Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Good afternoon. Before we proceed with the session for today, I would like to thank the Languages Commissioner, Ms. Judy Tutcho, for the presentation she made today. As you know, the Languages Commissioner's Report was tabled in the House yesterday. Today, she presented to me, as the Speaker, as the representative of the Legislative Assembly, a framed logo that represents her office. I feel it also represents our efforts as a government to preserve the languages of the north. The framed logo will be placed in the Great Hall later this week. I would also like to use this time to remind Members of a few events this week. During the afternoon break, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will be launching Tools for Success in the Great Hall. During tomorrow afternoon's break the Department of Transportation will be showing their video production on a special large screen format. This presentation will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. I hope that Members will join me in these events.

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize May as Speech and Hearing Month. This is a time for us to recognize the challenges that people, with communication disorders, face every day. It is also a time to acknowledge the professionals and caregivers who help people living with these challenges reach their full potential.

An estimated ten percent of Canadians suffer from some type of communication disorder. In the NWT this percentage is higher due to a greater incidence of ear infections and noise-induced hearing loss. It is well established that hearing loss can cause significant delays in speech and language development.

Early detection and treatment can alleviate the effects of speech, hearing and language disorders. Through early intervention, children can be provided with the support they need at a critical time in their development. In many cases, this can help lessen the supports required when the child starts school.

There are many professionals who provide valuable work in this field. For example, audiologists specialize in the prevention identification, assessment and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Speech-language pathologists provide assessment, consultation, therapy and education to clients, their families and other caregivers. They work in the areas of language, articulation, voice, stuttering and alternate forms of communication.

Mr. Speaker, communication is a vital part of our lives. At this time I would like to recognize our citizens who are living with communication disorders. I would also like to commend the work of the many caregivers across the north who help to make sure that people challenged with these difficulties can lead full and healthy lives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to make a brief statement. There was a meeting of Nunavut Implementation Commission on March 24th to 26th. At that meeting, participants included were people from Nunavut region, Quebec and Labrador. Tommy Enuaraq and I attended as well and the discussion was on languages. The progress on the topic covered was tremendous. We learned a great deal and had a productive meeting. I would like to congratulate the co-chairs John Amagoalik and Peter Ernerk for giving us the opportunity to participate and to say that the Inuit should work to preserve their languages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young man who had rescued his brother in Grise Fiord. On the evening of January 18, 1998, ten year old, Frankie Alorut Noah went out with his 17 year-old brother, Manasie to Brume Point, approximately 6 kilometres from the town to gather ice for drinking water from an iceberg. This Sunday evening the temperature was around minus 45 degrees with poor to zero visibility. While at the iceberg chipping ice, Manasie fell into the water. Frankie attempted to pull his brother from the water, but could not. At this time Frankie under great pressure left his brother in the water, and in the extreme cold and reduced visibility drove home to get his father to help. With his father and a rescue team, Frankie took them back to the site of his brother. Frankie's actions saved his brother's life. His parents, Parnee Noah and Imooshie Nutaraqjuk are very proud of their son, who has done a great job in order to save his brother. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Member for Thebacha is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Miltenberger, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr.

Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned yesterday, regarding the highway, I guess I should have mentioned that the Department of Transportation should also continue to maintain the Highway 3 section between Rae junction and Yellowknife. I realize the department is doing its utmost to ensure this road is kept to a safe and driveable standard. However, over the course of the last week or so, probably since the frost is now out of the road bed, many soft spots have appeared and in some cases have developed into very large holes. These holes are unavoidable as they go from one side of the road to the other. This is very dangerous and if there is no warning which is the case for some of these spots, one can easily damage their vehicle or can cause an accident.

While driving in this morning, the crew was working from the Rae side back toward Yellowknife, grading and levelling the road. There was also one dump truck working in the area where there are numerous potholes. He was dumping gravel and levelling these potholes. Hopefully, within the next few days the road will be up to its normal standard. I do believe that this is just a temporary measure to fix these holes. I would hope that Transportation would find a permanent solution. We all want a road that is in good repair and the ability to concentrate on driving, not fighting the highway for the 100 kilometres of gravel we still have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last night the Yellowknife MLAs held a constituency meeting and I just wanted to relay some of the concerns which were brought up. The first thing I wanted to mention was that we had been presented with some letters that I will table later today. I am sure other MLAs will be doing the same with the letters they were presented with. There was a concern about the BIP Policy, whereby, a company was put out of business because the bed and breakfast they were running lost business to a local hotel because the people were given instructions not to utilize the bed and breakfast. There was a lot of concern about pay equity, the fact that it should be taken off the table from the contract talks and be separate. There was a concern expressed that only the people affected should be voting on the pay equity issue. One person felt that it was against the Canadian Labour Relations Law to have all the membership vote on it. There was also concern that we seem to be paying for a lot of different plans, the Willis plan, the JEPS process, now the Hay Plan. What is next? There was concern expressed about education, the fact that things have to be done. The Power Corporation people are concerned that they will no longer belong to the public service once things occur, whether it will remain as one entity or whether it will split into two after division.

