Members Present
Honourable Jim Antoine, Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, 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 the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.
Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Good morning. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.
Member's Statement 234-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good Morning. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I would like to wish my wife a happy Valentine's Day in Clyde River and also my friends Tim Evic and his family in Pangnirtung. Also Joanasie Maniapik, Levi Kulualik, Joanasie Qarpik, Sailoa Metuk, Philip Sangooya and family, Lootie Toomasie and family and Jassie Kuniliusie, happy Valentine's. Have a good day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)
--Applause
Member's Statement 234-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Member's Statement 235-13(5): Funding Sources For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment threw in a challenge to the Ordinary Members to identify where money could be located in the budget in order to direct more of our resources to the area of education. It was interesting to me that the only suggestion or example that the Minister could come up with on the spur of the moment was cutting the meagre money paid to assist seniors with the cost of living in their own homes. The format of our budget is such that the main estimates do not provide a very useful tool in identifying areas where this government wastes money. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the government has had to make cuts and this has impacted almost everyone. Does this government waste money? I question the value of things like a $750,000 Med-Emerg report. I continue to question the value of a $223,000 report on POL privatization. I question the indeterminate and 20-year inflated leases on unoccupied housing units in our communities. I question trips abroad for groups which no report, cost benefit achievement or findings ever get tabled in this House after the fact. I question the prolific use of RFPs for procuring goods and services for which we will never know how much we may have overpaid. I know one group who knows how much money this government wastes and that is our constituents. The phone number here is 1-800-661-0784. Phone and have your MLA raise these issues in this House. We will bring them to the attention of Mr. Dent so that he can use a better example the next time he asks Ordinary Members where he can get more money for the education of our children. Mr. Speaker, on this the anniversary of the death of my father, I wish to wish all seniors of the Northwest Territories happy Valentine's Day.
--Applause
Member's Statement 235-13(5): Funding Sources For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.
Member's Statement 236-13(5): The High Cost Of Food In Isolated Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I raise concern about the price of food in the High Arctic communities. This has been a continuing problem for northern residents living in isolated areas where supplies must be flown into the communities. Mr. Speaker, I would like to use enfalac as an example. Enfalac is a very important part of the diet for many; they need it in order to grow strong and healthy. In Igloolik, the price of a 400 grams can of powdered enfalac is $17.22. The lowest cost of Enfalac in a remote northern community is in Arviat and that cost is $12.95. However, in Yellowknife, the same 400 grams can is a mere $6.12. The cost in remote communities is more than double the price.
High prices in the Arctic are not a new problem. I raised this issue on February 10, 1997 but still have not received a response from the Premier. The government must realize this is a problem. It was recently announced that it would adjust the food allowance rates within the Income Support Program, but this does nothing to ease the hardship faced by people who are not on this program and are struggling. As I stated in my Member's statement last year, for residents trying to live a traditional Inuit lifestyle, this is quite difficult because prices of food in the NWT increase frequently. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to complete my statement. (Translation ends)
Member's Statement 236-13(5): The High Cost Of Food In Isolated Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member from Amittuq is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have
any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Evaloarjuk, you have unanimous consent to conclude your statement. Mr. Evaloarjuk.
Member's Statement 236-13(5): The High Cost Of Food In Isolated Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I looked into some of the prices the Baffin and in the Keewatin and some prices from the Natilikmiot area. I will be noting how much the prices are in those regions. This is to show what the prices are in the communities.
Prices of Powdered Enfalac (400g) Prices do not include GST
Community
Northern Store
Co-op
Arctic Bay
$12.99
$13.99
Arviat
$12.95
$12.95
Cambridge Bay
$15.39
$15.39
Clyde River
$16.29
Grise Fiord
$14.99
Hall Beach
$15.95
Igloolik
$17.22
$17.22
Kimmirt
$16.89
Pangnirtung
$16.64
$15.59
Pelly Bay
$14.99
Pond Inlet
$11.69
$11.99
Rankin Inlet
$13.92
$13.00
Repulse Bay
$16.59
$18.04
Resolute Bay
$12.95
Sanikiluaq
Yellowknife
Extra Foods
$6.12
Those are the rates I looked into. I am talking about this because I think it is important that we know this issue. Mr. Speaker, I will be directing my question on this matter to the Premier later on today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)
Member's Statement 236-13(5): The High Cost Of Food In Isolated Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.
Member's Statement 237-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is a special day for all of us and for the ones we love. I would like to just take a moment from the business of the House to extend my best wishes and Valentine greetings to my wife, my daughter and my granddaughter and, of course, my mother. As well as, to my constituents and the loved ones of my colleagues here in the House today and the staff, as well. I would also like to send a reminder to all the men, who may be listening, do not forget that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. It is a very important day and it is much to your benefit to remember that. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 237-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Ms. Thompson.
Member's Statement 238-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Manitok Thompson Aivilik
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to remember, tomorrow is Valentine's Day, my husband, Tom who takes care of my boys and works very hard when I am in Yellowknife. I would also like to remember my boys who are staying at home, Trevor and Buddy and, also, my parents in Coral Harbour, Mikitok Bruce and Kanayuk Bruce. I would like to thank them for their prayers and I would like to thank them for praying for the Members of the Legislative Assembly. I wish the community of Coral Harbour a good day tomorrow and people in Chesterfield Inlet and Repulse Bay, I would like to remember them tomorrow being Valentine's Day, I will remember them in my prayers. Thank you.
