Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Good morning. Before we proceed with Ministers' statements, I would like to advise the Legislative Assembly that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of the Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 3 1997-98 during the Fifth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Helen Maksagak, Commissioner.

Orders of the day. Mr. Roland, your point of order.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. I will allow for debate on this so that I am satisfied what I hear from the Members would then allow me to base my decision on. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the Minister quoted from a directive of Cabinet that was sent. It is in the files of all the Sahtu leadership offices. It was a letter sent by the Minister of the day to the Sahtu leadership. My understanding is that is the document he was quoting from. Thank you.

Thank you. Are there any further comments? Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Mr. Roland your point of order is well noted and I reserve my decision until we review Hansard. Thank you. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Kelvin Ng will be absent from the House for today and tomorrow to attend the Ministers of Health Conference in Toronto, Ontario. As well, the Honourable John Todd will be absent from the House for today and tomorrow to attend the Manitoba Trade Mission in Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when I took the position of Minister of Justice, one of my first areas of interest and concern was alternatives to jail. I believe that it is important that our justice system attempt to provide a more culturally appropriate alternative to incarceration, an approach that focuses on healing the offender and leaves them with a foundation to improve their lives. Keeping in mind, Mr. Speaker, the need to strike a balance between ensuring public safety and maximizing opportunities for offenders to return to being productive members of society.

I am pleased to report that progress has been made in developing alternatives to incarceration for offenders in the north. For a number of years, camps have been a viable option for the placement of some young offenders. To this end, the department has extended this model to adults. Over the past year, community members have established eight camps for adult male offenders across the NWT, in cooperation with Correctional Services. Camps are located near Rae Lakes, Pellet Lake, near Lupin Mine, Hay River, Fort Smith, Pond Inlet, Aklavik, Fort McPherson and most recently, Fort Providence. The department is following up on these positive developments and we are now in discussions with community leaders in Pangnirtung and Arviat. It is hoped that the program will expand to these communities soon. Currently, there are 27 adult offenders in camps.

These camps allow lower risk offenders, who would otherwise have to serve their sentence in a correctional institution, to be kept out of the institution and closer to their home communities for at least part of their sentence. In addition, some camps provide opportunities for offenders to develop traditional land-based skills such as hunting, fishing and trapping. I look forward to working with interested parties and to continue to move forward on this important initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be speaking in Inuktitut. Good morning. Today, I would like to send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Aiyow Qavavauq, who unfortunately passed away this weekend in Nanasivik. He will be sadly missed by the communities of Arctic Bay and Nanisivik. Aiyow was very well known by many in Arctic Bay and Nanisivik. He was born in another community in Nunavut in 1943 on December 25th. (Translation ends)

Thank you. We will continue with Mr. Barnabas at a later time. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good Morning. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about Cape Christian. Cape Christian is a former American coast guard station located 12 miles northeast of Clyde River. The Americans established the station in 1952. It is currently abandoned. In 1975, ownership of the station was transferred to the Canadian government. The federal government in turn sold the entire infrastructure to the Government of the NWT. The Government of the NWT is the current owner of the site. PCB cleanup of the site is almost completed but, Mr. Speaker, there are still garbage and abandoned buildings on the site. More cleanup is needed to get rid of the garbage and abandoned buildings. The site is a threat to the safety and environment of Clyde River. Mr. Speaker, the community of Clyde River would like the site cleared of abandoned buildings and the garbage cleaned up. Thank you.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a concern that all of my colleagues have commented on at one time or another, that being the lack of challenges for our young people. The younger generations are always bored They never have enough to do. Mr. Speaker, when you and I grew up, we were always doing something. Our parents had us do chores around the camp or house. It was a family working together to conquer the elements. Our traditional ways to a degree have been lost. Today our children do not have to work as hard as we did. Children today do not have to cut wood, go hunting and fishing for their food and clothing and many of the other daily events that we did.

