Thank you for the prayer, Mr. Braden. Please be seated. Good afternoon, colleagues. I understand that Her Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, is prepared to enter the Chamber to assent to bills. Mr. Clerk, would you please attend to and escort the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories into the Chamber.

Please be seated. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, June 10th to the 16th has been declared National Public Service Week.

As the Minister responsible for the public service of the Northwest Territories, it is my pleasure to recognize the contributions made by the men and women who make up our public service.

I am proud to say that our public service is characterized by high standards of integrity, professionalism and dedication to service.

Employees of the public service are our most valuable asset. Their hard work and dedication allow the government to deliver services to the people of the Northwest Territories efficiently and effectively. These services encompass everything from the delivery of health care, social and community programs, to maintaining highways and managing our renewable resources and educating our children.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of us, I would like to thank the men and women of the Northwest Territories public service for their many valuable contributions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, in my opening remarks to this Legislature at the start of this session, I briefly thanked the members of the Government of the Northwest Territories public service for a job well done. The third week of June is designated Public Service Week and so, today, I would like to elaborate on the important work that is done by our public service and to thank all Government of the Northwest Territories employees for their effort and dedication.

Our government employs approximately 4,000 people. Many of these employees have chosen to make their careers with our government and they have been with us for a long time. The work that our employees do, in service to all residents of the Northwest Territories, is what allows us as legislators to achieve the goals and reach the objectives that we establish for government. Our employees work hard to implement the direction we provide and to meet the needs of the people that we all serve.

This government is dynamic and responsive to the rapid changes and advances taking place in the North. Our employees have handled a great deal of change already, such as division of the Northwest Territories, and they have handled it with patience and professionalism. We will be facing more change in the years to come as self-government initiatives are implemented, as oil, gas and minerals and hydro are developed, and as the Northwest Territories reaches its full potential as a self-sufficient, vibrant and prosperous territory. I have every confidence that our able public service will be there to provide a continued high level of service as we move forward.

As Premier, my travels provided me the opportunity many times to meet and talk with public servants throughout the Northwest Territories, representing all departments, agencies and professions. We are continually impressed by the dedication with which our employees serve the public and the quality of the work they do.

We live in very exciting times and our future is bright. Bright futures favour talented, hard-working people. Our staff have more career choices than ever before. Other employers can offer them exciting northern employment opportunities as well. Our challenge is to retain our staff and provide them with workplaces that are supportive, and managers and supervisors who appreciate their contributions.

Although we presently have no formal process to recognize and honour our staff, we have today assembled a representative group of employees who exemplify the best qualities and achievements in our public service. This group includes three lifelong career employees who will be retiring this year; individuals who have been recognized nationally and internationally for achievements within their professions; and employees who have demonstrated through their excellent work an exemplary attitude and commitment to their jobs and their communities. In alphabetical order, these employees are:

• • Rosalie Adams, Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board, Inuvik;
• • Dr. Chuck Arnold, Education, Culture and Employment, Yellowknife;
• • Gord Bohnet, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Rae-Edzo;
• • Violet Edgi, Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board, Fort Good Hope;
• • Bessie Erasmus, Municipal and Community Affairs, Rae-Edzo;
• • Doug Howard, Transportation, Yellowknife;
• • George Mandeville, Public Works And Services, Yellowknife;
• • Bob McLeod, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Yellowknife;
• • Kayhan Nadji, Public Works and Services, Yellowknife;
• • Andy Norwegian, Deh Cho Divisional Education Council, Fort Simpson;
• • Bob Sanderson, Financial Management Board Secretariat, Fort Smith;
• • Faye Stark, Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board, Fort Providence;
• • Julian Tomlinson, Aurora College, Inuvik;
• • Lew Voytilla, Financial Management Board Secretariat, Yellowknife;
• • John Wilderspin, Transportation, Norman Wells; and
• • Ray Young, South Slave Divisional Education Council, Hay River.

To all of you, congratulations on your respective achievements, and thank you for a job well done. Mahsi.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, I would like to congratulate two employees, Mr. Bob McLeod and Mr. Greg Hancock, who recently received national and international recognition for their achievements.

