Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Good afternoon. Before we start, I would thank the Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark for serving in my place during the last week. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and welcome back. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured today to provide Members with an update on what I consider to be a highly successful and productive three-day meeting with my colleagues from the four western provinces and the Yukon Territory. The 1997 Western Premiers' Conference had a heavy but vital agenda that covered a range of issues affecting the people who live in western Canada, and even more importantly, who live in Canada's north. Overall, I am pleased to report, the other Premiers are in full support of the Northwest Territories becoming more self-reliant and a vital member of Canada's political and economic landscape.

All five Premiers have personally offered support in our attempts to gain northern control over northern resources, as they recognize that our resources and our land play an important role in the future development of Canada. All five Premiers have agreed to support us in any way they can in our negotiations with Ottawa. More specifically, I have also gained their support in our efforts to convince the federal government to move Northern Affairs from Ottawa to the Northwest Territories. In my discussions with them, they all agreed it makes little sense to have people making key decisions on mineral rights and programs in the north based in the south. They see and support the overall value of the move in improving decision-making as well as the more immediate value of having these individuals contributing to the northern economy. With that kind of support, we have a stronger chance of being heard in Ottawa. Because now we not only are able to speak with the voices of the people in the north, we have the voice of the people of western Canada cheering us on and backing us up in our negotiations on issues and funding that affect our future.

I was also pleased to hear that the other provinces recognize the importance of economic development in the north and are directing their respective Ministers to meet to develop an action plan on northern economic issues. The Premiers acknowledge the constraints on northern economic development that result from lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities for program delivery. As they have at a previous conference, they also agreed that the federal government should fulfil its long-standing commitment to devolve remaining provincial-type responsibilities to territorial governments.

As part of our discussions on improving economic conditions in the north, we also talked about the importance of reliable, low-cost transportation systems to their economies. Overall, we all agreed the federal government, working with the provincial and territorial governments, should develop specific proposals for its National Highway Program. More importantly, the Premiers stated clearly that in developing funding arrangements for a National Highway Program, special consideration must be given to the needs of remote northern regions, which may have low traffic volumes, but which rely on the National Highway System for access, tourism and economic development.

The Premiers strongly support the Northwest Territories' efforts to gain federal support for a highway through the mineral-rich central Arctic or what we refer to as the Slave Geologic Corridor. Recognizing there is no surface access to the enormous potential that exists there, they agreed that it is in Canada's interest that this region be connected to the road, rail and port systems in the Northwest Territories, Alberta and British Columbia. As well, priority was also given to the highway in the Mackenzie Valley Corridor and one through the Yukon connecting Alaska to the four western provinces.

Mr. Speaker, as you can imagine in three days of meetings, both formal and informal, we covered a variety of important topics, ranging from youth employment to health and social reform. However, no matter what the topic, we agreed the western provinces and the territories must continue to work together to ensure we are heard at the national level. We have a unique perspective and unique needs. We will be going forward to the First Ministers' Conference in August with a strong voice and with a cohesive position on a number of issues facing Canadians today.

Overall, while we reached consensus on a variety of issues and agreed to work together on a number of initiatives, I believe the meeting was truly a success because our colleagues in western Canada are now recognizing and taking action to help support and secure the future of the north. They share in our belief that all Canadians have a vested interest in the future of the north and have pledged their support to work with us to help ensure that future is a strong one. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Kelvin Ng and the Honourable John Todd will be absent from the House today as they are attending to constituency matters in Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi.

-- Applause

Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, welcome back. On Saturday, May 24, 1997 Natalik School celebrated its first high school graduates since the inception of secondary programs in 1994. Several students who had previously dropped out of school returned to complete their high school education. The youngest graduates of the class of 1997 are 19 years of age and the two eldest are 29. The majority of the graduating students have already applied for post-secondary programs of study to begin in September. The community is very proud of these graduates and applaud the inception of a program which ensures a larger percentage of students will stay in school and go on to complete their secondary education.

