This is page numbers 241 - 294 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.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Roger Allen, Honourable Jim Antoine, Mr. Bell, Mr. Braden, Mr. Delorey, Mr. Dent, 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 241

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Good afternoon. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week a national organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), published a report on provincial and territorial motor vehicle legislation across Canada intended to deter impaired driving. The MADD report card gave the Northwest Territories a failing grade of "F".

Mr. Speaker, the MADD report card serves to support the position of this government in that there is an urgent need for legislation to address the high numbers of impaired drivers in the NWT. This is a complex social problem and true prevention also includes calls for positive measures in public education and awareness.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation has been working with the Departments of Justice, Health and Social Services, the RCMP, the Stanton Hospital Board and the two Yellowknife School Boards to develop its Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving (STRID). The Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving is a comprehensive approach to the problem of impaired driving. Its many recommendations cover legislation, enforcement, public education and rehabilitation.

A little over a month ago, I proposed to the Executive Council that amendments be made to the Motor Vehicles Act to implement the legislative recommendations of the Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving. Cabinet has requested comments from the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development on this important initiative. On receipt of standing committee comments and the direction of the Executive Council, I expect to introduce, in this House, a Bill to amend the Motor Vehicles Act with respect to impaired driving.

Mr. Speaker, I believe our legislative agenda with respect to impaired driving is well in hand and proceeding in an orderly fashion. Hopefully, future MADD report cards will reflect better grades for the NWT. I would like to say again that legislative change is only one of a number of initiatives that will lead to the kinds of change that we all agree are required to reduce the incidence of drinking and driving to make our roads safer for the travelling public.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Training Of Aboriginal Northern Nurses
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise again today to speak on the issue of the training of aboriginal northern nurses. I talked to the Minister after the House and hoped this would be a matter that was taken care of, but it appears that it has not.

I understand the Minister did call the constituent in question, but the assessment I received was that it was friendly but non-committal comments.

Mr. Speaker, this issue is not just a personal, detached situation. This is a very important issue involving someone's life. I come into this House with this issue as a last resort. We have worked with the department and the officials to try and bring a satisfactory resolution to this particular issue. I raised it yesterday and hoped that at that point, it would be taken care of.

However, I was told to do what I will, and that was basically the response I received. I stand here again today to point out that the department has lapsed $800,000 in the recruitment and retention program. The Minister indicated yesterday, and I quote from the unedited Hansard, "I am not certain as to what kind of latitude a Minister has to reprofile and reallocate funds."

Mr. Speaker, the Minister will be appearing before this House with a $170 million budget. I would hope she would get the kind of orientation she needs to be able to make these assessments. This is a small issue compared to the multi-million dollar budget we are talking about.

The Minister does have the ability and latitude to deal with this issue. It is clearly a retention issue. I asked many weeks ago in writing to the Minister, how many aboriginal nurses receive such support? I have not received a response to date.

I raised it in the House again yesterday. Once again, the Minister put me off.

Clearly, Mr. Speaker, in this House, it has been pointed out that the human resource policies of this government are in disarray. Health and Social Services, in this instance, seems to be suffering from the same malaise.

Mr. Speaker, given the response I have received in this House, it would almost appear that, when it comes to recruitment and retention, the Department of Health and Social Services has obtained public money from this Legislature under false pretenses.

I think it is a sad commentary, Mr. Speaker, on the government's stated commitment on retaining and training northern aboriginal nurses. I will be asking the Minister once again if she can resolve this issue. Thank you.

Training Of Aboriginal Northern Nurses
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about the potential for the unprecedented economic prosperity that is at our doorstep, and what our obligations should be to ensure our people have the benefit of that opportunity.

The magnitude and the details on how it can be achieved have been well articulated in the non-renewable resources development strategy. Since releasing the report in early May, the Premier, the Ministers and the GNWT officials have been criss-crossing the whole country selling the idea. It has awakened the interest of many interested parties in the south, who must become our partners, including the Prime Minister, the federal Finance Minister and the Minister of DIAND, not to mention the aboriginal and business communities in and out of the Northwest Territories.