Mr. Speaker, the fur trade industry is important to many residents of the Northwest Territories. At the Montreal Fur Fair, the Fur Council of Canada sponsored a new award entitled Friends of the Fur Trade. This award recognized the work done by Mr. Bob McLeod when he participated on the Canadian delegation that negotiated a European agreement on humane trapping. This agreement set the standards which trappers use today to ensure that fur is harvested in a humane manner.

Mr. Hancock received the prestigious Silver REMI award at this year's Houston International Film Festival for two videos he produced -- the tourism video, Where Winter Begins, and the video called Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur: Fur Fashion Show. This is a remarkable achievement since over 4,300 entries were received. These videos will be instrumental in marketing both our tourism and fur products, and gaining international recognition is really an honour.

Finally, as it is Public Service Week, I would like to thank all the employees of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development for their contributions and hard work in fulfilling the mandate of this department. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Mr. Speaker, NWT residents will have access to advanced training for the oil and gas industry as the result of an agreement to establish a permanent training site in the Northwest Territories. This is a cooperative venture involving a number of groups that have an interest in developing the gas reserves in the Northwest Territories. The plan was developed by industry and Aurora College in cooperation with aboriginal claimant groups, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

Mr. Speaker, this opportunity is possible because of the GNWT's commitment to Maximizing Northern Employment. We are determined to give Northerners the opportunity to advance beyond entry-level jobs in the oil and gas industry. This program will provide the enhanced level of training for people to access skilled oil and gas positions. It will be delivered in the Sahtu, Beaufort Delta, Deh Cho and South Slave regions. Additional training-on-the-job subsidies will be made available to employers.

Mr. Speaker, the centrepiece of this exciting new training initiative is a plan to train drilling rig floorhands at a permanent training site to be developed near the town of Inuvik. This summer, Aurora College, using instructors certified by the Petroleum Industry Training Service in Alberta, will begin training floorhands on a drilling rig supplied by Akita Drilling.

The projects will create numerous jobs for Northerners and establish a northern infrastructure for future training in the oil and gas sector in such areas as drill rig floorhands, kitchen helper and camp attendant, truck training and drill sump research.

I should say, Mr. Speaker, for those who may be unfamiliar with the terminology, that a floorhand is a member of a drilling crew that also includes tool pushers, drillers, derrick men and motormen. Drilling companies usually promote from within. Floorhands are often groomed to move into more serious positions in the drilling rig operation. So while some individuals may be satisfied with the rewards of being a good floorhand, opportunities do exist for Northerners with the motivation, aptitude, leadership and teamwork skills to move from floorhand into a position requiring additional skills and training.

The training program lasts twelve days -- six in the classroom with a heavy emphasis on safety and six days on the rig itself working 12-hour shifts. This training is scheduled to run from July 30 to August 22. It is modeled on a similar program delivered by the Petroleum Industry Training Service for aboriginal trainees in British Columbia.

Needless to say, Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to announce this training and research initiative. This program, developed in partnership, will benefit both employers and potential employees in the NWT. That is exactly what maximizing northern employment is meant to be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a controversial issue raised by the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development in an interview he did yesterday regarding the possibility of three dams on the Mackenzie River. I have received several calls from my constituency wondering what is going on.

I feel that before any statements are made or any ideas are put on the table, we should consult the people who are going to be affected, especially when we have for years been battling the Bennett Dam project in BC, where we have seen the effects up and down the Mackenzie Valley and the Mackenzie Delta regarding water levels.

Yet, Mr. Speaker, there has not been any consultation. This idea has come out of thin air. Mr. Speaker, we have seen what has happened in other jurisdictions in Canada, such as Quebec and the Quebec hydro projects, and also the effect of the Bennett Dam.

Mr. Speaker, I for one feel that there must be a time for debate. There must be a time to ensure people will continue to have water resources in the Northwest Territories. For us as a government to take such a hard stand at this time shows that there is definitely...

A point of order. Mr. Premier, what is your point of order?

Point of Order

I think the honourable Member is making a statement on an item that was publicly broadcast. I believe it is not confidential information. It is out there in the public. I will seek...just a minute, Mr. Kakfwi. I am not finished yet. I will seek some advice on it.

-- Interjection

As I was saying, this Member's statement is a response to what his constituents may be saying. In the Chair's opinion, there is no point of order. I will allow the honourable Member to continue with his Member's statement. Mr. Krutko, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in regard to this issue, I think we as a government have to seriously separate the economics of what goes on within this government and environmental protection, ensuring that we have a department that is not joined at the hip, that they are two separate institutions who are responsible for protecting the wildlife and environment, and also ensuring that the quality of air in the Northwest Territories, the water and our environment is protected.