Mr. Speaker, in previous years students were sent to Yellowknife for their secondary education. Because of the difficulties associated with living far away from their families and communities, most of these students dropped out of school. Very few graduated. With a local high school program, more and more young people are staying in school or are returning to school to complete their education. The Natalik School graduating class of 1997, on behalf of my colleague, I would like to congratulate those students and I would also thank Charlie Lyall for providing me the information. They are: Kevin Iitoolook, John Ikilik, Sarah Jayko, Jennifer Karoo, Jayko Neeveacheak, Elaine Panigayak, Dora Quayaut, Lena Quayaut, Sally Takolik, Bonnie Tucktoo.

I will provide the names to the Clerk here for the Hansard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past week Detah suffered the loss of one of their respected and hard-working elders. Mary Adele Sangris lived a hard but rewarding life. She not only raised and supported her family of 15 children but also helped the community and supported her husband Joe who was chief of the community for over 30 years. Most of Joe's life was spent like most people of the day hunting and trapping in the bush and travelling far distances for caribou hunts. Mary Adele and the rest of her family were at his side most of the time. During times of celebrations and meetings, Mary Adele would be cooking and helping her husband's guests feel welcome in their home and make sure no one was left out or went hungry.

Over the years she worked to make her community a safe and good place for her family and friends to work and live. She was also very active in supporting local politicians that ran for all levels of government. I know when I was originally elected in 1971 she worked to ensure that I received Detah's vote.

On Saturday the community, friends and family said goodbye to this great mother, friend and community supporter. The Dogrib region wishes to send our condolences to her family and know that she will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

The Member for Thebacha is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Miltenberger.

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

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

Thank you Mr. Speaker, welcome back. Mr. Speaker I would like to speak a little today about Program 2000. When first announced I was in support of the goal to house 2,000 families by the year 2000. In my riding of Iqaluit we are short over 70 social housing units. I think that the program can still help alleviate that shortage of housing but the guidelines that are in place are too lax.

Mr. Speaker, the guidelines are so loose, they are probably loose enough to drive a truck through them. Many constituents in good faith, Mr. Speaker, have applied for the program and have qualified but because of the demand and the amount of funds available many may now be turned down. The Housing Corporation in Iqaluit has been under tremendous pressure with the number of applicants and all will not be able to partake of the program.

The program was announced in response to the shortage of housing and because the federal government has withdrawn support to provide financing for new social housing construction. Maybe we rushed the program before all the logistics were in place. Now we are in a no win situation. Applicants will be upset, so will contractors. Our staff will have to bearers of bad news. Is there any possible way to rebase the fund to allow more people access? Has the government tightened up the criteria for qualifying? What will happen to the applicants that qualified earlier and now will not qualify if the new regulations are passed? Are we changing the rules after the game has started?

Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation is trying to alleviate the housing shortage but there have been some mistakes made. Later today I will be asking the Minister for Housing about the program and the regulations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you Mr. Speaker, welcome back and good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, last week the government announced the Northern Employment Strategy. I believe this two year program is a step in the right direction. As the Chairman of the Social Programs Committee, I have seen many problems we have today. Our jails are full, alcohol and drug use is very high and abuse is common. Many problems come because there are not enough jobs and the people do not have enough education. People who are not leading productive lives seem to have more social problems. Without things to do, people get into trouble.

The strategy has helped all kinds of people:

- There is help for craftsmen or hunters who need some tools or equipment;

- Small businesses can get assistance to get started or grow;

- People who would like to work can get help with training;

- Communities can develop much needed infrastructure while providing jobs for local residents;

- Local organizations can get much needed help as they provide work for students.

The Northern Employment Strategy is not the only answer. There are many other things we need to do, however, Mr. Speaker, it is a good start.

