This is page numbers 687 - 729 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.

Further Return To Question 349-13(4): Law Preventing Minors From Smoking In Public
Question 348-13(4): Preventing Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 702

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Natilikmiot is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 5. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ningark, you have unanimous consent.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 702

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my son up in the gallery, the one with the white t-shirt, and his friend from Lake Harbour, Tomasee Keeneinak.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 702

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 7, written questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 702

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like unanimous consent to go back to item 3, Members' statements.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 702

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 3. Do we have any nays? Thank you. Mr. Erasmus, you have unanimous consent. Members' statements.

Men's Junior Championship Curling Team
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 702

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Ootes spoke earlier about one of our young ladies, Ms. Hamer, who had been on our winning curling team in the junior national championships. I also wanted to indicate that a Yellowknife team won the bronze medal in the men's junior championships. That team is composed of Jamie Koe, Kevin Whitehead, Terry McDermid, Kevin Cymbalisty and the coach is Doug Bothamley.

---Applause

This team squared off against the junior men from Ontario in the semi-finals, and they were winning 6-5 in the 10th end. They forced Ontario to draw to the button. Otherwise, they would have went to the final. I would like to offer my congratulations to this fine team. Thank you.

---Applause

Men's Junior Championship Curling Team
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 702

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Members' statements. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Mr. Picco.

Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions

February 18th, 1997

Page 702

Edward Picco Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to present a petition, Petition No. 14-13(4), dealing with the matter of the proposed reductions to the Nunavut library services. Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 104 signatures from residents of Iqaluit, Fort Smith, Cape Dorset, Hall Beach, and, yes, Yellowknife. The petitioners request that all Members should work to preserve the public library service, which currently exists, and to cancel the lay off notices which have been issued. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 10: Petitions
Item 10: Petitions

Page 702

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Mr. Miltenberger.

Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 702

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Committee Report 6-13(4) Standing Committee on Social Programs. Review of the 1997/98 Main Estimates

Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 703

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to present the Standing Committee on Social Programs review of the 1997/98 main estimates.

General Comments

Prior to the review of the 1997/98 business plans, the Minister of Finance warned all Members that the plans were living documents and would change over time. As a general statement, we found this to be true. In a number of cases, departments were unable to provide clarity on proposed changes. Studies have not been completed and plans are only in the development stage. The Committee understands that all government departments, including those in the social envelope, have been under tremendous pressure with decreased resources. We have tried to recognize this in reviewing the information provided.

Reviewing the Proposed Changes

However, the Committee still reviewed all proposed changes with a critical eye. Last year, we supported initiatives based on the general information given. Unfortunately, some of the changes were implemented in a different way than was presented during the review of the 1996/97 Main Estimates. We approved an overall package of changes last year. We looked for balance and fairness. Changes were approved based on other changes. When reductions and changes were not implemented, the package didn't make sense any more.

As a result of our past experience, we were more judicious in giving support to changes proposed by departments. We looked for key indicator:

- that the actual program changes would be well thought out;

- that changes would be based on the principles and goals the Committee Members talked about during the review; and

- that there would be appropriate consultation with affected groups.

We wanted adequate information before we were able to support specific initiatives. We looked for results rather than just focusing on spending. In most cases, the departments provided the information we needed to make informed decisions.

Social Envelope Subsidies

The issue of subsidies came up in every department. Until there is a clear understanding of the various subsidies, at least within the social envelope, how can the government determine the connections and potential overlap between the subsidies? Without this big picture, we are not comfortable continuing to make changes to subsidies without a sense of what other programs or subsidies might be affected, directly or indirectly.

The social envelope partners have established a working group to review and possibly revise the range of subsidies for seniors. There are currently 21 seniors subsidies spread over nine boards, agencies, and departments. This review is a good start. However, we believe the social envelope partners also need to review the comprehensive list of subsidies they provide. There are a number of areas of inconsistency and overlap which should be addressed. As a start, there should be a list compiled of all subsidies available through the social envelope.

Recommendation No. 1

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that a comprehensive list of subsidies available through the social envelope should be provided to the Committee by September 1st, 1997.

Review of Seniors' Subsidies

In October, after looking at the seniors' fuel subsidy, we asked the Ministers to develop a long-term plan which would address a number of concerns raised about subsidies for seniors. We think there is a need to look at the big picture. If the seniors' fuel subsidy were eliminated, how many of the 400 people who received the subsidy will move into social housing where they will cost this government far more in the long run? How many additional applications will be made for income support from seniors who just can't make it in the winter months?

