Phoebe Atagotaaluk.
What happened was, in the winter of 1994, Susan Aglukark was in Resolute Bay to do some recording for her hit album, "This Child." Susan was looking for some back-up for the new recording and asked her producer, Randall Prescott, to come to Resolute to see what they could find. Madeline Allakariallak was then part of the local theatre group of about 20 people, called "Takiualuk" and they recorded pisiq -- which is traditional Inuit singing --for the producer.
As Mr. Prescott said in an interview in a recent issue of Above and Beyond: "One voice in my headphones stood out. Who is this angel, I asked myself." That was Madeline. Madeline, who is 20, grew up in Resolute Bay, cared for mainly by her grandmother, Minnie, who is now 80. "She's put so much into me," said Madeline in the article, "I love my grandmother so much." It was Minnie who taught her granddaughter throat-singing. Madeline's cousin, Phoebe Atagotaaluk, from Inukjuak was also in the theatre group. She and Madeline teamed up and learned throat-singing from Minnie.
Soon after that visit, Randall Prescott invited Madeline to participate in the concert he was helping to organize in Whitehorse. Phoebe was very excited because Tom Jackson, the singer and the television star of North of 60, was going to be there. Madeline and Phoebe opened the show with some throat-singing and then Madeline sang her translation of "You are My Sunshine" and an old pisiq, called "Qiugaviit." The crowd loved it. Phoebe was thrilled when someone asked for her autograph.
Madeline says she will always remember Tom Jackson's advice to her: "Don't let this go to your head."
Tudjaat has just had their first album released by Sony Canada. Recently, they performed for the Canadian Aboriginal Achievement Awards, televised right across Canada. But there is no sign that success has gone to their heads, They are having fun, keeping everything in perspective and hoping their example somehow helps others. Mr. Speaker, I am sure it will.
"We just want people to enjoy our music." Taking Tom Jackson's advice to heart, the girls say they aren't expecting anything big out of their music.
However, the music and the message is getting big. One song that has everyone's attention is the heart-rending story of Minnie's relocation in 1953, along with 84 other Inuit; from Inukjuak in Northern Quebec, to the High Arctic. Madeline says she wants all of Canada and the world to know what her grandmother went through.
It seems the world may soon know the story. The video of the album, which is called "My Ship Comes In"' was released with great fanfare in early February on the New Country Network, which attracts four million in Canada alone and reaches most of the globe by satellite.
Even though it talks about the great hardship of those people, the song has a hopeful message. It was called "Kajusita," which means to keep looking forward, to sail on. The song is about taking the pain from the relocation and going forward stronger.
These hit tunes are quite extraordinary because they incorporate traditional Inuit forms of music, throat-singing and pisiq. When this is mixed with pop music, the mix of traditional and pop is very different and pleasing. Madeline's grandmother is very happy that throat-singing is being heard.
This winter, just after their video, CD and cassette package was being released in North America, they flew to Europe for a series of performances. Then a person working in the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo presented the album to Japanese government officials who liked it so much that they have invited the two young women to come to Japan later this year.
I am very proud of these two young constituents of mine who are doing well and so far have not let their success go to their heads. They are an example for people who are rooted in Inuit culture and are strong and self-assured because of that. I believe that, as we move towards Nunavut, we must hold strong to our culture and values and the wisdom of our elders like Minnie Allakariallak. They have much to teach us if we are willing to learn.
Another musical group in my constituency has taken Baffin by storm. They are called Tuniit. They are from my home town and I am very proud of them. There is Lucas Attagutsiak, band leader; Harry lyerak, manager/singer; Noah Qaqqasiq, vocals and instruments; and, Lucy Qaqqasiq, singer. With help from Economic Development and Tourism and Canadian Airlines, they have produced their first CD, called "Ikajunga." Qimiuksiqti is a favourite song in Kuujuaq, where they are the favourite performers at events like lqaluit's Toonik Tyme.
I also want to salute Peter Flaherty for his outstanding achievement in being made NWT volunteer of the year.
---Applause
As I said earlier, Peter is the kind of person you would love to have as your neighbour; always looking for ways to help and be useful. Peter Flaherty, who was born and grew up with very hard times with the people who were relocated near Grise Fiord in 1953, is an example of what Madeline's song told about: a person who has become generous and kind, not angry, in spite of great hardship as a child. This is a great tribute to his parents.
I would like to thank the Minister of MACA for assisting Peter's mother and sister to be here with him when he receives the great honour, and Members of this Assembly for showing their respect to this very humble constituent of mine. I know he will be a good example for all of us. Thank you for letting me tell these good things about my wonderful constituents from Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay and Grise Fiord.
Now I want to talk about some of my constituents' concerns. I have spoken about this already in length in this Assembly in my reply to Budget Address, so I will not go over that detail again. However, I do believe that many of our most unfortunate constituents are hurting. I speak about elders and those who must be on social assistance.
I would like to give my full support to the efforts of my colleague, Mr. Enuaraq, who introduced a motion to review the monthly territorial old-age supplement. I also spoke on the need of a review on social assistance rates, especially the food allowance. If we are to support families in need, they must have enough money to feed their families properly. The food allowance should reflect the actual cost of living in each community. Where I live, food is very expensive.
I am looking forward to the results of the review which Mr. Dent has promised to undertake on this issue. I am very encouraged that it was Mr. Dent, as the chairman of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, who introduced the motion in the previous Assembly very similar to the one introduced in Committee of the Whole during this session. In fact, I believe the wording is almost identical. Mr. Dent knows what it is like to be an ordinary Member to make a motion and then hope that it is acted upon by Cabinet. I know he will do his best to see that these needs are addressed in the future.
I also mentioned that I see two different points of view which exist, even amongst the federal government departments, about the issue of new national parks and land use by Cominco on Bathurst Island. Since I made the statement about that in this House, I learned that one of my constituents have been working hard on this issue. I am anxious to learn of his views and am looking forward to getting a briefing from the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, who is involved with this issue through several of his present portfolios; Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Renewable Resources. I am looking forward to learning more about the important issues in the future.
I also want to repeat my earlier open invitation to the Honourable Jim Antoine to visit my constituency to meet the mayor, the council and the community leaders in Resolute Bay. We are anxious to learn more about the exciting plans for the new airport terminal and to find out how the community might benefit from this project. I believe there are quite a number of economic opportunities which could create new jobs for northern residents. I look forward to working with Mr. Antoine and His Worship Mayor George Eckalook, and take advantage of these new business and employment opportunities. I believe that if you are involved in planning from the beginning, the project will be a great success.
I also want to thank the Minister for his very informative statement about NavCan, made yesterday. Mr. Speaker, I mentioned earlier in this session my concern that our Government should be fully involved in the transfer of responsibility of all Arctic flight service stations to NavCan this year. I was therefore very pleased to hear Mr. Antoine's statement yesterday; first that, to its credit, Transport Canada has conducted extensive consultations with the many parties who have an interest in commercialization.
Secondly, the GNWT Department of Transportation participated fully in consultations representing our interests. I am very happy that the bill now before Parliament includes special provisions for northern or remote services. If NavCan should propose to reduce northern or remote services, the bill spells out the very strict consultation process, which includes the provincial and territorial government of the affected area. Also, if there is an objection to the reduction in service from our government, the Minister of Transportation can veto the change. The bill also says the fee charges for northern remote services must not be any higher than comparable fees in other parts of Canada.
I was also encouraged to hear Mr. Antoine say that it is possible that we may have even better air navigation services with NavCan than before. They are more likely to use the latest technology. I believe we have a great interest in having the most modern, reliable and accurate air navigation services where we live in Nunavut. We have no choice but to fly. There are no highways from southern Canada in parts of Nunavut.
