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.

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.

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was always amazed when I went to Mr. Turner's place and talked to him. His mind was still as sharp as a tack. He could remember dates and names. It was just amazing the way he could remember things like that and he always seemed to be right. I always thought it would be nice to tape him about some of the history and what he had gone through and that, but unfortunately we never did. It was nice to talk to him and get a different viewpoint on things. He always seemed to have a different little twist to things. Ironically, there was kind of a life story done on him in yesterday's News North, kind of a tribute, I suppose in a sense. If people wish to learn a little bit more about some of the things he did up here, you can read yesterday's News North and go through that. The funeral for Mr. Turner will be this Friday. Thank you.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Groenewegen on March 24, 1999, in regard to the disposition of education board surpluses.

The Divisional Education Councils (DECs) are already responsible for surpluses and deficits for about 90 percent of the contributions which they receive from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. This portion of school costs is calculated by formula. The remaining infrastructure contributions for utilities, leases, and personnel costs (advertising, recruitment, medical, removals and dental benefits) are largely funded based on actual expenditures.

Prior to 1997-98 the Department of Public Works & Services, Executive and the Financial Management Board Secretariat paid for and invoiced the divisional educational councils for most infrastructure services. Recognizing that this administrative arrangement only allowed the DECs a limited ability to manage utility and personnel costs, contributions were based on the actual costs incurred.

With the implementation of User Pay/User Say Initiative, DECs have gained an increased ability to manage infrastructure costs. At the current time the DECs do not have discretion over spending surpluses in the infrastructure category. This category includes utilities, leases and personnel funding. The DECs and departmental representatives on the School Finance Committee are working to establish a formula that will also give the DECs greater financial responsibility in the infrastructure area. The committee will complete its research and have an infrastructure formula ready for the 2000-2001 school year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 174

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two people. First, my wife of almost 24 years and the power behind whatever I have accomplished, Jeri Miltenberger, and

--Applause

my fine, trusty, new constituency assistant from Fort Smith, Ms. Janelle Tourangeau. Thank you.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 174

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. 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 175

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Ms. Pat Thomas with the NWTTA. Welcome back, Ms. Thomas.

--Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 175

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently, the Premier obtained two new Ministers and he shuffled some Cabinet portfolios around, but I also notice that the title of Portfolio of Youth appeared. I take it this is in response to my profound statements and questioning regarding the youth issue. I wonder if the Minister responsible, the Honourable Michael Miltenberger, MLA for Thebacha, would be able to tell us if they have developed the terms of reference for this new portfolio. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to clarify for the record first that it is not a separate portfolio, but it is an assignment, an important one geared to youth, but it is different than a portfolio. Mr. Speaker, this is an issue of great concern not only to my colleague, Mr. Ootes, but I think to all people in this Assembly, as well as northerners. While there are not any substantive new resources, what we are attempting to do is bring greater clarity to the money that is spent in the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

As well, I am going to be meeting in the very near future with my colleagues in the social envelope committee. When we look at our budgets, very clearly there is a significant amount of money that we spend as a government dedicated to youth. Our purpose is going to be to try to bring that together in a more coordinated way. As well, I have already met with our Member of Parliament, Secretary of State for Youth, to look at what initiatives we could jointly partner up in such as tobacco cessation and possibly FAS/FAE initiatives. While we are at early days in this particular issue, there is work being done and we intend to hopefully be able to report back to this House in the not too distant future with some more concrete plans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I understood the Minister to say that they are looking at the possibility of resources in his own and other departments. Does he envision some sort of dedicated number of public servants to address this issue?

Supplementary To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While it is still early on in this process, the intent is to try to bring greater concrete form to how we deliver services for youth using the existing resources and staff that we do have. What that exactly will translate to at this point, I cannot give you a definitive answer. We are looking at trying to bring sort of a more one-window approach and a co-ordinated effort with the other social envelope partners in this particular area.

Further Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are naturally all sorts of areas that could be looked at, and I can approach this through a number of questions perhaps if I get an opportunity to ask again. My initial one would be with respect to the social problems that seem to be there among some youth, such as substance abuse and single people's pregnancies and so forth, is the Minister intending to address those kind of issues, is it that intent?