The Minister indicated that there is a Social Envelope working group looking at the array of programs and subsidies available to seniors. This group may recommend that the fuel subsidy be eliminated and replaced with a comprehensive package of programs and subsidies for seniors. However, there is no indication of when this working group will report. In the future, when the Social Envelope has rationalized the array of programs and subsidies available to seniors, there may be new solutions. However, for now, the Committee will not support the elimination of the wood fuel subsidy.

The Minister of Health and Social Services has provided a summary of the twenty-one programs and subsidies currently available for seniors. These programs are delivered by nine different departments, boards, and agencies. The summary also highlights inconsistencies in the eligibility requirements, particularly in age and income, for the various programs. It is clear that there is a need to complete a comprehensive review and reform of programs and subsidies for seniors.

Recommendation No. 2

The Standing Committee recommends that a plan to integrate the various GNWT subsidies and programs for seniors should be provided to the Committee by September 1st, 1997;

And further that the seniors' programs and subsidies integration plan should:

- be developed in consultation with the NWT Seniors' Society

- address the idea of consolidating all programs for seniors under one authority

- contain an action plan for implementing the reform of seniors' subsidies and programs.

Preparing for Division In each of the department, there will be hundreds of tasks, both big and small, to prepare for division. After this budget process is complete, we expect Ministers and their departments will turn their attention to these tasks. We look forward to the departments' division plans coming to the Committee later this spring.

Standards

In each department, we looked at the standards for service. In the past, this government had the dollars to provide a cadillac service. It is time to review whether we can still afford this level of service, particularly in the social areas where a high birth rate and extreme levels of social problems are driving programs to the limit. As a government, we need to look at whether we put our money into top of the line facilities, or whether we are now ready to live with more modest surroundings but more direct services. We have to look at the standards for qualifying for a facility. When does a community qualify for a community learning centre? What population is needed for a long-term care facility? These are the kinds of questions we will be asking and we hope the departments will also consider.

Departments also need to be more flexible in looking at alternate uses for infrastructure. We were pleased in particular with the openness of Health and Social Services to considering alternate uses for facilities. Times have changed and we have to be more creative in how we look at facilities and what can be done with them. For example, a building may not look precisely like a community learning centre we are used to, but that does not mean it could not function as one.

Use Pay/User Say

In each of the business plans, there is additional responsibility as a result of user pay/user say initiatives. In most cases, the funding transferred was first reduced, so departments will have to be more efficient than the departments with the original responsibility and economies of scale. As these initiatives take place, we are starting to hear about the difficulties and implementation details which were not thought through. We are very concerned that there has not been sufficient analysis before proceeding with this major initiative. The Social Envelope departments are already struggling to meet the demands for services. We will be monitoring the impact and potential additional costs they may have to carry as a result of user say/user pay. We hope this will not be another initiative where we have to pick up the pieces in the end.

Recommendation No. 3

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that each department in the social envelope provide an analysis of the financial and operational impact for each user say/user pay initiative by October, 1997.

Mr Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague for Yellowknife North to continue with the report.

Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 704

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Cooperation in the Envelope

For a year, we have been emphasizing the need for the Social Envelope partners to work together at all levels. The Ministers have provided assurances that this cooperation is growing. We encourage the Ministers and their management teams to continue to develop a partnership approach. Hopefully this will be reflected in regular meetings at the Minister and Deputy Minister levels and in increased cooperation among community level staff.

Financial Presentation

The Committee had concerns with the financial presentation. These concerns included:

- the lack of detail at the activity level for the Housing Corporation, and the Departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment

- the restatement of prior years' expenditures

- the lack of prior year information for certain capital items.

The very broad accounting structure used by Health and Social Services, the Housing Corporation and Education, Culture and Employment in the Main Estimates makes it very difficult to comment in any useful way. It is hard to have meaningful discussion and hard to approve financial activities which are this broad. We do not believe this level of public financial presentation is sufficient for departments which are responsible for almost 50 percent of the total GNWT budget.

Committee Members understand the accounting principle behind restatement of prior years. However, the Main Estimates is a document that serves as a reference point for Members and the public. There is no easy way to track from year to year in the Main Estimates what has changed in terms of the size and scope of departmental authority. You cannot tell what activities or programs have been added, transferred or deleted. In a sense, financial history is rewritten.

The limitations on when prior years are shown for capital projects is also confusing to the reader of the Main Estimates. Members know, for example, that there were prior year expenditures for items such as Building and Learning and BCC renovations/repairs. However, these show as new items in the 1997/98 Main Estimates. This reporting practice does not allow tracking of at least year to year expenditures for ongoing items.

Population Issues

Last year, when the Committee looked at the forced growth numbers in the Social Envelope, Members made fleeting references to the population growth. This year, it is becoming even more clear that our population is growing beyond our ability to provided services. This will be the single most important factor affecting our ability to live within our resources and maintain the level of services currently available. There is a strong need to take some immediate positive action in raising public awareness of what effects rapid population growth will have in the future.