I am pleased that the Minister will be watching carefully for our interests and I am very much looking forward to being present when he explains what is happening to my constituents in Resolute Bay. I would like to thank Mr. Antoine for responding to the concern raised by the hamlet of Resolute Bay. The hamlet of Resolute Bay expressed their concern to me that sometimes they have trouble clearing the road to the airport, especially after bad weather. Even if the airport runway is clear, they said it isn't much use for us if we can't move goods from the town to the airport. They asked the airport manager about using one of the airport's snowblowers, but they were told it can't be done.
Meanwhile, I found out that MACA's capital standards don't include snowblowers, for hamlets, so I asked Mr. Antoine if he could help. I just got his written reply yesterday and, in that reply, Mr. Antoine explained to me that the two snowblowers, located in the Resolute Bay airport are very ancient Idaho Norland snowblowers, The models are no longer made and spare parts are very expensive and hard to get. Both are still working, but the Minister explained to me that the eventual plan is for the older machine of the two to be used for spare parts for the newer machine. The department believes that, by carefully looking after the maintenance of these old machines, there is another five to 10 years of life left. So Mr. Antoine explained, because these machines are old, it would be best to use them only for emergency situations where the airport snowblower is the only way of dealing with the problem. Mr. Antoine asks that the community otherwise use their own equipment for routine clearing of snow. This is a reasonable solution, Mr. Speaker. I also want to thank the Minister for his very informative Mr. Speaker, I know that the mayor was very happy to receive Mr. Antoine's response; so was I. Government should be fully involved in the transfer of I believe that the transfer of our airports to the GNWT last year, the new terminal building and the establishment of NavCan all represent opportunities for our communities. We expect to have new training and employment opportunities, especially for our young people. We hope to have more involvement in what goes on at the airport. This will be the major project for my constituency in the life of this Assembly, and I will hope to be fully involved in making sure the new terminal is built according to its schedule.
I want to mention another very important capital project which was voted money during this past session, and thank Members for their support; that is, the Baffin Regional Hospital for my constituents. Even though they are many miles away, the Baffin Regional Hospital in lqaluit is the nearest major medical facility. For example, Grise Fiord is 900 miles away from lqaluit. My constituents depend very much on that hospital and on hospitals in Montreal. This hospital is old, and it is not appropriate to the needs of our very large region. We have the largest geographical area and the largest population of any of the regions, and our population is growing fast. The new hospital will meet our present and future needs and should allow us to take care of more of our sick people in the North, rather than having to send them far away to Montreal. This trend will save us money as well, as Stanton Regional Hospital has shown. I believe the same needs exist in the Inuvik region, as well.
Now that we are getting so close to Nunavut, I want to mention a point that I have been making in this session to Mr. Dent, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. I am pleased that Mr. Dent agrees with me that our government, through Arctic College and divisional boards of education, should be given responsibility to provide the training for Nunavut, using our existing schools and community learning centres. Mr. Speaker, I believe that everyone agrees that training is the key to the success of getting northern residents involved in the government of Nunavut. I am confident that, when we discuss this issue, the Nunavut Implementation Commission --which has recommended this already in Footprints in the New Snow -- and Nunavut Tungavik will agree that this is the fastest way of getting much-needed training started as soon as possible. In that connection, I would urge Mr. Dent to make sure that the human resources development plan, which is now well under way, is completed on time and is put in place as soon as possible.
Since we are seeing some existing Arctic College programs, moving out of one of the regions into another, I would hope that these new monies could be used to make sure that every region of Nunavut has available to it important college programs like human resource services and management training, as soon as possible. This is a very important program. Those graduates, I am sure, will be very much needed in Nunavut.
The benefits to government --through such activities as delivery of education programs to many communities from a single location; remote diagnosis and treatment of patients through telemedicine; and, the reduction of travel costs through the use of video conferencing --will result in considerable savings, as well as improving the quality of service and the program delivery. People in the communities, for instance, could take university courses at home without having to go south, and northern people could teach aboriginal language and traditional language courses to southern students. Treatment and diagnosis through telemedicine could reduce medical travel costs and speed patient recovery by allowing people to remain in their home communities.
Maybe MLAs could even participate in Caucus or committee meetings from their home communities. I know I sometimes have to wait over the weekend in lqaluit to get home to Arctic Bay, or leave on Friday to attend a Monday meeting in Yellowknife. I would certainly welcome the opportunity to participate by video conference, especially if it was a way to hold a short meeting.
The GNWT and municipal governments could market themselves as a tourist destination through the simple use of Home Pages on the Internet, which is currently being done by many governments around the world.
Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of the opportunities to access from the information highway state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure can provide. A broadband telecommunications system, once it is in place, can also benefit the private business sector and private organizations, and the individual, in both public and private sectors, could use the same system at a little extra cost. All that is required is a satellite dish of the right size connected to the computers in each community. With such a system, businesses would be able to communicate effectively with businesses in other communities. Private citizens would be able to work for territorial and federal government and the private sector from their home communities; saving relocation and workspace dollars as well as the pain associated with relocation. Aboriginal organizations would be able to hold meetings through the use of video conferencing. This would save some money associated with travel costs which, in turn, could be put into pursuing economic development opportunities in their home communities. ahead with a 384-kilobauds-per-second broadband However, making sure that the private businesses, aboriginal organizations and individuals have access to the modern day telecommunications first requires overcoming a number of barriers. In the first place, as Mr. Todd knows, the broadband system is required. Without one, none of these activities are possible. In the second place, the copper wire used in telephone connections to individual homes and businesses, in many cases, is not good enough to allow access to the information highway. Upgrading the copper wire in all the communities to fibre-optic wire would cost too much money, even if the copper wire were to be upgraded. The services necessary to access the Internet do not exist, except in the larger centres. Even if all the infrastructure and services were to exist, a lot of our people could not benefit from this because they are not familiar with the computers. Even if they did know how to use the system, many people could not afford to buy computers or pay the long-distance charges. Also, some people cannot write in English.
The Nunavut Implementation Commission has advocated the construction of what they call "community teleservice centres" as a means of overcoming these barriers. They will require a broadband telecommunications system, which Mr. Todd has announced will be put to a proposal call. The centres will be staffed by bilingual employees and they could be used to meet the needs of both the public and private sectors. These community teleservice centres could be the perfect way to train public servants and private sector individuals in the use of computer and information technology. As well, they could serve as locations for video conferences for anyone. These teleservice centres could be placed in existing facilities such as schools, hamlet offices, recreational centres or community learning centres. In the case of Nunavut, a space could be allocated for them in a new or existing government building.
If teleservice centres were equipped with child care facilities, single parents could take training and use them as places of work. Teleservice centres could serve as locations where people could find out information about government programs and services, apply for a new driver's licence, get birth certificates, et cetera. The teleservice centres could serve as electronic polling stations. Residents could take computer training and operate a small business using these facilities. In other words, Mr. Speaker, community teleservice centres could assist in creating new jobs and business opportunities in our smaller and more remote communities.
In my opinion, these community teleservice centres could be the key to making community transfer and community empowerment work better, by giving our communities the tools for the very best and most cost-effective communications system available today. This could mean that a lot of business and work could be done at the community level. Government public servants would not have to visit us as much and we would not have to travel to a regional centre or Yellowknife to talk about and solve problems.
The best thing about these teleservice centres is that they would allow people to work through the computer without having to leave their home community. I believe that when these teleservice centres are put into our communities, they could create new job opportunities throughout Nunavut in all of our smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, I know that in the province of New Brunswick, the Premier of New Brunswick, through his vision, established the necessary technological support and properly trained bilingual workforce to have many national and even international companies establish teleservice centres for their customers. When you can call to do your banking or pay your bills by telephone, as you can do from most parts of the NWT, you may be speaking to a person on the other end of the line who is from a rural community in New Brunswick.
