This is page numbers 1501 - 1541 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, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. Lee, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. McLeod, Mr. Miltenberger, Mr. Nitah, Honourable Jake Ootes, Mr. Roland, Honourable Vince Steen, Honourable Tony Whitford.

-- Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

March 4th, 2001

Page 1501

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Bonjour, mon colleagues.

Speaker's Ruling

Prior to proceeding with the orders of the day, I would like to provide the House with my ruling on the point of privilege raised by the Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee, on Friday, March 2nd.

Upon review of pages 2788 through to page 2790 of unedited Hansard, the Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee, raised first a point of order then a point of privilege. At the time I ruled that Ms. Lee did not have a point of order and reserved my decision on the point of privilege.

Before giving the House my ruling on the point of privilege, I think it is important to remind the House of what is a point of order and what constitutes a point of privilege.

A point of order is a question raised by a Member who believes that the rules or customary procedures of the House have been incorrectly applied or overlooked during the proceedings. Members may rise on points of order to bring to the attention of the Speaker, or if in committee of the whole, the chairperson, to any breach of the rules, unparliamentary remarks, or a lack of a quorum. Members are able, virtually at any time in the proceedings, to rise on a point of order, provided the point of order is raised and concisely argued as soon as the irregularity occurs. Points of order must be raised promptly and before the question has passed to a stage at which the objections would be out of place.

To assist Members, I would like to give some examples of what is the incorrect use of a point of order. It is not correct to use a point of order:

  1. As the basis for a further point of order;
  2. To gain the floor to participate in debate;
  3. To direct a question to the Member speaking;
  4. For a Member who has already spoken to clarify a part of his or her speech which has been misquoted or misunderstood;
  5. To dispute the accuracy of facts stated in debate;
  6. To move a motion; or
  7. To request the Speaker to rule in anticipation or on a hypothetical matter.

A point of order concerns the interpretation of the rules of procedure; it is the responsibility of the Speaker to determine its merits and to resolve the issue.

Once again upon reviewing the unedited Hansard on pages 2782 and 2788, I confirm my ruling that Ms. Lee, the Member for Range Lake, did not have a point of order.

To the point of privilege raised immediately after my ruling on the point of order, Ms. Lee indicated that the comments of the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Joe Handley, in replying to Ms. Lee's question, were a breach of privilege. I quote from page 2789 of unedited Hansard:

"That anything that happens in this House somehow infringes and interferes with her ability to do her job as an MLA."

I heard debate on the point of privilege and the Members for Mackenzie Delta, Yellowknife South and Weledeh all spoke to the point of privilege.

The Chair feels that it is important to once again put on the record what are the privileges of the Members individually and the Legislative Assembly collectively. The individual privileges of Members are absolutely necessary for the due execution of its powers.

Improper interference with the personal rights of Members individually, or with the corporate rights of a Legislature collectively, may constitute a breach of privilege.

Among the principal privileges of a Legislature are:

  • • Freedom of speech;
  • • Freedom from arrest;
  • • The power to discipline;
  • • The right to have the attendance and service of Members; and
  • • The right to regulate its internal affairs.

Contempt of parliament is closely related to, and is dealt with, as a matter of privilege. Contempts, while not breaches of specific privileges, are offenses against the authority or dignity of a legislature. Any act or omission which obstructs or impedes a Legislature in the performance of its functions, or which obstructs or impedes any Member or officer of a legislature in the performance of his/her duty or which has a tendency to produce such a result, may be treated as contempt even through there is no precedent for the offense.

A true question of privilege should arise in the Assembly infrequently. To constitute a breach of "privilege", generally there must be some improper obstruction to the Member in performing his or her parliamentary work in either a direct or constructive way, as opposed to mere expressions of public opinion or criticism of the activities of the Members.

Matters frequently raised as matters of privilege which in fact are not matters of privilege, include:

  • • Points of order;
  • • Disputes between two Members about questions of fact stated in debate;
  • • The failure of a Minister of the Crown to answer a question; or
  • • Statements made outside the House by a Member.

Members should note that parliamentary privilege is concerned with the special rights of Members strictly in their capacity as Members in their legislative work.