With Health and Social Services taking the lead role, the Social Envelope needs to become proactive in education and information about what forced growth is doing to our services. We need to get this information to young people and to their parents and grandparents who welcome new family members. People want good education opportunities, they want housing, they want to be healthy, and they want jobs. Children having children and a birth rate three times the national average will affect our ability to deliver these items. They will bring more stress to a system which is already pushed to the edge.

The high number of births to young mothers also indicates an acceptance of sexual activity among many of our youth. As the committee responsible for overseeing the Department of Health and Social Services, we are also concerned about the potential to spread disease, particularly AIDS, in our communities. A recent national study shows an increase in HIV in young people. The median age of those with HIV in Canada is now 23 years of age. This means almost half of the people now affected are only teenagers. An increase in HIV infection and AIDS in the NWT will bring a heavy cost in pain and suffering, in addition to the medical cost.

This booming population places heavy demands on all parts of the social network. The housing shortage in many communities is compounded. Health services are stretched, schools are filled to overflowing, and the demand for daycare spaces increases. Children who are still dealing with their own efforts to become adults need extra support to be competent parents. There is no new pool of funding to build the houses and schools we need. There is no funding to hire more social workers, health care workers, teachers and child care workers.

The Committee is concerned about the societal impacts of a dramatic birth rate. We are also concerned about the consequences of children having unprotected sex and the resulting potential for both sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancies. We believe that people should make informed choices and decisions, while recognizing the impact their decisions will have on themselves and their communities.

Recommendation No. 4

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that the Minister of Health and Social Services, in consultation with the other Social Envelope Ministers, prepares a list of current services available to address the booming population, both pre- and post-natal, as well as the locations of these services.

And further, that the Social Envelope partners develop a joint approach to deal with the fundamental issues causing forced growth in social programs.

Response to the Committee

Recommendation No. 5

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that, unless a specific date for response is given in this report, the government should provide a response to all recommendations in this report within 120 days.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the Report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs on the Review of the 1997-98 Main Estimates be received by the Assembly and moved into committee of the whole.

Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 705

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Your motion is in order. To the motion. Question is being called. All those in favour. All those opposed. Motion is carried. Mr. Erasmus.

Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 705

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4), and to have Committee Report 06-13(4) of the Standing Committee on Social Programs moved into committee of the whole for today. Thank you.

Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees
Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 705

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, the Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4). Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Erasmus, you have unanimous consent, and accordingly Committee Report 06-13(4) is moved into committee of the whole for today. Reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Ootes.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 705

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like table a copy of a letter I have received from the Mayor of Yellowknife, Tabled Document 51-13(4), addressed to the Honourable Charles Dent, regarding the national standards test for students in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Page 705

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters. Bill 8, Committee Report 2-13(4), CommitteeReport 3-13(4) and Committee Report 4-13(4) with Mr. Ningark in the chair.

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

Page 705

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. I would like to call the committee to order. Item 19, we are considering a number of items here. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Ootes.

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

Page 705

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That we consider Bill 8, Committee Report 2-13(4), Committee Report 3-13(4), and Committee Report 4-13(4), concurrently and that we proceed with a review of the Department of Health and Social Services. 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

Page 705

The Chair John Ningark

I believe that the committee report is 06-13 (4). Agreed? Mr. Ootes, do you want to take a break now? No. We carry on? Mr. Minister, do you have an opening remark on behalf of your department, in this case the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr Ng.

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

Page 705

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to you regarding

We are strengthening our ability to monitor the effect our programs have on health status to help us control our spending and to make well informed decisions. Our stake holders have told us that addictions, home care, facility based care, and medical travel are four main areas that need to be refocussed and redirected. During the upcoming fiscal year we will go forward with a draft strategic plan that will weave these complex areas together and provide a long term vision for sustainable Health and Social Services systems in each of the two territories. Looking towards the future we will be reviewing the opportunities for sharing services considering different options.

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

Page 706

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. Mr. Ootes, point of order.

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

Page 706

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am sorry to interrupt the Minister, but I would appreciate it if we could have copies of the Minister's remarks as he is making his speech. If we could have them from each Minister before they start their comments.

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

Page 706

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. There is a request from the committee that the Minister should supply the Minister's opening remarks. There was no point of order, I am informed. The Minister has indicated that he will distribute the copies of his statement after the conclusion of his opening remarks. 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

Page 706

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Mr. Chairman, copies have been provided to the staff. I do not know what the process of distribution is. It does not matter to me. I will continue. Should I continue on, or should I wait, Mr. Chairman?