I must add, Mr. Speaker, I am a fan of this strategy. It is comprehensive and clear about the challenges and opportunities ahead for the Northwest Territories. Most importantly, it gives every interested party something to work out of.

However, Mr. Speaker, I think there is an important question that has not been asked. If it were to happen that the federal government and the private industries were to buy into this strategy and make the financial investment, are we ready to take it on? More precisely, do we have the human infrastructure in place to take on this challenge?

When we demand that the mega-companies hire our people, do we have the labour pool that can take it on?

Mr. Speaker, it should be made clear that ultimately, the biggest stakeholders for this strategy are the people of the Northwest Territories. It is our people who need to work the jobs and reap the benefit. Do we have a clear picture of where our people are at? Do we have empirical evidence on how many jobs are going to be created to support these industries? What sort of jobs will be created, whether it be engineers, geologists, miners, heavy-equipment operators, labourers, et cetera? Not to mention all the other sectors in the economy that need to support it. Social workers, teachers, administrators, nurses, doctors, accountants and the list goes on, Mr. Speaker.

Where are these people located? What is their education level? What are their interests in pursuing these fields? What is the extent of their mobility? What is the interest in training to take on these jobs?

I would think this is the minimum level of information the government needs to have to support the industries. This is the kind of information the government must have in order to face head-on the task we will have to become the major player, as well as the beneficiary of this development potential.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The Member for Range Lake is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may continue, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to conclude by saying that as I see it, we only have about 43,000 people. Given the general demographics, there is only a certain percentage of people who are employable or trainable. With the discussions in committee of the whole yesterday, I am not sure if the government has a comprehensive and clear picture of what the job requirements are, where they are located and how we can match the people.

I urge the government to look at cleaning up our house and getting our house in order so we are ready when the federal government brings us the money. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the last week, there have been three full-page newspaper ads placed by the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, stating the Dogrib self-government negotiations are stalled by the lack of commitment from the Government of the Northwest Territories Cabinet.

Land claim and self-government talks have been going on for years in the Dogrib region. Originally, it was hoped that negotiations would finish this August. Now it is not known when they will conclude.

We do know, however, that the relationship that exists between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Dogrib region will change. I am concerned that preparations are not being made to recognize the area formally, particularly through the budget process.

As the representative of the North Slave region, which consists of Rae, Rae Lakes, Wha Ti and Snare Lakes, I find it confusing that in the budget, money is allocated to the North Slave, yet ends up being spent on items outside my area, whether it is on a highway in the Fort Smith region or a park in Yellowknife.

Work could begin now with the aboriginal governments and the House to ensure that realignment of the budget occurs with the claim area.

I urge the government to take a proactive approach to realigning the budgets to reflect the new claim areas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Congratulations To Deh Cho Region Graduates
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, on behalf of my constituents, I would like to congratulate the graduates from the Deh Cho region. First of all, congratulations to Ms. Tina Gargan and Ms. Terry Landry from Fort Providence, who are both graduates of Aurora College, where they studied introduction to diamonds.

-- Applause

Ms. Gargan is now employed with Deton'Cho Diamonds here in Yellowknife. Also, Delmer Bonnetrouge of Fort Providence graduated from a security course he took with a company called SecureCheck here in Yellowknife. Mr. Clifford McLeod recently graduated from a two-year recreation and community service diploma program at Lethbridge Community College. Mr. McLeod is currently working on the completion of his practicum for the Hamlet of Fort Providence.

From the Hay River Reserve, Mr. Philip Fabian Jr. graduated from Grade 12 at Diamond Jenness High School. Mr. Allisdaire Lieshman just completed a two-year aircraft maintenance engineering program from Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to formally acknowledge Allisdaire's mother, Ms. Margaret Lieshman, for the great job she has done. Margaret is also the mother of Mr. Ian Lieshman, who recently graduated from the Marine program, and is now a captain on the Merv Hardie Ferry. I am glad to see that all her support and dedication is paying off.

Congratulations to the graduates from Enterprise: Melinda Mercredi, from management studies; Brett Clarke, from first year mechanics; and Lianna Clarke, from grade 12.