We as a government have to seriously look at the implications of these mega-projects regarding the accumulative effect of having so much of these developments taking place, on our water and on our air, and the effect on the people of the Northwest Territories, especially the aboriginal people, who depend on the wildlife, the fish who depend on water.

I feel that we have to seriously consider this issue in light of all of the projects that are taking place. With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister questions on this matter later.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to raise an issue concerning the fishing industry on Great Slave Lake. As we know, Mr. Speaker, the fishing industry is an important industry, both from a traditional point of view and from an economic point of view.

We also know, Mr. Speaker, that this industry is heavily subsidized by this government. I think this government puts in approximately $390,000 to both the summer and winter fishery combined. The current methodology to support this industry through subsidies is both outdated and ineffective. I think that is recognized by both government and the fisherpeople themselves, Mr. Speaker.

In the past few years, the fishing industry has not been able to utilize all of the subsidy because of the cost of fishing and getting around the lake to catch the right quotas to access the subsidy.

On May 31st, Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with the Fishermen's Federation in Hay River, with representatives from RWED, Lloyd Jones, Paul Wiedrick, and Mike MaGeean. The purpose of the meeting, Mr. Speaker, was to look at the subsidy program and try to come up with a program that would be more effective to the fisherman, and give them some incentive to improve on their industry and to improve their equipment.

The new program that was talked about, Mr. Speaker, is more of a support program that I think will give the fishermen more incentive to do just that, increase the number of fishermen on the lake and better their equipment that they are using.

Also, Mr. Speaker, the new program that was talked about is a program that would be administered by the Fishermen's Federation themselves, giving them more buy-in and making it more beneficial to the fishermen.

I hope that RWED will continue to work with the fishermen in working through the details of this new program, and I look forward to some more talks with the Fishermen's Federation on this.

As we speak, Mr. Speaker, the fisherpersons in Hay River are doing last minute touch ups to their boat and their equipment, to head out for the summer fishery. At this time, I would like to wish them all the best in the summer fishery. I would also like to encourage this government to continue to work with them to better this industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to briefly touch once again on the issue and concept of community service boards. Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that the people of Hay River are not happy with the current arrangement with the South Slave Divisional Education Council. I do have a copy of the report that was just done in terms of whether they have been treated fairly or not.

The report indicated that yes, Hay River is being treated fairly, but Mr. Speaker, I think there is an underlying issue here that has to be looked at. We have to look at the government's issues in the South Slave so that we can come up with a way of governing ourselves that is deemed appropriate by all communities. We have the Cuff report coming. We have a Social Agenda Conference coming. We know there is work being done on governance, and we know within the South Slave there is a chance of regional operations. It has been historically demonstrated that it is not a very viable form of governance.

I would hope that very soon we will be able to seriously look at this issue of community service boards as one way of possibly coming up with a form of governance that will be appropriate, that will allow communities to bring together under one board health, social services, education, housing and justice. This will limit their administration costs, improve program integration and do away with the needless friction between communities that causes so much stress and burns up valuable energy and resources.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be asking the Premier where this particular concept fits in to the planning process, and when will the people of the South Slave and the individual communities be able to sit down with the government to talk about whether this is in fact a viable option. I believe it is. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a critical issue that has come up in the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board. Mr. Speaker, I have been informed and have received a fax that notice has gone out on emergency services provided to many communities in the Inuvik region, and it notifies different communities of the times their health centres will go on emergency services only. Mr. Speaker, this is the second summer now that we are being impacted by centres that are having closures because of a lack of staff in all of the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I was aware this winter that the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board had lined up a recruitment drive to try and get more nurses to deal with the shortages, and things were working out rather well initially. They had put a program together and were ready to do some recruitment overseas. When they contacted the department, they were informed they could not do that at that time. They had to work with the department to develop a process to deal with this recruitment issue.

Mr. Speaker, they had an opportunity to fill jobs. What we are seeing now, I believe, is definitely a direct impact as to the process that is being used now. I am aware that there has been ongoing work to try and improve the system between the department and boards, but right now, communities in the Beaufort Delta region will be impacted due to the lack of nursing once again.