Supplementary To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As my colleague has indicated, there are a wide range of issues related to youth. While we may not be able to deal with all issues, our intent is to try to bring some focus to those kinds of issues. I would like to point out, as well, that we would be very interested, I know I would as the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, be very interested in working closely with the Members opposite to, in fact, bring this kind of clarity to this very important issue. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also see, while I mentioned the social areas, I think there are other areas such as employment areas, transition from school to work, and I appreciate the Minister's comment that he would like to seek the Members' input from this side. Could the Minister tell us if he will, as he formulates this particular youth thrust, if he could keep us informed by way of a briefing session with the Members through the Government Operations Committee, for example?

Supplementary To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 175

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would be happy to commit to a meeting with the committee whenever would be convenient to them, or whenever we have reached the point where we have enough on paper that we could present it to them. Whenever would be convenient to the committee, I would be happy to meet with them. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Question 61-13(7): Youth Assignment Responsibilities
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. The last little while we have been hearing in the news, of course, how Royal Oak is going through some very tough times with low gold prices, copper prices, things like that, and is on the brink of bankruptcy. Of course, this affects the Giant Mine here. What I would like to know is if our Premier could expound a little on what this government is doing to keep the mine in operation. Obviously, with approximately 250 to 280 jobs involved, it is a huge concern of the people in Yellowknife. Thank you.

Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier.

Return To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the situation with Royal Oak, and specifically the concern for us here in the Northwest Territories is two holdings of Royal Oak, which are the Giant Mine and the Colomac Mine, specifically more the Giant Mine here. There is going to be a decision, I understand, on Friday. The judge that is reviewing this has given until Friday for a decision. I understand that the judge has asked Trilon, the financier, and the noteholders to come to court on Friday with a more detailed restructuring plan for Giant Mine. This is what we understand to be. At the present time, we have to wait and see what we are doing.

What we are doing as a government is, we had a briefing from DIAND on this issue to indicate to us the seriousness of this situation here in regard to Yellowknife. We, as a government, would like to ensure that we protect the economic viability of this mine and we also want to ensure that the environmental issues are adequately dealt with, both in the short term as well as the long term. Our officials have been meeting with the officials of the federal government, the City of Yellowknife, as well as the Northwest Territories Power Corporation over the weekend to monitor developments as they occur. In addition, Minister Kakfwi has been in Ottawa. He had a meeting with the Honourable Jane Stewart, the Minister responsible for Indian and Northern Affairs. At this present time, since we have indication that there will be a decision made by the judge on Friday, we are in a wait and see mode right now. Thank you.

Return To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Supplementary To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad to hear that the government has basically indicated that they are trying to keep the mine open and alive and protect the jobs involved, but we also know that, I do not know how much, but there is an awful lot of arsenic under that mine. I am wondering, is there currently a plan to deal with all that arsenic? From what I understand, there could be up to 100 to 150 jobs for 20 years if this government perhaps, and the federal government got together and instituted a plan to neutralize the arsenic and to perhaps sell it as a commodity. Is there a plan to deal with this arsenic? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Antoine.

Further Return To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at the meeting that the Honourable Mr. Kakfwi had with Minister Jane Stewart, there was an agreement to work jointly with DIAND and the other stakeholders to ensure that the environmental and economic interests are reflected in future decisions. As a result of the meeting yesterday, there is agreement that we have to work together to look at what the future holds for us. Again, I have to say that on Friday when the judge will finally make a decision on what to do with Royal Oak, and subsequently with Giant Mine, we would know at that time what course of action to take.

In the meantime, there is a spirit of co-operation to work together. In regard to the amount of potential environment hazards that are there in the mines with the arsenic, there are studies that indicate there is $250 million worth of work to be done in there. DIAND has indicated that they would like to study it, but we know how DIAND studies things, so we would like to get some action right away ourselves. We do not know what is there. The suggestion of Minister Stewart, which we agree with, is that a meeting of arsenic experts should be held to provide both levels of government and other stakeholders with their advice. There is some movement in that direction.

In regard to the amount of jobs there may be for cleaning up this environmental hazard that is there, our figures are substantially less than what the honourable Member is indicating. He is saying that there might be 150 jobs for 20 years, our figures are substantially less than that. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

Supplementary To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Premier indicate if there is any immediate danger to wildlife and people living in this area from the arsenic that has accumulated there?

Supplementary To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Antoine.