History has been made by the following two students, and they have received a lot of publicity. I would like to congratulate the Kakisa Lake students, Melanie Simba and Jennifer Simba. These two students received all of their education in the community of Kakisa and are the first to graduate from the new school that was recently constructed there.

I would also like to congratulate Lory Fabian from the Hay River Reserve, who completed her first year at Fairview College where she took a transitional vocational program.

Mr. Speaker, all of these graduates have generated a great deal of pride in their respective communities. These graduates have demonstrated to their communities that receiving their diploma is something special and achievable. Mr. Speaker, the people of the Deh Cho are very proud of all of these graduates, and we wish them much success. Thank you.

Congratulations To Deh Cho Region Graduates
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Energy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today is on the issue of energy strategy in the Northwest Territories. Energy requirements and environmental concerns are issues which impact us daily, in ways such as the significant increase in gasoline and home heating fuel costs that we are now experiencing. We are also undergoing significantly warmer temperatures that have an impact on both the human and wildlife populations of the Northwest Territories.

It is too bad, Mr. Speaker, that generally, the population, especially in the Americas, is not interested in changing its consumptive lifestyle to any significant degree. We will suffer the negative environmental impacts of lifestyles and developments well beyond our borders. From an environmental perspective, we do not feel the negative impacts of development until many years in the future.

Our own experience is evidenced by the environmental legacy here in our own backyard, Mr. Speaker, Giant Mine and other environmental problems. Global warming is an undisputable fact, evident in the significant temperature increase and thinning of the polar ice pack.

However, we have evidence, Mr. Speaker, that we can make a difference. The Minister responsible for the Power Corporation has drawn to our attention the Corporation's improvement in its environmental record. A major achievement was the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of almost 14 percent from 1990 levels.

These reductions have been achieved through hydro development, more efficient diesel use, natural gas and wind energy use. These measures have resulted in a reduction of our diesel fuel consumption of more than 50 percent in the past five years. I applaud these efforts by the Corporation and the government.

Forecasted economic growth in the mining and oil and gas sectors presents additional opportunities to make a difference. Our efforts at energy conservation and environmental protection may be insignificant in a global context, but we should demonstrate leadership in the Northwest Territories.

In conjunction with the opportunities before us, Mr. Speaker, attention must be paid to environmental concerns and responsibilities, and we can press this point. We need a clear, integrated policy with regard to energy development and management so that our children are not paying for our economic and environmental mistakes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Energy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Funding For Teacher Training Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have concerns with the money that has lapsed in the area of training for the public service. The area I have concerns with is the teachers in our communities. Many aboriginal and northern teachers have gone through the TEP program, where they have taught in our classrooms for several years and are still making a career of it.

Now, the government demands that these teachers have to go and get their bachelor's degree in education, or even their masters, for them to be able to continue their pursuit of teaching in our classrooms. Yet when it comes to allowing the teachers to take education leave and giving them the opportunity to upgrade by going to university in southern Canada to get this degree, there seems to be a lack of resources. Also, there is a lack of dollars to allow these teachers to continue their education and advance themselves so they can obtain the tools to make them more ready to deal with the changing technology and programs we have in the North.

I have had concerns raised by constituents in Aklavik and Fort McPherson where teachers have asked for education leave and been turned down on the argument that there is not enough money in the system to allow them to do it. They are getting frustrated, feeling they are challenged with teaching in the classroom without assistance for the required additional education. They will not meet the requirement of this government which is that teachers have to have either a bachelor's or maste'rs degree in education to allow them to continue to teach in the North.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister responsible questions on this matter to see exactly why there is a lack of resources and dollars for teachers to continue their education and continue to live in our communities. To make a career of education, without worrying about the lack of money for training to better themselves to teach our students. Thank you.

Funding For Teacher Training Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 244

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to talk today about the transition from the old Student Financial Assistance Program to the new Student Financial Assistance Program. Yesterday in committee of the whole, we made various points to the Minister to let him know we were very concerned that students who were currently in the system were not being extended the same benefits as someone just coming into the system. We see this as a major oversight.