I believe we can do the same in Nunavut. With some basic training in computer literacy, I believe that there are a lot of routine government functions that could be done in our small communities by local people, where many people are fluent in both English and lnuktitut.
In this reply, I am hoping to draw the attention of all MLAs to these exciting potentials in Nunavut because, if we make it work in Nunavut, I think it could be made to work in the Western Arctic as well. I will be asking our government if it has a view of the proposed telecommunications; and, whether, working with NIC, NTI and the Government of Canada, Nunavut implementation funds could be applied to setting up the basic community infrastructure to establish telecommunications in Nunavut.
I know that there are costs to all of this, as outlined in the NIC report; however, in today's society where knowledge is power, the NWT will be left behind without a broadband telecommunication system and access to the information highway. I know, just because you have access to information technology, that will not automatically create jobs and economic opportunities but they will be necessary for the economic development and growth.
Two recent papers have been prepared by the Nunavut Implementation Commission. One is about the social and economic benefits of the community teleservice centres. The other paper explains how they could be designed and what they would cost. The papers are very useful. I understand they have been given to our government and I will table one paper, the Nunavut Telecommunication Needs: Community Teleservice Centres, later today.
Mr. Speaker, one of the main reasons I am supporting the Finance Minister's initiative to establish a new wider broadband for telecommunications and the NIC report for the community teleservice centres is that I believe in community transfer and community empowerment. However, our communities will need lots of support, advice and assistance when they are taking on new responsibilities. I would like to see more government programs delivered at the local level; however, Mr. Speaker, if my constituents are going to apply for their birth certificate, health care card or driver's licence, they must be connected to the department of the territorial government. If they are managing construction projects, delivering other programs --like housing, health and social services, for example --they need close communication with the department on whose behalf they are providing these services.
I'm committed to community transfer and community empowerment, but the most modern communication system must be in place soon if it is going to work well. I also believe that if we are to have a decentralized government in Nunavut, the community teleservice centres will be the most effective way of setting up the new government services, as well.
If local people can do their jobs in the community teleservice centres or on their home terminal, then there may be a lesser need for costly new office facilities. I believe that these modern facilities, along with the new approach to how work is done in Nunavut, will make it possible to create jobs in the new Nunavut government. In my communities, outside the regional centres, perhaps even in a very small communities like those I represent, it wouldn't require a lot of workspace to do certain jobs. With training in computer skills, local people could do these jobs instead of having to move out of their community to find work. Perhaps some people could even work on their own time and at their own convenience. Whenever it is convenient for them to get access to the teleservice centres, most people might be able to even work at home.
Mr. Speaker, I know that this has been a long reply to the Commissioner's Address, but I have been looking for the opportunity to discuss the important subject of the community teleservice centres. I do not believe that it has to cost a lot of money to establish jobs in our small communities, especially if we can use the latest technology and if we look at different ways in which people can work in the 1990s. The workplace is changing everywhere else. With Nunavut and the new Western Territory, we have great opportunity to modernize and do things differently. It might just cost less money than the old ways, as well.
I wish to commend Mr. Todd for his initiative and urge him to take the next step and find a way to build community teleservice centres in our communities once the critical broadband width has been in place. I will also be working to encourage the federal government, NIC and NTI to recognize that our smaller communities will greatly benefit from this new technology. It will be good for business, employment and successful operation of the local and territorial levels of the government.
Mr. Speaker, establishing community teleservice centres will be the means of helping our people overcome barriers to economic growth and job creation. This development is especially important for the smaller, more remote communities like the ones I represent. Mr. Speaker, the information highway is our future, especially in our remote communities, and we must invest in it.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I hope all the Members will have a well-deserved rest from a long meeting in this building in favour of being with families and constituents at home. It has been a very long session and I am looking forward to being out on the land with my family and visiting my constituents. I would like to express my very great thanks to the interpreters for the very good job they have done for us all; to the pages from the schools around here; to the very capable Clerk and his staff at the Legislative Assembly; our committee clerks, especially Mr. Schauerte; our faithful executive secretary, Ms. Betty Low, who, I know, always has a challenging time with my travel arrangements; and all the other good people who worked so hard with us in this Assembly. Finally, I wish to thank you, Mr. Speaker, and our very kind chairs of Committee of the Whole who helped us in this House to do its work in a fair and respectable manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Have a good summer. Have a good rest.
---Applause
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 759
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. We will take a 15-minute break.
---SHORT RECESS
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 759
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The House will come back to order. We are on item 9, replies to Opening Address. Mr. Erasmus.
Mr. Erasmus's Reply
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 760
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Mr. Speaker, I haven't had time to work on a stirring and passionate speech like some of our other Members here. The last couple of weeks, I have been busy working on amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, trying to get my research and the rest of that in place. As a matter of fact, I have had to work so much on it that I've been dreaming about headlights on our roads for the last couple of weeks.
I have also been working from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. every night. We leave here about that time, go home, spend a little bit of time with our families and then try to deal with constituents' problems. So I haven't really had much time to prepare, but I do have a few brief comments.
I also appreciate the hard work and dedication of the staff of the Legislative Assembly.
---Applause
I would like to thank the staff for all their assistance and, particularly, those who helped me with my work on the amendment to the headlights bill. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to comment a little bit about comments made by my fellow MLA, Mr. Ootes, indicating how much work the MLAs do. In the last little while, we've been getting here at 9:00 a.m.; sometimes 8:00 a.m., depending on how much work has to be done. From there, it's one meeting after another all day. You go from one meeting to another, and even during lunch time you have a meeting. We meet all day and, at supper time, it's another meeting. We've been finishing here at 8:30 at night, but I usually try to answer letters and the rest of that, so I am here until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to indicate that I am still learning, and I look forward to coming back in the fall with this new experience under my belt. We have now gone through one budget. We will be looking at another budget in the tall, and I hope that my past experience will help me and the other new MLAs to do a better job. We will now know what questions to ask and what to look for, rather than it just being a learning experience.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to close be reiterating Mr. Roland's words: "We are all hard-working people here; MLAs. We all want what's best for our constituents, but it's now time to forget our petty differences. It's now time to concentrate on what's best for our constituents. It's now time to look at what's best for the NWT and to work hard for that. " Mahsi.
---Applause
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Page 760
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Item 9, replies to Opening Address. Item 10, petitions. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 760
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a petition that I would like to table in the House today in my capacity as the chairperson of the Subcommittee of Western Caucus for the renaming of the Northwest Territories. That is the capacity in which I have received this petition. Petition 51-13(3) will indicate to Mr. Antoine and Mr. Kakfwi exactly the amount of work that has to be done. I heard both of their speeches here in the House; Mr. Antoine, today, and Mr. Kakfwi's. I would like to read the petition and then indicate the communities where these petitions come from and the numbers.
"In the matter of a petition to the Government of the Northwest Territories, in the matter of a petition to the Government of Canada by the residents of the western portion of the Northwest Territories, we, the undersigned, hereby petition the governments of the Northwest Territories and Canada to maintain the designation Northwest Territories for the Western Arctic after division in 1999. The designation has served the North and western portions of Canada throughout our modern history and carries with it that history and international recognition of which we, as residents of the Northwest Territories, are justly proud.
"Further, we believe that any change to this designation will result in needless expenditure, discord and international isolation. The Northwest Territories is our home, and we want it to remain as such."
