This is page numbers 623 - 650 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 6th 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 today.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Jim Antoine, Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Mr. 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

Page 623

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Good afternoon. Before we start today, I would like to inform the House that I have appointed a new Sergeant-at-Arms to serve the Legislative Assembly. I would like to introduce to the Assembly, Mr. Joseph Ouellette.

--Applause

Mr. Ouellette takes over his duties officially today. I am sure Members will join me in welcoming Mr. Ouellette to his work as Sergeant-at-Arms.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge our current Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Tony Whitford.

--Applause

Mr. Whitford will be giving up his duties later this month and on behalf of all Members, I would like to express the Assembly's appreciation for the excellent way you have carried out your responsibilities. Mr. Whitford should be congratulated for the work he has done to enhance the stature of the position of Sergeant-at-Arms, not only with the hosting of the 1998 Canadian Sergeant-at-Arms Conference, but his contacts overseas. On your behalf, thank you, Tony, for your work with the Pages and wish you Godspeed in whatever your future holds.

--Applause

I would also like to mention the contribution Mr. Barry Bran brought to the position of Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms and I will be announcing the appointment of a Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms early next year.

Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have an emergency statement. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this House that I will not be proceeding with legislation concerning the Northwest Territories Power Corporation during today's session.

As I previously informed Members, officials have been meeting over the past several months on an agreement that would have seen the corporation continued as a single entity over a three-year transition period. These discussions included the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Office of the Interim Commissioner, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Western Coalition.

These discussions continued until an hour ago. Tentative agreement was reached on all aspects of the transition agreement with the exception of how to share the dividend payments between the NWT and Nunavut during the transition period. Unfortunately, this fundamental difference of opinion cannot be resolved in time to proceed with legislation in the extremely limited window of opportunity remaining during the current session.

While all parties are disappointed that we have not yet been able to find agreement with respect to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, I am encouraged by the fact that all parties remain committed to finding a northern resolution to this problem. The parties have agreed to meet again tomorrow afternoon to continue to work through this issue. I will keep Members informed of any new developments as they occur. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Honourable Kelvin Ng and I participated in a conference call with provincial and territorial Premiers from across the country. It was the first time Premiers have met since Lucien Bouchard won last week's Quebec election. The meeting, chaired by Saskatchewan Premier Romanow, was called to discuss the upcoming federal budget and progress on social union negotiations. As Members may know, the social union became an important issue in the Quebec election campaign.

Canada's Premiers are calling upon the federal government to restore health care funding levels that have been cut over the last several years. We want to emphasize that the amount of money reinvested will need to be substantial. This confirms what all provincial and territorial leaders agreed to, as a first priority, in Saskatoon this past summer. We are asking that social union negotiations recommence after being suspended for the Quebec election. Premiers agreed that we need to step up the pace on these talks, bargain in good faith and come up with a workable solution as soon as is realistically possible.

Mr. Speaker, we are also calling upon the Prime Minister to convene a First Ministers' meeting early in the new year. We propose to use that opportunity to discuss with him the agreement that has been reached and sustained by all provincial and territorial jurisdictions across this country. We would like to meet with the Prime Minister so that we can describe our situation and to make our position as clear as possible. We need to tell him, face to face, about our need to sustain basic health care services. British Columbia's Premier, Glen Clark, said a good First Ministers' meeting could also help to smooth the way for successful social union discussions and thus make our country work better. Alberta's Premier, Ralph Klein, and British Columbia's Premier, Glen Clark, have each met with the Prime Minister in the last two days. Each of these Premiers has impressed upon the Prime Minister the importance of restoring health care funding to every jurisdiction in the country. We view the restoration of primary health care funding from Ottawa to the provinces and territories as the top priority, particularly given the serious stresses and strains on the health care system being experienced in each province and territory.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is worth noting that all provincial and territorial leaders have put aside other important issues in order to reaffirm that the proper focus and the proper emphasis should be placed on ensuring that all Canadians enjoy an adequately funded and sustainable health care system. The Government of the Northwest Territories has played an important role in these discussions. we have been successful in bringing the specific issue of aboriginal people's health and well-being to the table and we will remain vigilant in ensuring that this issue receives due attention at the national level. We will work in concert with our provincial and territorial partners to ensure that our priorities are recognized on the national scene. Mr. Romanow summed up by saying that our goal is to make Canada work better and to deliver health and social programs that work better for all Canadians. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for the NWT Workers' Compensation Board, it will be my pleasure to table, later today, the board's corporate plan for the years 1999 to 2001 in accordance with subsection 91(1) of the Financial Administration Act. The corporate plan, which will guide WCB operations over the next three years, is prepared annually as a result of joint planning sessions involving the WCB's board of directors and its management team. This corporate plan reaffirms many of the strategic issues identified in the board's previous plan. Improving workplace safety, in particular, remains an important objective for the WCB. Education and inspection activities will target those industries with high accident frequencies, and partnerships with workers and employers will be actively promoted in 1999. The WCB will provide ergonomic training and education to employers, and will develop initiatives aimed at small business, youth and the changing workplace.

