This is page numbers 1455 - 1489 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 4th 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 clause.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Jim Antoine, Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Miltenberger, Honourable Don Morin, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Honourable John Todd.

Oh, God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people, for peace and justice in our land and for the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Minister's Statement 110-13(4): Transition Action Plan
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the GNWT' draft Transition Action Plan for the creation of two new territories. This plan reaffirms our commitment to creating two new territories in the most orderly and responsible manner possible. It also identifies many of the challenges that will face all parties if we are to ensure a successful transition from one territorial government to two. Mr. Speaker, it is important to state at the outset that we recognize that a significant portion of the detail in this plan deals with Nunavut. I want to assure Members of this House, as the Premier stated in his opening comments for this session, that we will be supplementing this plan with one that provides more detail on the transition costs for the new Western Territory within the next 40 days.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for western transition planning, the Honourable Charles Dent, will be tabling in this House next week a further report that focuses more strictly on the issues related to the transition to a new Western Territory. Mr. Speaker, there are many players in the implementation process: the Interim Commissioner, the Western Coalition, the federal government, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Nunavut Implementation Commission and the Caucuses of this Legislative Assembly. All of the parties have made significant efforts in the planning phase, however, the time for planning is over and the time for action and implementation has begun.

Mr. Speaker, the fundamental purpose behind tabling this document today is to provide an outline of the steps that need to be taken to see us through the transition period and to create two functioning governments on April 1, 1999. It is important to stress, Mr. Speaker, that this document represents our best analysis of the current situation and is being offered to all of the parties in a spirit of cooperation and partnership. It is simply advice and nothing more.

Although the GNWT will continue to be the government in Nunavut until April 1, 1999, we have no legal mandate to implement transition measures in Nunavut. It is clear that transitional responsibility rests with the Interim Commissioner and the federal government. As I, and my other Cabinet colleagues have stressed over the past two years, the GNWT will do whatever it can to support this process, recognizing that we are dependent, to a large extent, on others to make some critical decisions and on the provision of reasonable funding from the federal government. Mr. Speaker, in developing this plan, critical information was gathered from all departments. Using key assumptions, we have mapped out the actions and costs necessary for the creation of two new territories by April 1, 1999. Most of the costs identified are not funds that would flow directly to this government, but rather through the office of the Interim Commissioner and the Nunavut government.

The plan assumes that critical headquarters functions will be up and running in Nunavut on April 1, 1999, but that other headquarters positions will not yet be in place. Mr. Speaker, this reality is accepted by all parties and forms the basis for existing federal funding assumptions. Mr. Speaker, another important consideration in the development of the plan is the revised schedule for completion of the infrastructure required in many Nunavut communities. This new schedule will result in further administrative challenges in managing the transition period, particularly for the office of the Interim Commissioner. There are many core functions that must be in place (either staffed or contracted) for Nunavut to operate as a government on April 1, 1999.

Mr. Speaker, there will very likely be a need for the Nunavut government to request the Western Territory to provide some services under contract on a cost recovery basis for a period of time. It is important that decisions on contracting be made soon to allow the west to retain the key human resources required to provide these services should agreement be reached on this key issue.

Another critical area is that of systems. Governments depend on all types of systems to run and provide services, such as health, motor vehicles and courts. These systems need to be in place early and it takes money and lead time to do this. Key decisions must be made and adequate funding must be put in place very soon to ensure that these systems are in place for the Nunavut government on April 1, 1999. The plan identifies significant transition costs leading up to and after April 1, 1999. These affect both west and east and include such costs as staffing, removal expenses, office space and data management systems. Mr. Speaker, as Members are aware the federal government has already provided $150 million in funding for the transition to a new Nunavut government. While this funding was and is extremely important in moving the process forward, it is important to point out that the federal government had to allocate this funding without the detailed information that we now have at hand for both the east and west. For example, Mr. Speaker, key staffing decisions such as the hiring of deputy ministers, Legislative Assembly staff and many of the other central legal, financial systems and personnel staff need to be made as soon as possible. These decisions may result in costs that were not anticipated in the federal government's original transition plan.

The total amount of resources required, as identified in the draft plan, exceed those funds identified by the federal government to date. It is fair to say that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been concerned about these transitional costs for some time, but this document now quantifies the additional financial resources that will be required for implementation. Mr. Speaker, I spoke with the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development about this matter last month and our officials have been meeting to consider how best to deal with these concerns. I am pleased to inform the House that Minister Stewart has agreed to a table that will allow all parties to assess the transition costs identified by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

--Applause

It is important to point out, Mr. Speaker, that it is our view that significant progress must be made on the resolution of these outstanding costs so the creation of Nunavut and the Western Territory becomes a reality. Given the current fiscal position of the Government of the Northwest Territories, there is no provision within our current budget for transitional costs nor is there any flexibility to redirect funding to this end. Simply put, the Government of the Northwest Territories cannot shoulder the costs to the detriment of program funding for the existing GNWT and the future Nunavut and western territorial governments. At a minimum, we are looking to the federal government for assurance that a reasonable level of funding to cover the transition costs, as outlined in the plan, will be covered off.

