This is page numbers 231 - 261 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was chairman.

Topics

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, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Hon. Manitok Thompson, Hon. John Todd

--- Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 231

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to announce the position Cabinet will take regarding administration of article 24 of the Nunavut final agreement. As Members know, there have been differences of opinion on what article 24 of the NFA requires. This has resulted in ongoing discussions with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated over the past few months on the government's policies and procedures on article 24.

Based upon a careful review of our obligations as set out in the NFA, a review of the positions of the parties at the time of the negotiation of the NFA, and as a result of what I believe were productive discussions with NTI over the course of the past few months, we will be making some amendments to contracting procedures for 1996-97 and beyond.

I felt it was important to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with a short report on the key elements of the approach we will take, not only to fulfil our obligations under article 24 but, more importantly, to ensure that we proceed with economic activity in the Nunavut region in a manner which maximizes access to opportunity for Inuit who are beneficiaries under the Nunavut final agreement. Moving to make sure that Inuit are involved to the maximum degree possible in building infrastructure for Nunavut and in other government-initiated economic activity is, for me, the cornerstone for building a solid foundation for the future of the government and the people of what will become Nunavut in April 1999.

I had hoped to have ready for tabling today a detailed document that would set out precisely how we intend to proceed in future on the article 24 issue. Unfortunately, the document is not yet in final form and it will be another week before I am able to formally table it. I felt it was important, however, to tell Members now and, more importantly, the people of the Nunavut region, about the core elements of how we intend to proceed.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, for me, at the heart of everything we must do in building for Nunavut is the need to aggressively advance access to opportunity for Inuit throughout the region. (Translation ends)

Developing bid adjustments for Inuit firms is not, in my view, the best way, or even a good way, to achieve that objective. What we need to do is move to make certain that, to the maximum degree possible, Inuit firms will get the work available where they have the qualifications to get the job done. Furthermore, we need to vigorously implement training opportunities and economic development seminars that will help Inuit firms to take maximum advantage of the opportunities which should be available to them. We will do that, Mr. Speaker.

Creating opportunities for Inuit firms is important. Even more essential is the need to get Inuit involved as much as possible at every level of economic activity. For me, that is the central and most important aspect of article 24. We need to get people working on building for the future. It is this principle that I have emphasized in instructing my officials to redesign the GNWT approach to article 24.

What this means in real terms is that government, through our revised policy on article 24, is making a clear commitment to enhance existing arrangements by establishing and vigorously enforcing minimum Inuit employment content for contracts with employment components. These minimum employment content levels will very depending on the nature of the contract and the location of the work, but will be published in the tender documents. The guiding principle, as I mentioned earlier, will be to maximize access to opportunity for Inuit. Our goal is to ensure that beneficiaries of the Nunavut claim benefit directly from government expenditures in their communities. The jobs created through this change will go a long way towards providing Nunavut residents with the skills they will need as well as genuine access to opportunity.

On construction contracts and complex goods and service contracts, the government will set a minimum percentage of the service that must be provided by Inuit firms. In the case of an award for professional services, for example, the government will establish evaluation criteria to take into account the need for as much Inuit content as is reasonably possible in proposals. This, in my view, is what matters to people the most.

The government's business incentive policy will continue to be applied in Nunavut, but this will be done in a manner which seeks to level the playing field for new Inuit businesses. Here also, the emphasis will be on skill development and access to opportunity.

Officials are now at work in the development of seminars on bidding and contract procedures to assist Inuit business people to improve their skills in accessing government contracts. The government will make these seminars available to all communities and businesses as they are needed. Contract guidelines will be translated into Inuktitut and tendering procedures will be changed in order to increase the participation of Inuit firms in government contract awards. These procedures will apply to all government contracting authorities.

The government will advertise its intention to negotiate any contract 21 days prior to the award. During this period, if one or more qualified Inuit firms express an interest in the contract, the government will then proceed by way of competitive process. Mr. Speaker, the first such contract will be advertised in northern newspapers within the next week to provide notice of the intent to enter into a negotiated contract with the Igloolik Construction Group to build the fire hall in that community.

Furthermore, I am pleased to advise Members that, together with the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, we will, along with aboriginal groups and small business, be developing yet further options to enhance aboriginal and local access to economic opportunity, not only in the Nunavut region but through the Northwest Territories.

I make no apology for taking the position that through the NWT we should be aggressively moving ahead on increasing aboriginal employment. It should have been done a long time ago, Mr. Speaker. With the support of my colleagues, and particularly Mr. Kakfwi, I intend to exercise the leadership necessary to get the job done.