Mr. Speaker, we have to put something in place to help out the health boards across the Northwest Territories to deal with the shortages. Mr. Speaker, if that means the department has to put more resources into dealing with these shortages, then they should do that, or allow the boards to go on their own recruitment drives. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services on this issue. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to talk today about youth smoking in the Northwest Territories. I know the Department of Health and Social Services recently released a document titled Smoke Alarm, and it is an environmental scan of smoking in the Northwest Territories. Indeed, many of the findings and statistics in this report are, Mr. Speaker, alarming.

A couple of things that I have browsed over really shocked me. One being that over 42 percent of the population over the age of 17 in the Northwest Territories smoke. That is much higher than the Canadian average. In regard to children, Mr. Speaker, in some of our communities, almost one-quarter of ten-to 14-year-olds smoke and three-quarters of 15-to 17-year-olds also smoke.

I think when we think about youth smoking, one of the problems is the fact that youth have such easy access to tobacco. A recent survey discovered that less than half of ten-to 14-year-olds attempting to buy cigarettes were asked their age, Mr. Speaker. I do not know about you, but most of the ten-to 14-year-olds in my neighbourhood do not look 18. It is certainly quite shocking, Mr. Speaker.

I think we need larger fines for merchants selling to children under 18, but more importantly, I think we need to focus on enforcement. We could do this, Mr. Speaker, but it would take this government making it a priority. We know we have liquor inspectors who go around to establishments on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis to make sure we do not have underage drinking or over capacity. The kind of effort we put into policing merchants who sell cigarettes pales in comparison to this, Mr. Speaker.

The Alberta Government just passed Bill 208, which is the Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use Act, and it allows for fines for minors smoking in public. There is some research, Mr. Speaker, to show that this kind of thing works. Woodridge, Illinois, a community just west of Chicago, has had similar legislation and enforcement. They are reporting 70 percent lower rates for youth smoking than other surrounding areas.

Mr. Speaker, I am not saying we need to start fining kids who smoke, but we do need to do more. We need to get creative. We need to follow the example being set by groups like the Non-Puffers Youth Group in Fort Providence that had such an impression on all of us. Mr. Speaker, in short, we need to encourage people to make healthy choices. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I will be joining the students of the Western Arctic Leadership Program for an awards dinner in Fort Smith and I want to make some comments on this program.

Mr. Speaker, this government, in cooperation with the education boards, extended grades into the communities. This has meant that a basic high school education is now available to students in their home communities. However, Mr. Speaker, this basic education does not meet the needs of all of the students in the communities.

Those who decide to pursue a post-secondary education soon come to realize that the basic education received in their home communities does not provide a sufficient academic foundation for success. Mr. Speaker, many of these grade 12 graduates find that they have to take academic upgrading to be successful in post-secondary education. The above-average students from the communities without an academic stream curriculum can apply to live in a residential setting offered by the Western Arctic Leadership Program and attend high school in Fort Smith.

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, Fort Smith, as a larger regional centre, can offer students an education complete with access to labs, libraries and specialized academic teachers. The Western Arctic Leadership Program provides extra tutoring and leadership training that encourages students' success.

In short, Mr. Speaker, over the past ten years, the Western Arctic Leadership Program has provided students from up and down the Mackenzie Valley the necessary tools to succeed in post-secondary school or in the work force.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, over the past five years or so, it has become a constant struggle for the program to raise enough funding to continue. It seems that every year, they must wait for this government to decide at the last minute whether or not they will receive core funding for the upcoming year.

This lack of support leads to uncertainty and does not provide the students with a sense of stability. This government is going to spend $11 million on the various components of the Maximizing Northern Employment Strategy and yet cannot provide core funding for a program that prepares young Northerners to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them.

I strongly encourage all the DEAs and concerned parents to contact the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, the Premier and their MLAs to demand that the Western Arctic Leadership Program receive stable long-term funding to ensure its continued...

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

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I want to say that maybe the Western Arctic Leadership Program should be part of a grandiose strategy like the Maximizing Northern Employment Strategy. At least then, it might get the attention it deserves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk today about lifestyle and the choices we make as we go about our daily lives. So often, Mr. Speaker, what we do is taken for granted. It is a matter of choice. We just go about doing the things we do. That can be things as basic as what are the foods we eat that are going to set the standards for the kind of health we have throughout our lives. Whether we decide to smoke or have a beer too many is going to set the standard for the health and how much we are going to cost ourselves, our families and the system. Whether we read a newspaper or listen to a newscast, that will set the standard for how well we know our communities and what is going on around us.