There also was quite a bit of concern expressed about the fact that there was a lot of legislation which is outdated or there simply is no legislation in place. For instance, enduring power of attorney, there is no legislation in place for this to occur and we explained that it was because of the lack of manpower, the rest of that, but there still is a lot of concern. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Erasmus, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was indicating, there were concerns about the fact that there is a lot of legislation that should be happening and perhaps is being put on the back burner because we are preparing for Nunavut. There is also concern brought forward by people who were involved in the transfer of the Arctic airports, who are supposed to be getting an update on the special equalization packages. It seems as though there is a problem and they are hoping that the ministry can make some movement on this soon because it appears as though there is a July 1st deadline.

There also was a concern brought forward that federal inmates should be repatriated and the Social Programs Committee had been looking at this last year and perhaps, it is time this issue was brought back to light since it does not seem as though the department has done much since they basically told us that it should be left to the communities and the federal government. Nothing seems to be happening. There was also a concern brought forward about the amendments to outfitters regulations. It appears as though most of the outfitters are against the changes of the regulations. This issue will not go away. There are the Workers' Compensation Board amendments that were considered, which was brought up here last session, the last time we were sitting by the Member for Yellowknife South, myself and others. People are wondering if the amendment is actually going to occur so that it is no longer possible for the Workers' Compensation Board to sue employees to recover costs for various things. There also was a concern from a retired teacher, well he is no longer teaching, he brought up concerns about education, but he was also very concerned about youths. He would like to see more things being done for youths. We certainly agree with that. One other area, there was another person who come up with the need for legislation in the diving area. There were several different areas that were brought up where the legislation is lacking or there is no legislation. It does seem to be a great concern of our constituents that more legislation be put into place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Again, I would like to remind the Members that when Members ask for unanimous consent to conclude their statement that you are allowed a reasonable time to do it. If you go beyond that, I will remind the Members. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, several times over the past sessions, I have raised a concern with the GNWT employees in Iqaluit with regard to their housing and rent increases. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Todd, as Minister for FMBS, implemented a program with renters at the FDL and other properties to ease the transition from subsidized rental rates to market values. The government agreed they would increase the rents charged to employees by increments of ten percent, while at the same time the lessors would lower the rents charged by 10 percent. Mr. Speaker, this pro-active move by the government was well received by Iqaluit residents. However, Mr. Speaker, as of December 31, 1998, the Subsidy Program is set to end, sending hundreds of employees to the situation where their rents could increase by 40 or 50 percent. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Todd and I worked cooperatively on this issue two years ago. Mr. Todd came to Iqaluit and met with the parties involved, and the solution I just spoke about was worked out. Mr. Speaker, I have, on occasion, tried to constructively criticize the government, but for the Subsidy Program, I congratulate the Minister and the government for that pro-active move.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be asking the Minister for FMBS, Mr. Todd, about the continuance of the subsidy and the direction the government will be taking on this important matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to tell you today about how my home community of Clyde River is preparing to meet the challenges of Nunavut, particularly in the area of economic development. In view of the necessity for economic growth, a group of my constituents have, over the past two years, banded together to form the Apitak Development Corporation. Named for one of the forefathers of our community, this corporation is comprised of 30 Inuit shareholders who have committed themselves to establishing training and business ventures that at once reflect the desires and the needs of the community and stimulate the economy.

Over the past 18 months, Apitak has established a visitor's centre, taxi services and staff housing for some teachers. It has trained six cooks and four community tourist guides. It has purchased carving stone to sell back to the carvers of the community. It has supported the Prenatal Nutrition Project in the community and has recently taken over the administration of the Igutaq Arts and Crafts Group. It has taken over the POI fuel contract in the community.

In conjunction with Apitak Development Corporation, a tourism industry is developing slowly but surely in Clyde River as well. Qullikkut Guides Ltd, which is owned by a group of hunters from our community, has attracted over $40,000 tourism dollars in the last month alone.

