(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on the general meeting that was held in Igloolik, March 20th to 23rd, with the Social Development Committee. Representatives from all the Nunavut regions were in attendance. At the meeting, we learned a great deal including aspects of the new Nunavut government to be, the role that our culture plays and how we must maintain it and try to understand it. We realize how much of our culture we are losing. Our elders were there to remind us of the importance of our heritage. Young people, elders, men and women were at this meeting. The meeting helped us a great deal and we have to recognize the contribution of the Social Development Committee as well as remembering that we have to implement our cultural nature in our future endeavour. To do this, we must ensure that funding is provided for their work on an ongoing basis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)
Debates of May 22nd, 1998
This is page numbers 1341 - 1366 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 corporation.
Topics
Member's Statement 401-13(5): Nunavut Social Development Meetings In Igloolik
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1345
Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq
Member's Statement 401-13(5): Nunavut Social Development Meetings In Igloolik
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1345
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.
Member's Statement 402-13(5): The Need For A High School In Rae
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1345
James Rabesca North Slave
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to tell you a bit of history. Back during the time of our Great Chief Jimmy Bruneau, Edzo was a new community developed by this government. Our chief recognized the need for our people to be educated in the ways of the southern people. With his foresight and determination the government built what is now called the Chief Jimmy Bruneau Regional High School in the community of Edzo.
Over the years, we have had an increasing number of students attend this school, where today we have over 300 students travelling daily from Rae to Edzo a 15-kilometre drive so they can learn and grow. This school has become a very important part of our community. However, our community leaders believe that if the school was located in the main community of Rae instead of in Edzo, our student population would increase even more. Today with all the development in the mining sector and the conclusion of our land claims negotiations, our residents are seeing the need to further their education. They want to have a high school where the people are living. Rae is the place where it should have been built in the beginning. Rae is also going to continue to grow. Currently, the community service board is looking at various possibilities to achieve this goal. As more and more students enrol in all levels of schooling, we are seeing the need to increase the number of busses used to travel this 15 kilometres, as well as, the increased demand to provide more and more lunch time meals for the students.
By bussing the students to Edzo many students miss classes because they missed their bus. It is a one shot deal, if a student misses his bus, he may as well go back home as there are no other busses to take him to school. We realize this will take years to become a reality. However, we feel if we start working on it now, future generations will benefit from this important move. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 402-13(5): The Need For A High School In Rae
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1345
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.
Member's Statement 403-13(5): Funding Required For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1345
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today is also on the line of education and the cuts we have seen and the effect it has had on our communities, especially in the area of special needs, problems we see in our schools with FAE/FAS, special needs students and the value of education they are presently receiving. We have to keep in mind that this is not only an education problem, it is also a health problem which will have long term effects on our communities and to this government. I believe we have to take the initiative now to improve education for all students, the time spent in the classrooms with the number of cuts that have taken place, cuts to special needs teachers, the high turnover of teachers that we have seen in our communities and also the numbers of student drop outs in our smaller communities. We have to deal with this initiative and we have to deal with money. We may hear there are no real dollars out there, but I believe if there is a will, there is a way. We have to take the initiative to assist wherever possible to improve education and health as one. We have to look at FAE and FAS not only as a problem that teachers have to deal within the classroom, but the community has to deal with it in the long term.
Mr. Speaker, I feel that we have to do something now because of the stress, the high turnover rate of teachers that we have seen and also the cuts we have made in delivering education to our communities, especially in the area where we have seen cuts to different programs and services that were there at one time; for example, language programs and special need's teachers who are needed in the classrooms, also cuts to the delivery of education programs that are no longer there. Mr. Speaker, later I will be asking the Minister a question to see if there is a way to coordinate some effort between the Departments of Health and Education to deal with this major problem in our communities. Thank you.
--Applause
Member's Statement 403-13(5): Funding Required For Educational Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1345
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.
Member's Statement 404-13(5): Yellowknife Chamber Of Commerce Economic Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1345
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following the Diamond Conference, which I spoke about yesterday, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce sponsored a two-day
Economic Futures Conference which I also attended. This open space conference was timely because Yellowknife's economic future is not what it used to be.
