Debates of May 21st, 1998

This is page numbers 1321 - 1339 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 5th 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 education.

Topics

Members Present
Item 1: Prayer
Minister Absent From The House
Recognition Of Cadets In The Nwt
Continuance Of The Northwest Territories Power Corporation
Status Of Financing Arrangements For Division
Community Fire Protection
Radio And Television Service In Hall Beach
High Arctic Office Shortages
Cleanup Of Cape Christian
Education Funding Shortages
Mackenzie Delta Housing Concerns
Affordable Housing For Teachers
Inuvik Army Cadet Corps
Fort Smith Army Cadet Corps
Value-added Diamond Industries
Congratulations To University Graduate Alan Duffy
Compassionate Travel Benefit
World Catholic Education Day
Funding Support For Educational Programs
Settlement Of The Pay Equity Dispute
Funding Support For Educational Programs
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Cbc Radio Service In Hall Beach
Cleanup Of Cape Christian Coast Guard Site
Direction To Ministers On Education
Contracting Of Government Services
Compassionate Travel Benefit Program
Update On Western Human Resource Plan
Additional Resources For Education
Attracting Value-added Diamond Industries
Grise Fiord And Arctic Bay Hamlet Offices
Position On Changes To The Young Offenders Act
Housing Corporation Liaison With Clients
Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Petition 3-13(5): Adequate Funding For Education
Bill 7: An Act To Amend The Territorial Court Act
Tabled Document 83-13(5): Victims Assistance Committee Of The Northwest Territories Seventh Annual ReportTabled Document 84-13(5): Victims Assistance Committee Of The Northwest Territories Eighth Annual Report
Tabled Document 85-13(5): Letter From Sheyla Kolola Re: Education Concerns
Topic, State Of Education In The Northwest Territories To Committee Of The Whole
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Member's Statement 385-13(5): Inuvik Army Cadet Corps
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1325

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Inuvik 2749 Inuvik Signals Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The Inuvik RCAC held its first annual review in 1963. The Inuvik Cadet Corps has been affiliated with the Communications Squadron in Edmonton since 1993. Their corps membership has ranged anywhere from four to 45 over the 35 years. Currently, they have just under 20 cadets.

The Inuvik RCAC currently has four volunteer members. They are:

Chris Garven, he is the Captain and Commanding Officer; Bev Hainstock, she is a civilian instructor and the Supply Officer; Sharon Benson is a civilian instructor and the Administration Officer and Joey Greenland is a civilian instructor and Cadet Corps Assistant. The cadets who attend advanced courses or the summer training sessions in Whitehorse can receive school credits in the NWT. This was just implemented this year. Anywhere from six to ten cadets attend the training session in Whitehorse from the Inuvik Corps. This is during the summer season. Seven of the Inuvik RCAC cadets travelled to Iqaluit in December of this training year for the Annual Drill Competition, six females and one male represented Inuvik.

We are proud to announce that Ms. Candice Cockney is serving as a page here in the Assembly from May 20th to the 22nd. Ms. Cockney has been involved with the Inuvik RCAC for about one year. She is attending grade 8 at Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik. She would like me to say hello to her mother, Mae Cockney, her stepdad, Louis Goose and to her baby sister Anika.

The 2749 Inuvik Signals Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps is holding their annual inspection this Sunday, and I am sorry to say that I am not able to attend this year. I have attended the past two years' inspections and was extremely impressed with the corps. I wish all of the cadets well and would like to thank them for sending Ms. Candice Cockney as she has served well as a page here in the Assembly and is a fine representative for Inuvik. Thank you.