These pages contain signatures from residents of Fort Smith, Norman Wells, Hay River, Inuvik, Fort Simpson and, in total, come to 1,637. Further, I would just like to say that it isn't a decided thing yet, and Mr. Kakfwi wants me to say that with the people he has spoken to personally, he has made progress, and we recognize that. Thank you.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 760
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Again, I would like to remind the Members that the rules are very clear with regard to petitions. You don't make general comments on them. You don't try to debate on the petition. The purpose of a petition is to send a message through the government, and you read that petition as such and then you give the amount of signatures on the petition. I would like to ask the Members not to make comments on a petition. Item 10, petitions. Mr. Henry.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 760
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three petitions. The first one: I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of the naming of the new western territory after division. Mr. Speaker, Petition 52-13(3) contains three signatures, and it alleges that the Government of the Northwest Territories retain the Northwest Territories as a name when two separate territories are formed in 1999.
The second petition, Mr. Speaker, deals with funding for community wellness youth programs in the city of Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, Petition 53-13(3) contains 18 signatures and the petitioners request that the Minister of Health and Social Services grant funding for community wellness programs to the city of Yellowknife in 1996; however, place a condition on the funding that 50 per cent of the allocated funds be designated for youth programs.
Mr. Speaker, the third petition is from the citizens of the city of Yellowknife concerning the matter of funding for community wellness programs. The petitioners request that the Minister of Health and Social Services grant funding for community wellness programs to the city of Yellowknife in 1996; however, place a condition on the funding that 50 per cent of the allocated funds be designated for youth programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Petition 54-13(3) has been signed by 144 people.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 760
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 10, petitions. Mr. Erasmus.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 760
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of funding for community wellness youth programs in the city of Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, the petitioners request that the Minister of Health and Social Services grant funding for community wellness programs to the City of Yellowknife in 1996; however, place a condition on the funding that 50 per cent of the allocated funds be designated for youth programs. Mr. Speaker, Petition 55-13(3) has been signed by 218 people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 760
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 10, petitions. Mr. Ootes.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 761
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of funding for community wellness youth programs in the city of Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, the petitioners request that the Minister of Health and Social Services grant funding for
community wellness programs to the city of Yellowknife in 1996; however, place a condition on the funding that 50 per cent of the allocated funds be designated for youth programs. Mr. Speaker, Petition 56-13(3) has been signed by 179 people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions
Page 761
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Mr. Erasmus.
Committee Report 5-13(3): Government Operations Report On The Third Annual Report (1994-95) Of The Languages Commissioner Of The Nwt
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 761
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is the third annual report of the Languages Commissioner. The first annual report of the Languages Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, covering the 1992-93 fiscal year, was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on December 14, 1993, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions. Among the committee's recommendations was to amend the committee's terms of reference to provide that all reports of the Languages Commissioner would be so referred. This was approved by motion in the House on November 9, 1994.
With the new standing committee structure adopted by the 13th Legislative Assembly, responsibility for considering the annual reports of the Languages Commissioner now fails under the terms of reference of the Standing Committee on Government Operations. The Languages Commissioner's third annual report, for the 1994-95 fiscal year, was tabled November 23, 1995. This standing committee considered the report in meetings in Yellowknife on January 17, 1996, at which a public hearing was held with the Premier, the Honourable Don Morin; and, the outgoing Languages Commissioner, Ms. Betty Harnum.
The standing committee wishes to acknowledge the input of the witnesses and thank them for their appearance at the public hearings. We would also like to thank the Languages Commissioner and her staff for their assistance in preparing for this review.
Committee's Response To Recommendations Of The Languages Commissioner
The Languages Commissioner's first recommendation reiterated the need for clear direction to government departments and agencies regarding their responsibilities under the act. In the Languages Commissioner's first annual report, recommendation 8 was that "the GNWT clarify to which institutions the Official Languages Act applies and that they inform these institutions and the public." The government said that the official languages handbook being prepared would address this issue, and the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions recommended, in November 1994, that the handbook be completed and distributed by December 31, 1994.
To date, the handbook has still not been completed, and government departments and agencies still do not have clear direction as to their responsibilities under the act. Hence, the Languages Commissioner has recommended again 'that the Legislative Assembly insist that the Premier table the handbook without delay."
The Standing Committee on Government Operations acknowledges the importance of the Official Languages Act and the importance of providing adequate government services to northerners in their own languages where appropriate. It is imperative that the government determine what services they can deliver in other languages given the resources available, subject to the provisions of the act, and then direct government departments and agencies appropriately. The delay in implementing this direction is unacceptable.
Recommendation 2 in the Languages Commissioner's annual report referred to concern about the proposed arrangement to hire the new Languages Commissioner on a contractual basis. The committee carefully considered this issue and determined that such an arrangement would be appropriate, especially given that most deputy ministers in the government are now hired on contract as well.
The Languages Commissioner's fourth recommendation expresses concern that the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, due to come into force December 31, 1996, may interfere with the Languages Commissioner's authority under the Official Languages Act. Committee Members have noted the concerns of the Languages Commissioner and will be considering the issues raised to ensure that they are properly addressed before the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act comes into force at the end of the year.
In conclusion, as Members of a new Legislative Assembly, the Members of the Standing Committee on Government Operations are looking forward to a close working relationship with the office of the Languages Commissioner. The work done to date has made a significant impact on the status of official languages in the Northwest Territories. The standing committee hopes that the future will bring continued development and strengthening of official languages, and that the office of the Languages Commissioner will look to this task as a key component of the office's role.
Motion To Receive And Adopt Third Annual Report Of The Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 762
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that the report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations on the review of the third annual report of the Languages Commissioner be received by the Assembly and adopted. Thank you.
Motion To Receive And Adopt Third Annual Report Of The Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Motion To Receive And Adopt Third Annual Report Of The Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 762
An Hon. Member
Question.
Motion To Receive And Adopt Third Annual Report Of The Languages Commissioner, Carried
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
At this time I would like to recognize some Members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Mr. Bill Graham, who is the chairman of the committee;
---Applause
Foreign Affairs. Welcome to the Assembly. Item 12, reports of committes on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Todd.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
John Todd Keewatin Central
Document 63-13(3), Public Service Annual Report for 1994, a little late.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Arlooktoo.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Mr. Speaker, I have two documents to table. They are in support of the statement that I made the other day. I wish to table Tabled Document 64-13(3), Implementation Schedule and Decentralization Cost and Savings, Nunavut Implementation Commission, 1995.
Secondly, I wish to table Tabled Document 65-13(3), Headquarter FTEs by Department and Community, 1996, Nunavut Implementation Commission.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Barnabas.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table Tabled Document 66-13(3), Nunavut Telecommunications Needs, Community Teleservice Centres, A Supplement to the Report of the Nunavut Implementation Commission. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Krutko.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table Tabled Document 67-13(3), Resolution 08-96, Naming of the new Western Territory. Be it resolved that after the division of the Northwest Territories, the western portion retain the name of the Northwest Territories. Be it further resolved that the communities be requested to support this motion. The motion was passed at the Beaufort/Delta leaders' conference in Inuvik.
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Motion 13-13(3). Mr. Steen.
Motion 13-13(3): Extended Adjournment, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 762
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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 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, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Steen. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Motion 13-13(3): Extended Adjournment, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 762
An Hon. Member
Question.
Motion 13-13(3): Extended Adjournment, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 762
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Item 16, motions. Motion 14-13(3). Mr. Roland.
Motion 14-13(3): Tabling Of Draft Western Constitution, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 763
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
WHEREAS the Northwest Territories will be divided on April 1, 1999 to create two new territories;
AND WHEREAS the creation of a new Western Territory provides an opportunity to develop a constitution which is relevant to, and reflects the aspirations of, residents of the Western Arctic;
AND WHEREAS there have been a number of constitutional processes over the past decade which have captured the ideas of the people and the next step would be to prepare a draft constitution for the western Northwest Territories which people could comment on;
AND WHEREAS the western Members of the Legislative Assembly are committed to working in partnership to develop a draft constitution for the western Northwest Territories;
AND WHEREAS the western Members agree that the ad hoc group of the Western Caucus and the Constitutional Affairs Committee of Cabinet will form a joint working group with four representatives of the aboriginal summit to develop a package of proposals for a draft constitution for the western Northwest Territories, for review by the western Members and aboriginal summit;
AND WHEREAS there is a limited amount of time left to develop a new constitution for the western Northwest Territories prior to division on April 1, 1999.