A few examples of the issues and the estimated cost of implementation:

- recruiting for Nunavut headquarters positions - $20 million

- regional office decentralization - $18 million

- headquarters down-sizing, office space rationalization - $11 million

The need for additional funding to ensure an adequate transition cannot be understated. A clear and timely commitment from the federal government is vital to the implementation process. Nevertheless there is much that can and must occur, to get the ball rolling-decision points for many of these issues rest with the Interim Commissioner:

- hiring of critical senior staff must begin immediately,

- decisions on computer systems must be made immediately,

- requests to the GNWT for contracting back for services not yet fully functional by 1999 must be made very soon.

Mr. Speaker, any discussion of transition measures, particularly as they relate to Nunavut, would not be complete without considering the issue of decentralization. As Members of this House are aware, the Government of the Northwest Territories has continually supported the concept of a decentralized government for Nunavut so long as it was efficiently designed and that adequate federal financing was made available. The Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to the implementation of the decentralized model of government for Nunavut on this basis.

Mr. Speaker, the draft transition plan deals specifically with the steps that are required to ensure that decentralization proceeds. It includes an estimate of approximately $18 million as the one-time costs associated with decentralization. In our view, this information will be critical to the office of the Interim Commissioner and the future Nunavut government to ensure that decentralization occurs as quickly and efficiently as possible. Mr. Speaker, this plan is not a request by the GNWT for $136 million. This plan is really an alert to all of the parties that there are significant transition costs associated with creating two territories. This plan is a guide for action. It is not a perfect document nor does it contain all of the answers, however, it does outline the order of magnitude to the task at hand. We hope that all of the parties, particularly the Interim Commissioner and the federal government, will take this information and use it as a guide for action.

Mr. Speaker, creating two territories is a massive challenge-one which few governments have ever had to deal with. This transitional action plan offers a path towards that goal and also provides a realistic assessment of the opportunities and constraints along the way. I hope that all of the parties will view it accordingly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Minister's Statement 110-13(4): Transition Action Plan
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Minister's Statement 111-13(4): NWT Literacy Week
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week has been designated Literacy Week across the Northwest Territories. It provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the importance of literacy in our lives and the role it plays in strengthening our society. In this age of economic, social and political change; literacy means more than the basic ability to read and write. Literacy skills include a person's ability to understand and use information. These skills are essential in a world where daily living requires complex thinking and communication skills.

The importance of a literate society can be measured in terms of people's ability to find jobs and their success in the workplace, participation in further education and training opportunities or active participation in the social and cultural life of communities. Our ability to maintain and support our cultural traditions is also linked directly to literacy. The ability to read and write in aboriginal languages ensures that these languages remain vital and have a valid place within northern society. Literacy is an issue that requires the attention and support of all northerners. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has developed partnerships with the colleges, community-based organizations, business and industry and the federal government to deliver a variety of projects across the Northwest Territories. This year, these partnerships have supported the delivery of more than 50 projects through the Community Literacy Projects fund, the Workplace Education program and the Aboriginal Languages Literacy program. With the support of the National Literacy Secretariat, both Aurora College and Nunavut Arctic College are involved in the delivery and support of literacy projects as well.

Another important partner is the NWT Literacy Council. The Literacy Council is playing an increasingly important role in developing and maintaining links among literacy practitioners across the Northwest Territories and in providing support to communities in the development of sustainable literacy programming. Every year during Literacy Week, the NWT Literacy Council sponsors the "Read for 15" challenge. Residents across the NWT are invited to read for 15 minutes, and then phone the NWT Literacy Council to record their participation. Schools, the colleges, community groups and individuals all take part. Last year, thousands of people took up the challenge. Today is the day the "Read for 15" challenge is being held this year. I would, therefore, like to issue a friendly challenge to all Members of this Assembly to read for 15 minutes, then call the Literacy Council here in Yellowknife, or alternatively, a school or learning centre in your home community to ensure your participation is recorded.

On behalf of the government, I would like to commend the hard work and dedication shown by both literacy learners and practitioners in their commitment to a more literate society in the Northwest Territories.

Minister's Statement 111-13(4): NWT Literacy Week
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise today on behalf of the Members of the Nunavut Caucus to indicate our collective support for the government's transition plan for the creation two new territories-the Transition Action Plan that the Honourable John Todd has outlined in his Minister's statement and which will be tabled in this House later today.

