Merci pour le priere, Mr. Braden. Bonjour, mes colleagues. My colleagues, I am pleased to recognize Monday, March 12, 2001 as Commonwealth Day. Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and its members. Commonwealth Day brings together some 1.7 billion people from all over the world, approximately 25 percent of the world's population, of many faiths, races, languages and traditions.

The goal of Commonwealth Day is twofold:

• • to promote the virtues of both the Commonwealth and parliamentary democracy to the younger generation; and
• • to provide people with a memorable and enjoyable day of celebration for our association of nations.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretariat will be hosting the Commonwealth Day celebrations in London, England this year. The theme of Commonwealth Day is The Year of a New Generation, focusing on showing youth around the world that they can achieve any of their goals if they are given the right chance.

Mr. Paul Cook, a resident of Yellowknife, is currently attending university in England. He has been invited to celebrate as the Northwest Territories' representative. The Commonwealth Day events Mr. Cook will be participating in include:

• • a discussion on Commonwealth and Commonwealth parliamentary associations and their contributions to parliamentary democracy;
• • the observance at Westminster Abbey of Her Majesty the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth and all of the Commonwealth high commissioners in London;
• • a tour of the United Kingdom House of Parliament and the opportunity to observe from the gallery in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Please join me in recognizing March 12, 2001 as Commonwealth Day.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Déclarations de ministre. The honourable Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, climate change is considered one of the most serious environmental, economic and political challenges of this century. The impact of climate change on the Arctic and especially on people with traditional lifestyles is a major concern for all of us. Northern regions are already seeing the effects of a changing climate.

As Members are aware, climate change is caused by the build up of greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. Today, I will be tabling a draft strategy which proposes actions to help us begin controlling the emission of greenhouse gases in the Northwest Territories.

While the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development had the privilege of coordinating the development of the NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy, this is not a Government of the Northwest Territories strategy. Mr. Speaker, more than 40 federal and territorial agencies, aboriginal organizations, industry and environmental groups participated in the development of the strategy. This is a strategy proposing action by all sectors in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, public education is a major theme in the draft NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy. The recent opening of the NWT Climate Change Centre in the Arctic Energy Alliance's Yellowknife office is an example of a measure proposed in the strategy to raise public awareness. The NWT Climate Change Centre will play a pivotal role in educating people and building an understanding of the effects of climate change in the North.

The strategy also proposes the development of the Renewable Energy Technology Conversion Assistance Program to increase public awareness, confidence and acceptance of renewable energy systems. The proposed program is also designed to expand the renewable energy supply industry in the NWT, and to reduce long-term dependencies on fossil fuel and emissions of greenhouse gases.

These are just two examples of actions we could take to help control greenhouse gas emissions. Many more are identified in the draft strategy. I invite everyone to review the strategy and to provide comments and feedback on these actions. I also encourage all NWT residents to take personal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of those involved in developing this strategy and to thank the participants whose significant commitment of time and effort has guided the development of the draft Greenhouse Gas Strategy.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Déclarations de ministre. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, March 8th, is International Women's Day, part of International Women's Week which is being celebrated this year from March 4th to March 10th. March 8th is a day set aside around the world to highlight accomplishments in women's universal fight for equality, to raise awareness regarding women's issues and to celebrate together the victories and achievements of women.

The theme for this year's International Women's Week is Canadian Women: Raising Our Diverse Voices for Positive Change. This theme highlights the power that can come from women's diverse perspectives when they are raised both individually and collectively. It further acknowledges the influence of women to bring about positive changes locally, territorially and nationally through their paid and unpaid work.

Mr. Speaker, this week provides an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the contributions women have made to improve the quality of life for women and indeed for all Northerners. Women have always played a significant role in the North's social, political, economic and cultural environment. There are countless women in the Northwest Territories who have dedicated hours of service to their communities in order to make positive change. Individually and together with government, business and NGOs, northern women have worked:

• • to strive for the elimination of family violence;
• • to ensure that quality child care is available in as many communities as possible;
• • to involve more women in politics, locally and territorially; and
• • to encourage young women to seek out greater education and career opportunities.