Our economic stability has been jarred over the past several years because of government cutbacks and the low price of gold, both of which have had the effect of many job losses in the city. This Yellowknife Economic Conference was designed to look at the issues facing growth of our Yellowknife economy and the new areas that can be developed by doing some practical planning.
The conference included mind mapping sessions conducted by Yellowknife consultant Mike Bell. Seven specific recommendations were made, and it is important that I make reference to theses because they affect not just Yellowknife citizens but other citizens as well and in some ways the Government of the Northwest Territories. The recommendations were:
- That the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Yellowknife sponsor a conference on information technology and work with other groups in the city to create a central database of information.
- That the Chamber work with Aurora College to develop an inventory of courses and training opportunities that could be made available to all northern students and employers.
- That the Chamber and the city take an active role in the development of the new constitution.
- That the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Yellowknife take an active role in the promotion of Yellowknife.
- That the Yellowknife Chamber present policy concerns that would affect businesses to the territorial government and to the community itself in such areas as P3, the BIP, infrastructure and so forth.
- That the Chamber of Commerce and the city compile and make available cost of living data, provide an analysis and background information about how costs are arrived at and why they are so high and also make recommendations to decrease cost of living.
I salute those who took part in this innovative exercise and promoted it. It is time for us as Yellowknifers to turn the corner and open new economic doors instead of looking back at those that have closed. Diversification can only lead to long-term prosperity for the city and the economic health of the entire NWT and the western Arctic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 404-13(5): Yellowknife Chamber Of Commerce Economic Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1346
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Members' statements. Mr. Henry.
Member's Statement 405-13(5): Proposed Changes To The GNWT Northern Living Allowance
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1346
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past couple of weeks I have been approached by several constituents who have serious concerns about changes to the Northern Living Allowance contained in the proposed Collective Agreement. Mr. Speaker, after examining the issue, I must agree that there seems to be a serious inequity in the government's position.
Mr. Speaker, the employer's proposal provides increases to employees from $421 to $4,096 per year effective April 1, 1998, for employees in communities where the cost of living exceeds Yellowknife. The upshot, to this Mr. Speaker, is that employees in every community in the Northwest Territories, with the exceptions of Yellowknife and Fort Rae received increases in their Northern Living Allowances. The government's logic appears to be that since the inflation rate in Yellowknife has been negligible for the past year, there is to be no increase to the Northern Living Allowance for employees in Yellowknife.
The Northern Living Allowance in the communities of Fort Smith and Hay River, as examples, will increase by $1,132 and $941 respectively. I know for a fact that the cost of living in these two communities is significantly lower than it is in Yellowknife. They pay less for accommodation, food and gas and they can drive to Edmonton in a day. Mr. Speaker, a house that would cost $200,000 in Yellowknife can be bought in Hay River for approximately $120,000. In short, Mr. Speaker, the proposed Northern Living Allowance increases are not fair to the GNWT employees living in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 405-13(5): Proposed Changes To The GNWT Northern Living Allowance
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1346
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.
Member's Statement 406-13(5): Re-establishment Of The GNWT Switchboard
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1346
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased and happy to hear the announcement made by the Premier this morning that he is re-establishing the GNWT central switchboard. That shows, indeed, that this government is responsive when concerns are raised and shows that there is a heart on the other side of the hall. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the Yellowknife North constituents who participated in a random survey that my constituency assistant did last year and for which I presented the results to the Premier last year. Mr. Speaker, this is a good news story and people will once
again be able to phone one number through which they will be able to reach most GNWT employees in Yellowknife or at least a voice mail. Once again, I would like to thank the Premier for responding to this concern. It is a good thing that he has done. Thank you.
--Applause
Member's Statement 406-13(5): Re-establishment Of The GNWT Switchboard
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1347
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.
