This is page numbers 551 - 577 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 chairman.

Topics

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there was an oral question asked by Mr. Morin on April 26th in regard to ministerial authority to purchase arts and crafts. As all Members are aware, the creation of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development involved the amalgamation of the former Department of Economic Development and Tourism. One of the goals of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism was to increase job and income opportunities in the arts and crafts sector. As a result, the department has historically been involved in the purchase of arts and crafts in all ridings throughout the Northwest Territories. Likewise, the goal of the NWT Development Corporation is to stimulate growth of businesses in the NWT and to promote economic diversification and stability, including the arts and crafts industry.

Clearly the Department of RWED, the NWT Development Corporation and the Minister responsible for both are mandated to purchase products from NWT artisans and crafts people for promotional purposes, such as displays at trade shows, art festivals and international conferences. As far as other departments or Ministers are concerned, if the purchase of arts and crafts assist in meeting departmental or governmental objectives, it would fall within the scope of their authority.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen.

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

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Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my daughter, who is up here visiting me in Yellowknife today, Jillian.

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

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

At this time I would like to recognize a former Member of the House, Ms. Lynda Sorensen.

--Applause

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Item 6: Oral Questions

May 11th, 1999

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Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I made a statement today regarding to the economic strategy document and I have a number of questions in that area for Mr. Kakfwi. My first question for the Minister is, to the Minister's best knowledge, did the contractor fulfil all the guidelines and terms of reference as stipulated in the contract agreement? Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

The Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

Return To Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the former Premier had given direction that the former Finance Minister, Mr. Todd, take the lead in developing the economic strategy. I believe a call for proposal was made sometime in the early months of 1998. I was not involved as a Minister in that initiative and the definition of it. I am unable to answer the question. Thank you.

Return To Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister tell me what department may have paid for the economic strategy?

Supplementary To Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Mr. Kakfwi.

Further Return To Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I am not able to answer to answer that question either. I will take it as notice.

Further Return To Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Question 190-13(7): Economic Development Strategy Report
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for Mr. Steen and I will take into account your comments with regard to matters that are being considered before the courts so I will try to make the questions of a very general nature. Mr. Speaker, what measures does the Minister have in place to ensure that contracts awarded by the department that he oversees, are not affected by bribes and kickbacks? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

The Minister responsible for Public Works and Services, Mr. Steen.

Return To Question 191-13(7): Public Works Contract Management
Question 191-13(7): Public Works Contract Management
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have that information at my fingertips, I will take the question as notice. Thank you.

Return To Question 191-13(7): Public Works Contract Management
Question 191-13(7): Public Works Contract Management
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

The question has been taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. It is in relation to his statement on the surviving spouse benefits. Is the Minister aware that the Human Rights Commission in Alberta recently indicated that it may be unconstitutional to provide more benefits to people if they are a widow or widower in relation to other people who are not married and still have children to raise. Is he aware of that recent decision that came down about two weeks ago?

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

The Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On Wcb Benefit
Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On WCB Benefit
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, I am not. Thank you.

Return To Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On Wcb Benefit
Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On WCB Benefit
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

Supplementary To Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On Wcb Benefit
Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On WCB Benefit
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to provide the Minister with the name of the decision. It indicates that perhaps, giving widows and widowers a pension in addition to what other people would be able to get for raising their children, is unconstitutional. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On Wcb Benefit
Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On WCB Benefit
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On Wcb Benefit
Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On WCB Benefit
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Member's offer. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On Wcb Benefit
Question 192-13(7): Court Decision On WCB Benefit
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hopefully the Minister will be able to dispose of my questions on the same topic as Mr. Erasmus asked. My questions are for the Honourable Mr. Miltenberger, on his comments today on surviving spouse benefits through the Workers' Compensation Board. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, how much money is he talking about or does he have a figure on how much the cost of this action will take to find out if the Workers' Compensation Board should remunerate the widow of a deceased employee? How much will this action cost? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.