While we have seen positive change, our work is not done. There are still enormous challenges facing women in the North, and indeed around the world. The fact that many women continue to be subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse is unacceptable. Throughout the world, women still earn, on average, less than men. Women remain underrepresented in both elected office and in senior and managerial positions. The majority of single-parent families, almost 80 percent, are headed by women, and the statistics indicate that single-parent families typically face more challenges to their economic and social well-being. These are only a few of the challenges that women face, and it is up to all of us to recognize these challenges and to tackle them head on.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow many communities in the Northwest Territories will pause to celebrate International Women's Day. In Yellowknife, people are invited to gather in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly to mark the occasion and also to recognize the recipients of this year's Wise Women Awards. Since 1992, the NWT Status of Women Council has sought nominations annually to recognize and honour the many women who serve as role models, especially through their contributions to improving the lives of women and families in the NWT. Consistently, the council receives numerous nominations, an indication of the many worthy and deserving women throughout the NWT, and each year five awards are presented.

As the Legislative Assembly will not be sitting tomorrow, I would like to take this opportunity to commend these very deserving women who have made significant contributions to women's equality and to our quality of life in the NWT. The 2001 NWT Wise Women Awards are going to:

• • Ernestine Gladue of Hay River;
• • Monica Loomis of Norman Wells;
• • Cecilia Martin of Rae;
• • Louise Norwegian of Fort Simpson; and
• • Hazel Nerysoo of Fort McPherson.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that all Members join me in thanking these women for their significant contributions and for being such positive role models. They demonstrate the commitment, dedication and spirit that International Women's Week is intended to celebrate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Merci, Madam Minister. Déclarations de ministre. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Déclarations de ministre. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister responsible for Youth and a Member of the 14th Legislative Assembly, I wish to commend the efforts of the CYAID Conference Organizing Committee. I particularly wish to formally recognize the efforts of Michelle Thoms, Rene Lamoreux, and the rest of the organizing committee who are working to make this national conference a reality. It will take place in Yellowknife from March 22 to 25 inclusive of this year.

For the first time in this conference's history, every province and territory will be represented by youth from across Canada. Over 300 enthusiastic youth from across the NWT are expected to participate, including youth from Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Good Hope, Fort Simpson, Fort Resolution, Fort Providence, Fort Smith, Hay River, Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife.

The CYAID Conference Organizing Committee raised over $110,000 and numerous in-kind donations from both the public and private sector. This is a fine example of how everyone can contribute to help raise the awareness against drinking and driving, not only at the territorial level but also at the national level.

I wish to congratulate the CYAID Conference Organizing Committee for the endless hours they have put into organizing this conference, and I also wish them every success in getting their important message out.

In the context of the document Towards A Better Tomorrow, the 14th Legislative Assembly will continue to support and work with all youth organizations to achieve their goals. Today I am pleased to share with you this fine example of our ongoing work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Minister Allen. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Speaker, virtual schooling is growing significantly in Canada and the Northwest Territories. On March 12th of this year, we will be launching the on-line version of Northern Studies 10, a course which was piloted in six Northwest Territories communities last year. This is one of the 35 credit courses currently being offered on-line in the Northwest Territories. Over the last year, nearly 250 Northwest Territories students have enrolled in one of these courses or the on-line introductory course called Information Highways.

On-line learning became a reality in the Northwest Territories last year with the signing of a two-year memorandum of understanding with the Calgary Board of Education to partner with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in the delivery of on-line courses.

On-line program delivery is particularly appropriate in the Northwest Territories where communities are small and isolated. On-line classes give students in even the smallest schools the opportunity to access a range of senior secondary courses. A choice of programs enriches a student's education and improves the overall quality of education in the Northwest Territories.

I am pleased to report, Mr. Speaker, that students in the Northwest Territories have taken to on-line learning with great enthusiasm. The completion rates of students enrolled in the Information Highways course remains well above the average completion rate for students in other types of distance-learning programs. Results from the first intake of students studying a regular credit course on-line indicate that success and completion rates will remain high.

A process is in place to ensure that we can continue to increase the number of trained facilitators available to help students taking on-line senior secondary courses. So far, more than 40 educators from across the Northwest Territories have received the training necessary to allow them to serve as on-line learning facilitators.

In addition to training facilitators who help students, we are also training educators to instruct the courses. Three educators, two from Yellowknife and one from Wekweti, have begun instructing on-line courses alongside education instructors from the Calgary Board of Education. Our goal is to have most of the on-line instruction delivered solely by Northwest Territories educators.

Mr. Speaker, the North has always been a leader in adapting technology in innovative ways to meet our needs. The enthusiasm with which educators and students have embraced on-line learning augurs well for our ability to continue to provide a quality education in the Northwest Territories.