Mr. Speaker, Members of Nunavut Caucus recognize that this plan is not, I repeat not a blue print for decentralized Nunavut government as proposed in Footprint 2 and agreed to by all parties. This is a concern to us all, Mr. Speaker, and to all our constituents that the implementation of the decentralized government structure is not the responsibility of the GNWT nor is it possible to achieve in the few short months remaining.

While we recognize that fact, Mr. Speaker, we also recognize we have a duty to the people of Nunavut and that duty is to ensure an orderly transition to a reportable, functioning government in Nunavut on April 1, 1999.

In the 18 short months remaining, we must move quickly within our mandate to establish as many functioning components of Nunavut government as we realistically can within the limit of the transitional fund provided by the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, in the absence of any other plan or direction we believe this government has taken the necessary steps to develop a realistic plan that proposes to do the most we can and the least we must do to ensure essential government function in Nunavut on April 1, 1999.

Of course, this is subject to federal recognition and remuneration of the transition costs laid out in the plan. Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence. Mr. Speaker, we must move now. Members of the Nunavut Caucus are hopeful that this transitional plan will receive a favourable response from all colleagues in the west, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, our partners in the east and particularly the office of the Interim Commissioner.

We must move forward together, Mr. Speaker. Our pace must be swift if we are to accomplish even the minimal, yet crucial task this plan calls for. We may be able to do more, Mr. Speaker; but not alone. It will take the combined and co-operative effort of all parties to achieve our goal of the functioning Nunavut government on April 1, 1999.

That will only be the beginning, Mr. Speaker. We have not given up on our dream of a decentralized Nunavut government that is, responsive and responsible to all our people. That is what they want, Mr. Speaker. That is what they need.

Mr. Speaker, but we can only assure that dream if we move now to establish a foundation on which to build the model we want. Individually, we are all disappointed that we are not further along in our preparation for our new government and our new territory, Mr. Speaker; but we are at the critical point in what will come to be known as the history of Nunavut and we must move forward in concert and with conviction. Mr. Speaker, our history and our future will be reflected of our dreams. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today as chair of the Western Caucus to offer my comments on the governments draft transition plan for the creation of two new territories. This plan is an important step in detailing both the transition measures that need to be taken and the costs associated with that transition from now until April 1, 1999.

It is clear that a lot of work needs to be done to put into place the infrastructure, staff and systems required for the Nunavut Government. Mr. Speaker, the one clear message from this plan is if the creation of two new territories is going to be done in an orderly way, the federal government must assume its obligation to pay all transition costs related to both new territories.

Ultimately, it is the federal government which has responsibility to create two viable new territories. Without federal leadership a smooth transition will not occur. Time is a critical factor, with only 541 days remaining until division. We look forward to clear and timely direction from the federal government on how they intend to proceed on transition costs.

Mr. Speaker, since 1981, this House and people of the western Arctic have consistently supported the creation of Nunavut. With only 18 months until division, the challenge today is to ensure the transition is smooth and orderly as possible in both the west and Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, in meeting that challenge, greater focus must be placed on dealing with western transitional issues. The Western Caucus is anxious to review the more detailed issue description of transition costs for the west which is now being prepared by the government.

We also look forward to the report to be tabled by the western transition Minister early next week. This will be a key element in setting a course of action for the west in preparing for the creation of two new territories in the coming days and months.

Mr. Speaker, the discussions on the financial arrangements for the two new territories is another critical element of the division process. We are taking an active part in these discussions with our partners on the western coalition. Furthermore, the work being done in partnership with the Aboriginal Summit on the Constitutional Working Group will be vital in creating a new vision for the Western Territory.

Mr. Speaker, I believe a more complete picture of what faces the two new territories in planning for division is emerging which will allow this House to start focusing on the measures which need to be addressed now.

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to complete my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Thebacha is requesting unanimous support to conclude his statement. Do I have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Miltenberger, you have unanimous consent.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we plan for transition for two new territories, it is important to emphasize that division must in no way lead to reduction in program and services levels in the west. The public have already suffered from considerable government cutbacks and should not be expected to endure more cuts to finance transition costs.

The task in front of us appears to be enormous and daunting. However, this assembly has successfully dealt with challenges of this magnitude in dealing with the deficit. We must as MLAs take this opportunity to shape the new territories with confidence and vigour. There is a great opportunity here to create two new territories which are bold and visionary. Let us not shrink before this grand undertaking, the likes of which may never be seen in Canada again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, before I was elected, I was a teacher in the classroom. Being a teacher today is not an easy job, as we all know. The priorities are the students themselves. The students have to be in a friendly and safe environment. At present, the Inuksuit School in Broughton Island is overcrowded and planning for the addition of the school is to start in the year 2000 to 2001. Building of the addition is to take place in the year 2001 to 2002. The community would like to have the date for this project moved forward. The classrooms are overcrowded and this makes it hard for the students to learn.

