Debates of Oct. 21st, 1997

This is page numbers 1 - 21 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 5th 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 community.

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Commissioner's Opening Address

Fas/fae Video Launch

Introduction Of Long Distance Competition In The Northwestel Operating Area

Post Division Impact Of Current GNWT Actions

Fort Smith Municipal Election Results

Keewatin Resupply

Fatal Accidents Act

Employment Strategies

Pauktuutit Fas/fae Workshop

Fas/fae Video Launch

Clyde River Bowhead Whale Tourism Initiatives

Issues From The Yellowknife Mla's Constituency Meeting

Retirement Of Jan Stirling

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Public Infrastructure Financing

Environmental Liability Site Inventory

Standards For Mammogram Services

Capital Plan Status - Inuvik Hospital

Keewatin Resupply Initiative

Public/private Partnership Policy

Membership Of Liquor Licensing Board

Request For Proposals Guidelines

Partnership Legislation

Keewatin Resupply Initiative

Municipal Funding Inequity: Rae-edzo

NWT Employment Vision

Tabled Document 1-13(5): Mid-term Review Documents

Mid-term Review Process To Committee Of The Whole

Referral Of Td 1-13(5) To Committee Of The Whole

Setting Of Sitting Hours By Speaker

Bill 1: Power Corporation Act

Bill 2: An Act To Amend The Public Utilities Act

Bill 3: An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act, No. 2

Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act

Bill 4: An Act To Amend The Elections Act

Bill 7: An Act To Amend The Territories Court Act

Item 13: Motions

Mid-term Review Process To Committee Of The Whole

Referral Of Td 1-13(5) To Committee Of The Whole

Setting Of Sitting Hours By Speaker

Item 16: Orders Of The Day

Member's Statement 6-13(5): Pauktuutit Fas/fae Workshop
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 7

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Member's Statement 7-13(5): Fas/fae Video Launch
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 7

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we witnessed the very interesting and moving video regarding FAS/FAE. This video told the ways and means to help our children with these disorders and the frustrations that can be experienced by their children and parents trying to cope with day-to-day living. This video entitled, Helping Families, Helping Children is a 28-minute production that was made in the north by northerners for northern families, organizations interested people to use as a resource to assist people who are working or living with the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Affects residents. Most, if not all stars that were in this video, were northerners telling their stories. It is a very good production that the Yellowknife Association for Community Living has provided. I would like to congratulate these organizations and the Department of Health and Social Services for the excellent work they have done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement 7-13(5): Fas/fae Video Launch
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 7

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Member's Statement 8-13(5): Clyde River Bowhead Whale Tourism Initiatives
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 7

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The community of Clyde River is excited about the possibility of having tourists come to see the bowhead whales. Every August, these whales migrate through Isabella Bay which is south of Clyde River. The community and Hunters and Trappers Association see the whales as being an attraction for tourists. They would like to set up tours to see the whales when they come through here. Tourists can view and take pictures of the bowhead whales and other wildlife. The beautiful community of Clyde River can provide guides for the tourists. The visitors can

travel by land and boat. They can enjoy Inuit culture and the lovely scenery. Clyde River hopes to form a designate Inuit organization that will pursue this tourist trade. The community will provide experienced Inuit guides. The visitors will get to see the midnight sun, the bowhead whales and experience Inuit culture. I support the community in this venture. Thank you.

Member's Statement 8-13(5): Clyde River Bowhead Whale Tourism Initiatives
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 8

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Member's Statement 9-13(5): Issues From The Yellowknife Mla's Constituency Meeting
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 8

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last Thursday night, I and my colleagues, Mr. Henry and Mr. Erasmus, held a constituency meeting. We had a good turnout and it was obvious many people are concerned with issues that require our attention. There was certainly no shortage of concerns. Concerns were raised on the western constitutional process, the diamond valuating and sorting facility, the increase in cost to the public when government privatizes services like vehicle licensing and the need for a northern trauma centre. Questions about why every government directive and regulation that Cabinet deals with seems to have a notwithstanding clause. The student financial assistance program, the victims of crime fund, the need for a consistent policy to remunerate those provide who services as faith healers and funding needs of the North Slave Metis Alliance. All the issues and questions raised are certainly very important and significant but in the interest of time, I will speak only about several here.

Of major concern to some of those present was the state of the local economy and the need to create jobs. For Metis leaders like Bill Enge, Sholto Douglas and Clem Paul of the North Slave Metis Alliance, like many other local leaders and citizens, the location of the diamond valuation and sorting facility in Yellowknife is an important issue. The Metis leaders stressed that the benefits of diamond mining must stay in the north. They urged the Yellowknife MLAs to take a collective supportive position to ensure this facility is operated in our community.

The need for a trauma recovery centre for survivors of sexual abuse was recommended. Trauma cases are now sent to Homewood Facility in Guelph, Ontario at an astronomical expense to this government. Because of the cost and distance, the number of individuals who can participate in that program is restricted. The suggestion was made that a facility here in the north would be more productive. We spend a lot of money, as a government, treating substance abuse but very little on the underlying causes of the abuse, like emotional trauma. The suggestion made by our constituents for a trauma centre deserves our consideration.

A constituent raised an interesting point about the government's privatization program which is costing the government more money now then when the government was providing the service. Mr. Speaker, I note the time is running out on me and I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Member's Statement 9-13(5): Issues From The Yellowknife Mla's Constituency Meeting
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 8

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Member's Statement 9-13(5): Issues From The Yellowknife Mla's Constituency Meeting
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 8

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. As I mentioned, a constituent raised the point about the government's privatization program which is costing the public more money now than when the government was providing the service. For example, a driver's licence which once cost $60 now cost $60 plus $8 service charge and GST on top of the $8. Privatization was supposed to benefit the public as well as the government. That is not happening. The government is still receiving the same $60 without having to pay for the employees, office space and related overhead costs. The Government of the Northwest Territories should reduce this fee to the appropriate level they charged before privatization. In addition, this government has committed to not raise taxes, but the privatization of motor vehicle licences has resulted indirectly for the public to pay taxes on a service fee.

Another item, the Task Force Financial Assistance has prepared a report on its public consultation program conducted this summer. Like my constituents, I am interested in receiving the results and hearing what action the government will take concerning the public's recommendations.

As I said in my opening remarks, there were other issues constituents raised and I will follow those up directly with the government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement 9-13(5): Issues From The Yellowknife Mla's Constituency Meeting
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 8

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Member's Statement 10-13(5): Retirement Of Jan Stirling
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 8

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker about 250 people gathered in the Explorer Hotel last Saturday evening, an occasion to help celebrate the retirement of Jan Stirling. Jan is a respected pioneer in health care delivery in the north for almost three decades. She is extremely well respected in that field. All segments of the community of Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories were involved. Mr. Ng, the Minister of Health and Social Services brought remarks on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Mayor on behalf of the city of Yellowknife. Jan's family also made remarks and I had the honour of being asked to make a comment also. Jan's working colleagues are to be congratulated on the great evening they put on which spoke so well to their love and admiration for Jan as a colleague. I would like to call on all Members of this House to show their appreciation for a long-term government employee for services rendered over and above the call of duty. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Member's Statement 10-13(5): Retirement Of Jan Stirling
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 8

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Member's statements. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ng.