This is page numbers 101 - 132 of the Hansard for the 14th Assembly, 3rd 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.

Members Present

Honourable Roger Allen, Honourable Jim Antoine, Mr. Bell, Mr. Braden, Mr. Dent, Mr. Delorey, Honourable Jane Groenewegen, Honourable Joe Handley, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. Lee, Mr. McLeod, Mr. Miltenberger, Mr. Nitah, Honourable Jake Ootes, Mr. Roland, Honourable Vince Steen, Honourable Tony Whitford.

-- Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 101

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Good morning colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Seniors, Mr. Steen.

Minister's Statement 6-14(3): Seniors Week
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 101

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to focus the attention of this House on a very important segment of our population. I am speaking about seniors who live in the Northwest Territories. As you know, this is Seniors Week, a time to recognize and honour our elders.

Mr. Speaker, NWT seniors currently make up about 4 percent of our population. It is expected that by the year 2018, this figure will rise to 12 percent. We can all benefit from the wisdom of our seniors. They have a lot to offer and we must not forget that.

To that end, Mr. Speaker, the government has, through its strategic planning document Towards a Better Tomorrow, made a commitment to seniors and all citizens of the Northwest Territories, for a safe, secure and respectful environment. In addition, this Assembly has outlined as one of its goals to have "elders who are well supported by their communities and able to live independently".

Each of us has a duty to recognize the contributions that seniors have made in building our great land. Through toil and hardship, they persevered in conditions that many of us have never known. Today, seniors play a productive and beneficial role in our society. They are one of our most valuable resources.

Many seniors today still take active responsibility for family life, caring for and guiding the younger generations. We often look to our elders for advice and support, drawing upon their wisdom and their experiences to address our own problems. In short, Mr. Speaker, directly or indirectly, seniors enrich all our lives.

It is our duty, Mr. Speaker, to support and assist seniors in what should be their golden years. We should remember that, whatever our dealings with seniors, we must treat them with the respect to which they are entitled.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind all Members that we need to remain true to the principles set out by the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Seniors when developing policies and programs that affect seniors. These principles are dignity, independence, participation, fairness and security.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, in honour of Seniors' Week I ask that you and the Members of this House join me in recognizing the value of our seniors here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Minister's Statement 6-14(3): Seniors Week
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 101

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Recognition Of Chief Julius High School Graduates
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 101

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to stand here and recognize the hard work and effort of four students in my riding, the Mackenzie Delta, in the Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson. The recent graduates of the Chief Julius School have worked hard for this accomplishment and I know that their families and friends are delighted to see the hard work pay off.

My community has supported these young people on their journey towards their dreams and goals that they have set. This is one step, of many steps that they will take, for a brighter future for themselves.

They reach out, looking for goals and accomplishments they may need and also realizing that there are challenges along the way. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Joyce Greenland, Janice Tetlichi, Vernon Elias, and Conrad Blake of the Fort McPherson Chief Julius School, and wish them all the success in the future on their dreams to continue their journey of education. Thank you.

-- Applause

Recognition Of Chief Julius High School Graduates
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 101

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Speedskate Canada Agm
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 101

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am pleased to welcome a premier event for the Northwest Territories and Yellowknife. As a result of the efforts of Penny Johnson, president of the Northwest Territories Speed Skating Association, Speedskate Canada, the sport's governing body which represents speedskating in all the provinces and territories, is holding its annual general meeting in Yellowknife from June 22 to June 25 at the Yellowknife Inn. This is the first time, Mr. Speaker, that a national sport organization has held a national AGM in any territory.

I would like to recognize the president of Speedskate Canada, John Cavar, and the director general, Jean Dupre, for bringing this meeting to Yellowknife.

In addition, there are more than 70 participants from across Canada, including speedskating world champions and olympic gold medalists Jeremy Wotherspoon, Catrina Le May Doan and Francois Drolet.

Northwest Territories president Penny Johnson, Karen Polakoff from Inuvik and Karen McGee of Yellowknife, are the Northwest Territories representatives. The Speedskate Canada business meeting will also include workshops on competitions, gender equity and a soccer game involving the Olympic medalists and local speedskaters. At the awards banquet, the keynote speaker is the Northwest Territories' own Olympic champion, Sharon Firth, who distinguished herself in cross-country skiing for many years.

Mr. Speaker, at the last Arctic Winter Games, Northwest Territories speedskaters scooped 14 out of a possible 16 medals for the Northwest Territories. David McCann, of Yellowknife, is currently training in Montreal in an attempt to gain national and international recognition. It should be noted that the coaching in the Northwest Territories is provided entirely by volunteers.

