This is page numbers 39 - 61 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 7th 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 nunavut.

Members Present

Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Mr. Morin, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Honourable Floyd Roland, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Honourable John Todd.

Oh, God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people, for peace and justice in our land and for the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 39

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. I would like to welcome all Members back to the House. There is a lot of work to be done in the next nine days, so I will keep my opening statement short.

My comments today refer to the message read by her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, on March 8, which is Commonwealth Day.

"Music is the theme for Commonwealth Day this year. Of course, people of different generations tap their feet to quite different beats. But for all of us, young and old, music is an essential part of life; for parties and entertainment; for ceremonies and celebrations.

For music knows no difference of language, no national boundaries. And because it has become such as important part of our cultural lives, it is a universal means of communicating with each other. The variety of music indicates our diversity, its common tones and harmonies bring us together, just like the Commonwealth.

In 1999 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. Fifty years ago, in 1949, India became the first republic with its own head of state to be a member of the Commonwealth. That paved the way to memberships for many countries, especially from Asia and Africa, all sharing links of history, a belief in democracy, and a will to work together. Today, the Commonwealth includes over a quarter of the world's population, spanning differences in race, creed and language, but sharing the same aspirations toward a better future. This November, the leaders of the Commonwealth states will gather in South Africa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting where they will discuss the challenges of the new millennium, as well as celebrating the Commonwealth's achievements in its life so far.

Let us then, in this anniversary year, look both backwards as well as forwards as we mark Commonwealth Day. While we continue to enjoy our favourite music, either by making it or listening to it, let us also celebrate the vigour and creativity that the next generation will bring to their music making. That is just one of the bonds that all the young people of the Commonwealth will share together on this special day. This is from the message from the Queen.

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

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report success on two outstanding matters that fall under my responsibility as the Minister responsible for the Public Service Act.

The first is a matter of a collective agreement. I am pleased to report that the Government of the Northwest Territories employees who are represented by the Union of Northern Workers have voted to ratify a new collective agreement for the period of April 1, 1998, to March 31, 2000.

--Applause

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important collective agreement. On April 1, 1999, this collective agreement becomes the collective agreement both for the employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories in the west and the employees of the Government of Nunavut in the east. This collective agreement also contains a new job evaluation system and new rates of pay that we can rely on with confidence as being in full compliance with both the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Northwest Territories Fair Practices Act.

The second matter I am pleased to report success on, Mr. Speaker, is the settlement of the outstanding equal pay complaint.

Mr. Speaker, both current and former employees who may have been covered by the complaint have spoken loudly and clearly. To date, 63 percent of affected individuals have accepted their offers and withdrawn from the complaint. These accepted offers represent 69 percent of the total amount of money in all of the offers issued. By March 31, 1999, we expect that 74 percent of the offers, representing 81 percent of the total amount of money, will be accepted. These current and former employees must be commended for their foresight and willingness to resolve this matter in a fair way and move on.

Mr. Speaker, the high number of acceptances clearly shows that the Public Service Alliance of Canada, or PSAC for short, no longer represents the majority of individuals who may have been covered by the complaint that is before the Tribunal.

Mr. Speaker, these numbers should also be sufficient for the UNW Executive to realize that it must take control of this complaint from the PSAC and work with the small number of remaining employees to try to conclude a settlement for them. It would be most unfortunate if the UNW does not seek to act in this manner, as the alternative is a long, costly and uncertain litigation process. The risks in this litigation process will be high, and the potential rewards low, for the UNW and its members. The whole substance and legitimacy of the complaint and the Tribunal process are in serious question. There is a very strong legal argument for joint union liability in any finding the Tribunal or the courts might make.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling two background documents that provide additional information about the matters I have spoken about in this statement. One tabled document will be a status report on individual equal pay settlement agreements. The other tabled document will be a background paper on negotiating equal pay at collective bargaining. Thank you, Mr. Speaker

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements, Mr. Dent

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize a very significant milestone in the field of education in the Northwest Territories. Today, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Aurora College Teacher Education Program.

In 1969 a program that began as an experiment graduated its first northern-trained teachers. That group of graduates, along with those who followed, have gone on to make significant contributions to the development of northern children and to the Northwest Territories in general. In fact, some current Members of the Legislative Assembly trace their professional education to the Teacher Education Program. Early graduates also make their contribution in senior government positions both in Nunavut and the West.

Almost 400 teachers have graduated from this program. This year, in four of our regions, the teaching staff is over 35 percent aboriginal. Other regions continue to make good progress toward having their teaching staff reflect their student population.

Over the years, TEP graduates have become instruments of change in the education system by making northern schools more relevant for their students. This year, 18 instructors at Aurora College and Nunavut Arctic College are graduates of the Teacher Education Program.