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that 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, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 763
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Roland. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Motion 14-13(3): Tabling Of Draft Western Constitution, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 763
An Hon. Member
Question.
Motion 14-13(3): Tabling Of Draft Western Constitution, Carried
Item 16: Motions
Page 763
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Mr. Ng.
Bill 17: Business Corporations Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 763
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Bill 17, Business Corporations Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill enacts the Business Corporations Act. The Companies Act and the Companies Winding Up Act will continue in force until March 31, 1999, to afford existing companies an orderly transition to the new regime. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bill 17: Business Corporations Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 763
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.
Bill 17: Business Corporations Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 763
An Hon. Member
Question.
Bill 17: Business Corporations Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills
Page 763
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 17 has had second reading and, accordingly, stands referred to a standing committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 6, An
Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28; Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2; Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3; Bill 15, Statute Revision Act; and, Tabled Document 1- 13(3), Report of the Commission on MLA Compensation. With the authority given the chair, I will allow Committee of the Whole to sit beyond the 6:00 p.m. adjournment until you are ready to report progress, with Mr. Ningark 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 763
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I would like to call the committee to order. Under item 19, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters, we have Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28; Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2; Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3; Bill 15, Statute Revision Act; and, Tabled Document 1-13(3), Report of the Commission on MLA Compensation. What is the wish of the committee? 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 763
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Chairman, I would like to recommend that we consider Bill 12, followed by Bill 14, Bill 6 and then Bill 15.
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 763
The Chair John Ningark
Does the committee agree that we shall proceed with Bill 12, followed by Bill 14, Bill 6 and then Bill 15? 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 763
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 763
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Ng, are you prepared to deal with Bill 12?
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 763
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 763
The Chair John Ningark
Proceed, please.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 763
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
I gave my opening comments yesterday, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 763
The Chair John Ningark
Do we have the agreement of the committee Members that the Minister bring in his witnesses? No?
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 763
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Mr. Chairman, not at this time, unless there are complications. Thank you.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Okay. General comments to Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2. Clause by clause? Thank you. I believe the honourable Minister made the opening remarks yesterday. I am informed that it now has to go to Mr. Krutko on behalf of the committee. Do you have any opening remarks on this particular bill? Mr. Krutko. Mr. Erasmus.
Standing Committee On Government Operations Comments
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Government Operations reviewed Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2, on May 13, 17 and 22, 1996. Members discussed the bill and agreed that it should be moved into Committee of the Whole for further discussion and action.
The standing committee understood that the purpose of this amendment is to respond to recommendations from a conflict of interest inquiry held last year. Members will take this opportunity in Committee of the Whole to raise any specific questions they may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. General comments. Mr. Ootes.
General Comments
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Chairman, I would just like to advise that I will be moving a motion to amend clause 6 at the time we get to that portion of the bill.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. That is noted. General comments. Detail. Clause by clause.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Clause By Clause
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
We are doing Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2. Clause 1. Agreed?
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 2.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 3.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 4.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 5.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 6. Mr. Ootes.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion to An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2. I move that clause 6 of Bill 12 be amended by striking out "60 days" in that portion of proposed subsection 77(3) following paragraph (d) and by substituting "90 days".
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
The motion is being circulated and it has been translated to the appropriate language of this House. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Question is being called. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Clause 6, as amended.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. On page 2, clause 7. Agreed?
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 8. Agreed?
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 9. Agreed?
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 10.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 11.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 764
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 12.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Some Hon. Members
Agreed. ---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Chairman, to be consistent, I want to move a motion on An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2. I move that clause 13 of Bill 12 be amended by striking out "60 days" and by substituting "90 days".
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
The copy of the motion is translated and is being circulated to all honourable Members. Everyone has a copy of the motion and the motion is in order. To the motion.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
All those in favour of the motion, please signify. Opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Clause 13, as amended. Agreed?
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The bill as amended?
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
The bill as a whole?
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Does the committee agree that Bill 12 is now ready for third reading, as amended?
Committee Motion 14-13(3): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 12, CarriedClause 13. Mr. Ootes. Committee Motion 15-13(3): To Amend Clause 13 Of Bill 12, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. We will now go to Bill 14. Mr. Ng.
Minister's Introductory Remarks
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, this bill amends the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act to implement the decision of the House contained in Motion 10-13(3). Mr. Chairman, Members passed this motion to eliminate the cost-of-living increases to allowances and expenses and to roll back the increase made to these allowances to the rate that was effective on April 1, 1996. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I am informed that this bill was directly referred to Committee of the Whole, so there is no report from any of the committees of this Assembly. Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3. General comments. Mr. Steen.
General Comments
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, could we be supplied with the amount that that would include; the total amount that that would include between now and the 1st of April?
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Steen. Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We haven't done the calculations on what has been paid to Members since April 1 st, but it's 2.1 per cent of the living allowances that every Member has received. We can have the Assembly staff compile that information and provide it to the honourable Member if that's what he wishes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Bill 14, general comments. Mr. Steen.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Vince Steen Nunakput
Mr. Chairman, I would appreciate that information in writing, but even an estimated amount would have done.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
I would have to ask the Clerk to take a guess at it because I don't know what in-town and out-of- town allowances have accumulated since April 1st, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
I believe the Clerk is looking for the information at this time. He will need a few minutes. Clause by clause? There is an indication by a Member that we should go clause by clause, and there is another indication from an honourable Member that we should take a few minutes' time out. What is the wish of the committee?
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
Some Hon. Members
Clause by clause.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 765
The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Steen had a question. We will take a break until the information is ready to be released to Mr. Steen.
---SHORT RECESS
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
The committee will come back to order. Mr. Ng, do you have the information requested by the honourable Member? Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, with respect to the living allowances paid to Members, the amount is approximately $5,000 to $6,000. With respect to the constituency expenses, the amount is approximately $1,600. Thank you.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Mr. Steen.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Vince Steen Nunakput
Mr. Chairman, my question was how much are we saving the government between the I st of April to now.
---Interjection
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If you use the minimum, it is $6,600. If you use the maximum, approximately $7,000.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I have Mr. Krutko and then Mr. Roland.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Roland.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I take it that that is a number collectively, as Mr. Picco would say, Borg.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Minister Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is the estimate for April and May for all Members. Thank you.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Is it agreed we go clause by clause?
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Clause By Clause
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
We are considering Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3. Clause 1.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 2.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 3.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 4.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Bill as a whole.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Does the committee agree that Bill 14 is now ready for third reading?
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 766
The Chair John Ningark
Following the list, we have Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28. Are you ready, Mr. Dent?
Minister's Introductory Remarks
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the new Education Act will come into force on July 1, 1996, at the beginning of the 1996-97 school year. The new act is built on the principle that education is a partnership. The central role partnerships play in the school system is reflected in the process my department used to develop the legislation. The department consulted with partners such as interest groups and the general public for over five years.
The Standing Committee on Legislation first reviewed a legislative discussion paper on this act in December of 1994. It held extensive hearings to review the bill last May and considered and approved the new Education Act in June 1995. The act emphasizes the importance of communities, students and parents in this partnership. It gives authority to communities and enables communities to work together to deliver schooling more effectively. It focuses on students and emphasizes the importance of parent participation in education.
I am now bringing forward a bill to amend the new act. These amendments correct some minor drafting errors and inconsistencies and provide the changes that have resulted from consultation, as well as changes recommended by the Department of Justice to facilitate its implementation. You will note that, in some cases, we are correcting the French version of the act so that it corresponds to the English version.