My Cabinet colleagues and I are satisfied that the changes we are making will address the spirit and intent of article 24 of the NFA. We are confident that the changes will provide an acceptable level of support to beneficiaries. It has taken us longer than it should have to make these important changes, but I am satisfied that taking the time necessary has yielded the best possible result: one which rejects enriching the few in favour of maximizing opportunity for the many in the most equitable way possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Kelvin Ng will be absent from the House for the remainder of the week to attend a federal/territorial/provincial Ministers of Justice meeting in Ottawa. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House about significant progress that was made by aboriginal leaders from the western NWT at the self-government forum held in Yellowknife from April 23 to 25, 1996.

Mr. Speaker, this forum provided an opportunity for First Nations, Metis and Inuvialuit leaders to discuss the implementation of self-government and the development of a new system of government for the Western Arctic Territory.

It is important to note that this is the first time in six years that Dene and Metis leaders from all communities have come together to discuss these important issues. It is the first time ever that the Inuvialuit have been involved in such a gathering.

Leaders attending this forum forged renewed working relationships and built on common goals. Participants noted a new willingness to stand side by side in addressing aboriginal rights, identifying common goals and creating a political climate in which we can make progress on issues which require focused and urgent attention.

For the last two days of the leadership forum, delegates held their meeting in the great hall of the Legislative Assembly and I would like to express appreciation to both you, Mr. Speaker, and to the Premier for the assistance you provided in making these arrangements.

Based on this emerging new relationship and on the results of anticipated future meetings with the summit, we foresee establishing a focused workplan with First Nations, the Metis and the Inuvialuit, as we move toward meeting the challenges of creating new systems of governance in the Western Arctic.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate aboriginal leaders for their successful forum and to express my confidence in the emerging process. This government and the aboriginal leadership are working together and we will continue to work together. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yellowknife residents have been concerned for many years about air pollution. I am pleased to advise you of steps that are being taken to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from local sources in Yellowknife and throughout the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will immediately initiate public consultation on draft regulations to control air emissions from gold roasters. The draft gold roaster discharge control regulations will provide enforceable tools that the Department of Renewable Resources can use to protect our environment from harmful effects caused by the emission of sulphur dioxide. The draft regulations complement the territorial air quality guideline established in 1994 which identifies levels of sulphur dioxide that should not be exceeded in order to prevent environmental and human health problems.

The draft regulations will require all gold roasting operations, including Miramar Con and the Giant Yellowknife Mine, to report their sulphur dioxide emissions. Sulphur dioxide emissions from the Giant Yellowknife Mine will not be allowed to rise above current rates, and changes to their roaster stack will provide significant reductions in air pollution levels. Within 10 years, sulphur dioxide emissions from the Giant roaster would have to be reduced by 90 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that these draft regulations are being distributed to stakeholders for consultation. Members of the public may also obtain copies from the Department of Renewable Resources. Once consultation has been completed, the regulations will be revised and implemented. We are confident that industry can comply with these regulations without affecting their economic viability.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure all Members of this House that this government is serious about protecting the health of our environment and constituents in a manner that still encourages economic development to proceed. Mahsi.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, springtime at the Department of Transportation is that time of year when the department is swamped with telephone calls from the public asking when the ferries will resume service at our five ferry crossings in the Western Arctic. The tremendous interest every year with the ferry service goes to show how, in so many ways, our lives are affected by the transportation system and how, most of the time, we can take it for granted.

The ferries go back into service when the rivers are clear of ice. When exactly that will happen is no more predictable than next week's weather. Historically, our best guess is that the M V Merv Hardie will slide down the Fort Providence slipways into the Mackenzie River some time during the week of May 15th.

The M V Merv Hardie that returns to service this spring is not the same ship that came out of the water last January. Over the winter, work crews cut the ferry in half, inserted a new section of hull and welded it back together 20 feet longer than it was.

The rebuilt Merv Hardie meets Transport Canada's new stability regulations for roll-on/roll-off vessels. More importantly, with its longer deck and greater hull displacement, the Merv Hardie can carry four B-train trucks at a time across the Mackenzie River. Vehicle traffic at the Fort Providence crossing has grown steadily in recent years. Its increased carrying capacity means that the ferry will keep up with the traffic for several more years before we need to replace it with a larger ship.

I am proud to tell the Members that the whole $1.3 million job was done in the North, from start to finish...

--- Applause

... by northern companies and northern workers. The Northern Transportation Company Ltd. did the structural steel work in Hay River and Snowshoe Inn did the installation, fitting and reassembly work on site at Fort Providence.