This program, which began as the dream of several respected northern educators, has made it possible to bring about a more northern system. Graduates are teaching children in their own language in many communities, and have developed northern curricula. Graduates are taking their places as school and divisional education council administrators. They are all making a difference and giving back to their communities.

Mr. Speaker, children look up to their teachers. More and more, they see community members at the front of the classroom. More northern children aspire to teaching and other professions as career choices because of these role models.

The western Teacher Education Program served the entire Northwest Territories until 1979 when the Nunavut program was first established. Both programs expanded their delivery to community-based programs in the early 1990s to make teacher training more accessible. The university partners - the University of Saskatchewan in the west and McGill in Nunavut continue to provide integrity to the credentials of each graduate.

Mr. Speaker, as we look ahead to the division of the Northwest Territories, I am confident that both colleges will continue to build on the collective experience of 30 years of teacher education. This is evident in the fact that new programs will start up in Yellowknife and the Kitikmeot in the fall of this year.

I would like to recognize the dedication of teacher education instructors, both past and present, whose contributions have not gone unnoticed. Their former students still remember them fondly for their example and their demand for excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite all the Members to join me this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in the Great Hall, for a reception to honour four of the original graduates from the "Class of 69" who are still involved in education in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements, Mr. Ng

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the creation of two new territories in just a few days, many changes will take place at an accelerated pace. In both new territories we will need to position ourselves to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the rapidly changing political landscape.

Today I am focusing my comments on the new Northwest Territories where these political changes will have significant implications for the management of the healthcare system.

Mr. Speaker, arising out of these changes will be a need to review existing service delivery structures and make adjustments as required to ensure that an affordable, sustainable health and social services system remains in place.

Under the current model of governance, there will be nine health and social services boards in the new Northwest Territories. These boards deliver health and social services to specific regions and communities. Some boards also provide services on a territorial basis. There is a need to review the size and number of boards to ensure efficiency and to reflect the size and makeup of the population while still maintaining effective community and regional governance over program delivery. There is also a need to review and evaluate the working relationship between the department and the boards.

Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that we use all available resources as efficiently as possible while continuing to provide the best care possible. The Department of Health and Social Services has recognized these needs and is developing a framework to guide the review of Health and Social Services in the new Northwest Territories. The review will respond to concerns about the health and social services system that have been raised in different parts of the territory.

Mr. Speaker, while considering clients' concerns, the review will take into consideration the larger context in which Health and Social Services board and the department work. The review will offer the opportunity to consult with northerners on the challenges they face and to hear their recommendations for achieving health and wellness for all residents. It will provide a forum for frank dialogue with our clients about their priorities and the kind of services they need.

Mr. Speaker, we see an opportunity here to structure a review that will provide input from the public, professional associations, non-government organizations, health and social service providers, boards and department staff. There will be an opportunity to build on health reform initiatives currently underway. The new Northwest Territories will be challenged to chart a course that meets the interests and needs of all its citizens and provide opportunities for them to take greater control of their future and more responsibility for their well-being.

The review will be the basis for the development of an updated strategic plan for health and wellness and will allow the territorial government to make informed decisions based on peoples' needs and on best practices. Mr. Speaker, in closing I note that there are many people who are working long and hard to ensure that people of the north receive the best possible health and social services. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the important contribution that the staff of health and social services boards across the territories make on a daily basis. This year promises historic change and new opportunities. Our challenge is to manage the change and to focus on providing stability. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements, Mr. Kakfwi.

Minister's Statement 11-13(7): Climate Change
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 41

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, during the last session I indicated that I would provide a comprehensive report on the status of the proposed Strategy to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions. That report was sent to Members in January of this year. I also indicated that I would keep Members informed of progress as we work towards developing a made-in-the-north strategy.

I am pleased to announce that significant progress has been achieved during the last two months. A steering committee has been established to direct the overall development of the strategy. Members of the steering committee include deputy ministers from this government as well as representation from the federal government, aboriginal organizations and the private sector. In February, 1999, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development hosted a workshop of climate change. Thirty-two representatives attended that workshop.

The participants supported this government's efforts to develop a northern strategy that will help Canada in its efforts to meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Mr. Speaker, it is expected that a working committee will be established this month to begin research on the subject of greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy will be completed by the fall of 1999 in order to be considered as part of the National Implementation Plan.

At the same time, the Arctic Energy Alliance is preparing an energy strategy as part of its business plan. The work by the Alliance, as well as the work coming out of the Greenhouse Gas Strategy and Canada's National Strategy Process, will provide valuable information for completion of an energy strategy for the Western Territory. A decision on the completion of a government energy strategy should await the findings of the Greenhouse Gas Strategy. I will keep Members informed of progress made on our efforts to prepare a Northwest Territories Strategy to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Thank you.

