This is page numbers 515 - 539 of the Hansard for the 14th Assembly, 4th 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 tax.

Topics

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the committee review that has been underway by the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, it has become abundantly clear that the road toll bill as presented is not gaining any public support, but it is also obvious that our highways are in serious need of improvement.

Mr. Speaker, if, as I expect, the toll is not approved, we may not be in a position to fix them as quickly as we would like. However, that is not to say there is nothing we can do. With $6 million earmarked for the road to Rae, it is still years from completion. The Minister of Transportation must ensure that the resources of his department are focused on the safety of the public who are travelling on those roads.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents have made it very clear to me that they do not feel safe when travelling on the highway to Rae. I have been contacted by constituents on numerous occasions about these concerns and we must move to address them in some manner.

I note, Mr. Speaker, one alternative that has been proposed to the highway road tax, and that was made by the Dogrib, Deton'Cho Corporation and RTL. They advanced an independent plan to finance accelerated construction over the ten-year pay-back period. I do not believe that these plans were seriously considered. Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, these should be revisited.

In the meantime, short of having roads which are safe for our residents, there must be safety procedures implemented. First must come proper emphasis on maintenance. Just because construction may be on the horizon, we cannot cut back on maintenance. That is the best way to ensure public safety on all those highways that are in poor shape, like the section between Yellowknife and Rae.

The second step, I think, has already been undertaken by the Minister with the announcement on October 26th of the new 1-800 phone number.

A third step that I think we can consider was suggested by a constituent who had a very scary trip on the highway between Yellowknife and Rae last summer. That constituent suggested we consider signs. I know many of us travelling in the south have seen those electronic signs on highways, that are over the highway and warn about icy patches ahead, or construction. I think we should suggest the Minister consider signage to be located at the commencement and end of unpaved sections on Highway No. 3, signs that could be updated frequently by department staff and clearly display the current road conditions and warnings for drivers of that section of highway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Western Harvester Support Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

October 29th, 2001

Page 519

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is a time when our people are getting ready to trap for furs. We have people out there in the Dogrib communities who did not trap before, but they do now. It is a very important element in our community lifestyle. This type of lifestyle will continue because of the Western Harvesters' Support Program which our government set up in 1994. I understand $15 million was available under the program through supplementary appropriations based on requests. It was up to the community to make decisions on this money. I will have questions for the Minister later on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Western Harvester Support Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 519

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak to this Legislature coming to the end of a very difficult time for us all. I think it is time to close the cover on this chapter in our history as a Legislature. I can assure Mr. Lafferty, and I know he already knows this, that this indeed did not amount to a cover up and I am very proud of that and I think this whole Assembly should be very proud of that.

We did, as a committee, make some very difficult recommendations. I think we made those recommendations because we felt we had to, and the whole process to this point was open, was public, I believe it was fair and even-handed, Mr. Speaker, and I do know that the public had questions about the ability of a committee of MLAs to discipline its own. I think we have answered those questions, Mr. Speaker.

I do want to thank the committee members for all of their time and effort. It has been a lot of work. Mr. Lafferty, in particular, had to come up to speed and he did so very quickly. He was not in this process from the beginning, not having been on the Board of Management, but he did a lot of work in a very short time. I thank him for that. Mr. Handley obviously needed more work like he needed a flat tire on his way home on that beautiful road on Highway No. 4. We know how much work he does, so I appreciate the extra effort he put into this. Mr. Roland and Mr. Miltenberger had to basically spend their summers away from their families travelling and working with this committee and that was much appreciated.

There is some good news, I think, that can come out of this. I think we saw it here yesterday with the amount of support displayed in this House and in the community for the Premier and for this government. It is clear to me that this Premier, Mr. Kakfwi and his Cabinet, are clearly on the right track. I hope we as a Legislature can take this momentum and build on it.

Mr. Speaker, I truly hope we have achieved closure and I thank my colleagues for all the support during this trying time. We will, Mr. Speaker, make no mistake, be measured on our ability to move forward from here. I hope we take that very seriously and can achieve great things in the last two years of our mandate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

NWT Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Hau Than Huynh
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 519

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to congratulate the NWT's Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Hau Than Huynh. Hau and his wife April Tran are constituents of mine. They own and operate Arctic Jewellers in Centre Square Mall.

The Business Development Bank of Canada, which gives out the annual National Young Entrepreneur Awards, made an excellent choice when they decided to honour Hau because he is such a fine example to other young Northerners in the business world.

Hau comes from a family of jewellers with two aunts, an uncle, a cousin and a brother in the jewellery business. He began studying jewellery making with his cousin in Vietnam when he was still in school and only 14 years old.

He says he loved the work from the very beginning. He especially loves creating new designs. Hau says he finds Yellowknife a particularly exciting place to be a jeweller because of the Yellowknife gold and NWT diamonds with which he can work.