The Speaker's role when the matter of privilege is raised is to satisfy himself or herself whether or not:

  1. a) The matter is being raised at the earliest opportunity; and
  2. b) Sufficient evidence of the alleged breach of privileges of the House has been presented to warrant giving the matter precedence over all other business then before the House;

And having done so, to rule whether or not debate may proceed.

Only the House itself, by consideration of a motion on the matter, has the authority to decide whether or not a breach of privilege has occurred.

I apologize for this lengthy ruling, but I felt it was important, as I said, to place on the record the elements and importance of points of order and privilege. I rule that there is not a prima facie case for a point of privilege as alleged by the Member for Range Lake.

If I may also express a concern of the Chair, it is that points of order or privilege raised during question period do tend to take up the time allotted for questions and answers. The House may wish to consider, as in other jurisdictions, that points of order occurring during question period are permitted to be raised upon conclusion of question period. I will leave that matter for the House to determine through the appropriate avenue of the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Déclarations de ministre. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday afternoon I met with the Honourable Paul Martin, Minister of Finance for Canada, and the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State for Children and Youth and Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic.

I am pleased to report that our meeting was very positive and very productive. Mr. Martin, Ms. Blondin-Andrew and I discussed a number of issues. We talked about the NWT's economic prospects and their positive implications for the Canadian economy. Mr. Martin was impressed with the activity that is taking place in the Northwest Territories. He also conveyed his compliments on this government's fiscal position and on what he felt was a sound budget plan.

We discussed the federal/territorial formula financing agreement and have come to an agreement regarding an outstanding technical issue. Finance officials will be finalizing the details as soon as possible. I am confident that this issue will be resolved to the benefit of the GNWT.

We discussed the need for the federal government to play a larger role in investing in and preparing for NWT economic growth and development. Mr. Martin has reviewed the GNWT's Non-Renewable Resource Development Strategy and says that he is impressed. He is prepared to support the initiatives it includes when they are brought forward through federal departments. He also recognizes the GNWT's commitment to move ahead on infrastructure developments. He has agreed to increase our borrowing limit to allow us to proceed with our proposed Highway Strategy. We have agreed that our officials will sit down together to work out the appropriate amount.

Finally, we discussed the need to transfer to NWT governments the responsibility for and the revenues from the NWT's non-renewable resources. He acknowledges the importance of this issue. Although DIAND is the lead federal department, Finance Canada has a major role to play in the discussion of revenue offsets and the formula financing agreement. Therefore, we have agreed to direct officials from our respective departments to undertake preliminary work -- reviewing forecasts of revenue potential, developing principles for revenue offsets and determining a meaningful time line for completing work on fiscal offsets. I would stress that these discussions will focus on how any Government of the Northwest Territories' share of revenue resources will offset our formula financing grant and will not touch on the broad issues being discussed at the Intergovernmental Forum.

To conclude, Mr. Speaker, our meeting was very productive. I would like to thank the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew for her work in preparing for this meeting and for acting as such a valuable advocate for the NWT's concerns within the federal government. Mr. Martin has indicated that he is prepared to meet again to continue discussions on these matters. I look forward to following up on these important issues with him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Déclarations de ministre. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the first day of this session, I provided Members with an overview of lands, resources and self-government negotiations in the Northwest Territories. Today, I would like to provide the House with a more in-depth update on the negotiation of a Dogrib final agreement.

Recently I met with DIAND Minister Robert Nault, the Dogrib Grand Chief Joe Rabesca and the Dogrib chiefs. Dogrib leaders said they would like to conclude a final agreement in time for their summer assembly. Both Minister Nault and I agreed to work towards that target.

At the same meeting, Minister Nault assured us that Canada would pay 100 percent of the agreed-upon incremental costs needed to implement the final agreement. This commitment from Canada was welcomed by the GNWT, and from our perspective will really help the three parties move towards concluding a final agreement.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to tell the House today that I believe negotiations are proceeding well and that reaching an initialled, final agreement by this summer seems possible. Our negotiating team recently returned from a successful negotiating session and have reported to me that the Intergovernmental Services Agreement is near completion, and that the main working groups have developed detailed work plans aimed at completing the necessary work on time. The Intergovernmental Services Agreement will enable a Dogrib community services agency to deliver education, health and social programs to all residents in the four Dogrib communities.