Minister's Statement 11-13(7): Climate Change
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 41

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this year I appointed four delegates from the western Northwest Territories to be members of the Minister's Forum on Education. The Forum was instructed to visit a number of different communities to consult with people on the challenges they face, and to hear recommendations they have for the education system. In particular, the Forum has focused its efforts on early childhood education and the regular K-12 school system. These community visits also provided an opportunity for the delegates to observe programming in these areas first-hand. The Forum has recently completed its consultation on the future of education in the western Northwest Territories. The delegates have submitted their final report along with their recommendations for the continued improvement of the education system. During their travels, Mr. Speaker, the delegates were impressed with the high interest that people have in education of our youth.

Meetings with selected organizations, focus groups and the public were well-attended. Over 900 people came out to meet with the forum members during their tour of eleven communities. As well, 40 written submissions from various groups and individuals were received. The final report prepared by the Minister's Forum indicates that the members heard consistent messages in all regions of our new territory. People readily provided the delegates with their perspective on what elements of the system are working well, and which ones require attention. The most significant issues raised during the visits were concerns about class size, and how to deal with the wide range of special needs of students found in the classroom.

On the other hand, Mr. Speaker, the recent initiatives by this government and our federal partners to increase early childhood development programs is considered a success. Both parents and educators spoke of the importance of early childhood development to prepare our children for school.

The Forum also heard that improvements could be made:

- by improving methods for assessing and diagnosing learning needs at the earliest stages;

- by improving implementation of culture and language programming;

- through better support for grade extensions in small communities; and,

- by improving communication and partnerships to support education within our communities.

In their report, Mr. Speaker, Forum members say that, if we wish to support a more effective system of education for our schools, we will need more funding than is currently provided. In particular, the Forum recommends:

- more stability and long-term funding for early childhood development programs;

- better resources for high schools, especially smaller ones, to improve the quality of delivery of secondary programs in all communities;

- lowering the pupil-teacher ratio; and,

- increasing funding to support hiring special needs assistants to improve the Inclusive Schooling Model.

Mr. Speaker, these recommendations, along with other methods of research and consultation, will be the basis for the development of an updated strategic plan for the Northwest Territories. This updated plan will expand on the current strategic plan, People-Our Focus for the Future, and will reflect our fiscal situation. I am pleased with the efforts of the members of the Forum on Education. They have undertaken their work in a serious and balanced manner and have provided a report that offers practical ways to improve education in the western Northwest Territories. I look forward to working with the delegates, educators and the communities in undertaking the kind of reforms that will make sure our education system better reflects the needs and interests of the people of the western Northwest Territories. Mahsi.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Jim Antoine will be absent from the House today to attend a meeting of Premiers and aboriginal leaders in Regina, Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay a tribute to a much loved citizen of Hay River. Hay River has many wonderful residents, but I think no one would dispute that we have our very own Florence Nightingale in the person of Mrs. Ruth Webb.

Growing up in central Alberta, along with five siblings, Ruth was raised by a single mom with a strong work ethic and an equally strong love for people. She entered nurses' training and, after graduating as a registered nurse, was drawn to Hay River to work for the Pentecostal Sub-Arctic Mission. There she met her husband, Bill, and together they raised their two sons, Mark, now an RCMP Officer in Penticton, BC; and Trevor, who recently graduated as the valedictorian of his class in education at the University of Saskatchewan. Ruth is very proud of her sons, two daughters-in-law and two granddaughters.

After nursing in active care, taking time out to raise her family, then returning to active nursing, Ruth worked as a homecare nurse. Her cheery disposition and gentle kindness was a welcome visit to the homes of those who were sick and elderly. Ruth had a special gift in ministering to the terminally ill, as well as to families who were bereaved by the loss of a loved one. I do not know how many families she has helped through a time of grief. I know from personal experience, when I received the news that my own mother was terminally ill with cancer 17 years ago, Ruth Webb was the first person at our door.

Over the past two years, Ruth has had her own battle to wage with cancer and, although she is now cancer-free, the treatments have taken a toll that has affected her ability to eat and the function of her heart. I know Ruth will not mind me sharing this, but in spite of her illness, her spirit and attitude remain very positive. Too often we wait until a person has passed away or moved away before we express how much they have meant to us as a community or to us as an individual. Ruth will be moving on as she and her husband, Bill, retire to Alberta later on this spring.

