Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Good morning. I wish to inform the House that today is a very special day for one of our Members. The youngest Member in the House, the Member for the High Arctic, Mr. Barnabas, is a year older today. Happy Birthday, Mr. Barnabas.

-- Applause

Happy Birthday!

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

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow history will be marked in the Northwest Territories. On January 25, 1997, the first graduates from the Aurora College Nursing Program will receive their diplomas. What started out as a dream in the early 1970s, has become a reality. We now have northerners who have been able to receive a quality nursing education program right here in the Northwest Territories.

The Department of Health and Social Services is proud to have been a partner with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Aurora College and the Northwest Territories Registered Nurses' Association in this program's development.

These nursing graduates began their first year of academic preparation in 1993 through the Nursing Access Program. They have studied diligently through two additional years of nursing education and have completed a four-month senior practicum in an acute care hospital in the Northwest Territories.

Most recently, on January 22, they wrote the national standardized exams of the Canadian Nurses Association Testing Service. Successful completion of these exams will qualify them to be licensed as registered nurses.

Developing a northern workforce continues to be a priority of this government. With the graduation of these 11 northerners, we move one step closer to that goal. It is the beginning of a northern registered nurses workforce that reflects the population it serves - Northerners caring for Northerners.

The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to helping NWT nursing graduates become integrated into the workforce. To that end, a Nurse Mentorship Program has been developed and is ready to be launched with this graduating class.

The Nurse Mentorship Program will provide an opportunity for new NWT nurse graduates to gain important work experience under the guidance of an experienced nurse acting as their mentor. It is a unique way for nurses to help nurses.

I would like to recognize the first graduates of the Aurora College Nursing Program: from Yellowknife: Ms Lisa Bossert, Ms Maggie Jacobs, Ms Deana Kobasiuk, Ms Lester Maw, Ms Jennifer Menzies and Ms Jennifer Tweed; from Inuvik, Ms Karin Binder; from Iqaluit, Ms Jean Furtan and Ms Cate Lauzon; from Fort Smith, Ms Dawn Lappin; and from Cambridge Bay, Ms Kim Quilluniq.

On behalf of all my honourable colleagues, I would like to salute the Class of 1996 and wish them well in making the transition from student to registered nurse. Congratulations! Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, the government has reviewed and considered the recommendation from the Standing Committee on Government Operations to defer the amalgamation of the NWT Housing Corporation with the Departments of Transportation, and Public Works and Services.

In response, let me start by saying that, as a government, we recognize the time and consideration the Committee put into reviewing this document. In discussing the report tabled in the House earlier this week, we were pleased to see that the Committee agrees the proposed amalgamation would, if accepted, take us one step closer to creating a more efficient and effective government. We are also pleased to receive comments and alternate options from them on how we could reduce duplication and improve coordination among the three departments. And finally, we agreed and acknowledge along with the Committee that division is indeed quickly approaching.

But while we all appear to agree on these fundamental points, overall what the Committee is telling us are all of the reasons why we cannot, or should not, proceed with this amalgamation. Therefore, I think it is important at this time to take a few moments to revisit why this amalgamation proposal was put on the table in the first place.

This initiative is not simply one aimed at cutting the budget, or creating a more efficient and effective government structure. While it is noteworthy that this amalgamation would produce a leaner, less expensive government structure, and it would create cost savings -- minimal at first, but up to $3 to $5 million a year beginning in 1998-99 -- the amalgamation proposal is really aimed at two key things.

First, it was an attempt to better meet and serve the needs of our clients --the people of the north. What we who are in government often forget is that the people who need to access the services do not care about how the services are managed, or who manages them. What people care about is that what they need is available to them when they need it. When you go to a grocery store, do you really think or care about how the food got to the store, about the person who stocked the shelf, about the person who manages the store, or about how that store was able to buy that product in the first place?

