This is page numbers 635 - 660 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.

Members Present

Honourable Jim Antoine, Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Honourable Samuel Gargan, Mr. Henry, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, 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 constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.

---O Canada

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Members. Good morning. Item 2: Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, Monday is Heritage Day. People from across Canada have chosen February 17th to celebrate our historical and cultural foundation, and to reflect upon how we can pass along our heritage to future generations.

The Heritage Canada Foundation co-ordinates Heritage Day activities across Canada. Nationally, this year's theme centres around the 500th anniversary of the landing of John Cabot in Newfoundland.

In the Northwest Territories, most local organizations have selected themes and activities which are more appropriate to their communities. For instance, the Northern Life Museum in Fort Smith is showing several exhibits, including one on noted opthamologist, Dr. Elizabeth Cass, who is well-known to an older generation of northerners.

The Fort Simpson Historical Society is using Heritage Day to promote its fund-raising efforts to purchase and preserve the McPherson House, which is an historical property. The Heritage Canada Foundation will soon feature the society's efforts in a forthcoming edition of its national magazine.

The Norman Wells Historical Centre is working with schools in the Sahtu region to promote an awareness of heritage. Its parent organization, the Norman Wells Historical Society, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, beginning with Heritage Day.

On Sunday, the museum in Iqaluit will be showing films on traditional Inuit life.

In Baker Lake, Heritage Day finds the community well along in its plans to have a new museum open to the public this summer.

The City of Yellowknife Heritage Committee is promoting some of its activities, including the announcement of an annual Heritage Award in its monthly newsletter.

Mr. Speaker, our ties to our culture and heritage are strong here in the North. These ties give us a sense of identity and community and help to give us confidence in our future. Heritage Day gives us all an opportunity to look to our past to help us meet the challenges of the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Minister's Statement 49-13(4): Flag-raising Ceremony
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Citizenship Act. When the federal Act came into force on January 1, 1947, it meant that citizens of this country were no longer British subjects. It meant married women could apply for Canadian citizenship in their own right and the Act led to the creation of a true Canadian passport.

As part of Canadians' appreciation of this special anniversary, February 10th to 17th has been designated as "Canada - Take It to Heart Week." It offers an opportunity to celebrate our country's citizenship, symbols and heritage.

One of Canada's most widely recognized symbols is the flag. The National Flag of Canada was first raised on Parliament Hill at noon on February 15, 1965 by Prime Minister Lester Pearson. The central red maple leaf is known and respected around the world. It is a tribute to our international reputation.

In a land that is so huge, so culturally and geographically diverse, the Canadian flag is one of the things that brings us together as a nation of peoples. It inspires a feeling of pride, a sense of belonging and respect.

In recognition of this national symbol, I invite Members and the public to join me in a flag-raising ceremony at the front of the Legislative Assembly at noon today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 49-13(4): Flag-raising Ceremony
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise to offer congratulations on behalf of the Ordinary Members to our colleague across the Chamber, Mr. Kakfwi. As you all know, Mr. Kakfwi was the recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award at a ceremony in Calgary last weekend.

---Applause

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

The Native Arts Foundation recognized the Member for the Sahtu for his commitment and endless work in furthering and protecting the rights of aboriginal people and all people in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, we all know of Mr. Kakfwi's strong advocacy work and the passion he shows when it comes to advancing the interests of the people of the Northwest Territories. I had the opportunity, as I am sure many other Members did last night, to watch the television coverage of the National Aboriginal Award's ceremony. It was with a great deal of pride that we saw Mr. Kakfwi being recognized. It was moving to see Mr. Kakfwi who is, coincidentally, or I should mention dressed in his northern aboriginal dress which was very moving for us, and to be recognized for his years of work in promoting the north, aboriginal people and northerners. Congratulations to the honourable Member.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, as all Members know, is one day of the year that all people in love across the world recognize their love for their lifelong partners. Today, of course, being Valentine's Day, over the years my wife has been a strong supporter of all my endeavours and I feel the need to have the recognition of her hard work and dedication to our family. With this in mind, I would like to wish my loving wife, and all the women across this great country of ours, a very Happy Valentine's Day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, this morning since it is Valentine's Day, I also would like to wish my wife, Elisapee, and all of my kids, especially the two in Clyde River, my two daughters, Janet and Valerie, I wish them a very good and Happy Valentine's Day. Thank you.