Mr. Speaker, in order to reach this target, all three parties will have to complete a substantial amount of work in a short period of time. The GNWT has made the commitment to assign additional staff to work on outstanding Dogrib issues, primarily the modelling and costing exercise, which will determine the incremental costs of implementing the final agreement. As well, Mr. Speaker, the main negotiating table has agreed to lengthen several of the upcoming negotiating sessions in order to accelerate the pace of work on all outstanding tasks.

Mr. Speaker, there are other significant issues that must be resolved before initialling the final agreement. For example, Canada and the Dogrib must reach agreement on the matter of certainty. Certainty refers to the federal policy requiring that the settlement of aboriginal and treaty rights to lands and resources create certainty of title to the lands and resources once and for all. As well, Mr. Speaker, the Dogrib must resolve overlap issues with both the Deh Cho and Akaitcho First Nations. In addition, the GNWT is responsible for developing the legislation to establish the Dogrib community governments and the Dogrib community services agency.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the GNWT, Canada and the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council will each do their utmost to meet the target of having a final agreement to bring to the Dogrib Assembly this summer. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Déclarations de ministre. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the Aurora College Annual Report for 1999-2000. Aurora College is the higher education and training centre for the Northwest Territories. The three college campuses in Fort Smith, Inuvik and Yellowknife, in addition to distance learning opportunities in many other communities, help to ensure that Northerners have the skills and training they need to move confidently toward the future. The college is enjoying success in many areas.

More than 70 students are enrolled in the Aurora College Teacher Education Program. This is a significant increase over recent years and will be reflected in increased graduation rates by 2003. This year, approximately 100 former graduates are teaching or are in education-related positions in the Northwest Territories. Three of these are new school principals and one has recently become a director of a district education council.

The college also takes pride in its nursing program. In December, 12 students completed the Aurora College Nursing Program and became registered nurses. Their accomplishment will be recognized when they convocate on May 5.

Equally significant is the revitalized social work program currently being delivered at Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. This program is delivered in partnership with the University of Regina and college graduates will have two years of fully transferable credits to the U of R's Bachelor of Social Work program. Currently, 11 full-time students and 14 part-time students are enrolled in the program.

At Aurora College in Inuvik, training courses related to the oil and gas industry have taken off over the past two years. Currently, there are 26 students enrolled in oil and gas related training, an 18 percent increase over last year. The college has recently hired an industrial oil and gas training coordinator in anticipation of expanding training needs in that industry.

This new position is part of a larger industrial training team that has recently been assembled by the college. Industrial training coordinators are now in place at each campus. Mine training will be coordinated from the Yellowknife campus. General trades training will be coordinated from Fort Smith. This new team will work directly with industry to ensure training programs lead Northerners to employment in the Northwest Territories workforce.

All these activities support the Government of the Northwest Territories' goal of maximizing northern employment. The college is preparing Northerners for the workforce. The Government of the Northwest Territories will do its part by guaranteeing employment to all graduates of the teaching and nursing programs. Term employment within government will also be provided for those graduating from other programs.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate past, current and future graduates of Aurora College. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Déclarations de ministre. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide Members with a progress report on nursing education in the Northwest Territories.

As Members know, one of the objectives of our recruitment and retention strategy is to attract more Northerners to the nursing profession. Nursing is a noble profession and attracts people who are motivated to help others. There are many opportunities in the Northwest Territories for nurses to work in a variety of settings -- hospital wards, community health centres, public health clinics and home care, to name a few.

The foundation for developing a well-trained, highly competent northern nursing workforce is a strong nursing education program, developed and delivered here at home. Over the past two years, the Department of Health and Social Services has partnered with Aurora College and the Northwest Territories Registered Nurses Association to fully develop nursing education in the Northwest Territories. The shared vision of these partners is a flexible and progressive range of programming that allows both first-time students and experienced nurses to pursue a full range of nursing education, from basic through to advanced, without having to go south.