Mr. Speaker, the WCB remains committed to excellence in the areas of program and service delivery. This commitment is reflected in a number of initiatives designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations, including an evaluation of on-line-access reporting for employers, enhanced return-to-work incentives and a case management model which will provide better and more timely service to injured workers.

Mr. Speaker, as recognized in the board's previous corporate plan, an effective board governance structure is crucial in ensuring that the financial, legislative and program challenges facing the WCB are dealt with in a responsible manner. Effective stakeholder-board interaction is a top priority, as it is every year. Mr. Speaker, the WCB is also proud to be hosting the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada's 1999 Congress here in Yellowknife.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, the board is committed to protecting the interests of all WCB stakeholders during the division process and post-division. By acting as a resource during the negotiation of an intergovernmental transition agreement, the board is well positioned to support whatever decisions are made at the political level with respect to its structure after division.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by congratulating, as I have many times, the board of directors, staff and management of the WCB in their efforts to continually improve workers' compensation in the north. These are uncertain times and the WCB has responded to the challenge. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

--Applause

Minister's Statement 98-13(6): Jon Lindell
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 625

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In our political lives all of us depend on our spouses, our families and our friends for their love, their guidance, their honesty, their understanding and their support. In particular, our wives or husbands have a special role, making sure that we have as normal a life as possible and that our children receive the care and attention they need when we are away doing our jobs. This morning we learned of the sudden and tragic death in Arviat of Mr. Jon Lindell.

Jon, who was in his early forties, was the husband of Nunavut Member of Parliament, Nancy Karetak-Lindell and father to their four children who range in age from eight to 19. Jon, who was active as a volunteer in Arviat, operated an Arviat-based expediting business. He and his four sons had a special love of playing hockey, even including mother Nancy in the odd game.

Nunavut has lost a great man. A real man, who has demonstrated a genuine vision for Nunavut, a vision of reality and strength. Jon Lindell was a key supporter of the Canadian miner and a highly valued friend of many northerners. For this, the people of Nunavut will celebrate his life and visions and carry them through with the pride, sincerity and honesty that Jon was famous for. On behalf of all Members of this Assembly and Northwest Territories residents, I extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Nancy, their four children and family members. Our thoughts are also with the people of Arviat who have suffered a deep loss. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 98-13(6): Jon Lindell
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 625

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it also gives me great sorrow to share with Members of this House the sad news of Nancy Karetak-Lindell's husband Jon who passed away last night. I really feel a deep hurt for the Lindell family and my prayers including those of Cabinet are with them. I lead a prayer this morning with the government Ministers when we learned of Ms. Karetak-Lindell's lose. We prayed as leaders, to our Heavenly Father that He will answer and comfort the family.

Mr. Speaker, Nancy Karetak-Lindell, like myself, has been a mother, a wife and a political leader for the Keewatin. Excuse me, Mr. Speaker. She is my colleague, my close relative, her loss is very close to home for me. I am returning to Rankin this Friday to be with my husband and my boys. I need a hug from my husband. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone in the territories to pray for Nancy Lindell and her family at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also, my condolences go to the Lindell family. Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot Leaders Forum recognizes and understands the actual work being done provided by volunteer fire departments throughout the north and throughout the Nunavut area. Mr. Speaker, I think we all recognize and acknowledge the importance of volunteer fire departments across the north. We will continue to rely on their services and their expertise, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot Leaders Forum also recognizes the Kitikmeot communities are continuing to grow in both population and infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, we recognize that these developments require specialized training and planning, but are beyond the capabilities of volunteer fire departments. We need to seriously look and support the provision of funding for full-time fire chiefs in the region. I think that every Member of this House who represents small communities understands and recognizes that you need a full-time fire chief in small communities, remote communities, regardless of the size, where you have major infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Member's Statement 254-13(6): Arctic Bay Docking Facilities
Item 3: Members' Statements

December 8th, 1998

Page 625

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I was at home, I was told by my representatives in Arctic Bay, the dock in Arctic Bay that was built in the 1990s is too short for the community. When most of the hunters are using the dock, especially in the fall, they extend the dock in Arctic Bay, but up till now it is still too short for the number of boats in Arctic Bay. They had to go elsewhere to dock their boats in the community. I would like to inform the House that I will be asking questions regarding this issue to the Minister later on today. (Translation ends.)