Further Return To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 176

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal department of DIAND is monitoring the situation and

we take the information that they give us. From the information, there is no immediate danger for the contaminants to leak into the environment as long as they have power provided to the mine and they have the pumps working to keep the ground water out of the shaft where the arsenic is, from what we understand. Even if the court decision on Friday is for Giant to go into receivership, we understand that DIAND's plan of action is to immediately get into a care and maintenance mode, which is that they will keep the power going so that the pumps will keep on pumping the ground water out. As far as a response to the honourable Member, we are told that there is no immediate danger to the environment. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Question 62-13(7): Support For Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

April 12th, 1999

Page 177

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Transportation. It is in regard to a priority of this government, which is to ensure that transportation programs and services are delivered in a manner that maximizes local and territorial training, employment and business opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, I have a concern, especially coming from a small riding where a lot of contracts are going to companies in the larger centres, yet we have a high unemployment rate in a lot of our small communities where we are looking at 80, in some cases 85 percent unemployment. A lot of these contracts are being let go, yet the people in the communities are still having problems getting work, especially when these opportunities come about. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, what is the Minister and his department doing to ensure that there are maximum employment opportunities to local communities when they do offer contracts and services for those particular communities or surrounding those particular communities?

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member knows, this government has policies, such as the Business Incentive Policy, which offers opportunities for employment in small communities through the large contractors. Also, there is opportunity for firms from the small communities to request negotiated contracts with the government. If the government receives such a request they would consider it, and it would probably take a preference to public tender. Again, it would depend on the negotiated contract being approved by Cabinet.

However, the point here is that there are opportunities or the intent is to allow for opportunities for local employment by larger contractors, and also to share the contract work with the smaller firms in the communities. I believe that is the intent of the Business Incentive Policy. The government does have a process in place which monitors the larger contractors to assure that some of these benefits do pass on to the small communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Supplementary To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The intention is great, but I think we have to put it into practice. There are several contracts that have gone out in my riding in the last couple of weeks in which a majority of those contracts have gone to Inuvik firms, but maximum potential for employment seems to be the operators who come in from Inuvik to do those jobs. Yet, there are a lot of unemployed people in the communities who have class one driver's licences and are not able to get a job. I would like to ask the Minister, what is your department doing to ensure and monitor these contracts to ensure the maximum potential for employment in small communities is there? What are you doing?

Supplementary To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Steen.

Further Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Member is aware that I am very new to this department and I would, at this time, rather than give the Member a wrong answer, I will commit to take the question to the department and get a clear response from the department as to exactly how they intend to monitor the contractors to ensure the northern benefits are available to the community. In particular, the communities where the work is being done, but I must again emphasize the Business Incentive Policy does require monitoring and it is not only the Department of Transportation that does the monitoring, it is RWED as well that monitors the benefits from the Business Incentive Policy. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Supplementary To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also ask the Minister if he can possibly publish a list of all the jobs that have been created from these contracts in local communities so that we can see exactly how this policy is adhered to, and also that it is benefiting local communities?

Supplementary To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Steen.

Further Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 177

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again I am going to have to get back to the Member as to how exactly the department has been monitoring in the past the benefits to the small communities. We could possibly do, the department could do an internal survey as to how many contracts we have actually been going public with versus negotiated contracts and get the numbers in that particular area, and see which ones would in fact show a benefit to that particular community or the communities in the region. Again, I am going to have to get back to the Member with that information.

Further Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Supplementary To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not ask this question just in regard to my region because I believe the economy of the north, especially in the smaller communities, and the riding I represent, depend on this work for employment for the residents of the small communities. I think this is the only real opportunity we have, especially in the Mackenzie Delta region, for employment, is the transportation contracts that we do receive.

I would just like to stress, I think it is important this government monitors to see the social benefits that also come from these contracts to the communities, and I think that it is important that we use 100 percent local employment, also consideration of sub-contractors in a lot of our small communities, and also the labour force that is in our communities where we have high unemployment rates. I think this government should consider posting this information so people can see the benefits that flow from these public contracts.

Supplementary To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Steen.