Although Ruth Webb has been recognized in the past as Hay River's Citizen of the Year and was paid special honour by the Northwest Territories Nurses Association, before she left the north, I wanted to make sure that she was publicly told once again how much she has meant to the people of Hay River. She has helped deliver many babies, helped heal many bodies but, most importantly, she has touched many hearts. She has done this so effectively because of her intimate understanding of God's love, which she has allowed to be passed on to others through her life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today is in regard to the Electoral Boundaries Commission and the court case in the new Western Territory. Mr. Speaker, I would like to read for the record that I am opposed to such a decision, such a move, in the Western Territory in light of the aboriginal self-government efforts that are going on, land claim negotiations, and also participation between this government and the aboriginal leaders of the new Western Territory.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, I represent a diverse riding which includes the Inuvialuit, the Gwich'in and non-aboriginal people. Mr. Speaker, it is clearly spelt out in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement and also the Gwich'in Land Claim Agreement that the aboriginal organizations will be full participants in any changes to the system of government in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, also, the self-government process that is presently underway in the Beaufort Delta allows for the Inuvialuit, the Gwich'in, the non-aboriginal people of the Mackenzie Delta and Beaufort Sea to establish a system of government that reflects the communities and the region, which allows all three groups to sit down and negotiate a process of transferring programs and services to the people of the Mackenzie Delta.

This system, Mr. Speaker, can be implemented anywhere and I think at this time the aboriginal groups are asking for the time and asking for this government and for the people of the new Western Territory to work out a relationship between the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories, the non-aboriginal people, the aboriginal land claims and the groups that have negotiated land claims, to sit down and discuss this issue and find a workable solution to resolving this outstanding issue of fair equitable representation.

Mr. Speaker, in concluding, one of the fundamental principles of formulating the Boundaries Commission for the Western Territory was the recommendation of binding election boundaries such as cultural, historical, and also location, communication, transportation barriers that communities meet. That is one of the fundamental points that was in the recommendations to the Boundaries Commission to consider. Mr. Speaker, that is one of the things that is missing from the whole report that was submitted to this House by the Boundaries Commission. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? Mr. Krutko, you have unanimous consent.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In concluding, Mr. Speaker, I feel it is appropriate that all parties ask for more time to resolve this issue and sit down and have dialogue by all parties to discuss this important issue than to have a barrier on the long-term aspirations of the people in the Western Territory. Yes, Yellowknife may have the largest population in the Western Territory after division, but, Mr. Speaker, out of 24 Members that this Legislature has held for the past number of years, four seats were allocated to Yellowknife, which gave them almost one-sixth of the seats in this House. Allowing them three more seats and increasing it to seven seats in one riding in the new Western Territory is unconscionable to anyone in the west who can allow that type of power to be brokered. It does not matter where it is, you cannot have that large of a percentage change in the makeup and diversity of the new Western Territory, so, Mr. Speaker, for the record, I will not support any initiatives for 19 seats in this House for anyone.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Member's Statement 32-13(7): Electoral Boundaries Issues
Item 3: Members' Statements

March 21st, 1999

Page 43

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome all of my colleagues back to this House. I hope everyone is well rested. Over the past few months, we have seen the election of Nunavut and the Premier and Cabinet selection for the new government, and I would like to congratulate all Members who will form the new Legislative Assembly.

For the west, we still need to resolve many outstanding and important issues prior to March 31, 1999. I believe one of the most important issues, of course, is the Electoral Boundaries. We have met numerous times to discuss this and are finally at the stage where we must decide once and for all. All through this process I have supported the idea of three new seats for the western Arctic; one for Yellowknife, one extra seat for North Slave and one possibly for Hay River or Inuvik. This has been my position and I would still lobby for this. To me and my constituents, we feel this to be the best solution.

However, this Assembly is now recommending increasing the number of seats to 19, and can say that there is support for this move, as it recognizes the need for more seats to accommodate the population breakdown in a fair and equitable manner. This is fine; however, once the seats are set for Yellowknife, Hay River and Inuvik, this reduces the representation by population argument considerably. This raises another question, that being, what about the North Slave? If we agree to give these extra seats to the three tax-based communities, this will leave the North Slave as one of the largest, if not the largest, constituency in the western Arctic with only one Member representing it.

As some may realize, the North Slave currently is in the first stages of a economic boom, which will bring many new residents to the area. I can see the 25 percent mark realized in the next few years very easily. When it happens, we will be under-represented. Does this mean we will have to go to court to force the government to allow an extra seat, or will there be a set criteria that will allow for extra seats to be added once the population has reached a set level?

This is a very real concern and, if an extra seat is not provided for North Slave now, I am sure that the need will come forward in the near future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at lunch today I attended an announcement by the Stanton Regional Hospital Foundation, which as Members will know, has been on a capital fundraising drive in an effort to raise money to improve the equipment used in our health care delivery in the north. At the lunch hour, Mr. Speaker, the Foundation announced that they have not only raised the $2 million targeted, but have gone beyond to raise over $2.3 million. This money, Mr. Speaker, will go towards providing a Colour Doppler Ultrasound, an automated bacteriology system, an ophthalmological microscope, a mammography unit, an infant ventilator and a CAT Scan machine.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to the Foundation and to the volunteers of the Foundation who have worked so hard to achieve this important milestone. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all northern individuals and corporations who have contributed to improve health care for all northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.