I am pleased to report, Mr. Speaker, that we have made significant progress towards that vision.

Members already know of the successes of our current nursing program offered at Aurora College. The Legislative Assembly was there to applaud the first graduating class of 1998 where every single student passed their national nursing examinations on their first writing of the exam. We have recently seen the same level of excellence with the class of 2000. Mr. Speaker, this high calibre of academic achievement is seldom seen elsewhere in Canada. Since the program began, Aurora College has graduated 57 nurses, with another 12 to graduate this year. I am happy to report that almost all of these graduates are working in the Northwest Territories.

There are also new developments in nursing education. This fall, registered nurses will have the ability to pursue their bachelor's degree in nursing through studies offered at Aurora College. This additional level of education has been made possible through an agreement between the college and the University of Victoria. Also this fall, Aurora College will offer registered nurses access to an accredited 16-month nurse practitioner program in partnership with the Centre for Nursing Studies in Newfoundland. Together, these advanced studies offer our nurses the ability to increase their skill levels and competencies so that they can better meet the challenges of nursing in the Northwest Territories.

In addition to these advances in educational programming, we have also established initiatives to help new graduate nurses successfully make the transition into the Northwest Territories nursing workforce. Under the Maximizing Northern Employment Initiative, new graduates will be guaranteed employment, as well as on-the-job orientation and mentoring. Ensuring that new nurses have effective support, training and backup during their first few months of employment and the opportunity for ongoing professional development will also help with retention.

Mr. Speaker, these are indeed exciting times for nursing education in the Northwest Territories. With each year, there will be more northern nurses graduating from Aurora College to fill the vacancies. The introduction of the Bachelor of Science nursing degree program and accredited nurse practitioner program provides northern nurses with ongoing opportunities to enhance their skill levels and knowledge base.

With the fast-paced development of new technologies and treatments, lifelong professional education for nurses is a necessity. It will be important for us to continue to support investment in quality educational opportunities for all nurses, and to ensure that our young people are encouraged to consider the wonderful opportunities offered by a nursing career. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Voices Of Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1504

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had time and reason to reflect on a number of things over the weekend. One of them being what transpired in the House last week. I thought of the very first statement I made in this House on Wednesday, January 19, 2000, and it really says what I would like to say today. If you do not mind, I would just like to repeat it.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure I speak for all Members in the House when I say what a singular honour and privilege it is to be elected by the public at large and to be given the mandate to serve them in this Legislature.

As I walk through the halls of this great place of meeting, I hear the voices of my constituents, which guide me now and will continue to guide me throughout the days and months to come. I hear the voices of moms and dads talking about their children's education, of the teachers', doctors' and nurses' working conditions. I hear the voices of laidoff Giant Mine workers talking about the fairness in the settlement of their pension and severance packages.

There are so many more voices, Mr. Speaker. Voices of small and large business owners and stakeholders, voices of women and men, youth, aboriginal and non-aboriginal, the weak and the sick, whose voices we must hear and act upon. Mr. Speaker, I understand my mandate for the next four years is to bring life to these voices and to work with my colleagues in and out of this Chamber to find solutions to their concerns.

I also appreciate that behind you, Mr. Speaker, and the 18 other Members of this House, sit 42,000 voices of our Territory, which also must be heard and be brought to life.

As I begin this task in earnest today, it is with a firm belief that it is our collective task to set the course of the path for our new Territory towards unity and prosperity, not necessarily because we have a common interest in all issues, but because it is in our common interest to work together for solutions.

Mr. Speaker, I want to tell this House that this is the credo that I live by everyday. I will continue to live by it for the rest of the Assembly. I would also end by advising you that we had the occasion to meet this morning and had a very productive discussion on what transpired in this House last week. I am happy to report that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Voices Of Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1505

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Clawback Of Income Support Payments
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1505

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring up an ongoing issue that has never been adequately resolved. This issue is income support and the clawback that occurs on money that is considered unearned income.