Further Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member does have some good suggestions, and I will take them into consideration and pass them on to the department. We will get back to the Member as to exactly what we can come up with to improve the system. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Question 63-13(7): Awarding Of Transportation Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. Speaker, the Minister made a statement in the House today regarding addressing priorities in Education, Culture and Employment, and he talked about the results of the ministerial forum, and the education conference. My questions surround that today. My first question, Mr. Speaker, as the Minister went on to talk about these particular forums, and the work he intends to do and move on, and he said that he wished to move forward immediately on some of the non-monetary recommendations from the ministerial forum. Could the Minister give us an indication, first of all, what are the non-monetary recommendations that he does intend to move forward on fast? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Return To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that the recommendations that were put out, I think there were 44, 31 of them were, in my opinion, non-monetary recommendations. A lot of the focus on those particular issues has to deal with communities, with families, with DECs, how they work together, what kind of training that can be done, the use of how they relate to each other, the communication issues. Those are all issues, I think, we can start moving on immediately if we use the wisdom and the information that has been brought back to us by the forum members, as well as in consultation with the DEAs and DECs. Thank you.

Return To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with regard to the ministerial forum, the report, a copy was made available, at least to myself, on Monday, which was yesterday. I am wondering when is the Minister going to be receiving input from Members of this House on that report or is he just going to implement some of these recommendations right away, because they were brought forward in a report? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would be very interested in sitting down and discussing the report and the recommendations with the Members of Government Operations. There is no intention to implement anything at this point until we are sure exactly what we are going to implement.

The report in fact, tells us what needs to be done. The next step is how do we do it? It is going to take some time. I have been in discussion with the department already as well as in discussion with forum members about how to best move ahead with this particular issue. As well, a key part of this process will be the input of the Members of the Government Operations committee keeping in mind that time is of the essence and that there are things that we can start right away. People will be consulted, it will not be as lengthy as the last time, because a lot of the work is already there, the question is, how do we implement what has been recommended. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 178

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for that clarification, I think that is important that people know that they still have input into some of these recommendations before they are implemented. The Minister in his statement also talked about working with other departments, in particular in the social envelope. Mainly in support of our youth, Mr. Speaker, I spoke today about two areas that I think have concerned many Members of this House, and many members of the public. I am wondering if the Minister has any intent at looking at ways our youth can be protected. In

particular, to the availability of programs to encourage our youth to stop smoking, and more importantly legislation to protect the minds of our youth regarding pornographic material that is available, under rated movies that are available. Is the Minister's department looking at any legislation or programs that would help deter that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. I am sorry, I must rule the question out of order. It is a new question to the same Minister. Oral questions. Do you have a supplementary? Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, if I could seek some clarification. I was asking questions about, can I ask a question on the Minister's statement? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

You can, Mr. Henry, but you started by asking a question on the Ministers' Forum on Education, and that is the question that you should be leading your questions on, not on the youth issue. Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for that clarification. I will wait my turn for further questions on the Minister's statement. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 64-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of housing. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure what stage of development the Housing Corporation, or housing department in Nunavut is at, or to what degree our Housing Corporation is taking responsibility at this time for the delivery of housing in Nunavut, but what I do know is that normally at this time of year suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, are very busy bidding tenders in order to meet the sealift deadlines. But this year, there is very little activity and very little communication as to why there is no activity. My first question is, what communication is taking place with Nunavut at this time to determine what their requirements are going to be in terms of housing program delivery and who is initiating this dialogue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. The Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In response to the first portion of the question as to taking care of business for our new territory, and what the Nunavut government is doing, the department has a number of service agreements with the Nunavut government in the area of housing. One of the things that has come out of division is that the Nunavut government is responsible for its housing in their territory, and in the area of trying to get them to support NWT manufacturers, I think we will have to do some work in the area of marketing to try and sell our products over there. It is up to their government, we are not delivering the housing program on their behalf. We are helping them in a number of areas, in just establishing their department to get underway with existing programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, many companies here in this area, Hay River, Yellowknife, and other communities, everything from people who crate, to those who ship, manufacture, supply, have grown accustomed to the business that comes from servicing Nunavut as well. I am wondering what kind of communication is taking place between the Housing Corporation and some of those companies to inform them if in fact we are going to see quite a substantial reduction in the demand for their services and products. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I could not give the Member an accurate name as to who is taking care of the correspondence. I think most departments and private sector companies are aware that once we have established Nunavut they would be on their way and looking to take care of business in their own fashion.