-- Applause

Thank you, Minister Ootes. Déclarations de ministre. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about some accomplishments of constituents back at home. It has been reported previously in the papers and there are some proud parents back in Inuvik of some youngsters who have been successful in their extracurricular activities.

Mr. Speaker, Jason and Rebecca Baxter travelled to Fairbanks, Alaska and competed in the Junior North American and International Federation of Sled Dog Sports on February 23 and 25, 2001. Mr. Speaker, Jason took the first place title in the four-dog class and Rebecca took third place in the two-dog class.

Mr. Speaker, I think the youth of our Territory and our communities need to be recognized for the achievements they have excelled in, and have worked hard to get to. I would like to take this time to thank the parents and the youth that have taken a lot of time and dedicated extra hours in ensuring that they become successful in their activities. I wish them much success in the work they are about to do in the area of sled-dog sports. They have definitely highlighted it and brought more interest from our community.

Speaking of youth, Mr. Speaker, it brings me to the point where I feel I must also tell my family and my wife that I am coming home tomorrow. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last Friday a broadcast on CBC Northbeat on breast health kits caught my eye and I arranged for a briefing to see the kit myself this morning. In honour of International Women's Week, I would like to recognize publicly this ground-breaking initiative. I wish I could show the model. It is very impressive, but I do not think I am allowed to have a prop.

Let me just explain. This resource called the community breast health tool kit has been sent free of charge to each regional health board in the NWT. The intent is that each health centre will access the tool kit to provide information to women in their community. This unique display, made in the North for the North, has also captured the interest of communities across Canada. In addition to the complimentary copies being distributed within the NWT, the action group has sold tool kits to action groups from Vancouver to Newfoundland to Nunavut. I understand that the story has been carried by Newsworld, so I am sure they will get more calls.

The community breast health kit was produced by the NWT Breast Cancer Action Group. This group is primarily women volunteers who have been affected by breast cancer, either personally or through a family member. Their goal is to improve access to breast cancer information and support for women in the NWT. The concept of a tool kit came from Winnie Greenland, a community health representative at the health centre in Fort McPherson. Winnie identified a need for a visual display with basic information written in plain language to introduce northern women to the importance of breast health.

This project was funded by CIBC Run for the Cure. The Run for the Cure is held annually in October in Yellowknife, raising funds that have been spent on projects to benefit women in the Northwest Territories. The tool kit is a visual display written in plain language with entry-level information. It is comprised of six components. It is a display which sits accordion-style on a tabletop, with a breast model with lumps of various sizes in it, the Canadian Cancer Society breast self-examination video, a technical brochure with breast health information for women of every group, and a give-away bookmark with telephone numbers for cancer support.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude this statement by thanking the group and the individuals who actually made this at home to...

Ms. Lee, the time for your Member's statement has concluded.

Mr. Speaker, may I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement, please?

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Ms. Lee, you may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. I would like to conclude this statement by saying that the tool kit display information encourages women to practise good breast health by following three steps:

1. learning and doing breast self-exams;
2. have a breast exam during the well-women checkup; and
3. identifying when a woman is eligible for having a mammogram.

I would just like to thank all the people involved in making this kit for their good work. Thank you very much.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a statement earlier this session, my colleague Mr. Bell mentioned how difficult it is at times for NGOs to access funding that is made available through federal programs. I would like to follow up with this statement because I have become aware of a federal program that is very difficult for groups to access funds from.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government has set aside $350 million to help healing groups across the country. Recently, we heard that 13 proposals for funding submitted by communities in Nunavut did not meet the guidelines set out by the Ottawa-based Aboriginal Healing Foundation. The foundation now says it will hire coordinators in each Nunavut region to assist those communities in accessing funds.

Mr. Speaker, although I know that some funding from the foundation has made it into the Northwest Territories, I wonder how many organizations in communities across the Northwest Territories have missed out. From what I understand, the application process is both lengthy and difficult to understand. This is a common concern with many government programs.

Most small organizations in northern communities will never be able to access the funding available in federal programs like this. As is the case with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, the community groups rarely even know that the programs are available, and if they are informed, they often do not have the resources to successfully get through the frustrating application process.