We are also correcting minor errors in the English version, such as the name of the principal certification program. The need for some of the amendments was identified as the department consulted on the development of the Education Act regulations. As a result, we are proposing to make changes that will clarify the definition of "home schooling;" allow a new conseil to join an existing commission; and, allow education bodies more flexibility in how they select a new chairperson when the vice-chairperson resigns.
The bill also broadens some of the areas being regulated. For example, we are proposing to expand the powers respecting petitions, so that we can establish criteria for granting petitions and allow consultation with petitioners. The amendments also address problems in implementation, such as the need to register a student living outside of a district and the ability to enforce section 21, which deals with the registration of private schools.
The Standing Committee on Social Programs has also made some amendments to improve the clarity of the bill and I am pleased to note that they are also reflected in this bill.
Mr. Chairman, many people and organizations provided us with their insight and comments as we developed this legislation. I would like to thank our partners for providing us with written comments and the witnesses for taking the time to brief the standing committee on their views and concerns. I would also like to thank the Members of the standing committee and their staff for the time and effort taken to review this bill. I believe Bill 6 will improve the Education Act and allow us to implement the regulations we have drafted and sent out for comment. The new act supports one of this government's main priorities: to empower communities so they can be self-reliant, responsible and accountable. I believe the Education Act is a significant piece of legislation that will make the education system more responsive to the needs of students, parents and communities. Thank you.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Dent. The deputy chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, which reviewed the bill, Mr. Miltenberger, do you have comments?
Standing Committee On Social Programs Comments
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I would like to present the report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs on Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28.
The committee met in early May to hear from the Minister and from the public on this bill. Both the NWT Teachers' Association and the Francophone community of the NWT made presentations to the committee. The committee would like to thank these groups for raising their concerns with the Members. While some of the concerns were beyond the scope of this bill, the committee will be considering these issues in the future during a more in-depth review of the act.
This bill amends the Education Act which was passed in the final session of the 12th Assembly. The act will not come into force until July 1, 1996. Members were concerned about the need for amendments to an act which is not in effect yet. However, the Minister has assured the committee that these amendments must be made prior to the act coming into force.
The committee had no problem with many of the amendments which corrected grammatical or drafting errors in the act.
During the Minister's appearance before the committee to review the bill, a number of amendments were made.
The maximum fine for operating a private school without being registered was increased from $1,000 to $5,000.
Amendments were made to ensure that the Minister would provide a final level of review in cases where students were expelled or teachers had their teaching certificates suspended or cancelled. Members felt this final level of appeal was important enough that it should not be discretionary at the decision of the Minister.
Mr. Chairman, the committee would like to thank the Minister, his staff and the public presenters who appeared before the committee on this bill. Mr. Chairman, this concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs. Thank you.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Before we proceed with general comments, does the Minister want to bring in witnesses? Mr. Dent.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
The Chair John Ningark
Do we have the concurrence of the committee that the Minister will bring in the witnesses?
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses into the Chamber.
Mr. Dent, for the record, would you please introduce the witnesses to the committee?
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my left is the acting deputy minister, Mr. Eric Colbourne; on my right is director of planning, Ms. Gail Joyce; and, our counsel, Dariene Jonsson on her right.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
The Chair John Ningark
Welcome to the committee. Are there any general comments? Mr. Miltenberger.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 767
The Chair John Ningark
Shall we go clause by clause?
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed Clause By Clause
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
We are dealing with a reprint of Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28. Clause 1.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 2.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 3.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 4.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 5.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 6.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 7.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
-Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 8.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
----Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 9.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 10.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 11.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 12.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 13.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 14.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 15.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 16.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 17.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 18.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 19.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 20.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 768
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 21.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 22.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 23.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 24.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 25.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 26.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 27.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 28.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 29.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 30.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 31.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 32.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 33.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 34.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 35.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 36.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 37.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 38.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 39.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 40.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 41.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 769
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 42.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 43.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
The Chair John Ningark
Bill as a whole.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
The Chair John Ningark
Does the committee agree that Bill 6 is ready for third reading?
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
The Chair John Ningark
Bill 6 is now ready for third reading. Thank you. I would like to thank the Minister and the witnesses for appearing before the committee. Thank you. Mr. Todd.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
John Todd Keewatin Central
Mr. Chairman, I just need a moment to get hold of Mr. Ng for the Statute Revision Act.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The next bill to be reviewed, following the order that was recommended, is Bill 15, Statute Revision Act. Mr. Ng, do you have opening remarks?
Minister's Introductory Remarks
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to introduce Bill 15, Statute Revision Act. This bill authorizes the preparation of the Revised Statutes of the Northwest Territories, 1998 and the Statutes of Nunavut, 1999.
Mr. Chairman, the statute revision project will be funded by the Government of Canada, as part of the $150 million Nunavut implementation package. At its conclusion, each of Nunavut and the new Western Territory will have a clean and up-to-date statute base that has been adjusted to the extent possible to that territory. It is important that the role and powers of a Statute Revision Commissioner not be overstated.
The Statute Revision Commissioner will be making relatively technical adjustments to the statutes, since he or she will not be empowered to make changes requiring political or policy decisions. That is the role of the Legislature. The revisions will be based on the statutes of the Northwest Territories consolidated as of July 1, 1988. These statutes will be renumbered and reorganized to account for the addition of new provisions by amendment or a repeal of provisions after the cut-off date of the last territorial revision; the Revised Statutes of the Northwest Territories, 1988.
Statutory language will also be modernized and made consistent within each statute and, to a lesser extent, between the various statutes. The result will be statutes that are more consistent, more understandable and easier to find. They will provide a new starting point for each of the new territories. T he Statute Revision Commissioner will be empowered to make relatively-limited changes to account for the creation of Nunavut and a new Western Territory, such "Nunavut" for references to the "Northwest Territories, " or substituting references to "lqaluit" for references to "Yellowknife."
We envisage, however, that the Statute Revision Commissioner will, in practice, take an active advisory role in developing the legal and legislative frameworks for the post-division territories. The Statute Revision Commissioner, in tandem with the legislative division, will take instructions from government departments and advice from other bodies such as the Nunavut Implementation Commission for the preparation of substantive amendments adapting territorial statutes for Nunavut and the new Western Territory.
Some of these amendments would be enacted prior to the July 1998 cut-off date; that will determine what is to be included in the Revised Statutes of the Northwest Territories, 1998, and the Revised Statutes of Nunavut, 1999. To provide a purely speculative example, the Herd and Fencing Act could perhaps be amended in the next two years to include a statement that the act does not apply to the portion of the territories described as Nunavut in the Nunavut Act.
The Herd and Fencing Act would, as a consequence, be omitted from the Statutes of Nunavut, 1999. I should emphasize that this example was only intended to be illustrative and does not in any way reflect present policy decisions. The Statute Revision Commissioner may also work on a similar basis to prepare statutes that would be presented for enactment early in the life of the new legislative assemblies. As an example of such a project, I would suggest that it would perhaps be useful for each of Nunavut and the new Western Territory to have a draft Official Languages Act prepared in advance of division. In my view, this example illustrates both the utility of having the Statute Revision Commissioner as a resource and his or her need for ongoing instructions to guide work of a substantive policy nature.
Mr. Chairman, division will present a great many challenges to the governments and citizens of the two new territories. The Statute Revision Commissioner will be a valuable resource as we struggle with the legal and legislative implications of division. We can look forward to the development of our new statute base that is appropriate for each new territory. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 770
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Minister. Does the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Government Operations wish to make comments? Mr. Erasmus.