Mr. Speaker, northern residents and businesses should take full advantage of this program and when we reconvene in October, I hope the Minister will be able to announce an overwhelming response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise today to speak about an elder, Mary Adele Sangris who passed away. It seems like every week we hear about another elder passing away. This generation will soon be gone. On Saturday, I did attend Mary Adele Sangris' funeral in Detah. She passed away on May 28. Mary Adele was the mother of Chief Jonas Sangris of Yellowknives Dene First Nation and she was also the widow of former Chief Joe Sangris. She had just turned 85 years old the week before she passed away. She was the daughter of Jimmy Keskorie who was the head counsellor of the Yellowknives. Head counsellor, of course, was next to the Chief and her mother was Julia Fishbone. Mary Adele is survived by her two sisters, Rosalie Paper and Georgina Drygeese and they were the only three surviving siblings out of ten children. Mary Adele and her late husband, Chief Joe Sangris had 15 children. Four daughters and four sons have passed away and she is survived by her three sons and four daughters along with 37 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. As her many friends will attest, Mary Adele was very hospitable and very generous. Many people from the surrounding communities would visit. They would always say that she was very kindhearted and always helpful. I suppose in a testimony to this was the church in Detah was overflowing on Saturday and many people had to stand throughout the service. Mary Adele's late husband was the Chief of the Yellowknives Dene for 32 years when he passed away, still in office. Her son, Jonas Sangris has now been the Chief of the Yellowknife's Dene for ten years. He was counsellor for five years prior to that. Jonas often said that he regularly consulted with her on matters. We can see that Mary Adele advised the leadership of the Yellowknives Dene for close to 50 years from looking at her late husband's and her son's leadership. She will be missed by the Yellowknives Dene leadership and her many friends and relatives. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

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

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Steen.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I would like to speak about the always controversial but often misunderstood issue of negotiated government contracts. There are some, Mr. Speaker, who argue that negotiated contracts between the Government of the NWT and third parties are subject either to real or potential abuse and that this should be avoided and the termination of this practice finished.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that there are problems with the existing process as associated with negotiated contracts but I also believe that there are those problems which exist can be rectified provided that those responsible commit themselves to making modifications that will seriously address the existing issues. Failure to come to terms with the identifiable problems, Mr. Speaker, could jeopardize a continued effectiveness of a contracting tool which if properly used can be a useful vehicle for achieving legitimate public policy objectives in a sound business context.

Mr. Speaker, if the negotiated contract process is to be restored to an acceptable level of credibility, two things would have to take place. First, Mr. Speaker, the key ingredient that will have to be established is the responsible and transferred process that will permit Members of this Legislative Assembly and more importantly, the public to have a high level of confidence in the efficiency of negotiated contracts. The second ingredient and arguably the most important one, is the need to revise the guidelines to strongly reflect sound business planning and the establishment of a contracting environment which will generate consistently sound business arrangements which will withstand the test of time.

There is little point, Mr. Speaker, in facilitating negotiated contracts which do not make good business sense. This not only hurts the financial health of the government but also damages the long term viability of business enterprises which lack the discipline to resist the instant gratification of the short term gain.

Mr. Speaker, one of the products of the flaws in this existing system is bureaucratic indifference to making the system work efficiently. I want to make it clear, Mr. Speaker, that I do not blame the program administrators for this. Having to administer a system which is inadequate to begin with and which is subject to abuse, leads to a situation where people just do not try as hard as they might otherwise to make things work. My point, Mr. Speaker, is that with proper, transparent guidelines and processes, we can challenge the bureaucracy to work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do I have any nays? You have one nay, Mr. Henry. You do not have unanimous consent. Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the community of Baker Lake also suffered a death this week. The well respected resident from Baker Lake, Mrs. Winnie Pudnak, died this week. I would like my fellow colleagues to join me in offering our sincere condolences to her husband, Paul, and for the family. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Jane Groenewegen on February 28, 1997.