Mr. Speaker, this program and the funding will soon sunset, probably without using all of the money that is available. Mr. Speaker, I believe there is a way in which our government should be assisting these small community organizations and helping to bring money to the North. In July of 1999 and again last April, I wrote to the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services suggesting that a staff position be identified to help non-government organizations. I suggested that this person could assist NGOs in identifying third-party funding and preparing proposals.

Mr. Speaker, I am still waiting for the government to act on this proposal. Minister Groenewegen replied last year saying that this would be considered by the social envelope and that I would be kept advised of any developments in this area. Mr. Speaker, that letter was dated May 17, 2000, nearly a year ago now.

We keep hearing about the fiscal challenges we face in trying to identify adequate funding to deal with social problems. Minister Groenewegen has said, for instance, there is not adequate funding to increase the numbers of social workers as quickly as we should. With help, Mr. Speaker, NGOs could access a lot more federal...

Mr. Dent, the time for your Member's statement has concluded.

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

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays, Mr. Dent. You may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, with help, NGOs could access a lot more federal dollars, effectively multiplying a small investment in one salary into many more dollars in the social area in the Northwest Territories. How long will we continue to miss out on opportunities to access third-party funding that could be helping to improve the lives of all Northwest Territories residents? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on this, possibly the last day of the Third Session, I would like to speak of a couple of activities that are taking place in my constituency tomorrow and on the weekend.

As part of recognizing International Women's Day tomorrow there is going to be a luncheon sponsored by the Tawow Society in Fort Smith. It is going to be held at the arena hall and will be catered to by the Thebacha cooking class, of whom I can personally attest puts out gourmet-style meals with the students they have there. They have some fine instructors. I think it will be a very nice part of this very important celebration.

Mr. Speaker, the theme for this particular luncheon is going to be the important dates in Canadian women's history, starting from 1907 to the present. It is going to be spoken to by many of the local women.

I would also like to recognize as part of this effort the work of the executive director of the Tawow Society, Carol Jordan and, of course, the many volunteers who have assisted her in pulling together this function.

On another positive note, Mr. Speaker, this weekend is the weekend for our annual carnival, the Wood Buffalo Frolics. With the weather being as it is, I would like to encourage everybody who takes part in the many activities to be careful.

I would like to recognize as well the work of Anne Heron and the many volunteers who have pulled this event together for the weekend to allow the community to celebrate hopefully what will be the advent of spring.

Mr. Speaker, these are just two examples of how we rely on volunteers in our communities and how much less community life would be without people such as the folks who have put their efforts into organizing these two important events. I would like to acknowledge once again all the fine work of the volunteers in the community of Fort Smith. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Déclarations de députés. Le député de la Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Legislative Assembly of the continuing progress of the Deh Cho First Nations. During the week of February 12th to 16th, 2001, the Deh Cho First Nations held their winter leadership meeting in Fort Providence.

The Dene and the Metis of the Deh Cho passed a unanimous resolution approving the initialling of the Deh Cho First Nation Formal Agreement and Interim Measures Agreement. The Deh Cho Process will result in a unique and unprecedented self-government process for the region. The government structure will be a public government based on Dene values and principles. This is a process which should be promoted and encouraged by this Legislative Assembly, as the Deh Cho Process is the route that will see the Dene and the Metis of the Deh Cho realize their rights as per the Constitution Act, 1982.

The Deh Cho leadership has passed a resolution with respect to the bidding of oil and gas exploration licenses which will ensure sustainable development of the Deh Cho lands and resources. The Deh Cho First Nations will also negotiate an Interim Resource Development Agreement that will set out benefits in the areas of royalties, resource revenues and community support.

The Deh Cho First Nations is in the process of expanding and finalizing this land-use mapping of our traditional territory. This will provide a foundation and background for future development of the Deh Cho territory. Much of this work has already been completed, however, environmental work that will give a comprehensive picture of the ecosystems needs to be done.

Together, traditional knowledge and scientific environmental study will provide a solid footing for any future development in the Deh Cho. The Deh Cho First Nations will also use mapping information to negotiate land withdrawals before moving into phase two, which will result in an agreement-in-principle and a final agreement. They will also strive to implement initiatives in the area of economic development and governance this year.

The Deh Cho First Nations sees the Aboriginal Summit and the Intergovernmental Forum as potential interference to the Deh Cho Process. They intend to observe and monitor the activities of the summit and the forum to ensure those activities do not prejudice the Deh Cho Process in any way. The Framework Agreement and Interim Measures Agreement will be signed at a public ceremony within the Deh Cho territory. The date has not been set at this point.