Member's Statement 407-13(5): Kitikmeot Leaders Forum In Kugluktuk
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1347
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recently Mr. Ng and I had the opportunity and pleasure of attending the Kitikmeot Leaders forum in Kugluktuk. As usual Mr. Speaker, we were made welcome and were full participants of the forum. Mr. Speaker, many issues were discussed and resolutions passed respecting the social economic well-being of the Kitikmeot residents. One of the many issues, Mr. Speaker, that we discussed was the operation and management of the Kitikmeot boarding home here in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I will not get into details as Mr. Ng is aware of the issues, as well as the residents of the Kitikmeot are aware of the issues. Since most of the issues and concerns came from the eastern part of the Kitikmeot region which I represent, better known as Natilikmiot. Next week, I will be asking questions of the Minister of Social Services on these issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 407-13(5): Kitikmeot Leaders Forum In Kugluktuk
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1347
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.
Member's Statement 408-13(5): Clyde River Whale- Watching Tourism Initiatives
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1347
Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will
be speaking in Inuktitut. For those of you who do not understand Inuktitut, please put on your ear pieces. Mr. Speaker, as we are all aware, it will soon be spring and summer. Each summer in Clyde River there are many whales in the nearby area and we have many species in our waters. They are a wonderful sight to see for tourists whether they are Inuit or others. People are very interested in watching the whales and there are numerous whales in that area. Perhaps first of all, I should express my gratitude to the people of Clyde River, as they prepare for the proper management of the species and promote tours for the observation of the whales. I would like to thank the Hunters and Trappers Association for their careful management of the animals. I would also like to recognize that the committee members often take people out to a certain island as a tourism promotion. This has been an ongoing thing which has been prepared for many years to ensure that it is safely carried out. There are also environmental aspects that the committee is aware of such as avoiding oil spills for that special region. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage people to come to Clyde River to observe these wonderful animals within our area. They can also learn more about our animals and the proper care and management of the species. We welcome anyone to come to Clyde River. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation Ends)
--Applause
Member's Statement 408-13(5): Clyde River Whale- Watching Tourism Initiatives
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1347
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd, you have two.
Return To Oral Question 496-13(5): Hay Job Evaluation System
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 1347
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Erasmus on May 20, 1998, Hay Job Evaluation Benchmarks:
Return To Oral Question 491-13(5): Job Evaluation Systems
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 1347
John Todd Keewatin Central
If I may, Mr. Speaker, the second one, asked by Mr. Ootes, on May 20, 1998, Job Evaluation System:
The Willis Job Evaluation System was used in the 1990 - 1992 Joint Equal Pay Study (JEPS). The JEPS study evaluated a sample of some jobs only. The sample evaluations were inadequate for assessing whether there was a pay equity problem. An attempt by the Government of the Northwest Territories to evaluate all positions based on the job evaluation system used by JEPS also ended in failure. Subsequent research found that the Willis System used by JEPS created problems on implementation for employers and employees in other organizations and the use of the system is in decline. The Willis System was abandoned for these reasons. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Oral Question 491-13(5): Job Evaluation Systems
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 1347
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 1347
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure today to recognize a constituent who is 14 years old in grade 7, and she is a Corporal with 2724 Hay River Army Cadet Corps and being from Hay River, it is appropriate her name is Angel.
--Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 1347
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Krutko.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 1348
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Pat Thomas of the NWTTA.
--Applause
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 1348
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Question 514-13(5): Identification Of Education Funding
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1348
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the honourable Minister of Finance. I do not know which subject to question him on first because there are so many questions that could be asked, but my question today is on the subject of education and funding for education. As the Finance Minister, I hope he can respond. The Premier says there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but I submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that there is a pot of gold. In the upcoming budget planning process for the new Western Territory, I think the MLAs need to get a little more aggressive in examining these multi-million dollar line items in the budget.
In the meantime, I want to hear from the Finance Minister what we can do as Ordinary Members, if we can identify funds. Is there a process for rebasing funds, not within the barraged strategic budget planning process, but at any time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 514-13(5): Identification Of Education Funding
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1348
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.