The second key reason behind this amalgamation is preparation for division. It is about laying the groundwork for the future of two new and progressive governments, and about improving financial and structural situations that they would inherit as part of our legacy to them. It would be an easy solution to put off any new initiative until 1999 -- to push this kind of difficult decision onto the elected officials for the two new governments, in which, if I can remind everyone here, people in this House may play a role. But this government believes that would be a step backwards. It would mean turning our backs on a situation we could fix today, while it is still one problem for one government, not a problem for two governments.

In the government's review of the comments from the Standing Committee on Government Operations, we recognize we do not have the support to fulfil this positive and productive initiative. That is to say the least, disappointing. However, in an attempt to work with our colleagues in the House, we are prepared -- based upon the input provided -- to defer this initiative. But let me be clear. While this government is not going ahead with amalgamation at this time, we firmly believe it was necessary and right for the people of the north today, and in the future.

This amalgamation was a good idea in that it was aimed directly at improving services and programs for the people who elected us to serve. But as the Premier has stated many times, this government also believes in working together with all of the Members in this House to best serve the people of the north. This is what consensus government is all about. Therefore, we are prepared to work with you on this issue to help you see the long-term benefits for the north, and to see beyond the short-term workload and challenges it may cause.

Mr. Speaker, let me remind Members of the Premier's comments earlier this week, and in fact, over the past year. Good effective leadership is about making the hard decisions. About accepting the short term pain for the long term benefits of change such as this. We have the opportunity to improve this situation now. An opportunity which will diminish over time as we move closer to division, and as we develop a more complicated set of problems.

Given the lack of support shown in this House, we cannot proceed with this initiative. If Members do not believe amalgamation offers us a good opportunity, we invite them to offer us other ideas that will address the issues this amalgamation proposal is designed to address. In our minds, postponing this kind of decision, and making it the responsibility of a future government is not good government. Nor is it what we were elected to do. In fact, it is the opposite.

For the record, Mr. Speaker, this government believes the amalgamation initiative was the right thing to do. While the process may need some fine tuning, the outcome is vital. It is our hope for the next two years that we will still be able to make decisions that will improve the quality of life and the quality of services this government offers to people no matter what part of this territory they call home. How many more issues are we going to shift to the plates of the two new governments, rather than do the jobs we were elected to do? Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I find it rather ironic that just days after our Grand Chief, myself, and our honourable colleague, Mr. Ootes brought forward our concerns regarding the safety of No. 3 Highway between Rae and Yellowknife, I find myself again standing in the House to

inform our Members that last night one transport truck travelling this road did in fact go into the ditch and flip over onto its top, resulting in depositing some of its contents onto the lake.

I hope that the Minister was informed of this matter, and that the content was not dangerous goods material. I do not have any details of this accident. However, it is important to know that, hopefully, we will be able to prevent any further accidents. I also hope that the Department of Transportation is informed that these type of goods are travelling on this road. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in this Chamber I raised the issue concerning the families in the community of Rankin Inlet that were evicted from their homes in the dead of winter. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we all agree that we all must live up to our responsibilities whether it be paying rent on time ...

Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Todd, your point of order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My honourable colleague indicated that families have been evicted from homes in Rankin Inlet. It is my understanding from discussions yesterday with my community, which is my constituency, that they have not been evicted. Thank you.

Mr. Todd, I cannot make any ruling on your point of order until I hear the statement. I have not heard the statement to make any type of ruling. Mr. O'Brien, continue.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we all agree that people must be responsible for their rents and other associated costs to which they have agreed. The intent of my statement yesterday was to indicate the fact of the timing when people may be evicted from their homes. I think we all agree that it should not take place in the dead of winter. By the same token, I am not saying that it is appropriate or proper for people not to pay their rents or whatever the cause of the evictions were.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report today that I had a call early this morning from Mr. Peter Ernerk from Rankin, stating that the families that were asked to leave their homes have been returned and special arrangements have been made. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Mr. Todd, do you still wish to make a point of order?

Yes, it is my understanding and I could check Hansard, Mr. Speaker, that my honourable colleague indicated that these families have been evicted. I think that is inaccurate and I just want to make my position clear.