On February 28, Mrs. Groenewegen asked what arrangements have been made to ensure existing service providers are not negatively affected by the GNWT's contract for the electronic backbone. I want to assure Members that the process being undertaken to implement high speed telecommunications capabilities in the Northwest Territories has taken into consideration the implications the network may have for existing northern service providers. In fact, in many cases existing Internet providers will realize advantages from such a network.

The network will expand the opportunities for existing and new Internet service providers. They will have a very high speed, high quality network upon which to carry their data signals. Because of the capacity of this service, they will be able to offer a much larger range of services that depend upon higher speed communications. As a result of the extension of this service to every community in the Northwest Territories, they will be able to offer to their clients access to people and organizations in all communities. In addition, they will have the basis upon which to expand their scope of services to any other community, which today is only possible in the larger centres.

The contract negotiations currently under way with Ardicom Digital Communications Ltd. specifically deal with ensuring equitable access to the network for all entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories. Unfair or anti-competitive pricing will in no way be supported by the government, and as well is subject to review by the Canadian Radio, Telecommunications and Television Commission.

As part of the negotiations, the government is ensuring that local and municipal level connections are separate from the backbone network that Ardicom will provide. In this way, local businesses will be able to compete for the opportunity to provide local connections, for example, using existing cable distribution systems or new wireless systems.

The government is committed to ensuring that high quality telecommunications are available to all communities and all residents in the Northwest Territories. We are attempting to do so with maximum participation from the private sector, and in a manner that provides benefits to all users in every community. Many opportunities will arise for local entrepreneurs to develop their business based upon the availability of this high quality backbone network.

Thank you.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It would give me pleasure to introduce Mr. Al Brekke. Mr. Al Brekke is the new manager of Northlands Utilities in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are concerning my earlier Member's statement on Plan 2000. My question is to the Minister for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Mr. Arlooktoo. Can the Minister, at this time, update this House and the Northwest Territories as a whole on Plan 2000?

The Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, as the Member knows the government announced Plan 2000 during the last session as a way of trying to alleviate the severe housing shortage that we have in the NWT. The plan is to assist 2000 families by the year 2000 with this program. The Legislative Assembly, through various Members, had asked us to try to fast track the program and to get into as much construction as possible this summer. I am informed by the Housing Corporation that so far we have, in place, plans to assist over 500 families this summer. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the concern here has been the regulations and the criteria for qualifying for the program. My supplementary question to the Minister, are the qualifying regulations and criteria being tightened up?

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, the criteria for qualifying under EDAP remains the same, which is that applicants have to be 19 years or older, must have resided in the NWT for five years one year of which is continuous, prior to approval. There are other things such as family size that is used when prioritizing applicants. The criteria has remained the same. The next step after applicants are qualified under the criteria is how they get on the priority list.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some applicants have qualified and then have been screened out because of the prioritization that the Minister talked about. I wonder if the Minister could outline what are the priorities placed on the applicants on behalf of the NWT Housing Corporation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is true that in most areas we have far more applicants than those that we can provide assistance to, especially this first year. For example, in the Member's constituency where we have more than 60 applicants we can provide assistance to just a bit more of a quarter of that. So we have had to prioritize who we approve. The first applicant that we will approve are families in public housing, immediately after that are couples in public housing. We will also put on top of the list families in poor need with suitability or adequacy problems, and so on. There are seven criteria in the priority list, which I will be pleased to provide the Member in more detail.

Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my riding, which is one of the fastest growing communities in the north with an 18 percent growth over the past five years, the demand has certainly outstripped the availability of the money for the EDAP. My question to the Minister is, for the community of Iqaluit, is there any possibility of rebasing some other funds from other areas, which maybe have slippage in the EDAP program, so that the people in poor need in my community, where we are short 70 housing units, will be able to get access to this worthwhile program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday of this week I will be tabling the results of our latest needs survey. It would be a good idea for the Assembly to, whether it is through committees or through Caucus, to discuss the survey in detail between now and the fall. If I could summarize the results, there will be no surprises. The situation has not become better. It is true that in Iqaluit we cannot assist as many people as we would like, but that is the case all over the Northwest Territories. If there are any areas later on where we could adjust to other areas where there is further need, that will happen, but from what we can see right now, each of the districts will be using their full allotment this year.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be speaking in Inuktitut. I have a question to the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Jim Antoine. In Pangnirtung the new school to be built will be sealifted to Pangnirtung this summer. I wonder if the Minister of Transportation would be able to find out from the transportation company if these building supplies could be sent in July? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes the Department of Transportation will try to find out the shipping arrangements for the supplies for the school. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the Minister is going to look into this transportation arrangement, would he be able to keep the community informed? Thank you.(Translation ends)