In the west, we have seen a reduction for a number of years in the amount of new housing starts, mainly because of area of budgeting as well as the lower amount of public housing units. We have not for a number of years built public housing units but the highest portion of that was always in Nunavut. In the west, the housing we are seeing is more in the area of MDAPP that we have right now and that is to help people get into existing homes, or possibly go into new homes. The more we move in that area, especially an example is EDAPP, we are giving the potential homeowner more control of how they would buy and receive supplies. In the old programs where the government had a large majority of it, we would include in our packages a lot of products that were made in the north. Now with the newer programs, the individual homeowners have more of a responsibility in that area of what products they would buy, whether they would buy locally or from other manufacturers from the south. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral Questions. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 179

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that communication is extremely important in this time of transition. As the Minister knows, as a government and as private individuals have invested a tremendous amount of time and money in developing some of these services, and some of these products and in order for any business to plan, they are going to

need lead time, they have employees, they have overhead, they have expenses. I think it is very important that the Housing Corporation communicate forthrightly with these businesses and also perhaps let them know what the Housing Corporation is doing to develop the markets in Nunavut and also to develop other markets.

Could the Minister please elaborate a little bit, when he referred to developing the markets in Nunavut, what the Housing Corporation is doing to develop those markets so that these companies can stay in business with reasonable demand for their products?

Supplementary To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree that it is very important that we do support our northern manufacturers. The department and this government has done that for quite some time. I will commit to the Member that I will go back with the department to get more information as to the specifics of the communication plan, how far it is along and what we can try and do to help existing manufacturers stay in business. As well, the manufacturers need to go out and market their expertise and their products in a more aggressive manner. The Housing Corporation can only do so much. As I said earlier, the Nunavut government is directing their own staff as to how they would see things done and I guess as well they would be looking at what premium they would pay on products they are willing to purchase. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Question 65-13(7): Housing Program Delivery In Nunavut
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Morin.

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier on his statement today, Report on Cabinet Planning Session at Cli Lake. On the bottom paragraph on the first page, "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." Out of those five, I know they are all interrelated, Mr. Speaker, but when government does look at all five as individual components, does one not keep repeating itself? Does one not keep surfacing in every component, is governance interrelated to all others more so than the others? Is governance the most important thing for the new Western Territory, getting that right, governance right? Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier.

Return To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is true, the Agenda for the New North is based on five different components. Yes, governance is a key link that is necessary to make the other components work. I think there are linkages in all the different components that more or less are equal in there. Yes, governance is one of the key elements in this whole agenda. Thank you.

Return To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Morin.

Supplementary To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In this day and age where we hear a lot and we talk a lot about self-government and the inherent right of aboriginal governments to govern themselves, is the government at this time, the Government of the Northwest Territories, working on any policy changes or working on any policy change of instructions to their self-government negotiators or just general policy change in the government, how they view western governance and how they view aboriginal self-government? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Antoine. Two questions.

Further Return To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this government along with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs who have the responsibility for negotiating with the federal government and the aboriginal nations, we have changed our policy last September and as a result of that we have stated our preference that the negotiations explore and find ways for people at the community and regional level to decide upon, design, develop and deliver programs and services together. I have asked the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and have directed my officials to develop specific negotiating policies and mandates based on this government's new approach. We initiated the approach last September and we are continuing on with that approach. We are negotiating at different tables, but at the same time we have changed the policy, so as we negotiate we are giving new instructions to the negotiators based on the direction we started last September. It is a top priority for us. The work is ongoing, Mr. Speaker, since last Fall.

The Cabinet reviews the development of the negotiating mandates at the critical junctures as we develop them and as we come to a point in time when we need to review it, we do it. In this way the Cabinet provides further directions for the completion of this work. What we started last September, we are continuing with it and as we are negotiating. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Morin.

Supplementary To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 180

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, for one, would be very interested in getting copies of the new policy and whatever is developed through Aboriginal Affairs. I also know, Mr. Speaker, that I have heard many times, this government, as well as many Members in this Legislative Assembly and other northern people say that they would prefer to work together in partnership. Also, Mr. Speaker, does this government recognize the inherent right of aboriginal people to choose, to make their own choice, whether they work in partnership with this government or whether they choose to work in a parallel system? Does this government recognize that aboriginal people have the inherent right to work through a parallel system of government directly with Ottawa? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Antoine.