Mr. Todd, you do not have a point of order. I believe this statement does affect all the people in the north. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked the Minister of Finance about possible revenue generation opportunities. Mr. Speaker, the Minister, in response to my question said no, no, no. Mr. Speaker, it is about time, as a territory, that we developed a scheme, a plan, a way of alleviating dependence on the federal treasury. We have to broaden our economic base, create jobs and opportunities. Taxes are seen as a negative way to generate revenue. The sin taxes on cigarettes and alcohol have wide support. Introduction of Lotto 649, for example, put a part of the revenue generation back into the coffers of the NWT by the Western Lottery Corporation.

The Minister of Finance should look at the introduction of VLTs or Video Lottery Terminals. The cash flow from these items as, demonstrated in Alberta, has had significant revenue generation for that jurisdiction. Now, Mr. Speaker, are we going to sit on our hands, worry and fret, or are we going to get proactive and bring in the extra revenue and target it to the social programs area? How many Delta Houses or continued lay-offs will we have to go through before other options are contemplated by this government? Mr. Speaker, the budget of Mr. Todd will be brought down next week. Will it give northerners hope for the future? Will it demonstrate some advancement on the revenue side of government?

Last night, Mr. Speaker, I sat alone in my small apartment and asked myself, why am I here in Yellowknife? Is the political life worth the sacrifices and petty sniping that occurs from across the hall. I quickly came to the decision that I was here to make a difference for my children and my family. I do not want to contemplate a future for them in the region of the country that will inherit a large debt and have no way to pay for it.

On the eve of Mr. Todd's second budget, my wish is that we explore the revenue generation side of government. With less than 800 days before division, Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking. Tick, tick, tick. Mr. Todd is talking. Talk, talk, talk. Walk the walk, talk the talk to our friend, the Finance Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Picco. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues this morning. As of today, I just want to make a point regarding our region of Baffin Island. I have gone to my constituency about gender equality, and so on. I just want to state further on this issue, regarding gender equality. I totally agree with gender equality. For example, there are numerous women in the workforce. I am very proud of them. Also, women are involved in issues for our future as government employees. If there is a misunderstanding on this issue, if women feel they are being excluded by me, that is not my intention. I just wanted to clarify that I fully support gender equality. Thank you very much. (Translation ends)

Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas. Okay. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to make a statement regarding our wildlife. I understand they are being researched. It has been ongoing. There are a few things I do not really agree with. They put animals to sleep prior to doing their research. There are numerous things that are connected to those proceedings. The main problem is the major reduction in our budget. They want to do further research on our game and wildlife. Back home, we depend on the wildlife. With the ongoing research, how are we going to preserve our wildlife, if there is going to be a major reduction in the budget in that area? I sympathize with those who are trying to keep up with their jobs, but we also have to survive on our food. I just want this to be for the research. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Thank you, Mr. Evaloarjuk. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Members' statements. Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement is on the amalgamation of the infrastructure departments, the decision that Mr. Arlooktoo spoke of earlier today. Let me make this clear. I appreciate the fact that the government is willing to defer amalgamation, and are willing to work with us on this issue. However, I do not like the inference that I am not doing my duties by not agreeing to amalgamate these departments.

First of all, when I was elected I did not say that I was coming here to agree with everything that the government put forward. Secondly, I do not like the inaccuracies in the statement. The Deputy Premier suggests that the Committee agrees, the proposed amalgamation will, if accepted, take us one step closer to creating a more efficient and effective government.

The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent, Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was saying, we have not had time to evaluate the amalgamation into the RWED department. We need that time, if we are going to amalgamate these other departments, to make sure we do not make the same mistakes. Mr. Speaker, I also firmly believe that good government is about maintaining stability and public confidence. That is what Government Operations committee is talking about. I would like to reiterate that I do appreciate the fact that the government is deferring the amalgamation and that they want to work with us, but I do not appreciate them putting words into the committee's mouths. So, I think for now, maybe, we will just agree that we disagree on what good government is. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Roland.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Krutko.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