Mr. Speaker, Treaties 8 and 11 and the Deh Cho Declaration of 1993 confirm that the Dene and the Metis of the Deh Cho have the right to govern lands and resources of...

Mr. McLeod, the time for your Member's statement has ended.

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

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Mr. McLeod, you may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, Treaties 8 and 11 and the Deh Cho Declaration of 1993 confirmed that the Dene and the Metis of the Deh Cho have the right to govern lands and resources of the Deh Cho. The Deh Cho Process is an open process and I will continue to provide updates to the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Merci, Mr. McLeod. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. International Women's Day for 2001 will be celebrated tomorrow. Around the world, this is a symbol of women's efforts to shape a better tomorrow. In recognition of this day, I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of helping and healing organizations to community life in Yellowknife that are located in the constituency of Great Slave.

The YWCA of Yellowknife opened in September of 1966, Mr. Speaker. It was a residence for young single women coming to Yellowknife from across the North to take advantage of education, training and jobs. The provision of safe housing for women was a core need then and today, 35 years later, the YWCA still counts safe housing for women and their children as their number one priority.

Related to this, I applaud the efforts of the Member for Frame Lake, the honourable Charles Dent, and the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, the Honourable Roger Allen, for their good work with the Women's Centre, the YWCA and the Salvation Army in making the former detox centre on Franklin Avenue here in Yellowknife available for the Women's Centre Shelter Program. This is an excellent example of enhancing partnerships with the community, about which I spoke last week.

To further support women in crisis, the YWCA and the Yellowknife Women's Centre were instrumental in starting the new Women and Children's Healing and Recovery Centre. This pilot program has been established in Yellowknife to provide support to women who suffer from trauma and addictions. The program includes therapeutic, life skills and literacy programs. They are working with a network of community partners focusing on the daily needs of women and their children and providing a continuum of care. This approach will also serve as a model for all northern women whose lives have been affected by trauma.

Mr. Speaker, the success of the above programs illustrates the benefit of community partnerships and the commitment of women to address barriers that prevent them from participating in community life and programs. Our successes and achievements are best measured with the positive impacts at the grass-roots level. I acknowledge the contribution and accomplishments of the YWCA and the Healing and Recovery Program during International Women's Week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take the time to recognize International Women's Day tomorrow, recognizing the importance that women play in our day-to-day lives and also in our communities. They play many roles, from leadership roles in being our chiefs, our councillors, our band members and also working within organizations such as social services departments, health centres, schools and also working on different councils, the band councils, the hamlet councils and Inuvialuit organizations. They take care of our elders, being the caregivers that they are. I would also like to acknowledge the women who work in our churches.

I feel that women play a very important role in all of our lives, being our grandmothers, our mothers and our sisters. The communities have changed because of the roles women have played in our lives by taking on responsibilities where they feel it is important to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all the women in the Northwest Territories who have given that extra effort to take on those responsibilities which may be vacant, where they feel they have to do better in improving the lives of their children, their grandchildren and the community as a whole.

On that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to also recognize the many women who are going to be recognized with the Wise Women Awards this year, especially Hazel Nerysoo of Fort McPherson. Hazel has been doing some great things in the community of Fort McPherson. Hazel has been a sub-chief, a councillor, an alcohol and drug counsellor through the Tl'oondih program. She has worked as a parole officer and continues to work in places where volunteers are needed.

Hazel never hesitates to be there for the many people who need her. Besides all of that, Hazel is also a mother of five children and has been married to her husband, James Nerysoo, and also adopted other children to improve their lives. I believe that women such as Hazel and other women in the Territory are examples that we have to live up to, to show that we can accomplish...

Excuse me, Mr. Krutko, the time for your Member's statement is over.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Mr. Krutko, you may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the many roles that women play in our lives is what established the critical positions we see ourselves in today. Also, the support I receive from the many women within my riding when I need someone to talk to or just have someone there, knowing they are listening with an ear also listening to them. With that, I would like to thank all the women for the hard work they have done and for the success we see in our communities. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Mr. Nitah, the time for your Member's statement has concluded.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Mr. Nitah, you may conclude.

Mahsi, Mr. Nitah. Item 3, Members' statements. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today should turn out to be the last day of a very hectic Third Session of this 14th Legislative Assembly. As in the past session, this one would not be complete if I did not inform this House of my continued fascination with this booming capital city of Yellowknife and what drives it.