The department has cited a simple lack of money, and said it would be too costly, too expensive, to allow these students to receive the same benefits that new students are getting. They suggested it would cost us anywhere from $1 million to $1.5 million this year to allow the 200 students whose benefits ran out and were in school last semester to continue.

This is only 200 students, Mr. Speaker, out of a total of 1200 who were in school last semester. I would also like to suggest that most of these students would not be able to go back to school, and are perfectly happy and employed now. I do not really think we are talking about $1 million to $1.5 million.

Also, given the fact that last year, the department lapsed $900,000 in student financial assistance, I do not see this million or half million dollars as being an onerous or an exorbitant amount of money to expect the department to be able to come up with. The department explained that this $900,000 lapse was due to 80 students, give or take, up or down, in enrolments.

Mr. Speaker, I think one of the important things to realize is that we are asking that the students in the system be extended additional semesters so that they can get their masters level, or go on to become doctors and lawyers, professions we desperately need northern people to be trained for.

It seems to me that the people who are already in the system and have proven successful in getting some level of education are our best bets for higher levels of training. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to this government that they can pay now for student financial assistance, or pay later down the road and continue to import the talent we need here in the Northwest Territories. I believe it is their choice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Measuring The Success Of Youth Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start today by speaking on the issue of youth. As I do that, I would like to send greetings back to my wife and children.

Mr. Speaker, youth in the Northwest Territories have proven to be very resilient in the issues that they have to deal with day to day. At this time of year, they are looking forward to the last days of school. I know in Inuvik, the schools are out on the 29th of this month, tomorrow. They are looking forward to spending time with families and friends out in the camps in the Delta, as well as some travelling south on holidays.

Mr. Speaker, we in government have spoken a great deal to youth in the Northwest Territories. I think this year, we have shown that we have done some positive things by putting more money into the budget of Education, Culture and Employment. We have heard a number of times that to have a positive impact on our youth and children of the Northwest Territories, we have to start at a young age.

I would like to raise the issue a little higher here, more than speaking of what we need to do, but to speak of what we are doing, Mr. Speaker. We can say we are putting more money towards something, but if it is not in a controlled manner with expected outcomes, are we truly doing the youth a service in the Northwest Territories?

They are the largest part of our population, and growing from 15 and under in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker. We need to pay more attention to what their needs are and hear from them. We have heard a number of times in this House the Minister responsible for Youth speak to the issue and travelling to many of the communities to hear their concerns. Hopefully, from all of this, we will hear at some point some recommendations going to other Ministers in this government as to what they can do within their budgets and controls to try to bring more success and results to the youth of the Northwest Territories.

With that, I will be following up with questions to the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment later on. Thank you.

-- Applause

Measuring The Success Of Youth Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 245

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Merci, Mr. Roland. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Recognition Of Girl Guide Volunteers
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 245

Roger Allen

Roger Allen Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is indeed a pleasure to follow up to my colleague for Inuvik Boot Lake. I wish to extend my appreciation and formally recognize a number of women volunteers across the Northwest Territories who have spent countless volunteer hours every week serving as Girl Guide Leaders. These individuals serve as guide leaders for Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders.

Throughout the North, young girls and women are once again preparing for summer camp experiences, which marks the end of the guiding year for members of the NWT Girl Guide movement. Membership across the Northwest Territories includes almost 1,000 girls and women ranging from the age of 5 years old to adults. There are active guiding units in 14 communities throughout the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Girl Guides in the NWT are fortunate to have a corps of dedicated volunteers who ensure that all girls take part in healthy, educational and fun activities. I am honoured to recognize a number of women volunteers from the town of Inuvik: Juanita Bourque, who is the district commissioner; Mary Beckett, who is treasurer; Lillian Hvatum, a Brownies leader; VaI Robertson, a Brownies Leader; Greta Sittichinli, a Brownies leader; and Sandy Nikiforuk, a Sparks leader. I wish to thank each of them for all the time and effort they personally committed to make Girl Guides a success in the town of lnuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Girl Guide Volunteers
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 245

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Congratulations to all who were named. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.