Mahsi cho. The Deputy Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, the usual practices for Ministers, when asked by ordinary MLAs is that we do not have the answers in front of us or answers ready. We do have office staff, monitoring what is said in this House, and there is further research or other questions that need to be answered that we do not have the answers immediately. Those are taken to the departments. A lot of times, that is the case. Further research and further calls have to be made to the regions or the communities to see exactly what is going on. It depends on the situation.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker. I would like to share the memory that all the questions and concerns raised by MLAs are taken very seriously and taken as part of the consideration when we are making decisions. You have to remember that every single Minister in this House was elected by the Assembly, and is therefore accountable and answerable to this Assembly.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, the point the Member raised that I would agree with is that part of the reason we were elected is to represent our constituents on certain constituency issues. But it is also our responsibility to raise options and possible solutions when we raise a problem. Also at some times we look beyond our constituencies to see what is best for the entire territory and the public good.

Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I can inform the Member that there is a mechanism to ensure that questions are answered. Questions that are raised in the House are answered to the Member, whether it is through written response or reply or in person. We do have the mechanism in place for that. Whether the response satisfies the person, that is something totally different. Individual Ministers have responsibilities with what goes on in their departments. Right now they have severe restrictions on spending. There is very little flexibility to move. There are two points. There is a mechanism to make sure that questions are answered but we can never guarantee that the answer that we give a Member is one that he or she likes.

Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

Point of order.

What is your point of order?

Is there a policy in place, and can I get that policy? That was the question.

That is not a point of order. Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

The Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in light of the recent tragedy in Tuk, and the previous situation in Iqaluit with the child who was severely burnt, what is the process from the Minister of Justice and Health, on these situations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Justice. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not certain of the thrust of the honourable Member's question. The unfortunate incidents have happened. There was the proper involvement with the incidents and the circumstances that led up to those tragic events that happened in both of those cases, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Picco, supplementary.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the concerns coming out of the Iqaluit incident was the situation regarding the Young Offenders' Act, and how the Act seems to be circumventing the situation in regards to the discipline, and so on, with this type of incident. My supplementary question to the Minister of Justice, Mr. Ng is, has the Minister been in contact with the federal authorities, about these problems that are seemingly present with the Young Offender's Act? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no. The fact remains that the disciplinary action was not deemed as a priority. The priorities in this circumstance were to see that adequate treatment and counselling were available to the individuals involved in these circumstances, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a tragedy like this, it is very stressful and difficult on the front line staff. I wonder, has the Minister of Social Services directed, or sent out a directive, to his front line staff? Has the staff received extra training or counselling in this area?

I agree with the Member's question, but I realize that Mr. Ng is the Minister of Justice, and he is also the Minister of Health and Social Services. If you are asking him as the Minister of Justice, then you have to continue in that line of questioning. If you change to the Minister of Health, then that is treated as a new question. Mr. Picco.

Thank you. Sometimes it gets kind of confusing which hat someone is wearing. Maybe, the Minister then, in my supplementary question, could tell me has he sent out any type of directive to his departmental staff on issues of this matter? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, I have not sent any directives out in this matter, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a parent with three small children, I think this type of incident really hits home. I wonder if the Minister can inform the House then, if there has been no directive to his employees, will he be looking at working with his front line staff to give them some direction on what they should be doing to be proactive, and hopefully prevent another occurrence? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will not be putting forward any new directives, and putting policies into place that would change. I do not think that the matter in which we handle these types of situations, there are policies in place. Unfortunately, you cannot predict when these types of situations develop. You cannot predict the future, so we have to deal with them post-tragedy, post-incident, and I will continue to do so in as an adequate fashion as we can respond, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question will be to the Minister of Renewable Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi. Mr. Kakfwi delivered a document in this House a couple of days ago, the NWT Protected Area Strategy, and some time ago, I had asked the Minister a question on this particular strategy, and it was concerns that were raised by the mining industry, in particular, as to not being as involved as they felt that they should have been in the process. I congratulate the Minister, as I see that in early March, there is a meeting in Inuvik, in which all of the participants have been invited to attend. Can the Minister apprise me of meetings that he has had with the mining industry to alleviate their concerns and bring them onside to this important initiative?