It is said, Mr. Speaker, that when a city reaches a certain size, it begins to feed on itself and growth is inevitable. It is also said that cities create their own climate and weather patterns. I have always found Yellowknife a bit breezy myself, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in one of my previous lives, I sold and installed central vacuum systems. One thing that I learned about vacuum systems is that in order to sell them, you need a good product. A good product has a good piping framework, a good motor, lots of suction, and a good warranty.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to compare this city with a giant vacuum cleaner. One that is driven by the very best motor in the industry, this government. The piping framework extends into every department and the suction is so strong that it sucks up everything before anyone has a chance to see it lying around.

-- Laughter

The warranty for this powerful machine, Mr. Speaker, is our very own Finance Minister, Mr. Handley.

-- Laughter

Borrowing millions to fast-track the completion of Highway No. 3 is like adding 100 horsepower to the motor and increasing the size of the intake hose.

It is no wonder, Mr. Speaker, that we see new hotels and motels going up around Yellowknife. Every day, I see or hear of another conference, symposium, meeting or workshop bringing people from every part of the Territory and beyond, sponsored directly or indirectly by this government, a major industry in itself, Mr. Speaker.

I keep hearing that this government does not want to be seen as empire building. Well, if that is the case, Mr. Speaker, we should extend the piping framework throughout the Territory and, for at least a few days of the year, reverse the air flow, or should I say the money flow. By the way, Mr. Speaker, that constant breeze in Yellowknife is caused by that giant vacuum cleaner running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to bring to the attention of this House the efforts of a fine Yellowknife club, the Yellowknife Gymnastics Club. They have taken on the challenge of conducting the largest raffle in the history of the Northwest Territories, and that includes Hay River as well, I believe.

-- Laughter

The Yellowknife Gymnastics Club is composed of 300 or so members, and it has been in existence for approximately 20 years in this fine city. For the past two years, the club has been operating out of a vacant warehouse on Old Airport Road. Soon, Mr. Speaker, that will not be the case. The club is working on raising the necessary money to build a multi-sport athletic training centre in Yellowknife for the benefit of northern athletes from around the Territories.

The club recognized the growing need for such a centre in the North and has been actively fundraising for the last few years. In-kind support, by way of architectural planning, legal and other services has already been donated towards the building of the facility, Mr. Speaker.

Numerous contributions from individuals, community groups and businesses have been received and along with fundraising events, the club has secured approximately 40 percent of the money needed. Mr. Speaker, to date they have raised approximately $336,000 and they need another $464,000 to go.

The goal is to build a permanent training centre that would include a dedicated gymnastics training area; areas for other sports such as wrestling, karate, and tae kwon do; areas for community dance programs, skaters and athletes in choreographed sports; and specialized training areas for conditioning and rooms to host coaching clinics and team meetings, Mr. Speaker.

The most recent fundraiser is a first for the North. In October of last year, the club began selling 30,000 raffle tickets for a 2000 Hummer, worth $157,000, Mr. Speaker. The lucky ticket holder will have the option of owning this vehicle or they can take $100,000 in cash. It is quite a deal, Mr. Speaker, and you can get your tickets at [email protected], or you can buy them at various locations around the city.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Yellowknife Gymnastics Club for taking on this very ambitious project. I hope my colleagues all have their tickets, even Mr. Delorey, because the draw date is fast approaching. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in honour of International Women's Day, I too wish to acknowledge women's contributions to society. Mr. Speaker, women's role in society has changed from simply being the primary homemaker, cooking and caring for children to, in today's complex and demanding world, being members of the workforce or leaders in our communities in one form or another.

Mr. Speaker, women in my riding now serve as municipal councillors, school councillors, chairs of community corporations or even regional corporations. We also have women in general serving this Legislative Assembly and previous Legislative Assemblies. We also have a Member of Parliament who is a woman from this Territory.

Mr. Speaker, whether we men like to admit it or not, behind every good man there is a better woman to give advice, direction and, in some cases, direct orders.

-- Laughter

I wish to thank all of the women in my riding and in the Northwest Territories in general for the time they have dedicated to making this a better world. In particular, I wish to thank my wife for the advice and guidance she has given me, whether I asked for it or not.