Further Return To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, yes, the Government of the Northwest Territories, when we did make the change to the policy last September, one of the questions was that if we do believe in the inherent right of the aboriginal people to govern themselves, we cannot really put any conditions on how they should develop this whole self-government policy. Yes, we have changed the policy to reflect that there may be some aboriginal nations up here that may prefer a parallel system. It is there in the policy as we developed it. Again, I think we have developed a new and flexible approach to implementing self-government here, Mr. Speaker. There are key features in there to this approach that we think that as we develop them, I think they will be quite acceptable to the first nations that we are dealing with. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Question 66-13(7): Agenda For The New North
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Honourable Mr. Steen, Minister of Public Works and Services. I learned this morning that the department has been conducting an investigation on the Lahm Ridge Tower lease and apparently this has taken place over the last several months, and the department did its own investigation and then hired a firm to do further investigation. I understand that an interim report is available or a draft report has been done. I wonder if the Minister could tell us if this report will be made available to the public?

Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Can I ask the Member for Yellowknife Centre if you can rephrase your question and keep the media out of it? There are continued discussions on the Lahm Ridge Tower, so perhaps maybe just an update, or rather than...you cannot ask questions based on media reports. Mr. Ootes.

Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if the Minister could tell us if the department is doing a review of how the department does its business to ensure that proper checks and balances are placed in awarding contracts?

Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Steen.

Return To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department is doing a review on the report put out by the Conflict of Interest Commissioner as it applies to department staff. I believe previous Ministers of Public Works committed to having this review done in relation to the Conflict of Interest Commissioner's report and the contents of the report. Based on that commitment, the department did commit to an internal review of the facts as they apply to department staff. We did undertake the review, at this point in time the department does not have a report. I do not have a report. It was supposed to have been completed by March 31st and I understand that I may be receiving a report early next week. Thank you.

Return To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister tell us will he be distributing this report or is it strictly an internal report?

Supplementary To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Steen.

Further Return To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, whether I distribute the report to the Members will depend on the contents of the report. If there are certain things that would not be beneficial or that I would not be allowed as the Minister to make available that are applicable to my employees or government employees, I could not table the report. If in consultation with the Cabinet Members we agree that it can be released, at that time I would consider either tabling it or making it available to Members.

Further Return To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you. Could the Minister tell us if terms of reference were developed by the Cabinet or by the Minister specifically or was this left to the public servants to develop?

Supplementary To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Steen.

Further Return To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am told that previous to my time, the agreement in Cabinet was that the Financial Management Board is involved, as well as Public Works. We would review the report jointly and then decide what to do with the report.

Further Return To Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Question 67-13(7): Lahm Ridge Review
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 181

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Miltenberger. In my statement today, I talked about the need for this government to do all that it can to ensure that we create an environment where the youth of the territories can grow up with healthy bodies and healthy minds.

Two major concerns that I have, Mr. Speaker, which I spoke about, was the need to create some legislation to govern the availability of tobacco to minors and is there some way that we can curve the use of such products. The second point that I talked about was the need to protect the minds of our youth and we do badly need some legislation in the area of the availability of pornography and restricted movies, that availability to our youth.

My question to the Minister is, he had talked earlier in his statement about working with other departments for the betterment of youth, does the Minister or his department have any plans to introduce legislation that would help to produce the youth of the Northwest Territories with healthy minds and healthy bodies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Youth, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the intent is to try to convince and better educate the young people and the youth to get them to voluntarily quit smoking. On the issue of pornography, that would be an issue that would require discussion with the Minister of Justice, but as far as I am aware, there are no plans for legislation either to tighten up smoking or pornography.

The key issue is in the area of tobacco reduction and cessation of smoking. It is an issue of concern now to the federal government, as well as to this government, and I think every local government in the Northwest Territories. I think we have an opportunity to work together to convince young people that smoking is better off not in their repertoire of personal habits. It is in their best interest to quit and rather then try to legislate that kind of behaviour. Thank you.