As the Minister clarified to my colleague Mr. Braden last week, unearned income that is clawed back by the territorial government includes IBA payments and the federal fuel rebate of $125, which was just issued to low-income earners throughout Canada. It seems to me that an injustice is occurring by clawing back the money to people on income support. They are the people most in need of funding to maintain a basic standard of living. They are the people who are the most directly affected by any changes in funding, in the sense that they are negatively impacted.

It sometimes appears that all the income support is doing is creating a paper-pushing job for someone to process payments in one area and clawback in another. The people who need the money are not seeing it.

The issue of what makes up unearned income for income support recipients needs legal interpretation. I have raised these concerns with my colleagues and the Minister and the issue has remained unresolved for quite some time. I have taken the first step in getting this issue resolved. At the appropriate time, I will be tabling a legal interpretation of this matter in the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Clawback Of Income Support Payments
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1505

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

International Women's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1505

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Thursday, March 8th, people around the world will celebrate International Women's Day. For over 90 years, International Women's Day has been a symbol of women's efforts to shape a better world. Mr. Speaker, in 1977, the United Nations passed a resolution to officially recognize International Women's Day. There are a number of important women's organizations in the North that contribute significantly to our social fabric, like the Status of Women Council and the NWT Native Women's Association. In Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker, we have groups like the YWCA and the Yellowknife Women's Centre, both of which contribute tremendously to our society.

This week in Yellowknife, several local groups and individuals have planned events throughout the week in celebration of women in our society in honour of International Women's Day. The events began last night with a potluck feast and also include a daily art display at Centre Square Mall.

On Thursday, the Status of Women Council of the NWT will be presenting the 2001 Wise Women Awards. The awards recognize and honour women who dedicate their time and energy to improving the lives of other women and families in their community.

Mr. Speaker, although there are only five award winners from various regions across the Northwest Territories, each of the 25 nominees are positive role models and have displayed qualities that make them an inspiration to us all.

I would like to salute a woman who lives in my constituency, Deleigh Rausch, who is one of the nominees. She is a very active volunteer in our community, most notably with the Girl Guides of Canada, and very deserving of this honour.

Mr. Speaker, I hope everyone will find a way to take part in some of the activities this week in recognition of International Women's Day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

International Women's Day
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1505

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Aklavik's Request For A Curling Rink
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1505

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we talk a lot about health and the well-being of people and residents of the Northwest Territories, especially in our small communities. Mr. Speaker, one of the most important activities in all of our communities, with the isolation and long winters, is possibly curling. Yet, Mr. Speaker, the community of Aklavik does not have a curling rink since the one they had has been condemned.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important, knowing that recreation probably plays one of the most important roles in our lives when it comes to health and well-being of our residents. In order to have healthy people, we need to have healthy bodies and healthy minds. I for one feel that it is essential that wherever possible, we support recreation facilities and the opportunities for people to compete, not only within our communities and within the regions, but also at the territorial level.

Mr. Speaker, sport is a fundamental aspect of all our lives, as children, as adults and even as elders. Elders still play an active role in regard to the curling activities that take place in our communities, such as community and family bonspiels. I feel it is essential that this government makes the effort in assisting the community of Aklavik by trying to meet their goals by allowing them an opportunity that most communities take for granted. It is important that we invest in the health and well-being of our communities, knowing that the cost of health and the social well-being of our communities has a lot to do with good health, good recreation activities and also good living.

Mr. Speaker, I for one feel that the community of Aklavik's request to this government to find ways to assist them in building a curling rink knowing that they feel left out, knowing that Fort McPherson, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk and other communities within the region have curling clubs and are actively participating in territorial and regional events.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of MACA questions in regard to supporting Aklavik's endeavours to get a curling club. Thank you.

-- Applause

Aklavik's Request For A Curling Rink
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1506

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Slate Of Cabinet Minister Meeting In Fort Smith
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1506

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, March 3, 2001, there was a full slate of meetings in the community of Fort Smith. Attending the various meetings were the Premier, the Deputy Premier, the Minister of RWED and Finance, Mr. Handley, and the Minister of Justice and Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Mr. Speaker, the meetings started as soon as the plane came in from Yellowknife with a brief meeting with the mayor and SAO. We then moved into the very important meeting with the Premier, Deputy Premier and the Minister of Finance with the South Slave Metis Tribal Council. We then had a very healthy lunch at the Western Arctic Leadership Program, followed by a public meeting where the Premier made a very positive statement about Taltson. This was followed by a short meeting with the Salt River First Nations Band. The folks got on the plane at four o'clock, after about five hours of continuous meetings.