Mr. Speaker, Northwest Territories speedskating programs are active in Fort Liard, Fort Simpson, Inuvik, Hay River, Dettah, Ndilo and Yellowknife. That the program is developing so rapidly across the Territory is a testimony to the excellent efforts of the many volunteers and coaches.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has tremendous opportunities in the area of tourism development, including the meeting and convention trade. A convention of this nature is a tremendous example of our capacity to expand our business and gain further recognition for the Northwest Territories. We are confident they will enjoy, and long remember the Speedskate Canada Conference here in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Speedskate Canada Agm
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 102

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

1999 General Taxation Area Assessment Notices
Item 3: Members' Statements

June 22nd, 2000

Page 102

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government is responsible for assessing the value of all property in the general taxation area. The general taxation area includes all land in the Northwest Territories, except cities, towns and villages. This responsibility is a legislative activity and the Property Assessment and Taxation Act requires that all property values, both land and improvements, must be updated every ten years.

Property assessment is a process used to assign a value to all property in the Northwest Territories. It is necessary that consistent rules or techniques be used by this government's property assessors to make sure that the values of all similar kinds of properties are consistent and fair.

Land value in the general taxation area is based on land development costs. These development costs include such things as the cost of building new roads or providing services like water, sewer and electricity.

Recently in the Deh Cho region, my constituents have been shocked and have been left feeling helpless by the new assessment values placed on their properties as a result of the 1999 assessment notices.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, they have the option to appeal these assessments and, as we all know here in the North, land development costs are high. However, Mr. Speaker, it is this government's responsibility to find innovative ways to lower these costs. How can it be considered fair and equitable for my constituents to be asked to carry the results of our government's lack of initiative in this area?

I will be asking the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs later today, how it can be considered fair and equitable for his department and this government to expect my constituency to bear the burden of these increased assessment values which, down the road in all likelihood, will result in increased property taxes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

1999 General Taxation Area Assessment Notices
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 102

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in this House this week, we have heard a significant amount of debate and discussion on human resource issues. The need for the government to make a commitment to train Northerners, of the shortcoming to affirmative action, of the fact that the government has demands in industry that they themselves do not appear willing or able to meet, of the fact that we have lapsed hundreds of thousands of dollars with apprenticeship training.

Mr. Speaker, the issue I would like to speak briefly about today is the fact that we own NTPC. We have a corporation with hundreds of employees, and I would like to ask the Minister, or I will ask him later today in question period, whether he will commit that NTPC will come forward with a plan for apprenticeships similar to what BHP Incorporated and Diavik did; BHP Incorporated with a commitment, I believe, up to 13 apprentices, and Diavik, where the commitment is up to 18.

Mr. Speaker, there are a significant number of skill sets where I believe this is possible. There are alignment opportunities, there are power engineers, power plant operators, there are mechanics, just to name some.

I believe that there is a potential for the Crown corporation that the people of the Northwest Territories owns, to demonstrate a commitment to hiring and training Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is critical that we look at this. It is an opportunity, especially given the fact that the Department of Education which Minister Ootes is also responsible for lapsed $400,000 with apprenticeships, that we are looking for careers for our people in the Northwest Territories, for our students. So I hope, and I will ask this question so the Minister will have some time to think about this and be able to stand up and commit to coming forward with a plan that would clearly outline, how they intend to address this unfortunate gap and demonstrate the commitment of government that we demand of industry. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Recognition Of Inuvik Twin Lakes Elders
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

Roger Allen

Roger Allen Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Seniors Week formally comes to a close. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak about some members in my riding of Twin Lakes who have made significant contributions to our community. One of them is a very good friend and colleague of mine, Mr. Edward Lennie, who has made significant contributions to our on-going culture. Mr. Lennie spent a great many of his years promoting and coordinating arctic sports, helping out at old-time dances, and being an all around supporter of our cultural events held in Inuvik from time to time.

Two ladies that can compete with the famed Suzie and Sarah characters in the Yukon in any given situation, are Emma Dick and Sarah Tingmiak. These two fine ladies have been recognized in the past for their tremendous work in helping the people of the Inuvik and Mackenzie Delta region for their caring ways.

Another senior who requires recognition is Mr. Marty Tappanen, who tirelessly prepares meals for the seniors bi-monthly luncheons at the Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre. I cannot overlook the valuable work of Ruby and Buster McLeod. Ruby works tirelessly promoting youth dancing in the Inuvik Twin Lakes riding. The youth dancers often perform at many of the functions promoted in the town of Inuvik.

Another valuable personality I would like to recognize this week is not only a friend of mine, but a pioneer in the aviation business, and spends much of his leisure time in the bush, Mr. Fred Carmichael.