When we grew up, not only did we have to work hard but it also challenged us. We had to go out in 40 or 50 below weather to get wood, food and everything else that we needed to ensure our survival. Today our children are not challenged. They do not have the physical challenges or the mental challenges it takes to create a good life for themselves. Young children today are getting involved in alcohol and drugs because they think it is cool and mainly because they do not have anything else to do.

There are many things we, as parents, want for our children. We want them to grow up with all the things we did not have. We want them to live a full and rewarding life but if we, as parents and as a community, cannot provide guidance and challenges for our youth, they will walk down a dead-end path to oblivion. In my community, the parish council recognizes these problems with our youth and tonight is having a meeting to form a committee to address many of the concerns these children have. I hope the committee does address these concerns and wish them all the best in their efforts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Process

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I listen with intent when the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo made a statement regarding camp for adult offenders. I agree with the Minister when he talks about the need to strike a balance between ensuring public safety and maximizing opportunities for offenders to return to being productive members of society. I also agree when he talks about the meaning of the wonderful thing that the camp will do for the community. However, Mr. Speaker, one area that I have not heard the honourable Minister talk about is a program for the Natilikmiot region. The honourable Minister talks about and I quote, "over the past year, community members have established eight camps for adult male offenders across the NWT, in cooperation with Correctional Services. Camps are located near Rae Lakes, Pellet Lake, near Lupin Mine, Hay River, Fort Smith, Pond Inlet, Aklavik, Fort McPherson and most recently, Fort Providence." He also talks about programs for Arviat and Pangnirtung. My question is, Mr. Speaker, what about the Natilikmiot region? Do we have the lowest incarceration rate in the NWT or is Natilikmiot a low priority? Where does the Natilikmiot region come in? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr.

Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Krutko on February 11, 1998, termination of NWT ski coach.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provided $10,000 during 1997-98 for this position. The NWT ski division also obtained funding from Human Resources Canada to support his paid coaching position and expand its programs into 12 communities through a training and employment program for community coaches.

On February 5th, the NWT ski coach received a termination letter from NWT ski division effective immediately. Staff from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs met with both parties and reviewed the events that led to the termination.

I am advised that the termination provision of the employment contract was followed. The NWT ski division has acted within its authority in terminating this contract and is accountable to its membership for this decision. Thank you.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a return to oral questions asked by Mr. Ootes, February 6th, 11th, and 12th, 1998, in regard to Lahm Ridge Tower Lease Renewal.

Mr. Al Marceau did not contact the Department of Public Works and Services within three or four months before July, 1997. Public Works and Services had brief contact with Mr. Marceau and his company in November, 1996 and in January and February, 1997, to confirm the over hold status of the lease.

Departmental officials were not engaged in negotiations about the lease extension or about Lahm Ridge Tower, prior to August 3, 1997 with individuals outside the department other than the owner, Mr. Marceau.

Mr. Speaker, I also have another return to oral questions. This one was asked by Mr. Krutko on February 11, 1998 in regard to the cost of Yellowknife office lease renewals.

The renewal costs of the four office leases renewed in Yellowknife in the past two years are as follows:

- Centre Square $4.7 million

- Lahm Ridge Tower $8.9 million

- Northern United Place $12.1 million

- Professional Building $1.5 million

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for my honourable colleague, Mr. Arlooktoo, regarding a camp for adult offenders across the NWT. As I indicated in my Member's statement, when I asked a question, where does the Kitikmeot region stand in all the programs across the NWT? Mr. Speaker, I have stood up in this House in the past talking about a request of Gjoa Haven to have a hunter's camp within the community. I do not know if the Minister was the Minister of the department, but I have, indeed, spoken about this to other Ministers about the request to have the camp for young offenders, especially.

Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Gjoa Haven and the public of Gjoa Haven has approached me to request a program. As I noted in my statement earlier, just about every other region has enjoyed such a program except the Kitikmeot region. My question is, where does the Kitikmeot stand, according to the Minister of Justice? Thank you.