Standing Committee On Government Operations Comments
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Government Operations met today with the Minister of Justice to review Bill 15, Statute Revision Act. Committee Members recognized the importance of this bill in
preparing for the division of the Northwest Territories, and agreed that it should be moved to Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
Members may take this opportunity in Committee of the Whole to raise any specific questions they may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Mr. Minister, before we proceed to general comments, do you wish to bring in the witnesses?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Do we have the concurrence of the committee?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Agreed. Go ahead. Proceed.
Thank you. For the record, Mr. Minister, would you please introduce the witness to the committee?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have with me Mr. Mark Aitken, legislative counsel, Department of Justice. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The chair now opens the floor to general comments. Mr. Krutko.
General Comments
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to the Statute Revision Act, I have some concerns in relation to land claim settlements where there are presently processes, the legislation which those agreements fall under, which fall under federal legislation but have been converted into NWT legislation. What we think is there is a real...It doesn't seem to be on the priority list of the government. In the case of the inuvialuit, in some cases it has taken 10 years to implement the Wildlife Act to allow for these things to happen. I want to know if there is a possibility of this slowing that process down any more than what it is because of the amount of energy and time to be spent dealing with this aspect. If there's other legislation that's been there before we've come to this state, it should also be considered and the appropriate resources and time be spent implementing that legislation.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, because this is a special project with dedicated resources from the federal government for this specific project.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
With regard to the land claims agreements and the different sections of those agreements, you are saying that there's nothing in here that could possibly jeopardize those agreements being implemented, especially with regard to drafting of legislation for the Wildlife Act or anything with regard to those agreements; such as the economic sections of land claim agreements, such as the northern accord legislation. All these things have an effect on division.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Mr. Chairman, I will ask Mr. Aitken to respond.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Aitken.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
Aitken
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don't actually think there will be any effect that would slow down the other legislation of the House. As the Minister pointed out, there are dedicated resources for this; additional resources provided by the federal government as part of the Nunavut implementation package. One advantage of the statute revision, in respect of the land claims agreements, is that when the statute revision is being prepared, the statute body for each territory will be reflecting changes that have been made in respect of those land claim agreements. So, for instance, the Wildlife Act for the West would include parts pertaining to the Inuvialuit settlement and the Gwich'in settlement, but provisions relating to the Nunavut settlement would not be included, and vice versa in the East; so it would be easy to understand those acts. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 771
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
You are saying that you don't think it's going to have an effect but, right now, the Gwich'in agreement has been in place for almost five years, yet a lot of that legislation in the Wildlife Act hasn't even been implemented in this House or an attempt made. Right now, the Department of Renewable Resources is backing down from trying to put resources and people in to try and get the legislation drafted to put into the House. So where is your priority going to be? You said you are going to complement the claims, but I don't see it; I see it as possibly slowing down the process which is, right now, at a snail's pace to try and get anything done. Plus, now you have two agreements which haven't been converted. The Inuvialuit just got their act amended. The Gwich'in agreement has not been enacted with regard to the Wildlife Act. The Sahtu agreement hasn't been put in there. Now the North Slave agreement is on its way. So we are talking about a lot of legislation changing those acts to complement those other agreements. Because of the change of focus here, that's where my concern is. The focus might be strictly, let's establish an NWT Act for the West and a Nunavut Act for the East, but there are also other acts that have to be considered. Under section 35, which a lot of these agreements fall under, which is federal legislation, that legislation has to be transferred to be implemented into this. So that's where I am sort of confused on this one.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are all sorts of legislative proposals, because of the priorities of this government, in consultation with Members of this House through the Government Operations committee, that have identified the precedents and the priorities for putting forward during the term of this Assembly. I can't say that we have all the resources to do all the acts or the legislation that's required to bring everything up to par, so it's a matter of setting priorities, which are political priorities that are set by this House. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
So basically, you are saying that division is more important than land claims settlements.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
No, Mr. Chairman, I am not saying that. I am saying that, with existing land claims agreements and the regulations or new legislation that's required, it may not have taken the same precedence as some of the other bills that have had to be put together for presentation to this House for approval, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Do we have further general comments? Mr. Steen.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Could the Minister indicate about the funding for this legislation; does he also receive funding from the federal government for more staff to handle the implementation?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, there was incremental funding identified in the Nunavut implementation incremental costs for the Statute Revision Commissioner. I believe the budget was approximately $1 million. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
How many resource people do you see dealing with this, with regard to making amendments, within the Department of Justice?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
I will ask Mr. Aitken to respond, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Aitken.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
Aitken
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The budget that went forward to the federal government provided for a Statute Revision Commissioner. It would be a lawyer who would be responsible for preparing the revision. There would also be an editor and a keyboarder to prepare the work that is being done by the Statute Revision Commissioner. In the final year, the third year of the budget, there would be a possibility of having an additional editor, an additional keyboarder and also a translator, if one is needed. These were developed in the budget that I understand was submitted to the federal government, and they were provided within the $1.041 million that was approved by the federal government. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Clause by clause? We are dealing with Bill 15, Statute Revision Act. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
I don't believe the Minister has yet answered my question with regard to the priorities for claims agreements. A lot of those agreements have committees and boards that they have established today and this government is obligated under those agreements to implement legislation to go along with those agreements.
You're saying it's not a priority of government operations and yet you are the Minister of Justice. This is an obligation you have with regard to those agreements.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, our department carries out legislative priorities based on direction from the government, which takes recommendations from Members of this House. If there are regulations or acts that the Member feels have a higher priority than some of the bills, such as spending bills, then he can put forward that position, argue it and try to reach support to bring that forward as a priority. Thank you.
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
This government is the signatory to those land claim agreements. You're just as much obligated to those agreements as the people that those agreements are for.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 772
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, we are obligated, Mr. Chairman, but we don't have the resources to fulfil all the legislative requirements that are put before us. There are no incremental costs put forward specifically for updating or drafting the new legislation to concur with the land claims agreements or the other agreements that the honourable Member is referring to. On this statute revision, there is specific money that has been put aside, over and above our territorial government's budget, to do this work. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
What's the cost to this government with regard to the costs over and above exactly what we're getting from the federal government?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 772
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Sorry, Mr. Chairman, I have to ask the honourable Member to repeat that.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Krutko, could you repeat the question, please?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
I would like to know what the cost is over and above exactly what we are getting from the federal government to carry out this initiative.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, as it stands now, the work will be done within the budget that's been provided by the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments? Clause by clause? We will stand down the preamble of Bill 15 until we have completed all the other clauses, then we will go back to the preamble. Part 1, Revision Statute of the Northwest Territories, 1998. Clause 1. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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The Chair John Ningark
There is a motion on the floor to report progress which is not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is defeated.
---Defeated
We shall continue with Bill 15. Clause 1. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
We're presently in the process of looking at the possibility of taking over federal authority with regard to the northern accord and forestry. There is a question about the Mackenzie Resources Act. What do those transfers have with regard to this amendment and this process?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, as it stands now, none. However, if there were legislative proposals because of assuming more powers, then that would be worked into new statutes prior to division. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Miltenberger.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to confirm, for my own piece of mind at this point, regarding the statutes revisions, we're not writing new laws; we're not making any substantive changes. All we're doing is splitting them up in anticipation of division. There's no change to the laws that are written. Is that correct?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For all intents and purposes, yes, other than minor wording amendments to reflect the wording in preparation for division. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Roland.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With the changes here, could the changes to this Statute Revision Act actually enhance some of the stuff that's out there already... (Microphone turned off).