---Applause

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Senior's Fuel Subsidy
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Valentine's Day is a very special day. It is symbolized by the heart. It is a time and a day that we take a little bit of extra care and time to show other people that we cherish and love what they mean to us. People that fall into the category, Mr. Speaker, are our elders. The people that have brought us into this world and have helped build this fine land, our parents and our grandparents. Mr. Speaker, I employ the Cabinet; no, I beseech them to show the people of the north that they have a heart. A heart filled, as Mr. Todd has said so many times, with compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I turn to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and I ask him to show that beneath that fine suit beats a noble, caring heart. I ask him to stand today and say unequivocally and clearly that yes, the fuel subsidy program will be in the budget, and that yes, he will be the valentine for the elders today. Thank you.

---Laughter

---Applause

Senior's Fuel Subsidy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 636

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Levi Barnabas High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be speaking, in Inuktitut. I am also very happy today because it is Valentine's Day. I would like to wish Happy Valentine's to my wife in Arctic Bay, as well as to my relatives who are in Baker Lake and to all of my relatives throughout the communities in the Northwest Territories. As well, I want to wish Happy Valentine's to my colleagues here. I would like to thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy Valentine's. (Translation ends.)

---Applause

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did not celebrate Valentine's Day when I was a child, but today I know about Valentine's Day and I am happy it is Valentine's Day today. I want to wish Happy Valentine's to my relatives who are here, my wife and my son. I would like to wish Happy Valentine's Day to my relatives back home, and to all the people in Igloolik, particularly to people in Pond Inlet. I want to wish Happy Valentine's Day to other people in the communities as well.

Another sad issue that I would like to share with you. There has been a death in one of the communities. I would like to say that I feel for you. As well, I want to say Happy Valentine's Day to the Member for Hay River. I want to send my condolences to the Member of Hay River, in particular. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends.)

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Aklavik Alcohol And Drug Facility
Item 3: Members' Statements

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to wish everyone out there a Happy Valentine's Day.

---Applause

Aklavik Alcohol And Drug Facility
Item 3: Members' Statements

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

My statement today is in regards to the community empowerment initiatives that this government is presently under, especially with the axe cutting process that we are going through, especially with alcohol and drug programs, the closure of Delta House and the problems with the Tl'oondih Healing Centre, in relation to the services that we are going to deliver in the communities, in regards to the resources that the communities will have to operate with, and the facilities that they presently operate in. In the case of the Aklavik Alcohol Action Committee, they have been renting a unit off the government of the Northwest Territories for ten years, which is currently the alcohol and drug office and also the facility where people go for treatment.

As far as empowering communities, we also have to allow the communities to have the facilities, the operation and maintenance funds and also the training to ensure that they have the proper resources in place. With that, I will be asking the Minister regarding a letter I have received from the Alcohol Action Committee and the mayor of Aklavik to try to find ways to allow the Alcohol Action Committee in Aklavik to continue to maintain and operate this facility which has been identified for sale by public tender. At the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister a question on this and if there is a possibility of allowing them to continue to operate and maintain that facility for alcohol treatment in Aklavik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Aklavik Alcohol And Drug Facility
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since today is Valentine's Day, I would like to thank and recognize my greatest supporter, my husband Tom, for letting me do my job without ever feeling guilty for not coming home for weeks at a time. Thank you, Tom, for being there with the boys, cooking meals, doing laundry and keeping the house clean and also making sure the boys finish their homework. I am very proud to have a partner who is so willing to take on so many responsibilities. To me, Mr. Speaker, this is an example of equality, a partner who is willing to share responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, to do our jobs effectively, we all need this type of support. On this special day, I would like to thank all those who have taken on extra responsibility so that their partners can do their jobs. (Translation) I would like to talk to my boys in Inuktitut. They understand the Inuktitut language so Trevor, if you are listening, I love you. I would also like to show my love to my little boy, the younger boy. (Translation ends)

---Applause

Valentine's Day Wishes
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Ms. Thompson. Members' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.