Employing ten men from the community, Qullikkut runs tours dealing with dog team and snowmobile trips in the spring and boat tours in the summer. Visitors are drawn to our community by the spectacular scenery and wildlife such as polar bears and the bowhead whales I mentioned last week. Sam Ford Fiord, in particular, is becoming a world renowned site for the big wall climbers, and a National Geographic team is presently on site making a television production and a magazine article of the area.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that this kind of grassroots community development that is from the people and for the people is the basis upon which Nunavut will come to be a reality. Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my statement, please.

The Member for Baffin Centre is seeking

unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? Mr. Enuaraq, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope this Assembly and the new Assembly of Nunavut will see fit to support the initiative of Apitak Development Corporation, and Quillikkut Guides and other community-based development organizations in the future.

The good news in Clyde River continues. I am pleased to tell this House that I was privileged to open Ilisaqsivik on March 2nd during one of my visits to my home community. Ilisaqsivik is a family resource centre housing the Health Children Programs, the community library, two counselling units, the Elders' office, and the office for Suqqaqkut, the Clyde River Women's Group. This centre has already had many positive repercussions in the community and has become a focus for groups and individuals from the community itself who are dedicated to supporting functional family life and social well-being in general. There is great potential in this project and others like it to build Nunavut on a solid foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I intend to do my best to support these initiatives by lobbying for funds and other kinds of support to maintain community development such as this in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have many laws and regulations governing public and their safety. Public facilities have many requirements to fulfil before they can open their doors for new businesses. However, Mr. Speaker, concerns have been brought to my attention over the lack of public facilities for parents with infants who require change room facilities. Many public areas do not have any facilities for parents who, in many cases, are forced to change their infants on dirty washroom floors or atop public tables. Some newer facilities are now providing a wall mounted change table in their washrooms as a courtesy to their customers, and they are to be commended for this because it is not a requirement. I understand this piece of equipment retails for less than $300 and are sometimes installed in disabled washrooms, which are more spacious but can also be found in both men and women's washrooms in newer facilities.

Across the north, where we have such a young population, parents and caregivers are sometimes forced to use open areas or washroom floors to change infants which, as I am aware and I am sure all Members are aware, they are not always the most sanitary or safe. I would ask the Minister to consider incorporating a requirement for public washrooms to include changing facilities for infants such as a wall mounted change table in future amendments that he may be proposing for the act.

A new amendment to legislation to put the requirement of this small piece of equipment in public facilities would certainly be accommodating for the vast number of infants we have across the territories who require this facility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce members of my family in the public gallery, my son George, my granddaughter Georgina, my grandson Jonathan, and my staff member, Patsy. Thank you.

--Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize John Quirke, who will be the future Clerk of the Nunavut Assembly. Mr. Quirke is a constituent of Yellowknife South, and we will hate to lose him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services. I wonder if the Minister could give this House an update as to the status of the proposed new Arviat Health Centre? Thank you.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Finance answered last week, it is one of the projects that is identified under the P3 pilots. With that as a consideration, there is going to be a request for qualified bids and request for proposals' outlines over the course of the next two to three weeks. In respect to the actual facility and a functional program in that facility itself, I know there is still work continuing on into the size and which programs are going to be required for that facility. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I did pose this question last week, and unfortunately, was not able to get all of the information I requested. Therefore, the second part of my question to the Minister is, does he have a timeframe in mind that the people of Arviat can look forward to as to when the process will be started? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the process has been underway for quite a well in respect to some of the initial planning for the facility. Could the Member clarify his question, is he referring to substantive construction, the hope is to get as far as possible so that we could possibly start some foundation work this year, certainly, with some of the more substantive building construction early in the next year? Right now, it is a matter of timing in respect to how quickly we can get out these proposal calls, how quickly the response is to come in and they are evaluated and signed off, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker that is exactly what I was referring to. I was looking for an approximate date as to when the tenders or the RFPs, whatever, will go out if they already have not gone out, and what the timeframe on a response on that would be? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, all the projects are falling under the auspices of the Financial Management Board Secretariat in respect to the P3 projects. It is my understanding it is within two weeks minimum and four weeks maximum that it is expected to get through this request for qualified bidders and the request for proposals for all of the P3 projects with the exception of regional facilities that are on a different track, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, could the Minister confirm whether or not consideration is being given to include a birthing centre within the new complex? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have the specific details of what programs are being considered at this stage. As I indicated, there is some work ongoing in respect to which programs and services will be provided for the Arviat Health Centre. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question, Mr. Speaker, is to the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng. We have heard of the difficulties of a nursing shortage in the north and the problems that the GNWT is having in retaining medical staff, especially in the remote communities. Concerns have been raised regarding excess costs this government is now incurring given this problem. There are some questions I would like to direct to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng, on this matter. First question, Mr. Speaker, could the Minister of Health advise the House of the number of nursing positions currently vacant in the north where contract employees are presently providing the nursing services? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is a fairly detailed question. I will take it as notice and provide the information. Thank you.