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, we will work with the communities and inform them as we find out the information. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Steen.

The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As part of our business planning development and consistent with the government's community empowerment priority, MACA identified land reform as a major strategy change and the initiative involved devolving the responsibility for Commissioner's land within municipal boundaries to municipalities and recovering costs for land development and administration. There was a document I tabled earlier in the year, Finding the Right Balance: Options for Changing Land Development Practices.

I know that the department has been to the communities, consulting with the communities on this initiative and I realize it is hard to comprehend this initiative within the smaller communities. It was one of the initiatives when in our lands claims for Nunavut, Article 14, states that all the land will now be under the municipal government in the communities and now the communities have that authority, to fix the pricing of those lots. We are working with the communities in regards to how to do land development in their communities and I realize that some communities, even though they have been consulted, probably need to be consulted again, but that is the initiative that is going on in land reform. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Steen.

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you. This was one of the items that we discussed in Finding the Right Balance: Option For Changing Land Development Practices. In there we are talking about credit for previous lease payments. What we are saying is that for existing lots, previous lease payments made on a lot could be credited against the correct replacement costs, historic replacement costs or standard lot price in an equity lease. For example, if a leasee has made lease payments for ten years on a $15,000 lot, $2,500 would be discounted. That is ten years times $250, leaving $12,500 outstanding without interest. The outstanding balance is based on cost minus previous lease payments so there are options. The hamlet and the communities set the price on those lots. That is the option that they can look at. It is not that we are saying everybody has to pay a certain price, whether they are on old lots or on new lots. The hamlet sets the price of lots, not the government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Steen.

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What we are trying to do here is work with the communities through a consultation process. We do have land administrators trained to deal with the community. We are trying to give the hamlets different options and work with them when they are setting the prices, so it is the call of the hamlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Steen.

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have that detail in front of me so I will take that question as notice. Thank you.

The question is taken as notice. Oral questions, Mr. Krutko.

The Premier, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no flood compensation for cabins. Compensation is only given if a primary residence is lost. This is the same as being offered in Manitoba today. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, federal compensation is for primary residences only, the main residence of the person. It is not for cottages, cabins, trappers' cabins. That is our understanding of it. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Any individual who lives in their cabin or their camp year round and they consider that their primary residence, we will be pleased to work with those individuals on a case by case basis to see if we can get them compensation through the federal government program. We will do our best to assist them. All we need are the names and the requests. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through the honourable Member, I would like to just say that if any of his

constituents or people in the Inuvik region have been flooded out and they feel that they are eligible for compensation, would they please contact the local MACA office and the MACA employees will be pleased to assist them. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no plan to remove the position from Fort Smith. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and welcome back. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, is it normal practice of this government to allow seven, eight, nine months to pass after the award date of a contract or tender has expired? Thank you.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe the Member can clarify his question, I do not know what he is asking. Thank you.

Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I will repeat my question. I am asking the Premier, is it a normal practice of this government once an expiry date or a date has been set for the awarding of a contract to allow seven, eight, nine months to pass without awarding that contract?

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, it is not a normal practice of this government to allow seven to eight months to award a contract after the closing date. It normally takes about a month to six weeks to do that, and in some circumstances it may, I do not know.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what conditions would have to exist in order for the awarding of a contract to be delayed by seven, eight, nine months?

Mr. Morin.