This is page numbers 171 - 185 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 work.

Members Present

Honourable Jim Antoine, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Erasmus, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Mr. Krutko, Honourable Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Morin, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Rabesca, Honourable Floyd Roland, Honourable Vince Steen.

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 171

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Welcome back. Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to welcome all Members back to the Legislative Assembly. I hope everyone enjoyed the celebrations for the establishment of the two new territories on April 1.

Mr. Speaker, with division now past, the Cabinet held a strategic planning session at the North Nahanni Naturalist Lodge on Cli Lake to discuss the priorities for the new Northwest Territories leading up to the next general election. This session was our first opportunity to meet with our two new Cabinet colleagues, Mr. Miltenberger and Mr. Steen, to discuss the strategic direction of government and the development of a comprehensive vision for the Northwest Territories.

Discussions at Cli Lake focused primarily on the Agenda for the New North. In the past, Mr. Speaker, we have referred to this vision as the Western Agenda. Now that division is past, we have given it a more suitable name.

Mr. Speaker, the Agenda for the New North is comprised of five interrelated components. They are: governance, fiscal capacity, building our economic potential, sharing control of northern resources and improving social conditions. These components are equally important in the long-term development of our territory. In our view, they represent the pillars on which a comprehensive vision for the Northwest Territories will be built. At the Cli Lake meetings, Cabinet confirmed its commitment to the Agenda and for the need to include all residents of the Northwest Territories in its development.

Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that the Northwest Territories is facing many challenges, but we also see many opportunities. To make the most of these opportunities, we need to put aside our differences on individual issues and work together in the development of our territory. In the weeks and months to come, we intend to continue to build support for the Agenda for the New North by engaging the people and leaders of the Northwest Territories in a discussion of all its aspects.

Mr. Speaker, given the immediate importance of the issue, a substantial portion of our discussion at Cli Lake concerned the fiscal position of this government. The Minister of Finance will be addressing specific issues and initiatives when he presents the 1999-2000 budget on April 19.

However, it is important to note that we have heard the advice from Members of this Legislative Assembly and aboriginal and community leaders across the Northwest Territories, that we need to meet with northern leaders to better explain our fiscal position. Following the introduction of the budget we intend to meet with aboriginal and community leaders to discuss its details and the long-term fiscal outlook for this government.

Mr. Speaker, the remainder of the 13th Legislative Assembly provides a unique opportunity to build a comprehensive vision for the Northwest Territories. We invite all Members of this Legislative Assembly to take an active role in the development of this vision as we meet with our residents over the next six months. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that on Monday, April 19, 1999, I will deliver the Budget Address. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, as a new Minister with the Education, Culture and Employment portfolio, I would like to outline what I think we can accomplish in the time leading up to the next election. We intend to be proactive in addressing the many issues that face us. Although there is only a short time remaining in the term of this Assembly, there is still plenty of time to take some short-term action and to lay the groundwork for longer-term initiatives and changes.

In Education, Culture and Employment, there is lots to do and lots of good work we can build on. I intend to be constructively busy for the remainder of the term. Based on the results of the ministerial forum, the recent Education Conference and the other work around the Strategic Plan, there is much we can do. In the short term, Mr. Speaker, I intend to work with Forum members, DEAs and DECs to determine how to best move forward immediately on some of the non-monetary recommendations that came out of the Ministerial Forum on Education.

The social envelope needs to continue developing cooperative and collaborative approaches to common issues. I will be meeting with my colleagues in the social envelope to identify specific issues that we should be moving forward on. I am also hoping to work with the department and with other Ministers in the social envelope to bring some clarity to our efforts around supporting youth. The link between schools and the workplace is critical if we want to develop a northern workforce. I will be speaking later this session to how we want to strengthen that link.

There is already work underway on a broad approach to languages. I would like to see this work continue, resulting in a strategic plan to ensure the protection and preservation of our languages.