The Community Education Counsel and Hamlet Counsel in Broughton Island have both written letters asking that additions be built sooner. They have had no success to date. We know that in times where there is little money for us to operate with, the community of Broughton Island feels that this is the time where the government may have to relook at their priorities. Four years is too long to wait for a school addition that was needed a year ago. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the nature of our role here in the House is often to draw attention to deficiency and shortcomings in our regions. But today I would like to balance with a tribute to a Hay River family.

Hay River boasts many remarkable families that I could speak about, but my attention was again recently drawn to the accomplishments of the Gonzales family. Romeo and Tessie Gonzales immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 1967. Romeo has been a teacher in the Northwest Territories since 1968. He has been actively involved in the promotion of sport and recreation having been recognized by Sport North as both Sportsman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

His contribution to northern youth is difficult to adequately quantify, but I know many young lives have been affected by his dedication. Tessie Gonzales also began her life in the Northwest Territories as a teacher, but soon took time out from her career to fulfil her proudest accomplishment as a mother. While raising three boys, she found time to substitute teach, teach religious education and donate her efforts to charitable organizations. She presently serves on the District Education Authority and the Counsel for Disabled Persons.

The Gonzales three sons are now emulating their parents' values in their service to community and their dedication to excellence. Ronald, the youngest, recently graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Physical Activity Studies and is now working on a second degree in Education. Ronald's recognition as the Northwest Territories Male Athlete of the year in 1994 is one amongst many national and international achievements in wrestling and coaching far too numerous to mention.

Raymond Gonzales recently graduated with a B.A. Majoring in Economics. He was the recipient of the Economic Development and Tourism bursary in 1995 and is currently studying for his Master's Degree in Finance and Economics at the University of Alberta. Raymond has also earned numerous designations in the martial arts and competitive rifle shooting.

Roderick, the eldest Gonzales son, graduated from the University of Alberta in April this year with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. It was the Hub's coverage of Roderick's most recent recognition in Edmonton this month which reminded me again of the excellent ambassadors that the Gonzales have been for Hay River and for the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The honourable Member for Hay River is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Do I have any nays? There are no nays. Mrs. Groenewegen, you have unanimous consent.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This latest award that Roderick has received is in addition to a growing list of awards and commendations. Including, but not limited to, the Peter Lougheed's Scholarship, the Shell Scholarship in Engineering, the Tom Chambers Award, the Dean Research Award in Chemical and Mineral Engineering, the Charles Noble Award for student leadership, the Golden Geer Award for outstanding contribution of engineering students, and the NWT Scholarship from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geophysicists. That is a long list and Roderick is also an accomplished musician.

We often wait for special occasions to recognize contributions of our constituents, but I thought it would be appropriate to remind ourselves today that although assisted by exceptional parents as tutors and mentors, the Gonzales' children were born, raised and educated in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker as of

March 31, 1997, a total of 125 new cases of cancer were reported in the NWT Cancer registry for the period from 1990 to 1996, for the Baffin Region only. In my constituency for the same time period, there were a total of 15 cases reported, nine in Arctic Bay, four in Grise Fiord, two in Resolute.

This is only a portion of the Nunavut area. Many cancers can be cured when found in the early stages. In the communities, the time between diagnosis and treatment is very long. During the delay a patient may suffer further damage or perhaps die. In remote communities, there is a potential for delay in diagnosis. Limited facilities, lack of storage for medical staff results in delays, not only for diagnosis, but proper treatment as well. Inaccessibility to the full choice of cancer treatments also compromises the health of the cancer victim. Mr. Speaker, early detection and availability of effective treatments reduce the number of cancer incidents in my constituency for the whole Northwest Territories. If we can prevent the loss of life due to cancer, we could also make an effort to do so. This may mean the government may have to develop new methods and programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to thank the NWT Housing Corporation and the YWCA. It did an excellent job earlier this year by finding a way to do more for people in transition by spending fewer tax dollars. I am referring to the decision to shift the YWCA's transitional housing program from Northern United Place to the Rock Hill apartment complex in Yellowknife. This excellent move took a program to serve individuals and families out of an institutional high rise and set it up in a building more suited to its objectives. Because of this move, the government has also saved about $200,000 annually that it had contributed towards the program.

A lot of people throughout the north come here to make changes in their lives. Approximately half of the YWCA's current clients come from communities from throughout the north. The other half are Yellowknife residents trying to re-build their lives. All of them are involved in either job searches, life-skill training programs or educational upgrading. Long term projects that will eventually lead to a better quality of life for those people.

Transitional housing has also helped families who have made the difficult decision to leave a battering or abusive spouse who have used up their six weeks crisis housing at McAteer House. A lot of people need programs like the YWCA's transitional housing program in order to turn their lives around. It is incumbent upon this government, therefore, to invest those savings from this program back into this community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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