There are so many others who have set the standards for us, many of whom I may have missed. If I have, I apologize. Let me say I did not forget the important contributions to our special community. I hope you all had a very special week and continue to enjoy Seniors' Week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Recognition Of Inuvik Twin Lakes Elders
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Contributions To Hay River Play School
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

Paul Delorey

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize a group of individuals in Hay River who worked very hard to ensure that our youth get a good start in life. Individuals involved in the Hay River playschool have been very proactive in setting up facilities, equipment, and volunteering time to work with the youth of our community.

A few years ago when they were trying to set up the playschool, funds were hard to come by. Certain individuals were very active in getting the funds in place. One individual even went as far as to take out a personal mortgage so the playschool would have a facility to work out of.

Through their efforts, they have been able to pay off this mortgage and they are very well established in Hay River. The playschool and the Head Start Program, through their hard work, have established an education system that ensures every child between the ages of two and five get an early start in education.

Recently, the playschool group got together and organized an auction in Hay River. Through this auction, they were able to raise over $20,000 to put towards playschool activities in Hay River.

Groups such as these, Mr. Speaker, should be high on the government's list when it comes to helping them with funds. I would like to congratulate this group of individuals in Hay River and I wish them all the success in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Contributions To Hay River Play School
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 103

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Steen.

Return To Question 2-14(3): Maintenance Of Territorial Highways
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 103

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Leon Lafferty on June 20, 2000, regarding the maintenance of territorial highways.

The Member's question tried to make a connection between the department's maintenance expenditures by highway and its maintenance priorities. There is no simple or direct connection between the two.

As the Minister of Transportation, I am responsible for setting the department's maintenance priorities. My general direction to the department is that all public highways in the Northwest Territories, all-weather or seasonal, should be maintained to keep them safely passable for the travelling public at all times.

On a practical, day-to-day basis, the department's regional superintendents and highway foremen decide how they will keep the highways in their areas safely passable. The amount and kind of maintenance work required will depend on their judgements according to the type of highway surface, geography, local weather conditions and traffic characteristics.

Maintenance costs vary tremendously across the Territory. Highways built on stable, well-drained ground are less expensive to maintain than highways built over swampy muskeg. The cost of highway resurfacing depends on whether locally available gravel sources are scarce or abundant. Snow removal is more expensive in areas that get more snow. Heavily travelled roads need more attention than lightly travelled roads. Maintenance costs vary from region to region and highway to highway, not because the department's priorities change, but because these factors change.

The Department of Transportation's maintenance expenditures by highway give no indication of its maintenance priority. The priority to keep the territorial highway system safely passable is the same everywhere. Achieving that priority does cost more for one highway than another but all our highways have the same priority. They are to remain safely passable. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 2-14(3): Maintenance Of Territorial Highways
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 104

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Return To Question 4-14(3): Treatment Facilities For Heroin Addiction
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 104

Jane Gronewegen

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Krutko on June 20, 2000, regarding treatment facilities for heroin addiction.

The list of treatment facilities that can be used in southern Canada are:

  • • Poundmakers Adolescent Treatment Centre in St. Paul, Alberta;
  • • Ranch Ehrlo Society Volatile Substance Abuse Program, Butte, Saskatchewan, for adolescents;
  • • Action North Recovery Centre, High Level, Alberta, for adults and adolescents; and
  • • Poundmakers in St. Albert, Alberta, for adults.

The southern facilities, in addition to providing programming for dual addictions, behavioural, psychological and suicidal problems, provide programming for heroin or cocaine addictions as part of their overall services to clients.

The territorial treatment centre, Nats' éjée K'éh, in Hay River, has also dealt with clients with heroin addictions. Effective April 1, 2000, the department provided Nats' éjée K'éh with resources to address the treatment needs of clients with a dual diagnosis, for example, a client with an addictions and a mental health diagnosis. The program, as with those in the southern facilities, is not specifically structured to provide services to clients with only cocaine and heroin addiction problems.

The assessment and referral process occurs through the local alcohol and drug project and the regional health and social services board approves the application for southern treatment. Clients must go through detoxification before entering either southern treatment programs or the program provided by Nats' éjée K'éh. Detoxification services are available at hospitals in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 4-14(3): Treatment Facilities For Heroin Addiction
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 104

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

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

Page 104

Roger Allen

Roger Allen Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning I would like to recognize Sharon Greenland, my constituency assistant from Inuvik Twin Lakes, accompanied by Mr. Tom Williams, my executive assistant. Welcome to the gallery.

-- Applause

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

Page 104

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

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

Page 104

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have the opportunity to recognize someone from Inuvik that often. My constituency assistant, Debbie Jugens, is with us today.

-- Applause

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

Page 104

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Welcome. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.