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

Thank you. The Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. The funding has been transferred for shelters to all of the regional health and social services boards. I will commit to try and facilitate with them as to whether or not they can come up with some additional funding to meet the needs of this specific Inuvik Transition House. I would like to point out, Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of communities in some regions that do not have these types of facilities available, unfortunately. The main goal is to provide shelters in all communities. It may not be at a specific shelter, but, certainly, to have some safe houses or a place where individuals needing assistance can be placed for their protection, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot recall any specific discussions on that matter, but as I indicated I am aware of the specific deficiencies throughout the Northwest Territories in not being able to meet or provide a shelter in every community, one that is totally funded by this government. As I indicated, our main priority is to be able to provide some protection for individuals in those circumstances where they require it, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I would be glad to provide that information to the Member. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will take that question as notice. Thank you.

The question is taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to Minister Arlooktoo, Minister responsible for Housing. Mr. Speaker, there is a situation in one of my communities that the Minister is aware of. Mr. Speaker, I will not go into detail so as not to disclose the identity of the person in question. Sometimes we get into a situation, not by choice but by circumstances. The point is, can the Minister help this individual? Of course, he can. The question is, will the Minister help the individual to find time in order to find a solution to his problem? Thank you.

Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation. Do you wish to respond, Mr. Arlooktoo?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been dealing with several housing issues in the community of Gjoa Haven, as we have in practically all communities across the NWT. At this point, I would not want to guess in the House which one that is, but what I would commit to, is talking to the Member and the housing client to ensure the client knows all of the options available.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the same honourable Minister, as the Minister will not be guessing, it is the situation that I was talking to earlier today. Will the Minister look at this situation seriously and get back to me? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I do recall now the situation. It has to do with an individual who is in some financial difficulty with a number of sources, including housing, Revenue Canada, et cetera. What we can do is provide some advice as to which sources to go to, to get some help. The Housing Corporation programs are somewhat limited these days to people who can get bank financing unless someone is trying to get into social housing. Even in that case, we do require some financial responsibility. Yes, we can talk to the individual and once again, make sure the individual knows all the options. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the situation is serious. The individual is about to be evicted at the end of the month and as to finding a temporary solution, will the Minister provide temporary housing for this person until financial arrangements are made so the person can have shelter for his family? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The responsibility for housing in Gjoa Haven rests with the hamlet of Gjoa Haven. We transferred the power and authority and money to the hamlet this winter in a signing ceremony that I was involved in. What I will do is give the information to the hamlet council there to see if they can assist. We will do what we can to help in the housing field, but as I understand the case, there are other agencies that are involved, so our help will be limited to the housing area, but we will do what we can. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me borrow a phrase from the Minister. As I understand it, the individual has exhausted all efforts at the local level to find a solution. Will the Minister influence the community so that there is, in fact, a place for them to stay until a permanent solution is found? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I will suggest to the Housing Corporation is that they tell individual contacts, Revenue Canada and other creditors to ensure they are aware of the situation to see if some arrangements could be made for an extension of credit, et cetera, and also with the individual's landlord. In the end, it is up to the individual to ensure their personal finances and bills are paid. It is somewhat limited what the government can do, but as I say, we will do what we can to help. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you. The Minister of Health and Social Services. Two questions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot say if the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board is giving the Tl'oondih Healing Society a difficult time or not. I do not have the information in respect to what was submitted. I would like to say that in an effort to try to make services more responsive, we have supported boards in their effort to have decision-making at the regional level. That is reflective in establishing alcohol and drug specialists at a regional level to work directly with the communities to beef up some of the services that are available in each community throughout the Northwest Territories. If there is a specific problem with a specific proposal that the Member wants clarification on, on the process or the determinism of why it was or was not dealt with, then certainly I would be more than glad to assist him in getting that information, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.