The Merv Hardie is ready for launch as soon as the ice in the Mackenzie River decides to cooperate. However, before the telephones start ringing, I want to let everyone know that because of the work that has been done on it, the Merv Hardie has to pass two days of trials and testing before it can carry traffic. So once the ferry is in the river, we will have to wait two more days before the Fort Providence crossing can open. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

---Applause

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, my devoted fans.

An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Mr. Speaker, the announced funding for the incremental and transitional costs for Nunavut has caused much concern for several of us here at the Legislative Assembly, as noted over the past couple of days. According to the press conference held by the federal Minister, Mr. Irwin, the announced funding of $150 million was based on the NIC-recommended decentralized model form of government.

Mr. Speaker, that is one of the reasons that Iqaluit was chosen as the new capital of Nunavut by the majority of voters. That is why many Nunavutians supported the decentralized model. The decentralized model of government would ensure that the benefits from decentralization would be evenly spread around Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, the cost of said decentralization, based on numbers in the original NIC report and the Coopers, Lybrand study, would indicate that the decentralization that was anticipated may not happen.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the Nunavut Leaders' Summit in Arviat at the end of the week, to find out what decentralized model the federal government based their numbers on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Picco. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I read with great interest a recent editorial in the Nunatsiaq News about the effect of the reduction in vacation travel benefits on GNWT employees in Nunavut. The editorial pointed out that most ordinary people don't get a VTA benefit at all, that government employees are lucky to have had that benefit. I agree. The editorial also pointed out that when you take into account the loss of vacation travel benefits, people with families are hit harder than single people...

Some Hon. Members

Shame. Shame.

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

... and people who live in remote communities like those communities in my constituency, lose even more. I also agree with these points made in the editorial.

However, Mr. Speaker, the editorial goes on to say that the loss of the VTA may not be important if it is considered as a recreational benefit and not as income.

Of course, those people are fortunate to have government jobs. However, Mr. Speaker, let us not forget that these people are doing very difficult jobs and are working under increasing stress. They are expected to work even harder, with fewer resources, even as their cost of living increases very fast.

Take a look at the situation of an employee who lives in staff housing, for example. My constituents who work for the government have seen step increases in their staff housing rents and have recently been required to pay for utilities. Sharp increases in the cost of staff housing have made it very difficult for many government employees, especially those who are supporting their own and extended families with their wages. In many cases, they are trapped in increasingly expensive staff housing. To make it worse, unlike better developed communities with a private rental market, my constituents who work for the government don't have any alternatives to living in staff housing.

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

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. The Member for High Arctic is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Barnabas.

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With no wage increases for years and sharp increases in the cost of living, they certainly can't afford to build their own houses either.

So how does the VTA benefit fit into this picture? Mr. Speaker, Nunatsiaq News suggests that the VTA is now what they call "an outdated relic of colonial times, when it was assumed that the territorial government's workforce would be made up of transient southerners who need extra incentives to live and work in the far north." Mr. Speaker, that does not describe the situation today. Most of my constituents who work for the GNWT are long-term Northerners. They are working in remote communities because they are committed to serving the public; as teachers, nurses or social workers, for example. For them, the VTA is not a recreational benefit. It has become an increasingly essential part of their income at a time when the cost of living and housing has increased very sharply. For my Inuit constituents who should be encouraged to work for the government, the VTA is most often used to finance family trips on the land and to allow the family to buy an outboard motor or skidoo for year-round use. The VTA income was especially valuable to these employees because when spent on vacation travel, whether in the South or in the North, it was a tax-free benefit. Cutting the VTA means employees lose not only what they consider to be an income, but also a tax-free benefit.

For my constituents who are doing these difficult jobs, Mr. Speaker, on the front lines in our communities, the VTA is considered as income, and the larger families who are further away from Yellowknife are the ones who are hit the hardest.

I am not concerned whether this is called unfair to Nunavut or not. What I am concerned about is that these front-line workers are getting discouraged. They are starting to feel that their employer does not appreciate their dedication and experience. What I am also concerned about is that employees with larger families who live in remote communities are losing more. Is this fair and equitable? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday evening, the Minister of Finance came to Fort Smith for a community meeting; the first community he was to visit to discuss this budget. I would like to thank Mr. Todd for making that effort.

--- Applause

As soon as the Minister is finished clapping for himself, I'll conclude my statement.

--- Laughter

There were about 30 people who showed up and there was a frank, far-ranging discussion. I would like to point out that Mr. Todd was neither hectored, vilified or pilloried by any of the people in Fort Smith.

--- Laughter

He would have been if Mr. Picco had been there.

I would like to thank the Minister, and I think it's important that we take that kind of information to the public and stress the need not only to cut the deficit, but to move forward in the area of employment and development, and to take the focus off of government and onto the private sector and economy. So, thank you.

--- Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 13, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.