Another choice that we make, and I think take far too much for granted, is how we use energy, Mr. Speaker. We make choices about leaving the lights on or turning the thermostat up, about the kind of homes we have. These are all things we need to be much more concerned about, Mr. Speaker, if we are going to be able to maintain sustainable and affordable energy. Especially, Mr. Speaker, as we assess the impact on our environment.

The newly formed Northwest Territories Climate Change Centre wants to do something about that. They are challenging those lifestyle choices we make about energy with the first Don't Drive to Work Week, which starts on Monday. The idea here is to encourage people to choose an alternative way to get to work. I think this is something that businesses and offices can have a look at and help the individuals join in there. There are some prizes that are being awarded for those offices that can demonstrate an 80 percent or greater rate of competition. The event begins on Monday morning at City Hall here in Yellowknife, when participants can join together and walk over here to the Legislative Assembly for the launch.

Mr. Speaker, this event is starting in Yellowknife. Hopefully, it will roll out into the other communities. I would challenge everyone to think about the choices they make, especially as it relates to energy and the cost to the environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this time of year is a happy time for all students as they look forward to their summer vacation from school. I am sure that the teachers are also looking forward to this break. It is a time to celebrate achievements, especially as we recognize our graduates and mark this important milestone in their lives. It is also a time to recognize the dedicated efforts of those who teach our youth and who encourage them to work hard and to do the best that they can. It is important to thank teachers for their ongoing efforts for the lives and the example they demonstrate.

In Hay River, we are very fortunate to have some absolutely excellent teaching staff in our school system.

In addition to being a time of celebration, it is also a poignant time of year, as we must say goodbye to some of our dedicated teachers who are retiring this year. Diamond Jenness School is saying goodbye to:

• • Graham Mitchell, with 30 years of service;
• • Bruce Green, with 30 years of service;
• • Pat Bernstead, with 26 years of service; and also
• • Ray Young, who is currently the principal of the Diamond Jenness Secondary School, after 31 years of service in the North. I am pleased Mr. Young is being recognized here today and in the visitors gallery.

As well, Harry Camsell School is saying goodbye to:

• • Joyce Young, with 25 years of service;
• • Peter Austead, 35 years;
• • Sylvia Boyer, 31 years;
• • Jenny Turvey, 19 years; and
• • Guy Turvey, who has taught for 24 years.

On behalf of the residents, parents and students of my constituency, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all the teachers in Hay River for the exemplary job they do in educating and guiding our young people, and particularly thank those who are retiring. I look forward to attending the celebrations planned to honour them in Hay River this weekend. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Indeed, congratulations do go out to the teachers, well appreciated. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, family violence is a serious problem in the Northwest Territories. It has a significant negative impact on our society. As we are all aware, the Members of this Legislative Assembly unanimously supported a declaration on family violence in November in an effort to focus attention on and bring an end to family violence across the North.

Today, I would like to acknowledge some of the organizations that continue to make great efforts every day in the struggle against family violence.

Mr. Speaker, Alison MacAteer House is a 12-bed crisis shelter in my constituency in Yellowknife that offers a safe place for abused women and children to stay, as well as numerous support and counselling programs. In the past fiscal year, Alison MacAteer House provided shelter for 64 women and 93 children.

The shelter also operates a 24 hours a day crisis telephone line, and last year received more than 500 calls.

Mr. Speaker, the YWCA operates Alison MacAteer House and also provides several other family violence prevention programs. One of these is the recently introduced project, Child Recovery. This program provides support for children who are faced with violence in their homes by offering children a safe place to express their feelings and to improve their self-esteem.

Last September, in partnership with the Yellowknife Women's Centre, the YWCA also established the Women and Children's Healing Recovery Program. The program, which supports women during their healing and recovery from traumatic experiences, has already received 91 applications from across the Northwest Territories in the first eight months.