Mr. Speaker, I also would like to give my condolences to our Member of Parliament, Nancy Karetak-Lindell and her family. I would also like to send my condolences to the past mayor of Baker Lake, David Kagoona. I would like to say what David Kagoona told me when I got elected. When I first met him he told me never to fear to ask questions. He told me, if you do not ask questions, you will never get the answers. That, I will remember. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Member's Statement 255-13(6): Financial Stability
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 625

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in about 100 days, we will be starting two new territories. This is pretty well the last time that we are going to meet as a Legislature, except for possibly a brief session in March. As two new territories, we are starting with a financial arrangement that is going to allow us to maintain programs and services, but we all know from the briefings we had that the increased population and demands for services will put a huge pressure on us and our limited financial resources. We are also going to want to try to, in fact, start new programs to improve social conditions, education and economic opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that as it now stands, our revenues are pretty well flat from here on in, unless they are pegged to population. We have no capability to, in fact, increase those revenues. It would appear the current government in Ottawa has opened the door to reviewing our tax structure and has given us a tax window, so to speak. For us, in the north, as resource activity grows, as it will have no choice but to given the resources we have here, we need a chance for more resources to stay, more taxes to stay in the north, rather than going straight to Ottawa.

With less than 100 days left, it is critical for us to move on this initiative that is now underway and to try to bring it to some closure before the end of March. As we look down the road with the time left in this Assembly, this has got to be one of the most critical issues facing us: a stable monetary source and the possibility, in fact, to increase those resources and allow us to meet the demands of the people that we serve. I would urge the government and Cabinet to ensure that we pursue this with all the efforts and resources at our disposal. We have 100 days left and the window will not be there forever. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Member's Statement 255-13(6): Financial Stability
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 626

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Steen.

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring the attention of the House to this matter. On November 9th, nominations closed for appointments for elections to the hamlet council in Holman. Since there were only five positions and five names, all the members were acclaimed. I would like to advise the House that for a two-year term, Elsie Ovilok, Robert Kuptana, Mel Pretty and Nancy Goose have been acclaimed for a one-year term with Trudy Anne Kuptana. Mr. Speaker, with the upcoming municipal elections on Monday, December 14th, I would encourage the other three of my communities, all the members of the public, to come out and vote on that day. Thank you.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not know if I can add much more to comments that were spoken by Mr. Arlooktoo, Ms. Thompson and Mr. Barnabas, regarding the death of a very good friend of mine, a trusted confidante, an advisor, Jon Lindell, who passed away late last night. Mr. Speaker, Jon will be missed greatly by all people in the community, all the people of the region. He gave a lot of himself to his wife, to his family, and I think to the residents of Nunavut.

Mr. Speaker, this only adds to the sadness when earlier this week, I announced the death of Mayor David Tagoona, another good friend of mine. Mr. Speaker, for the record, we realize that the media coverage of Mr. Tagoona's death was somewhat contorted, even misleading. As of this morning, the medical directors acknowledged and announced that Mr. Tagoona died from a massive heart attack on Sunday. Mr. Speaker, I will ask my fellow colleagues to join me in offering our sincere condolences and our prayers to Nancy, sister Charlotte, all the family members and the children at their time of need. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise a concern that affects all of our smaller communities. Currently, in all our smaller communities, we have volunteer fire departments and fire chiefs. They do a very good job when called upon. Their work is often very difficult considering fire does not wait for anyone. It could happen in the cold of winter, at night or during the day. These volunteers drop whatever they are doing to try and save the house, school or any other building.

However, these departments need to have updated equipment and up-to-date knowledge on the science of fire. In order for the departments to operate efficiently, they need to have professional guidance. That is the reason I support the idea of having full-time, qualified professional fire chiefs in all the communities. Most people do not recognize the importance and knowledge a full-time fire chief can bring to a community. He can increase prevention and awareness of fire in the community. It would be his position to also train the volunteer department, as well as other interested individuals, wishing to volunteer.

In closing, I would hope the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs would consider this very important issue that affects all our communities and residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.