He started his business, Arctic Jewellers, in 1999, ten years after he emigrated to Canada and only a year after he came to Yellowknife just to visit. His business is doing very well, having doubled in size in the first year. He attributes his success to his hard work, skills and determination to solve any problem which arises. He is a goldsmith who designs and creates original jewellery and also repairs jewellery and watches right in his store. Hau says he was very surprised and, of course, thrilled to receive the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

His expenses to go to Edmonton for the presentation were covered by the Business Development Bank and his mentor, Fred Hunt, president of Nunasi Corporation, also assisted with travel assistance for his wife to attend the ceremony.

Hau says that this is an example of why he loves living and working in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating Hau Than Huynh and his award. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

NWT Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Hau Than Huynh
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 520

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre Board Of Directors
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 520

Roger Allen

Roger Allen Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was hoping I would have been able to read my Member's statement yesterday, but today is a good day as well.

Like most of the Members of the House, I had the opportunity to travel to my home riding of Inuvik Twin Lakes on Saturday to help celebrate Ingamo Hall's 25th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday in my Member's statement, I advised my colleagues of all the good programs and services that the Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre provides.

Today, I want to congratulate those members who make these programs so successful as the elected officials of the board. In the annual general meeting of the Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre, Mr. Barry Greenland was acclaimed once again as the president. Ms. Shirley Kisoun assumes the role of vice- president. Rosa Kisoun remains as the secretary treasurer and Bernice Furlong as a member at large. Melissa Kisoun is the newly elected youth representative on the board. For those remaining board members, I encourage you to keep up your enthusiasm and dedication to the success of the hall.

Mr. Speaker, in any event, you will find a super efficient worker that makes an event as large as an annual general assembly succeed. In the background of this year's AGM, Ms. Veronica McLeod and her staff of volunteers were a tireless bunch of workers, working hard in preparing the feast and providing snacks and refreshments during the old-time dance.

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge in the House today the efforts of the board, its staff and the many volunteers who make daily contributions to the success of this fine institution.

In closing, I want to congratulate those members who put their names forth to sit on the board, in which I know you will continue to keep the level of services intact. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre Board Of Directors
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 520

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Annual Meeting Of The Native Women's Association
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 520

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, as the Premier shared yesterday, the Native Women's Association held their AGM here in Yellowknife. Although I was here in Yellowknife I did not attend, because I had been invited as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women and did not feel that it would be appropriate to go.

Now that I have heard what a wonderful time was had, I am sorry that I was not there. I know from past experience what an enriching experience it is to get together with women. I have found the time that I have spent with the Grandmothers Council to be so rich.

When women get together, they are a force to be reckoned with. When those women are God-fearing women who believe in the power of prayer, then they really are a force to be reckoned with. Five such women are in the gallery today. If you represent one of these women in this Legislature, I can assure you that you are in their prayers and by that, you are very blessed. Thank you.

-- Applause

Annual Meeting Of The Native Women's Association
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 520

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

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

Page 520

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a lady who is originally from Fort McPherson, but now lives here in Yellowknife, Ms. Annie Kaye. Welcome.

-- Applause

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

Page 520

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

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

Page 520

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to recognize Muriel Betsina, a band councillor and a good member of the N'dilo community. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Page 521

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

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

Page 521

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a person we all know, no introduction is necessary, Mr. Rene Fumoleau from Lutselk'e. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Page 521

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

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

Page 521

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you. I would just like to recognize a couple of constituents: Florence Barnaby from Fort Good Hope and Alphonsine McNeely, in the gallery.

-- Applause

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

Page 521

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Any further recognitions of visitors in the gallery? The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

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

Page 521

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the other members of the Native Women's Association who are here with us. I would also like to recognize Rene Fumoleau who, many, many years ago, christened my son in the church here in Yellowknife. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Page 521

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Very good. Any other recognitions of visitors in the gallery? I would like to take this opportunity to say welcome to everyone who is here. I see parents of pages here, so welcome to your Legislative Assembly.

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, the Honourable Joe Handley. The Western Harvester Program that was in place a number of years ago helped a lot of people get back into trapping in the communities.

I would like to ask the Minister how long this program will be continuing if there is a request for it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 160-14(4): Western Harvester Support Program
Question 160-14(4): Western Harvester Support Program
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 521

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, the Western Harvester Assistance Program is a program that was established a number of years ago to give harvesters in the Northwest Territories the same level of benefits that Nunavut harvesters got as a result of their claim. That program has been going on a number of years. If communities have not accessed the program yet and are interested, there is still an opportunity to do it. There is no final date by which they would have to apply. It is a one-time funding that is made available. It has to be matched. I would be happy to have the department give the details to any community interested. Thank you.