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Roland, the microphone was turned off before you completed your question.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was just wondering if it would be enhancing it by making some of the stuff that's out there already in some other acts that the Would it possibly speed that process along to get them enacted into the new statute? Or is it that everything remains the same?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 773
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, it wouldn't make any substantive changes. As I indicated earlier, there might be a few wording items, but the Statute Revisions Commissioner could provide advice for future legislation. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Erasmus.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Having worked with statutes in the past, I know that it's often very difficult to use an outdated statute. The current statutes we have were last revised in 1988, I believe. Revising the statutes simply means that you're taking all the amendments that have been passed since the fast time the statutes were amalgamated. You add those amendments to the statute to make it up-to-date. Lawyers know how to find the amendments so that they know the current status of the law. However, most other people, who are not lawyers, don't know that. They'll go and get a statute from the books in the law library that are there from 1988 and they']] think that is the law. However, there could be a lot of changes since then and they won't know that.
This work is very, very important. I don't see any problem with it. I suggest we proceed with clause by clause, go home to have a short rest and come back tomorrow. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I believe that was a comment. Is the committee ready for clause by clause?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Clause By Clause
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 773
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 1. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
My question to the Minister is, at the present time, what resources and manpower have been put to looking at the revision of the Wildlife Act to include the Gwich'in wildlife sections?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
We are dealing with Bill 15, and any questions should be related to that bill, I am told. To clause 1. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Is the department working on any other legislation that may have an impact on this amendment?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
legislation that the department is currently working on would be impacted in that they would have to be recommended for the division of the legislation in preparation for division, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause I. Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
What is the time frame for having these revisions done and completed in order to meet this requirement?
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The anticipated time frame is to have it ready for the spring of 1999, and possibly as late as the summer of 1999, depending on the speed of the process. Thank you.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 1.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 2.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Krutko. To clause 7, Mr. Krutko.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 7.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 8.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 9 of Bill 15.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 10.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 11.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Page 2, clause 3. ---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 4.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 5.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 6.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 7 of Bill 15.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 12.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 13.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 14.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 774
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 15 of Bill 15.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 774
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 16.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 17.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 18.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 19.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 20. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 21
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 22.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 23.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 24.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 25.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 26.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
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Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
--Agreed
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 27. Mr. Arlooktoo.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion at this time. I move that clause 27 of Bill 15 be renumbered as subsection 27(1) and the following be added after subsection 27(1):
(2) The Minister may make such arrangements and enter into such agreements as the Minister considers necessary for the translation into Inuktitut of such Acts within the Statutes as the Minister considers should be so translated in view of their public importance.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The motion has been circulated and translated into lnuktitut syllabics. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
An Hon. Member
Question.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 27, as amended.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 28.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 29.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 30.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 31
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 32.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 775
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 33.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 34.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 35.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 36.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 37.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 39. Sorry; pardon my mistake. Clause 38.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 39.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 40.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 4I1of Bill 15.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 42.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 43.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 44.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 45.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 46.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 47.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 48 of Bill 15.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 49.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Now we go back to the preamble. Preamble.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Bill as a whole.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Bill as a whole, as amended.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 776
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Does the committee agree that Bill 15, as amended, is ready for third reading?
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 777
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
---Agreed
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 777
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Bill 15 is now ready for third reading, as amended. I would like to thank the Minister and the witness for appearing before the committee. Thank you very much. Now, what is the wish? Mr. O'Brien.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 777
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
That we report progress.
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 777
The Chair John Ningark
There is a motion on the floor to report progress, and the motion is not debatable. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed? The motion is carried, so I will rise and report progress.
---Carried
Committee Motion 16-13(3): To Amend Clause 27 Of Bill 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The House will come back to order. 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 777
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering bills 12, 14, 6 and 15 and would like to report progress with three motions being adopted, and that bills 14 and 6 are ready for third reading, and that bills 12 and 15 are ready for third reading, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Thank you.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Seconded by Mr. Arlooktoo. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 777
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 777
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.
Bill 7: An Act To Amend The Workers' Compensation Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 7: An Act To Amend The Workers' Compensation Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 7: An Act To Amend The Workers' Compensation Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 7: An Act To Amend The Workers' Compensation Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 7 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Todd.
Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin South, that Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 8 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Todd.
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, that Bill 11, Appropriation Act, 1996-97, be read for the third time.
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 11 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Ng.
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to proceed with third reading of Bill 12.
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Kitikmeot is seeking consent to proceed with third reading of Bill 12. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. You have consent, Mr. Ng.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that Bill 12, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2, be read for the third time.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 777
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried Bill 12 has had third reading. Item 211 third reading of bills. Mr. Dent.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to proceed with third reading of Bill 6.
Bill 12: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 2
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake is seeking consent to deal with third reading of Bill 6. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Dent.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin South, that Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Education Act, S.N.W.T., 1995, c.28, be read for the third time.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Education Act, S.n.w.t., 1995, C.28
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 6 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Todd.
Bill 13: Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kitikmeot, that Bill 13, Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97, be read for the third time.
Bill 13: Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 13: Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 13: Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 13 has had third reading. Mr. Ng.
Bill 13: Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek consent to proceed with third reading of Bill 14.
Bill 13: Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Kitikmeot is seeking consent to deal with third reading of Bill 14. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Keewatin Central, that Bill 14, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 3, be read for the third time.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Your motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 14 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Ng.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to proceed with third reading of Bill 15.
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Kitikmeot is seeking consent to deal with third reading of Bill 15. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Ng.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
May 29th, 1996
Page 778
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, that Bill 15, Statute Revision Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 15: Statute Revision Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 15 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Erasmus.
Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicles Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act, be read for the third time.
Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicles Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion.
Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicles Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 778
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicles Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 779
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 5 has had third reading. Item 21, third reading of bills. Prior to bringing the Commissioner into the Chamber to assent to bills, I would request that when Her Honour enters the Chamber that you remain standing for the playing of 0 Canada and feel free to join in. It is my understanding that Her Honour is available to assent to bills. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if Her Honour the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, is prepared to enter the Chamber to assent to bills?
---O Canada
Commissioner's Closing Comments
Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicles Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 779
Commissioner Maksagak
Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon. Before I give assent to bills, I would like to make a few brief comments and wish Members a happy and healthy summer.
Since I had the pleasure of swearing in Members last November, I am aware you have been active and very busy with committee meetings and sittings of the Legislative Assembly. This particular session has been a long one and Members have had to make a number of tough decisions that will affect constituents in the coming months. These decisions have not been easy.
Members have begun the process of tackling the deficit and improving the efficiency of this government, but many challenges remain. Being away from one's family and home makes these decisions more difficult. Hopefully, the summer will allow Members to rejuvenate and spend time with families before the fall session resumes.
Next month, I will have the pleasure of hosting, on the behalf of the Northwest Territories, their Excellencies, the Governor General and Mrs. LeBlanc. The Governor General and his wife will visit Yellowknife and the Hay River Reserve June 19th to 21st. While in Hay River, the Governor General will celebrate the First National Aboriginal Day.
The Governor General regrets he will be unable to visit Nunavut on his first trip to the Northwest Territories. However, he has assured me he would be pleased to visit Nunavut on his next trip to the North.
I would like to wish you all a peaceful, safe and happy summer.
Assent To Bills
Assent To Bills
Page 779
Commissioner Maksagak
As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, it gives me pleasure to assent to the following bills: 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; and, Bill 15, Statute Revision Act. Thank you.
---Applause
Assent To Bills
Assent To Bills
Page 779
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The House will come back to order. Before we adjourn for the day, I would like to, first of all, thank the Members, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and the three assistant clerks, the technicians, the kitchen staff, the Legislative Assembly staff, the translators and the media.
---Applause
Also, the Pages and the Sergeant-at-Arms.
---Applause
Have a good and safe summer.
Item 22, Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Page 780
Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
Mr. Speaker, there will be a meeting of the Caucus at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Orders of the day for Wednesday, October 2, 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
18. Second Reading of Bills
19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters - 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 780
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, October 2, 1996, at 1:30 p.m.
---ADJOURNMENT
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