--Applause

Member's Statement 385-13(5): Inuvik Army Cadet Corps
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1325

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Member's Statement 386-13(5): Fort Smith Army Cadet Corps
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1325

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, as well, as part of Cadet Recognition Week, would like to recognize the role of the cadet corps in Fort Smith, which will also be celebrating its 35th anniversary this fall. This is a very long and honourable history and I think the positive role played by the cadet corps, the military and volunteers cannot go unnoticed. I believe that they stress very strong, good values like teamwork, initiative, hard work and sense of duty, all the type of values that have gone to make this country what it is today. We are fortunate as a community to have Private Kevin Robertson from Fort Smith here as well, in grade 8 of P.W. Kaeser High School. I would also like to also briefly recognize the fact that part of the military who trained cadets is Warrant Officer Floyd Powder from Fort Smith, who is currently stationed in Yellowknife working with the youth across the north. He has served many years with honour and distinction with the Canadian Armed Forces and is now giving that skill and experience to working with cadets. I would like to congratulate the cadet movement and wish them nothing but the best in the coming years. Thank you, very much.

--Applause

Member's Statement 386-13(5): Fort Smith Army Cadet Corps
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1325

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Member's Statement 387-13(5): Value-added Diamond Industries
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1325

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in a Diamond Industry Development Conference sponsored by the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce in the city of Yellowknife. It was the first major diamond conference here in the north. A number of international experts were in attendance, and five or six companies expressed strong interest in setting up cutting, polishing and value-added businesses here. However, these companies could as easily be lured away to Alberta or BC whose governments are right now actively lobbying them to establish there. Now that BHP has agreed to establish a sorting and valuation plant in Yellowknife, it makes sense for this government to take the next step and support those businesses to establish here. We have the opportunity to make Yellowknife the diamond capital of North America and that will benefit all of the north.

Since our government and I believe our Finance Minister was willing to invest $50 million to buy rough diamonds in order to get the value added industry off the ground, now is the time to redirect some of that money to assist this industry to establish in the north. This government should do its utmost to ensure we reach that goal so that in years to come, hundreds of northerners could possibly be employed in value-added industries. Others have done it and we can do it. Why should we not do it? Now is the time to act and to act decisively and with enticements by putting our money where our mouth is to attract a couple of these value-added businesses. We sent a signal to others that we are open for business and others will follow. The industry will subsequently grow on its own.

However, developing the northern economy is not just a territorial and municipal government responsibility. The federal government is equally responsible because they still control our resources and their development. DIAND, as the name implies, is responsible for National Indian Affairs and Northern Development. They should contribute financially to get this value-added industry up and running. Let us send a message to Minister Jane Stewart and an invitation for her to come north to sit down with us, to hammer out a support and an incentive package. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Member's Statement 387-13(5): Value-added Diamond Industries
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1326

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Member's Statement 388-13(5): Congratulations To University Graduate Alan Duffy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1326

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate my nephew, Alan Mikkituk who recently graduated from the University of Saskatchewan. His parents, Ron and Leonie Duffy and grandparents, Mikitok and Tweenaq are very proud of him. Also, the former Mrs. Duffy would have been very proud of her grandchild.

Alan's convocation was held on Tuesday, May 19th, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree with honours in physics, as well as an honours certificate for highest marks in mathematical physics.

Alan is currently enrolled in a Graduate Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan, and the focus of his research is on plasma physics. Mr. Speaker, Alan Duffy is not only a hard working student. He is also a dedicated husband to his wife Laura and proud father of their three children, Natuk three, Nanook five, and Tweenak seven months.

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of my nephew and commend him for his dedication, discipline and the long hours of hard work which were required for his achievement.

(Translation) If you are listening, Alan, I celebrate your convocation. I am rejoicing with the people of Coral Harbour, as well as your parents, and I love you. (Translation ends)

Join me in congratulating Alan Duffy on his success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Member's Statement 388-13(5): Congratulations To University Graduate Alan Duffy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1326

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. On behalf of the Member for North Slave, I would like to recognize the grade five class from Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School in Rae-Edzo. They are here today with their teacher. Welcome to the Assembly.

--Applause

I would also like to recognize the following who are in the gallery involved with the support of the cadet movement in the Northwest Territories. From the Northwest Territories/Yukon Zone of the Air Cadet League of Canada, there is Paul Craig, who is the President, and Jeff Gilmour. Welcome to the Assembly.