Mr. Speaker, in the long term, the strategic plan will provide guidance on our future directions. In developing the plan, the department has received input from a large number of NWT residents including students, parents and teachers. This feedback will help us ensure that our priorities as a department reflect the priorities of northerners. I look forward to working with the many partners in education on cooperative and innovative solutions as we continue to address the needs of northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will be absent from the House today. Mr. Kakfwi has been in Ottawa for the past few days to meet with the Honourable Jane Stewart on the Giant Mine issue and to meet with the Honourable Ralph Goodale on matters related to the diamond industry. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Member's Statement 88-13(7): Passing Of Larry Sittichinli And Don Storr
Item 3: Members' Statements

April 12th, 1999

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this House with sadness to express my condolences to the people of Aklavik, especially the family and friends of both Larry Sittichinli and Don Storr.

Larry Sittichinli was the grandson of the late Lazarus Sittichinli, a respected elder and a person who played a major role in the assisting the RCMP with the famous Mad Trapper of Rat River. Larry was also an experienced bushperson. His funeral will be on Friday, April 16, 1999, in Aklavik.

Don Storr is the youngest son of the late Buck Storr and Jean. The funeral service for Don will be on Thursday, April 15, 1999, in Tsiigehtchic. Once again, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Larry's wife, Florence, and the rest of the family and to the Storr family and especially Don's common-law wife, Mavis Clark of Tsiigehtchic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, In April, 1997, the Stanton Regional Hospital Foundation began a fundraising campaign for medical equipment. The goal was to raise $2 million over three years. Now, only two years later, the foundation has achieved its goal. The latest figures show that $2.4 million has been raised, and funds are still coming in.

There are some impressive figures, some 98 businesses made donations including some small family operations as well as big corporations. There were 28 groups such as non-profit societies, and community councils contributed and 348 individuals opened their wallets and cheque books. Donations were received from almost every one of the 36 communities the hospital serves.

People and businesses from every community were very generous, but there is one community that should be mentioned. During the November telethon 62 phone pledges were received from the community of Taloyoak. That is a notable achievement as there are only 65 phone numbers listed in the community, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank everyone for their donations and certainly Mr. Ningark would have been very proud in this House of his community.

The equipment the hospital can now purchase will save many thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars for this government on an annual basis. The foundation's success is the result of many dedicated volunteers. I want to thank them all for their tremendous efforts. In particular, thanks to Cappy Elkin, chair of the campaign committee; and Loretta Foley and Gerome Babyn, co-chairs of the telethon; foundation board members: Alan Hathaway, who is the chairman; Greg Merrithew, vice-chair; Bill Graham, Dr. Hassan Adam, Joe Auge, Ric Bolivar, Daryl Dolynny, John Ferguson, Richard Hardy, Margaret Hawkins, Gordon Van Tighem, Gary Walsh, Leslee Warren, Dennis Cleaver, and Carol Walsh. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a lot of the work we have done in this House for the past couple of years has been related to division. Now with that work largely completed, it is refreshing to have the opportunity to focus on some of our pressing western issues.

So many times in the last few years we have heard from Members of Cabinet that the things that needed to get done could not get done, because of division. I have not done a count, but maybe I should, of the number of times I was told that changes to legislation could not be made. Not because they were not necessary, not because they were not in the best interests of the residents of the NWT, but because the Government had no time to focus on anything but division. I even heard this when I asked for changes to regulations, which are much simpler than amendments to an Act.

If I may quote some of the responses I received, I was told, at different times, "we are overtaken by the process of division... the overriding issues of division and other legislative priorities have resulted in a full legislative agenda... all the priority has been given to division-related issues and that is where the staff and the resources of this government have been allocated." Mr. Speaker, these were not acceptable answers before division and they certainly are not now.

I can give you some examples of the changes we need. The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is well aware of a small change that is needed to the wildlife regulations to allow Canadian Forces and DIAND personnel to enjoy the same hunting privileges as they have in other provinces. This is a small problem to fix, but it is very important to those officers who must be frequently transferred as part of their service to the country. The change would have a very small impact, but every time I bring it up I am told that it must wait for the comprehensive changes to the Wildlife Act.

Mr. Speaker, we have been hearing about these comprehensive changes for years. In fact, in looking back through Hansard I found that the government had apparently made commitments to review the entire Act as far back as 1991. I can go on, Mr. Speaker, the Labour Standards Act, for example, badly needs updating. Right now in the NWT, an employer and employee are not allowed to agree on the hours of work that best suits them both. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do I have any nays? Mr. Henry, you have unanimous consent.