-- Laughter

I wish to acknowledge all the efforts women put into making our lives better.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A little earlier, the Minister responsible for Youth spoke about the CYAID Conference here in Yellowknife. It is upcoming and today I would like to acknowledge some of its members in the gallery, the Yellowknife Students Against Drinking and Driving.

They are working very hard to change some shocking statistics here in the Northwest Territories. These statistics come from the chief coroner's office. They show that we in the Northwest Territories have two-and-a-half times as much impaired driving as the national average, and that 52 percent of all accidental deaths in the Northwest Territories involve alcohol.

The Students Against Impaired Driving group started at St. Patrick's School in 1994 with fewer than 20 members. Since then, they have changed their name to SADD, or Students Against Drinking and Driving. The students at both high schools and Weledeh School have formed chapters.

In all, there are now 140 members of SADD in the Northwest Territories. Of course, it is difficult to know what circumstances and activities cause statistics to change, but it is interesting to note that between 1989 and 1994, there were on average 27 impaired drivers involved in collisions per year in Yellowknife. Between 1994 and 1999, there were on average 17 impaired drivers per year involved in collisions in Yellowknife. That indicates a substantial drop.

The 11th Annual Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving Conference will be held in Yellowknife at St. Patrick's and Sir John Franklin High School from March 22nd to 25th. This will be the first time ever that there will be representation from every province and territory in the country in a conference of this nature. The organizers are expecting approximately 300 youth delegates and adult advisors to attend.

The hope for an improved society in the future depends on our young people. It is certainly admirable what these young people are doing about our problems with drinking and driving. I want to thank them for their efforts and congratulate them for what they have achieved. I want to wish them, and I am sure that all of us wish them, a very successful conference. I want to thank them for being in the gallery today, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Minister's statement today I mentioned International Women's Day and the efforts and initiatives that will take place to honour women.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, although we do not have as many women in this Legislature as we probably should, I do want to thank the Members of this House for the recognition that they have paid to women today in this House and to their ongoing sensitivity to social issues that we attempt to address here in the Northwest Territories.

We spend many hours together in this Assembly, and it is kind of like going on a long road trip with somebody. You do not know somebody really well until you go on a long road trip with them. Some days we spend ten, 12, 14 hours together in this House, and you really get a chance to know each other very, very well.

I just want to say that I do appreciate the group of MLAs that we have here, and assure the people of the Northwest Territories that although there is a disproportionate number of men -- someone asked me yesterday why we were not having a grandfather's council; I said that we have one and it is called the Legislative Assembly -- in terms of representation in this particular level of government, I want to say that I do appreciate their sensitivity to the issues facing our people. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. Responses a des questions orales. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mot de bienvenue aux visiteurs. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Yes, indeed, welcome Senator Sibbeston. Senator Sibbeston was a Member and he was also a Minister and Government Leader in former governments. Welcome, as always, to our Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with a great deal of pleasure that I would like to introduce students from St. Patrick's SADD program who are organizing the CYAID Conference here in Yellowknife. With them today are Rene Lamoureux and Michelle Thoms. All of them are coordinating this large conference, Mr. Speaker, so please help me welcome those students. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to take this opportunity, colleagues, to introduce to you again Ms. Carol Roberts, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Colleagues, I am going to take a little bit of Speaker's license here and recognize my mother, Emilia Gratrix in Fort Smith. She is soon to be 84 years old. Speaking in recognition of women and their valuable contribution to the outcome of their children, I have a great deal to be thankful for.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, to answer the Member, the Housing Corporation manages the 71 remaining staff housing units on behalf of FMBS. The direction the NWT Housing Corporation is taking at this point is that we are working with other community governments or the land claim groups to help formally develop a housing market in the communities to help alleviate the housing shortage problems. We will be communicating that back to the individual communities, regions or the respective departments as we progress in establishing housing either in the rental market or the buying market. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we are presently analyzing our position. We do have some general powers under the Corporation Act to assist the communities in getting some money. We are continually working with the community that is affected, so I am sure that they are going to continue to liaise with the respective communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty. Thank you, no supplementary. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for Finance regarding the highway toll. I realize that it is still an issue that is being developed, they are working on the details and we should be expecting more information in May. Previously and up until now, we have been utilizing a document called the Highway Strategy that was basically a blueprint for expenditures in the area of transportation for the next while. Now with the introduction or discussion of the highway toll, we are expecting the resource development and trucking companies and the general public to pay for a lot of development in the area of transportation.