Mr. Speaker, the focus of most of the meetings was the need to proceed with the Taltson project and the need to garner political support to let the people in the public meeting know what the plans of the government were on this very important issue. I think that goal was achieved. There is a sense now that we have to move forward to get the detail and the facts that we need to put on the table so that the public, the aboriginal governments and the territorial government can sit down and start looking at how we move ahead.

I would be remiss, of course, not to acknowledge the fact that while the Deputy Premier was there, she had the opportunity to take part in the graduation over at the SALT program where there were some classes being graduated out of the Pentecostal Sub-Arctic Mission school. We had the benefit of her being able to do that. The Minister of Justice also took the opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to tour the justice facilities and see how things were running in that part of his mandate.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministers for coming down, as well as the staff they brought with them, for giving up their Saturday. They were very important meetings, very important topics, and I think it was worth the effort. I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank them for coming to Fort Smith to take part in these meetings and help move that critical Taltson project along. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Slate Of Cabinet Minister Meeting In Fort Smith
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1506

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Inuvik Transition House
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1506

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I had the opportunity to go home and on Saturday afternoon, I had a couple of meetings with constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I met on Saturday afternoon with the executive director of the Inuvik Transition House. I have raised this issue in the past in the previous Assembly and raised it with this Minister during, I believe, the Department of Health and Social Services' budget review. Mr. Speaker, the transition house provides a much-needed service in the community of Inuvik and for the region. It provides shelter for women and children who end up in the unfortunate situation of having to leave their homes from either the community of Inuvik or other communities surrounding Inuvik.

Mr. Speaker, they have struggled for many years. As long as I have been a Member of this Legislative Assembly and the 13th Legislative Assembly, I have always worked with them to try and ensure they had enough funds to make it through the year. They have had a lot of volunteer support from the community to help them make the year end.

Mr. Speaker, the concern continues to grow that they will either not make the year end or they will run into problems very early into the fiscal year, as the dollars do not flow immediately after April 1st. Mr. Speaker, when we look at the Transition House in Inuvik and compare it with other shelters in the Northwest Territories, the Inuvik Transition House is under-funded compared with other facilities when you compare them bed for bed.

Mr. Speaker, I have tried to raise this issue before the health boards were transferred the funding from the department but to no avail. I think at this time, hopefully with this Minister, we can work towards achieving some balance here with other shelters in the Northwest Territories. Without this much-needed facility, Mr. Speaker, we will be paying much more as a government when you count transportation and other factors in there.

At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Thank you.

-- Applause

Inuvik Transition House
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1506

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to acknowledge a constituent in my riding who has recently received an award from this government. Every year, the Department of Education provides community language awards to recognize the work of individuals and groups that have worked towards the preservation and use of official languages in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the selection is made based on recommendations from the language communities in the North. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, the Honourable Jake Ootes, has announced the winners for the year 2000. This year, Miss Margaret Vandell from Fort Providence has received this award. Margaret has dedicated many years of her life to teaching the youth the advantage and significance of their language and culture and its relationship to the land. She has passed on stories of the elders and researched legends and names of historical sites.

Mr. Speaker, Miss Margaret Vandell is a valued and respected role model in our community. Although she has now retired, she, along with her husband, Norm Vandell, still continues to contribute their time to the youth of Fort Providence. They help the school every year with the spring and fall camps and she is the elder in residence for Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School. Margaret also works with the children through the circle program and does traditional counselling. Mr. Speaker, lately Margaret has been very busy spending a lot of time with her own grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, this lady is very worthy of this award because of her commitment and dedication for so many years to preserving and maintaining the language of the Deh Cho Dene.

As the MLA for Deh Cho and on behalf of the people of the Deh Cho, I would like to say thank you and congratulations to her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Merci, Mr. McLeod. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.