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, as well, property owners have brought to my attention that they are not able to get assistance from the RCMP or bylaw officers when others trespass on their private property. Mr. Krutko and Mrs. Groenewegen have both spoken about this in the House, the need for that legislation. This could be fixed through a small change to the municipal legislation to give municipalities the power to make the bylaws dealing with trespassing.

I was also recently made aware that in the NWT we have no way to prevent the sale of restricted videos to underage children. This government also talks a lot about the health costs of smoking but we are far behind many other provinces in terms of tobacco control legislation. If we are really working towards healthy minds and healthy bodies for our youth, these issues must be addressed.

Mr. Speaker, in one case, I finally introduced a bill myself to get the job done, but this is not practical for most legislative changes. The government is in place to govern. Division is over now and the excuses are over. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I was going to give this Assembly some good news, however, recently something has come to my attention that cannot be ignored.

First, Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome my colleagues back to the chamber and I hope everyone was able to get a little rest.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take you back a couple years in time to when we first heard discussions about a working committee being formed to look at routes for the Road to Resources. This committee was set up and discussions started to take place. During discussions at the committee level, it was noted by constituents of mine that Rae-Edzo was not even considered as a possible route. Committee meetings and some public consultation with very little consultation being done in Rae-Edzo were held over the past two years.

This past fall a little more interest seemed to take place and since December, 1998, the mayor and chief of Rae-Edzo have been gathering support for a route to start in Rae-Edzo. This route by the way, does have support within the Dogrib region, in Yellowknife, Hay River and across Canada, as the most logical route to take for the western Arctic.

Now during this time frame we have our new Premier, and I support him fully telling us it is time to work together and work as one united body. Again, I support him completely. I just want to make sure this is recorded completely.

Recently the committee released copies of the summary of the report which route would be the best to take. At that time the mayor of Yellowknife released a press release saying was it really a surprise as to the results. Now, I would like to move ahead to yesterday morning at 8:00, here in the capital city, a meeting was held between the City of Yellowknife's Road to Resources Committee, the Department of Transportation and my four colleagues from Yellowknife. My understanding is that the topic of discussion was the summary of the report. Also, at noon of yesterday a meeting was held between the City Council, Department of Transportation and the Road to Resources Committee. Again, I would say the topic is the route for this road.

I would now like to point out that we have not been informed of any meetings regarding the Road to Resources. I wonder why? The Premier wants everyone to work together. My region has stated over and over that we want to work together. Why is it that the Department of Transportation...thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for North Slave is seeking

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

James Rabesca North Slave

Why is it that the Department of Transportation is working behind closed doors and to really keep the best and most logical route out of the picture? On a lighter note, it is my understanding that the mayors of Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife are working together to set up a meeting which will include both municipal councils, both band councils, my four colleagues of Yellowknife and myself. I would also like to invite the Minister of Transportation to this meeting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to welcome my colleagues back to our fine city, Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to also speak on a sad note, specifically the passing away of a true pioneer to Canada, to the north, Mr. Jim Turner, who passed away on the weekend at the age of 85 years old. Mr. Turner came to Canada at the age of 14 from England and shortly after he came up north and married into an aboriginal family, specifically my aunt Catherine Erasmus. Recently, in fact, they had celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1993 at Northern United Place. At that time his brother, who was at that time 85 years old, drove up from BC by himself to participate in the celebrations and drove back by himself.

Mr. Turner did a lot of things in his life. In his younger days he did cooking, he was a commercial fisherman, he cut and hauled firewood for mines and towns, he trapped and prospected and a lot of other things. He does have nine children, 25 grandchildren and most of them are living here in Yellowknife. As I said, they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1993 and shortly after Mr. Turner was going to go back to England to visit his sister and his other relatives there, but unfortunately, he had an aneurism and wound up in the hospital and was never able to go back. His sister and some of her children, his nephews and nieces were able to come here and visit him. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? Mr. Erasmus, you have unanimous consent.