I would like to ask the Minister, would he give the users who are paying the extra fees a say in setting the priorities over where their money is spent once the highway toll document is completed? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Clearly it is our intention with any toll we put in place to have the toll revenues spent on the system from which it is drawn. So in the case of a highway toll, the revenues would go back into highways. The Minister responsible for Transportation has developed a very thorough Highway Strategy and business plan and has had consultation on it. I think there has been much consultation with users and I expect that will continue to be our government's approach. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Highway Strategy and through the discussions on the highway toll, there is no mention of a bridge and it seems like the bridge across the Deh Cho has been ruled out for consideration by this government. I would like to ask the Minister, what capital estimates were provided to him for consideration when they discussed the allocation of the money for this highway toll?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have not been provided with any specific information in terms of the cost of a bridge over the Mackenzie Valley. I can say that through the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development we have been working with the committee that is looking at the feasibility of a plan for building a bridge. We will continue to cooperate with that group. We have certainly not given up on looking at options for having a bridge across the Mackenzie River eventually.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has indicated that some consultation has taken place on the expenditure of the highway toll. Should the users who are paying the extra fees indicate some proportion of those fees be allocated to a bridge across the Deh Cho, would this government consider that request?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, in a general sense, certainly we would consider that request. More specifically, I think it is something that would need consultation with the Minister responsible for Transportation and his people who are working on the overall strategy. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, not too long ago in Parliament, Mr. Pat Martin introduced Private Member's Bill C-203. This bill would amend the Bankruptcy Act to give priority to employee wages and pensions. Earlier this session, I had asked the government if they would consider telling the federal government that we supported the passage of this bill and was assured I would be able to have an answer before the end of session.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Premier, has the government considered Private Member's Bill C-203 and are they prepared to advise the federal government that we support passage of that bill?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have, on a number of occasions, written to the federal government expressing our concern that the current federal legislation does not adequately meet the needs of the people that it is intended to protect, particularly the rights of employees in the event of bankruptcy.

We are aware that there is a private Member's bill. We are also aware that the federal government has said they will undertake a review of their own. What we do know is that it is not clear to us that the bill in question is the best way of addressing the concerns that have been expressed by the workers, the government and the Members of this Legislature as well. We are not clear at this time because we do not have the capacity within the time frame that we have to do a proper assessment of the private Member's bill. So we are not in a position right now to advise the Members of a response we might make or a position we might take with regard to this private Member's bill. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe I heard the Premier say we did not have the capacity to do a proper review. Will the Premier consider hiring outside counsel if necessary to do a review so we can determine whether or not this sort of legislation would be in the best interest of our citizens? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Question supplémentaire. Supplementary question, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Premier provide a certain date for that response? In any case, will he commit to it being no later than the beginning of the next session?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will undertake to try to get sufficient advice and research done to advise Cabinet and the Legislature at the beginning of the next session of this Legislature. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, Hay River has taken steps to try to address the issue of the homeless in Hay River. Mr. Speaker, this is a serious issue throughout the North and one that we must address. I would like to commend the Hay River Friendship Centre for their willingness to take part in a program to try to resolve this issue. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and Minister Allen in recognizing this problem and their willingness to make funds available to address this problem.

Unfortunately, attempts in setting up the homeless shelter in Hay River have gone sour with regard to process and location. Could the Minister inform me if he has taken an active role in this Hay River issue in trying to find common ground acceptable to all concerned? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I have taken a personal interest in the ongoing issue of the homeless in Hay River. I can advise the Member that we will continue to consult with not only the NGO who took a vested interest in the project, but also with the Housing Corporation officials and we will continue to work with the community in trying to achieve some levity for this problem. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister be willing to come to Hay River and meet with town officials to address this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am more than willing to travel to Hay River and I will also bring along the president of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation so we can sit down and begin to work out some of the procedures that may eventually lead to addressing the homeless issue in Hay River. Thank you.

Merci, Monsieur Ministre. Le question supplémentaire. Supplementary question, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is always nice to see involvement from residents and concerns whenever a project has taken place in a community. I would like to ask the Minister if the residents' views will be taken into consideration when dealing with this issue further? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I would like to also engage the honourable Member for Hay River South to be available for the consultation process so we can start with step one and lead to a conclusion. I think it is important that not only the public be involved, but also the municipality where they will continue to show their support and the NGOs who are really the thrust to getting the homelessness program underway. Thank you.