The Minister of Justice, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The issue of where camps is located is one that I have looked into and it is clear to me that there is a bit of an imbalance of how many camps there are, for example, on the Nunavut side and the western side. There are several reasons for this, but one of the more important ones, one I would suggest, is the lack of a camp near the Kitikmeot communities. Although, I did say there was one in Pellet Lake, which in most peoples' eyes, is in the Kitikmeot. The communities and the regions need to be more assertive, aggressive and work more closely with the Department of Justice in putting these camps together. I will say to the Member that the Department of Justice is serious in its interest to work with the MLA in the community to see what we can to do make a young offender's camp a reality in the Kitikmeot region. Thank you.

Oral questions. Second supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pellet Lake does not stand in the middle of Kitikmeot region nor close to my communities of Pelly Bay, Gjoa Haven or Taloyoak. It is closer to the treeline than anywhere else. Mr. Speaker, how soon will the Minister refocus or re-evaluate his priorities? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can ask the department immediately to look at past correspondence to see what has been discussed so far. There are several things we need to look at. One is the number of suitable offenders, so to speak. You do not want offenders in camps who could be a possible danger to themselves or to others. The other thing is you need the cooperation of the community, and you need suitable candidates to run these camps. I can look into it immediately. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When we talked about a need for offenders, I think, at the same time we have to look at a need for victims. My question is, will the Minister communicate with me before the end of the month about his plan? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The answer is yes I will keep in contact with the Member on that. The other thing we need to keep in mind, when we are talking about these young offenders camps, is the amount of resources that the Department of Justice does or does not have. I do need to point out the fact there are limited funds in the department for this program, but we realize the importance and usefulness of having some classes of offenders to be out, either in camp-style or group home-style situations, rather than in institutions. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated in my Member's statement, Cape Christian is a threat to the safety and environment of Clyde River. My question will be directed to the Honourable Mr. Kakfwi. Can the Minister advise me when will the cleanup of Cape Christian and coast guard station be completed? Thank you.

The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will take the question as notice and I will have the Minister get back to the Member. Thank you.

Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When Members ask for information and when Members ask for answers to their questions we do take those requests seriously. I will work with the Minister of MACA to get as much information that is there for the Member. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through the Minister of MACA we will make that request, and it is better that the organizations involved deal directly with the parents and the people involved. I know the Member is raising the issue on behalf of his constituents. I commend him for that and we will work with the Minister to work with the organizations that are involved to deal directly with the parents and the players who have been affected. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

The Minister of Justice, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member did mention this all occurred before I became Minister of Justice, but that aside, the camps that I spoke about for adult offenders in my statement were relatively low cost, unsophisticated bush camp types, as opposed to the facilities that were at one point planned for Aklavik and Fort Resolution, that were unfortunate victims of the cuts we made at the beginning of our Assembly. I would have to do some research on what further thought has been put into those facilities. I do know the situation with funding is still not good. We still have not received an influx of capital dollars. It would be quite difficult. Thank you.

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

Thank you. Two questions. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important to note that it is a consensus amongst most people, it is better for a portion of offenders that they do not spend time in institutions, depending on the severity of their criminal acts and the danger they pose to themselves or to the public. If we cannot keep them out of institutions and assist them in turning their lives around elsewhere, that is the way to go. The issue of a facility for Inuvik or Mackenzie Delta is one that I saw in briefings which have been brought up on quite a number of occasions through the years by the Member, by the MLA for Inuvik and by others. The Department of Justice has been putting together a review of what to do with the situation. Of course, you always have balances set up with the resources at hand, but I can tell the House that we are expecting a report to be made available to myself by the end of this month that will look at the whole area of young offenders' facilities and their locations. Members may know that the young offender's facility in Hay River requires replacement due to safety concerns and the replacement or possible relocation is something I am prepared to look at. Thank you.