Member's Statement 238-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.
Member's Statement 239-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all the elders of Arviat and Baker Lake and wish them a happy Valentine's Day. As well as, my daughter Kelsey and the two ladies in the House, Ms. Thompson and Mrs. Groenewegen, happy Valentine's Day. I would like to let my constituents know that I will be in my home constituency on Monday to meet with the Manitoba Trade Delegation. Thank you.
Member's Statement 239-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.
Member's Statement 240-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to heed Mr. Miltenberger's advice and send a special Valentine wish to the two women in my life. First of all I would like to send a happy Valentine to the woman who has put up with my shenanigans for many years, my mother. Of course, it started around 47 years ago when I would not wait to see the world and she was forced to give birth in a tent frame in Ndilo in a cold month of February. Mr. Speaker, our mother has had to put up with a lot and did a lot things for me, from getting me out of bed to go to school, putting up with all mine and my brothers and sisters' endeavours, getting us ready for hockey, boxing, baseball, putting up with my teasing of my younger brothers and sisters. I would like to thank her and, of course, my dad for putting special emphasis on certain things like respect for elders, being honest, hard work, getting an education and many other things. I would also like to thank my
mother for making many fine traditional clothing for myself and my other brothers and sisters, such as slippers and this fine vest that I am wearing today.
Mr. Speaker, the other special woman in my life is my wife. I would also like to send Valentine wishes to her. She has also put up with me for many years, since shortly after high school. Through those years we have gone through lots, too many to get into here, of course, but most recently it was the building of our house. Many people told us if we could go through that without getting a divorce, we would probably be together for life. I am happy to say we are still together and we have moved in.
Member's Statement 240-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Some Hon. Members
Hear! Hear!
Member's Statement 240-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I read in the Globe and Mail an article about the fact that men's brains shrink faster than women's and that this causes memory loss starting in their early 30s. Mr. Speaker, my wife said that in my case it probably started in my early 20s because I have forgotten many birthdays and anniversaries and Valentine's Days. This is one time I have not forgotten and I wish both my wife and my mother a very happy Valentine's Day and I wish to send the same to all the Members of this House and our staff here. Thank you.
--Applause
Member's Statement 240-13(5): Valentine's Greetings
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. I do not know whether or not I was shouting loud enough to remind you that your time was up, but maybe it was because of Valentine's Day, I do not know. I would like to remind the Members that Mr. Erasmus had his birthday yesterday too. Is it 47 or 48 now? Members' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.
Member's Statement 241-13(5): Sahtu Health Services Concerns
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of this Legislature may have heard recent CBC reports. I have received a copy of a story that ran in the MacKenzie Valley Reviewer out of Norman Wells recently. This was regarding difficulties that my Sahtu constituencies are expressing about changes that have been made in the way health services are provided in the Sahtu. I rise today to dispel any thought that I, as an MLA for the Sahtu, was not paying sufficient attention to their concerns and the outrage that they are expressing. I apologize to my constituents for the length of time that it has taken to resolve this problem. I have asked the Premier and the Minister of Health and Social Services to assist in finding a solution to the high-handed way in which the Inuvik Health Board is treating my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, without consultation with Sahtu leaders and myself as MLA, the Inuvik Health Board recently overturned a Cabinet directive which was effective April 1, 1995. This directive was communicated in writing by the Premier of the day, to each community leader. The leaders since then, were confident the government would stand by its word, particularly since they had in it writing. This is the reason, Mr. Speaker, why they are so upset and disturbed.
Mr. Speaker, the Cabinet directive says the following:
1. All residents of Fort Norman, now Tulita, Norman Wells and Deline will be required to obtain medevac, hospital and medical specialists, referral services from the Stanton Hospital in Yellowknife.
2. Residents of Colville Lake and Fort Good Hope will have the choice of obtaining these services from either Inuvik or Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, a spokesman for the Inuvik Regional Health Board said today on CBC, they had made changes for medical services in the Sahtu which I say are contrary to the Cabinet directive because he says they had heard people were complaining about having to go to Yellowknife for specialist services more than once.
Since when, Mr. Speaker, do governments make arbitrary decisions in isolation of any consultation with MLAs or the communities and their leaders? Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Member's Statement 241-13(5): Sahtu Health Services Concerns
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Sahtu is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Kakfwi, you have unanimous consent.
Member's Statement 241-13(5): Sahtu Health Services Concerns
Item 3: Members' Statements
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Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, since when do governments start to make arbitrary decisions in isolation of any consultation with the MLA or the communities and the leaders involved, particularly about something so sensitive as to where and how health services are delivered? Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu has two members on the Inuvik Health Board. One member from the Sahtu resigned over this issue last fall. I have just received word this morning that the remaining representative has also resigned.
Last night, in Deline, a five-hour meeting of the community took place, and another meeting has been called for Monday, February 16, 1998. I believe that the health board has acted inappropriately and I look forward to Cabinet resolving this issue in the very near future. This will be what the Sahtu residents will be expecting, and I believe they will be receiving that. Thank you.
--Applause
Member's Statement 241-13(5): Sahtu Health Services Concerns
Item 3: Members' Statements
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The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.
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