--Applause

From the Northwest Territories branch of the Army Cadet League, there is David Colpitts, President and Doug Sherburne.

--Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. From the Canadian Forces Headquarters, Northern Area, there is Lieutenant Colonel Jack Backstrom and Warrant Officer Floyd Powder.

--Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Uniformed leaders of cadet units, there is Lieutenant Al McConnell and Lieutenant Steve Daniel. --Applause

Welcome all to the Assembly. Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Member's Statement 389-13(5): Compassionate Travel Benefit
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1326

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the past two years during the exercise of reduction and cutback of government services programs, many essential programs and services were eliminated. I have received a request to have one such program which was eliminated to be reinstated within this government. Mr. Speaker, this is a request for compassionate travel. I am sure every Member of this House has received such requests from their constituents. Mr. Speaker, given the extremely high cost of transportation in the NWT, recognizing that fact, I think there is a significant demand to have the program back in the budget. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Premier if, in fact, the compassionate travel benefits could be reinstated by this government. Thank you.

--Applause

Member's Statement 389-13(5): Compassionate Travel Benefit
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1326

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Member's Statement 390-13(5): World Catholic Education Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1326

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is May 21st and it is a special day. May 21st is World Catholic Education Day. The day is recognized annually as the day in which Catholic schools around the world engage in some activities which recognize their international associations. Catholic schools

contribute a great deal to the scholastic, spiritual and social aspects of life wherever they exist. In Canada, there are over one million students enroled in Catholic schools. In Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker, we have three Catholic schools which today will be involved in various activities, recognizing their international association. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow Members join me in recognizing the contribution to education that Catholic School District No. 2 in Yellowknife has provided. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Member's Statement 390-13(5): World Catholic Education Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1327

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Member's Statement 391-13(5): Funding Support For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1327

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there has never been a time when education has been more important to the future of the Northwest Territories. In a land rich in resources and opportunities, we, as a government, have a responsibility to make sure there is a trained and available labour force ready to meet the challenges of benefitting from these resources and opportunities in the upcoming millennium. Mr. Speaker, to ensure the viability of our economy in the Northwest Territories, it is imperative that a local talented and responsive labour forces be developed. We have to make sure that northern college programs are relevant to employers' needs now and in the future. There have to be incentives for a post secondary educated northerner to return after completing their higher education in the south and contribute to the northern economy in a positive manner. The education which our children receive in their formative years must be of comparable quality to that offered to a child in the south. The Minister of Education has taken some positive steps in developing a common curriculum with his western Canadian counterparts and I applaud and encourage this initiative. However, Mr. Speaker, these initiatives are not enough. I strongly believe it is time for this Legislature to re-examine its priorities. It is time to invest in the future of the Northwest Territories and it is time to invest in education.

Government cutbacks in recent years have impacted on the ability of our educational system to react to our students' needs. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that in these days of making do with less, all students have suffered a drop in the quality of their education. Educational programs are scaled back at all grades, and all students suffer from this. If we are to break the cycle of dependency on social assistance programs that exist in some of our communities, we must provide the best possible education to our children. Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe education should be the cornerstone of this government's and future government's political platforms. We have to re-evaluate our priorities and invest in the future of the Northwest Territories. We must invest in our children and we must invest in education.

Mr. Speaker, I will be making further statements on specific educational issues during the remainder of this session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Member's Statement 391-13(5): Funding Support For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1327

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Morin.

Member's Statement 392-13(5): Settlement Of The Pay Equity Dispute
Item 3: Members' Statements

May 20th, 1998

Page 1327

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As MLA from Tu Nedhe, Mr. Speaker, a constituent is concerned about the pay equity issue. Mr. Speaker, there has been a great deal of discussion and debate over the pay equity issue. Both the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Union of Northern Workers have made their positions clear on the matter.