Return To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I certainly do support the idea of some voluntary measures, if they work. My question to the Minister is, could he point to some programs or voluntary programs that he has talked about that the department has sponsored or initiated that have been successful to date, and maybe point to the reductions in either of those areas that have worked, where we have encouraged compliance voluntarily? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot specifically point to programs per se and unfortunately the statistics for smoking in the Northwest Territories are far above the national average. I am interested of course, if the Member has specific suggestions and recommendations that he would care to make in the area of encouraging smoking cessation or reduction, either be it through his legislative suggestion or other ways to do that. I would be very happy to consider that and try to add it to the mix.

At this point, we want to build on the work that has been done through advertising. There are efforts being made through sports and recreation initiatives to try to encourage young people not to smoke. There has been some success in southern jurisdictions, unfortunately in the north the statistics are still far too high. That is a challenge for us all to try to bring those statistics down and limit our costs. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, Mr. Minister, for that. My final question, Mr. Speaker, is to do with the availability of restricted movies or pornographic material to our youth. My understanding is, that there is no legislation in place that would restrict our youth from going into a video store to purchase a rental movie.

The Minister talked about working with other departments and he did identify that this may be an area that could be handled by the Department of Justice. Could I get a commitment from the Minister that in these get-togethers he would bring these issues and concerns to his Cabinet colleagues, in particular the Minister of Justice? When he is having these get-togethers to look at the possibility of some needed legislation in this area? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I commit to bring those issues, specifically the one on pornography, to the table of our next meeting of the social envelope Ministers. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Question 68-13(7): Legislation For Healthy Youth
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, some time ago, a committee of citizens went around listening to people about student financial assistance. They came back with a report and we have been expecting that several issues would have been dealt with by now as recommendations that came from that report.

Particularly, Metis and Inuvialuit students are being taxed on their grants where treaty and non-aboriginal students are not. Also, there were recommendations for higher tuition and more book allowances and other things like that. What I am wondering is, it has been quite a while now, Mr. Speaker, and is the Minister planning on implementing some of the recommendations of this report in time for the next school year? Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Return To Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 182

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As my colleague clearly identified, this is an ongoing issue that has been on the table now since 1997 and he and I in fact spent a considerable amount of time in committee on this particular issue.

My intention is to, in fact, see what can be done given the short time frame we have left to sit as a Legislature. I have a full briefing scheduled for Thursday and my understanding is that this issue, the whole package of student financial assistance redesign, basically ran out of time because there was no consensus on the issue that my colleague raised in regards to supplementary grants versus remissible loans. It is an issue that I would like to try to pursue with considerable vigour and try to see if I can move it forward, keeping in mind that we have maybe one session left after May. Thank you.

Return To Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

Supplementary To Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister indicated that we might only have one session left after May. Could he indicate why it is important to have session before we get these changes instituted?

Supplementary To Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding was that initially the plan was for legislative change to the Student Financial Assistance Act and that they wanted to bring forward a package as opposed to piecemeal changes. That is my understanding, at this point, not having a full briefing. If it requires legislative changes, we have limited time. If in fact we can do other things, then we have more latitude. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Question 69-13(7): Ministerial Forum On Student Financial Assistance
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education, Culture, Employment and Youth. I do not know how many of those things he encompasses. The Ministerial Forum on Education which just recently completed their report, Mr. Miltenberger has indicated that out of 44 recommendations, 31 are non- monetary. The main ones that I have heard communities and people focus on are things like lack of financial resources, the lack of special needs assistance and the student teacher ratio being too high. The Minister refers to communities, families, DECs communication. Sooner or later it has to fall to somebody. On whose shoulders is this work going to fall on? Who is going to do this? How can we honestly tell the people that 31 of these recommendations can be done at no cost. Someone is going to have to do it. To whom is this new responsibility going to fall? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

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

Return To Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The questions that my colleague poses are indeed legitimate and very clearly the need for new resources is a critical one. It is, as I have indicated earlier last week in an interview on CBC, a longer term issue tied into other broader financial initiatives we have in terms of generating new revenue. In regards to the 31 non-monetary items or recommendations that I referred to, to me it is not so much new responsibility, but looking at how we are doing things right now. Are there ways to work together more effectively? Are there ways to shuffle existing resources to better accommodate needs?