The Minister of Renewable Resources. Mr. Kakfwi.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

No questions.

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

The Minister of Transportation. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the accident that happened at kilometre 286 last night on the highway to Rae-Edzo, at that curve and the load was bags of cement, and there were no injuries. The RCMP are investigating. That is what I have been told today, just to clarify that particular incident. Over the years, as I have travelled on the highways numerous times, I have seen a lot of different accidents over the years, not only on that section, but throughout the highway systems.

I have been told by a crew in Fort Providence that since they improved the highway between Providence and Yellowknife, there have been fewer, almost no accidents and no fatalities, as a result of the improvement in the road conditions. The only section that we have which is extremely bad and needs repairing is the section between Rae and Yellowknife. I informed the Members yesterday, that the department is seriously looking at that, and hopefully we have money approved to start reconstruction in the next few years. As for the speed limit, like I said the other day, I have not made a commitment to lower it, but if that is the direction that I am hearing from Members of this House and members of the public for added safety then we will seriously consider it. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department's transport officers who patrol this section of the highway with the radar, report that not many large trucks actually exceed the posted speed limit by more than a few kilometres per hour and the intention here is to increase the enforcement presence during the winter haul seasons. We would like to assure the Members that speeding will be given a very low tolerance. His suggestion to lower speed limits for trucks on the Fort Rae - Yellowknife section of the Highway No. 3, there are jurisdictions that deal with speed limits and are generally applied on multi-lane highways with designated passing lanes, which we do not have in this section of the road. The department feels strongly that to introduce dual speed limits will create even greater safety hazards than we have, because the slower mover vehicles will have a big train of vehicles back behind it. Given the conditions of the highway, maintaining the steady traffic flow, and strictly enforcing the speed limit seem to be the best approaches at this time, but if the Members feel strongly and the citizens that use this highway feel strongly that for yet added safety we lower the speed limit, then we will do it. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the enforcements arm of the Department of Transportation has a reputation among the truckers as being extremely strict, compared to southern jurisdictions. We hear that all the time. In fact, I have heard complaints since being Minister of Transportation that we are in fact too strict and too vigilant at times, by the trucking industry, and so we have both sides of the story. There are weight limits when the trucks enter the Northwest Territories there is a weigh scale over by Enterprise that takes the weights and makes sure that the loads for safety and dangerous goods are adhered to. We have highway patrol, if they see any trucks that seem to be in question, they are stopped immediately, and are questioned and checked.

In regards to the heavy loads that are going on our highway system, as I indicated the other day to the honourable Member from Hay River's question, I am told that for the chip seal and the paving that we have in the winter time is the best time for heavy loads because the roads are frozen and can bear heavy tonnage, more so than in the summer months. Therefore in regards to deterioration of the road, the concern is not as great in the winter time as it is in the summer time. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Deputy Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, we have made that point also, that the Member spoke of, that we are concerned that the model as it was laid out in Footprints 1 and 2 was not costed out. It is a nice elaborate model, but there is no way for us to compare it to anything else because there are no cost estimates. That is a concern we pointed out to the NIC. It is a fairly elaborate exercise to cost out a government model like that. At this point in time, before that model has been thoroughly examined and responded to by the three parties, the GNWT, the federal government, and NTI, I think it is premature to start costing out a model which will likely be modified. So, we will wait until there is further work on it before we cost it out. In fact we think it is a responsibility of the NIC to do that.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I made the comment that the model will likely be restructured or changed a bit because of the fact that the NIC is an advisory body appointed by the three parties to furrow out, to look at options and then to propose models for the three parties to consider. The final model will come after the three parties have talked over it, have done some consultations on it, and agree or come to a consensus on one that meets, as much as possible, the expectations of the people in Nunavut and that is affordable. Affordability is a major concern and probably will have to be the number one factor, because, although we would like to have a government that is as close to the one that we had hoped for as possible, if we cannot afford it, then we will not be able to do it.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.