This morning, I received a telephone call from one of my constituents. This lady is a government employee. She was calling to let me know that she and other female workers in my riding want to see this issue settled. They are not interested in a lengthy debate over pay equity. They would like to receive their share of the settlement and get on with their work, the sooner the better.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents raise a very important issue, one that some people may have lost sight of. While we argue over pay equity, female employees of the territorial government are left waiting for a settlement. They continue to work under a pay system that has been found to be unfair. As an MLA, I do not think that my constituents or anyone else in the NWT should be kept waiting for fair treatment. Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have heard people say they want pay equity settled. I encourage the UNW to listen to what its members are saying. We cannot change the past, but we can do better in the future. Let us not keep our employees waiting any longer. UNW, let your members vote. Thank you.

Member's Statement 392-13(5): Settlement Of The Pay Equity Dispute
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1327

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Member's Statement 393-13(5): Funding Support For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1327

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about education in the Northwest Territories as I have been doing for some time. Mr. Speaker, as we heard earlier today and in the past, putting money into education is investing in the future. I read in one of the reports that the Department of Education has put out that investing one dollar today will save four to five dollars in the future. We also know that the education rates in the Northwest Territories are virtually bordering on the same rates as third world countries, excluding large centres such as Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith. Mr. Speaker, studies have been done all over the world showing that poorly educated people tax the resources of governments because they have no jobs or the worst paying jobs. They are also less healthy than better educated people. They do not live as long as better educated people. They are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs and they are more likely to end up in jail, at some point in their life.

Mr. Speaker, I think we all want healthier people who are more likely to not abuse alcohol and drugs and more likely to stay out of jail. I feel the answer is simple. We simply need to put more money into education even if it means going into a deficit. Thank you.

Member's Statement 393-13(5): Funding Support For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1328

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ootes.

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

Page 1328

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize several people. First of all, I would like to recognize some visitors in the gallery itself, Liz Ryan from the Public Service Alliance of Canada and Sam Gallant from the Union of Northern Workers. Additionally, I would like to recognize Doug Johnson, who is with the Housing Corporation and formerly a reporter covering this Legislative Assembly, and finally, I would like to recognize Cadet Heather MacKenzie, Grade 7, Ecole Alain St. Cyr. Here she is and she is constituent of mine. Thank you.

--Applause

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

Page 1328

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Rabesca.

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

Page 1328

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This week we have a number of cadets acting as Pages here in the Chamber and we also have a number of cadets who are here with different displays they have set up. I would like to recognize Crystal Richardson, who is one of the Pages as well; Shawn Camsell, Dustin Chocolate, Henry Fish, Jackson Mantla. These young people are from Rae-Edzo and are active members of the Rae-Edzo Cadet Corps. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Page 1328

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Erasmus.

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

Page 1328

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize several people. First of all, I would like to acknowledge the presence of one of many summer students who will be working for the government this year. Shelly Kovalench will be working for the NWT Housing Corporation and she is observing today's session with a senior policy analyst, Doug Johnson of the Housing Corporation. Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge one of the air cadets who lives on Latham Island on Morrison Drive, Corporal Selen Gouthier from Ecole St. Joseph's School. She is sitting over there to your right.

-Applause

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

Page 1328

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Before we proceed to oral questions, I just want to remind the Members we will be taking a break at 3:00 p.m. The whole purpose is to meet the cadets and also to test how physically strong you are. I think the cadets would like to challenge you to a tug of war, as well as shooting. I would appreciate all of the Members being involved. It would do everyone a lot of good. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Question 503-13(5): Cbc Radio Service In Hall Beach
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1328

Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. On February 12, 1998, I asked the Minister about Hall Beach residents not being able to receive broadcasting from CBC since December, 1997. At the time the Minister responded by saying that on February 28th, they would send someone to fix the service. Today is May 21st, they still have not been provided with CBC broadcasts and their local radio station is still not in service. Can the Minister provide me with an accurate response as to what they are doing and what they are going to do to rectify the problem? (Translation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.