This is page numbers 149 - 169 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.

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Further Return To Question 57-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Question 57-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions

March 28th, 1999

Page 160

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, continuing on this Sirius Diamonds issue and the matter of consistency. As Mr. Henry has mentioned, when the BHP Mines went ahead, we struck a deal with them where they had to provide aboriginal people with jobs, but with Sirius Diamonds it does not seem there were any conditions whatsoever put in their contract even though we have total control over the contract. I just wanted to know, is this the Minister's idea of consistency being played throughout the government's policies?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, I am confident that this government and my department very strongly encouraged Sirius to consider aboriginal applicants. I believe that Sirius did not receive any applications from aboriginal people, in spite of the fact that during an open house here in the great hall of this Legislative Assembly, we had hundreds of people attend who were interested in jobs in the diamond field, but we did not get that many people who actually applied for jobs. This was surprising. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Supplementary To Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would suggest that perhaps it was because there was not enough emphasis placed on the importance of this issue. However, perhaps the Minister could indicate how much financial assistance was provided to Sirius Diamonds through this particular training venture?

Supplementary To Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am afraid I do not know the numbers off the top of my head, so I will have to take that question as notice.

Further Return To Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Question 58-13(7): Diamond Training Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Public Works in regard to the negotiated contracts and the way negotiated contracts are being developed or being negotiated. I would like to ask the Minister exactly what are some of the priorities that are put forth in regard to negotiated contracts.

As a Member of this House, I support negotiated contracts but also under the emphasis that it will maximize the community and economic benefits of the regions. I would like to ask the Minister of Public Works when negotiated contracts are being looked at, that there be some levels considered when prioritizing those contracts especially, number one, that the local economy be maximized, that regional suppliers and contractors be given first opportunity for any contracts in the Inuvik region, are most of all that the resources for these projects stay within the region and not go to southern suppliers or basically outside the Mackenzie Delta region or Inuvik region. Can I get some clarification on what the priorities of the government are when it comes to negotiated contracts?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. I have not heard three questions, but there is a requirement for three answers here, so I will say that you have three questions asked. Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when a negotiated contract is wanted to be entered into by a band or a company or a development corporation, it is presented in the sense that they have to list out number one, what are the economic benefits that will go to the northern residents and businesses to the greatest extent possible. That is one of the things. Economic opportunities for diversification, as well as training and development of the local residents and businesses, that should be maximized. As well, negotiated contracts should contribute to the support and development of self-sustaining businesses at the local and regional level. Elected community leaders and the local member of the Legislative Assembly must provide written support for the negotiated contract. Goods and services obtained by the GNWT through negotiated contracts shall be provided at a reasonable cost. Implementation should be consistent with provisions of Land Claim Agreements.

Those are the issues or areas that have to be laid out for when it is brought forward to Cabinet before it receives approval. Based on those, Cabinet would look at those areas and see how the negotiated contract being brought forward would fulfil those and, based on that, a decision would be made. In this specific case, I believe the Member is referring to, it did receive approval back in November, 1998. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 160

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Supplementary To Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to the whole area of regional suppliers, we have what is known as the BIP process in which there are local suppliers in the Inuvik region who do supply goods and services in which these companies have been in place for a number of years. They have established residency, they have a business, they have been there for a number of years, they support the regional economy. I would like to ask the Minister exactly how is the BIP taken into account when they look at these negotiated contracts?

Further Return To Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the proponent in the negotiated contract wants to get information for subcontracts, they would then fall under, I believe, the Business Incentive Policy. But I am aware, at this time, that the Business Incentive Policy does state local, then territorial. I do not believe that it recognizes the regional aspect in the Business Incentive Policy. From within my department, I do not have a hand in on the Business Incentive Policy process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Question 59-13(7): Negotiated Contracts Benefits
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, the university and college students will soon be coming back to the north and looking for some work so that they could have a few extra dollars when they go back to school next year. I was wondering if the Premier could let us know what types of plans this government has in place to ensure that as many students as possible receive jobs when they get back here. Thank you.

Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Premier, Mr. Antoine.

Return To Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the responsibility for this lies with the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment. However, I just want to respond in the manner of saying that I think it is something that this government has done in the past where we try to accommodate the returning students from universities and colleges. I think they are very important human assets for us here in the Northwest Territories, and we have to take that into consideration and take a look into what we as a government could do. I think we need some advice from the member of the Cabinet responsible for this. Hopefully, we will get the proper response and get back to the Member. Thank you.

Return To Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Supplementary To Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is another area where I am quite concerned. There are certain departments and agencies that do not seem to hire aboriginal students. I do not want to single out any, however, there are some. I would like to know, and I think that is primarily because they have to run around to every department bringing their resumes around. Is there going to be a central hiring agency or would the government commit to having a central hiring agency, particularly in a large center like Yellowknife so that the students do not have to go all over the place with their resumes, just go through one central hiring agency? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Antoine.

Further Return To Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the past I think this government has hired summer students, ones who return back from colleges and universities, and it is going to happen within the next month or so. I think it is a good idea that the honourable Member has of maybe having a centrally located place where we could process these applications. We certainly are committed to look at it. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Question period will be over after your final question, Mr. Erasmus.

Supplementary To Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Question 60-13(7): Student Hiring Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 161

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year at this time, the Finance Minister had indicated that the government was looking at paying a certain salary or wage to summer students when they came back. He had indicated that he might have this in place for this year as it could not be in place for last year. Has the government looked at that, and are they going to be implementing that this year? Thank you.