The issues that I referred to are based at the community level and I keep coming back to the phrase that was quoted in the report that, "it takes an entire village to raise a child". Very clearly it has been identified that there are significant areas of improvement in regard to how communities deal with issues related to education, right from the child, to the parents, to the family, to the community, to the DEAs and the DECs. We are investing 23 percent of our annual budget in education, culture and employment, almost $9,000 per student. There is money out there. I am not convinced that we are the most efficient operation right now with the existing resources. The intent is to ask the people for further information and help in terms of you have told us what to do, now how do we do that? If in fact, that it comes back that they are all money issues then it would be a serious problem. My read of that report is that there is room to move, there is room for creativity and innovation. That is the approach that I would like to foster. Thank you.

Return To Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think what happens when we go out and we conduct a forum, such as the recent Ministerial Forum on Education, is that we elevate peoples' expectations. We spend the money, we go out, we listen to what they have to say and then they sit there and wait to see what we are going to do about it. I hear what the Minister is saying, that some of these things can be done through changing the way we do things, but the fact is we need more money for education. I would ask the Minister then, what is he prepared to do in the short term in making priority education as a financial priority of this government?

Supplementary To Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 183

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Very clearly, education is and will remain a priority of this government. The people of the north have identified it as such, as well as this Legislature. I am going to continue the eloquent pleas that I have heard the former Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, now the Minister of Finance, raise in terms of the need for more resources. We have limited options at this point, in terms of any kind of short-term injection of new cash. It is going to be a question of trying to see if we can come to an agreement and consensus to reallocate some existing funds in the short term. Our only real long-term hope is getting new

revenues, which is already and will be discussed further in this House. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Question 70-13(7): Education Forum Recommendations
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 184

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Question period is over. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions, Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

In accordance with the motion passed by the Legislative Assembly on December 7, 1998, to review the conflict of interest provisions contained in the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the Report of the Conflict of Interest Review Panel dated April 8, 1999.

Tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Dent.

Motion 17-13(7): Extended Adjournment
Item 14: Notices Of Motion

Page 184

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, April 15, 1999, I will move the following motion.

I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife North, notwithstanding Rule 4, that when this House adjourns on Tuesday, April 13, 1999, it shall be adjourned until Monday, April 19, 1999;

And further, that any time prior to April 19, 1999, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time.

And Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.

Motion 17-13(7): Extended Adjournment
Item 14: Notices Of Motion

Page 184

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Mr. Dent.

Bill 17: Appropriation Act, 1999-2000
Item 15: Notices Of Motion For First Reading Of Bills

Page 184

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, April 15, 1999, I will move that Bill 17, Appropriation Act, 1999-2000, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 17: Appropriation Act, 1999-2000
Item 15: Notices Of Motion For First Reading Of Bills

Page 184

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Mr. Dent.

Bill 18: Loan Authorization Act, 1999-2000
Item 15: Notices Of Motion For First Reading Of Bills

Page 184

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, April 15, 1999, I will move that Bill 18, Loan Authorization Act 1999-2000, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 18: Loan Authorization Act, 1999-2000
Item 15: Notices Of Motion For First Reading Of Bills

Page 184

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Mr. Dent.

Item 16: Motions
Item 16: Motions

Page 184

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.

Item 16: Motions
Item 16: Motions

Page 184

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion 17-13(7) today. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Dent, you have unanimous consent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. Mr. Speaker,

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife North that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when this House adjourns on Tuesday, April 13, 1999, it shall be adjourned until Monday, April 19, 1999;

AND FURTHER, that any time prior to April 19, 1999, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. Motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters. Item 20, report of committee of the whole. Item 21, third reading of bills. Item 22, orders of the day. Mr. Clerk.

Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Page 184

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Orders of the day for Monday, April 19, 1999.

1. Prayer

2. Budget Address

3. Ministers' Statements

4. Members' Statements

5. Returns to Oral Questions

6. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

7. Oral Questions

8. Written Questions

9. Returns to Written Questions

10. Replies to Opening Address

11. Replies to Budget Address

12. Petitions

13. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

14. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

15. Tabling of Documents

16. Notices of Motion

17. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills

18. Motions

19. First Reading of Bills

- Bill 17, Appropriation Act, 1999-2000

- Bill 18, Loan Authorization Act, 1999-2000

20. Second Reading of Bills

21. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

22. Report of Committee of the Whole

23. Third Reading of Bills

24. Orders of the Day

Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Page 185

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. This House stands adjourned to 1:30 p.m., Monday April 19, 1999.

--ADJOURNMENT