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

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, the cost benefit comparison is one the government always looks at. Rather than taking this question as notice, I think it would be best in our budget review process. The Department of Justice is next on the order paper. I would be pleased to discuss this in further detail during that process. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, there will not be a net saving. We have some office spaces that are surplus, however, there are pockets of them throughout the whole lease arrangements in Yellowknife. We have about 11 leases for different buildings. Yes, we do have surplus space, but there are pockets of them all over the place. Lahm Ridge Tower contains all of the Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) offices and the Department of Transportation's section of the administration. If we had vacated Lahm Ridge Tower, then we would have had to split up these two departments into little pockets all over the place in Yellowknife to fill these surplus places.

Since the Government of the Northwest Territories had occupied Lahm Ridge Tower, we have put a lot of money into tenant improvements, carpets and so forth. We would have lost that, plus moving. In the long-run we would not have had any net savings by disrupting two existing program deliverers and moving them into pockets of those spaces throughout Yellowknife. Thank you.

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

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is correct. Again, we have surplus spaces throughout the office leases in Yellowknife, but not one that is large enough to take in existing office spaces in Lahm Ridge Tower. Let us say for Education, Culture and Employment or the Department of Transportation, we would have had to further split them up in order to accommodate them in the surplus spaces. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

I will rule the question out of order. The question has been asked already, and it has been answered. The question is out of order. Mr. Ootes, do you have another question?

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Do you wish to respond?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been a Member of this Legislative Assembly for about ten years. I have been a Member of Cabinet for six. I have been a human being now for 47 years. One thing I have learned, no matter what it was, diamond drilling, truck driving or whatever I did in my life, I have learned to take men and women at face value. I have the greatest of confidence in my Cabinet. I have the greatest of confidence in their honesty and their ability to carry out their job to represent the Northwest Territories. When I ask them a straightforward question, they give me an answer and I could say that I believe the answer and I can say in no uncertain terms that I believe in the Members of my Cabinet when they gave me that answer. Thank you.

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

I will resign tomorrow.

I am sorry, Mr. Morin, I did not recognize you. Could you for the record Mr. Morin, repeat your response please?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If this Member or any other Member can prove one of my Cabinet Ministers wrote that note, you will have my resignation the same day. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

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

Thank you. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, I was informed, when it comes to public safety inspections, home inspection by the fire marshal's office in our community by local fire fighters, pardon me Mr. Speaker, that all the public units were inspected except the private dwellings. It was indicated that all the public units are inspected routinely and private dwellings are inspected only at the request of the owner of the public dwelling. Mr. Speaker, are we categorizing safety? Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It probably is the case in the small communities where the public housing stock is inspected yearly for fire hazards and other hazards. The Member raises an excellent concern. I will take it up with the Minister responsible that we should have a program in our communities where homeowners can also request inspections from the fire marshal. It is available, but maybe it is not made public enough. We should make the public aware and we would be pleased to work with the Member on that issue. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Everyone will realize that when it comes to public safety, whether you are living in public dwelling or private dwelling, that it is routine. I do not think that a person living in the private dwelling should have to make a request. Every home should be inspected at the same time on a yearly basis. Will the Minister inform the House that private dwellings will also be inspected during the time when public dwellings are being inspected? Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not believe the government has the authority to go into any person's home to inspect it for hazards. They have to be requested into a person's home to do that. I will check into it because I know some years back in Yellowknife they had a deal where the fire fighters, on your request, would come and inspect your home for you and let you know what the deficiencies were in your home so you could get them fixed. Maybe that would be the best approach in our small communities as well, but I will check with the Minister and have him work with the Member to solve this issue, as well as, any other Members if they so choose. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you. The Minister of Justice, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would have to do some research on that one. I do not believe it is my

duty or would be right for me to make suggestions as to who may have written the note. I probably do, but it would not be right for me to say here on the floor of the House. Thank you.