Debates of Feb. 13th, 1997

This is page numbers 603 - 633 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 chairman.

Topics

Members Present
Item 1: Prayer
Aboriginal Achievement Award
Comments By Mr. Amagoalik
Losses Suffered By Teachers
Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Nunavut Leaders' Summit
Jury Selection Process
Comparative Fiscal Situations
Preparing For Nunavut
Accessing Mining Jobs/opportunities
Times Are Changing
Recreational Facilities For Detah And Ndilo
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Compensation For Fire Losses
Jury Selection Process
Housing Needs Survey
Child Care Subsidies
Taloyoak Airstrip Extension
Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Comparison With Other Jurisdictions
Negotiated Contracts
Broughton Island Airport Terminal
Arviat Airport Lighting System
Hospital Construction Timelines
Negotiated Contracts
Privatization Policies
Written Question 17-13(4): Layoff Provisions - Education Leave Option
Item 8: Returns To Written Questions
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Bill 12: An Act To Amend The Student Financial Assistance Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In regards to these six individuals, you mentioned a few people who are involved in the technical trades area. I think it is critical, at this time, that we maintain as many resource people with technical backgrounds, especially in the maintenance of the infrastructure in the north - the problems we are seeing with our winter roads in regards to the crossing, the problems that have been identified by Members in their statements in regards to the road between here and Rae, and other facilities such as that.

I think it is critical at this time that we maintain as many technical people as we can. With that, I would like to ask the Minister what is the plan to maintain as many of the technical skilled people in this department, so we can continue to maintain a reasonable service, not only to the public, but also to the upkeep of the infrastructure in the north.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Mr. Antoine.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the department is looking at the different services that are out there in the private sector as well. There are specialties that are on the market now that could provide some of the type of work that people within the department are doing. That option is there. At the same time, we still do have technical people within the Department of Transportation and we will continue to use their services within the department for the time being. Thank you.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. According to the number of questions tallied by my co-chair, you have asked up to now, four. This is final for the time being, Mr. Krutko.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to ask a final question and I would also like to move a motion.

The final question to the Minister is in regards to the cuts that have been taken in last year's budget versus this year. In regards to the amount of dollars that have been cut and the number of positions, which is in the area of 225 positions, what do you think of such drastic cuts in regards to this portfolio?

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Minister.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, perhaps I need some clarification, because the 225 positions...we did not cut that much in the Department of Transportation. Perhaps my honourable Member is referring to an overall government-wide cut. We have cut 29.5 positions within this department and they are not all filled, and last year we also had 29 positions cut. It is less than 225 positions. Thank you.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. We have Mr. Erasmus. Mr. Krutko, you indicated you are making a motion. Mr. Krutko.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Yes, Mr. Chairman. I move that the committee recommends that the Department of Transportation not remove the 14.5 staff positions during the 1997-98 fiscal year. It is further recommended funding requirements to maintain these positions be found in other departmental areas or that the funding be taken out of projects for 1997-98 budget surplus.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. I am informed that it is in order. It is, in fact, in the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development's report. This is Committee Report 4-13(4). The motion is in order, is translated. To the motion. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Mr. Chairman, at this point in time, I do not think that everybody has that motion in front of them. If they could be given a couple of minutes to dig it out and to review it.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

You had a copy of the report initially. If you do not, a second is being circulated to the Members and is translated into the Inuktitut language. Mr. Henry.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
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Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, at this time I require some information. I believe the department had this proposition put to them previously and I do support it, but I would like to know why the department was not able to support the committee in what they are proposing?

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Perhaps Mr. Antoine can speak to the motion and at the same time answer the question of the honourable Member. Mr. Antoine.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I indicated earlier in my response, I made a point of saying that there were 29.5 positions identified for reduction and 18 had incumbents. I went down a list saying that six will be negatively effected and there will be other opportunities before being laid off. Four had indicated preference to be laid off. One employee is retiring. Seven new positions have been created to combine the responsibilities of existing positions. We have gone through this with the department. We looked at the recommendation of the standing committee and we could not support the reinstatement of these positions when we looked at the recommendation and at the cost of the options for delivering the programs that we have. Like I said, for streamlining the department and for trying to meet our targets through the budget reduction exercises, we identified these positions. We tried to eliminate most of the positions that were not filled first and then we looked at the positions that we felt were not required at this time based on the amount of actual reduction in the capital that we have today. We do not require as many people to carry out this work. Based on that, we made the decision to stick with our original plan. Thank you.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Minister. I am informed that if a Member speaks to this particular motion, they can only speak once. Again, I would like to remind the Members that, when you speak, you speak specifically to the motion. To the motion. Mr. Ootes, you have already spoken to the motion. No? Mr. Ootes.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am supporting the motion. This matter was discussed extensively by the Resource Management Committee and it was felt that the cuts that had taken place last year, both financially and personnel wise, and the cuts that are taking place this year, financially and personnel wise, have reduced this particular department's ability to operate tremendously and yet, no programs have been eliminated or reduced. It is my feeling that the department is going too far in reducing its personnel numbers and, as a result, it is my feeling that programs could be effected as a result of it. Therefore, I am supporting the motion to retain the 14.5 positions. Thank you.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. To the motion. You have a copy of the motion, you know what the motion is all about so stick to the motion, please. Are we ready for question? Yes. All those in favour of the motion, raise your hand. Keep it up until we count it. Down please. Opposed? The motion is carried. Now, shall we go back to the budget. Transportation. We are on page 10-10 and that is quite easy, there is 10-10. I always have a problem with calling the numbers. Corporate services, operations and maintenance, total operations and maintenance is $7,970,000. Mr. Roland.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In corporate services, contracts administration, is there a policy within the department on negotiating contracts? When a contract is signed, how long is it signed for? Is it an annual basis? What period of time is it valid for? Thank you.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Mr. Minister Antoine.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Yes, the Department of Transportation does have a policy on negotiated contracts. The length of the contract is until the work is complete and, in some cases, the contract is for multi-year. Some of them are a year, some of them are more than one year, up to maybe four, five years. Thank you.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Mahsi cho. Mr. Roland.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. How long are the ones for maintenance of roads? What is the duration of those contracts? Thank you.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Mr. Minister.

Committee Motion 12-13(4): Recommendation Of Cr 4-13(4): Resource Management
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, those highway maintenance contracts, the length of them varies. If it is a negotiated contract, then the lengths of each section is different from each other. Some of them are designed different from each other, so they vary. Thank you.