The Northwest Territories Seniors' Society is another organization actively involved in the struggle against family violence. On May 17th, I was very pleased to take part in the Taking Action on Elder Abuse Workshop hosted by the Seniors' Society. Elders, caregivers and other interested parties from Yellowknife and surrounding communities participated in the workshop in an effort to develop an action plan to eliminate elder abuse throughout the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I salute these organizations for their continuing efforts to bring an end to family violence. They are key players in a large group of NGOs and individuals in the Northwest Territories working in the field of family violence. Mr. Speaker, we must all be prepared to speak out on family violence. We must all be prepared to step in to stop family violence. When that happens, Mr. Speaker, and only then, can we stop family violence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the sporting events conclude for the school year, once again the Inuvik athletes share the spotlight. I am proud to state that the Samuel Hearne Secondary School has been declared the top school team based on average team points for the 2001 NWT Track and Field Championships held in Hay River last week.

As the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, I wish to congratulate the dedicated coaches, Kelly Webster and Heath Israel, and the team members for having a successful track meet. The Samuel Hearne Secondary School team members consisted of Heidi Harry, Neha Sharma, Kayla Hansen-Craik, Tamara Hansen, Paul Carriedo, Shane Gordon, Liesbeth de Klerk, Pat Tingmiak, Dennis Dosedel, Tim Robertson, Gerald Kisoun, Corbus de Klerk, Daniel Fehr, Ian Rogers, Thea Rogers and Royce Suchodolski.

I also wish to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of these young athletes who made up the Samuel Hearne Secondary School Track Team. I particularly wish to acknowledge the efforts of Heidi Harry. She was awarded the gold medal for the bantam girls. Heidi placed first in the 400 metre, first in the high jump, second in the 800 metre, and third in the 1,500 metre.

Shane Gordon was awarded a silver medal for the juvenile boys. Shane placed first in the 5,000 metre, first in the 800 metre and first in the 1,500 metre. Another young athlete who is worthy of mention is Corbus de Klerk, who competed in the senior category. He placed first in the 800 metre, first in the 1,500 metre and first in the 5,000 long jump.

This track team should be proud of their accomplishment of being recognized as the top school team at this prestigious track meet in which over 1,100 young athletes participated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased today to share some very good news, that is the publication of Bishop John Sperry's book, Igloo Dwellers Were My Church. I am proud to say Bishop Sperry is one of my constituents.

In this very noteworthy book, Bishop Sperry tells the story of the life of he and his family while he was a missionary with the Inuit people in the Kitikmeot region of what is now Nunavut. He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a missionary in the Canadian Arctic. A series of coincidences, which he explains as the mysterious ways in which God moves, resulted in his coming to Coppermine, now Kuglugtuk, in 1950 as an Anglican missionary.

This is a fascinating slice of first-hand history of a unique time in the Kitikmeot. It begins when the Inuit were still living in traditional nomadic groups and continues into the time when they began living permanently in communities. To serve his parish, John Sperry first had to learn Inuktitut. He became so fluent he was able to translate the gospels and acts of the New Testament and several other documents of the Anglican faith into Inuinnaqtun.

This allowed the Kitikmeot Inuit to worship in their own language for the first time. John Sperry travelled approximately 3,000 miles a year, by dog team in winter and by boat in summer, serving his parishioners in the far-flung camps. He brought them not only the word of God, but also mail, news from other people in the region and medical and dental services.

Bishop Sperry's book is not only a record of the traditional ways of life in the Kitikmeot in the 50s and 60s, but also a personal account of a family man much admired for his sensitivity and compassion. He and his wife Elisabeth are still warmly loved by all those whom they have served. They are appreciated for their kindness and help during both good times and bad times, such as epidemics and food shortages. Mr. Speaker, I would like to publicly express my gratitude to Bishop Sperry for writing this very significant book, which preserves this unique window of time in the history of the Arctic. I urge everyone to join me in congratulating Bishop Sperry on the publication of this book. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, many people have expressed concern to me about water quality. The North Slave Metis Alliance and Metis elders in this area have talked to me frequently about the need to manage our water very carefully.

Last week, I held a constituency meeting for the people of Detah and Ndilo. A number of elders, including George Blondin, Alfred Ballairgeon and Michelle Paper, spoke on the legacy of clean water they had received from their elders. They reminded me of my youth, a time when I remember being able to drink from any stream without concern for my health or the health of the creatures that live in the water.

The elders in Detah and Ndilo feel strongly about preserving clean water for generations to come, so much so that they personally requested I raise this issue in the House. At my constituency meeting, the elders spoke eloquently about what they have seen happen to water quality in their lifetime. They spoke about the impact of mining and community development, especially in the early days of Yellowknife when people became ill from raw sewage flowing into Yellowknife Bay and Back Bay.

Mr. Speaker, clean water is a legacy that the people of Yellowknife, Detah and Ndilo want their children to inherit. As MLA for Weledeh, I support this desire and I will continue to work with the other Yellowknife MLAs to ensure that we make this happen. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Dent on Monday, June 11, 2001, regarding the operational change at Stanton Hospital.

Privatization of laundry and housekeeping services was included in the board's proposed deficit recovery plan. Although the proposed deficit recovery plan has not been finalized, I gave final approval of the privatization initiative on March 27, 2001.

Privatization of these services will involve the elimination of nine positions at the hospital. The Stanton board has worked closely with the department, the Financial Management Board Secretariat and corporate human resources to ensure that all requirements of the collective agreement and Staff Retention Policy are followed.

On April 25, 2001, the Stanton Regional Health Board issued letters to housekeeping and laundry staff advising them of their affected status. This procedure is consistent with the Government of the Northwest Territories Staff Retention Policy. Board staff have held initial meetings with affected staff to discuss their options under that policy, and will continue to work with them until all decisions are made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for the Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to recognize a couple of people today. I cannot see who is all up there, but I wanted to recognize Faye Stark, a long-time resident and nurse from Fort Providence who is here today. Also, my brother, Bob McLeod, a former resident of the Deh Cho and deputy minister of RWED. Both have received a public recognition award today and I would like to congratulate them and welcome them both. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I as well would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Bob Sanderson, superintendent for FMBS out of Fort Smith and also one of the house parents for the Western Arctic Leadership Program. One of the lesser lights, his wife is obviously the main force in that relationship, but I would like to recognize him and congratulate him as well on being recognized. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize Mr. Ray Young. I met Ray approximately 28 years ago when I first came to Hay River as an impressionable 18-year-old. We shared a few shifts at the RCMP detachment, working midnight shifts as guards. He also taught two of my children. I would like to pay tribute to him today. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to have the opportunity to recognize someone from my constituency in this House. I would like to recognize Julian Tomlinson, a very dedicated worker in Inuvik, who works for the Aurora Campus. As well, he has put himself greatly into other community activities. I would like to welcome him here today.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Violet Edgi from Fort Good Hope and John Wilderspin from Norman Wells, who are joining us in the gallery today. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

An advisor to many of us. Thank you, Mr. Nitah. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize some people. A couple of them are really well known here. First of all, I would like to recognize Lew Voytilla. Lew Voytilla, as you all know, received a national award a few weeks ago. We congratulate him on his exemplary service in the public service.

I would also like to recognize Liz Snider, the secretary to Cabinet, and one of my good constituents, Kayhan Nadji, who works with Public Works and Services. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to recognize a good friend of mine in the gallery. He is not a constituent of mine, Ray Young. I know he has already been recognized, but I would like to recognize him as well. He came to Hay River about the same time I did, about 31 years ago. I would also like to wish him well in his new career that he is about to undertake in the golfing world.

-- Laughter

I would also like to congratulate all of the long-service award recipients who are up there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Thank you all for coming to the Legislative Assembly and participating in the day's activities. Congratulations and happy retirement from this day onward.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, June 11, I asked the Minister of Health and Social Services about privatization of laundry services at Stanton Hospital. In her responses on pages 298 and 299 of unedited Hansard, the Minister stated she had "...heard of board deliberations around the issue of privatization." She went on to say, "I am not sure of the time lines or what the status is of any decisions around that are at this point in time."

Mr. Speaker, yesterday in response to a question about the privatization of the laundry services, she told the House, and I quote again from unedited Hansard, page 486, that she "...signed off on the approval of those as per the recommendation, advice that I was provided with." She confirmed that again in her response to the oral question that she just provided the House a few minutes ago, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, if the Minister forgot that she signed off on this initiative in March, it calls into question the process. I would like to ask the Minister, how detailed was the examination of this initiative?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in previous questions the Member asked on this subject, the negotiations and discussions took place between senior officials in my department and senior officials with the Stanton Board and senior management. I was not directly involved in those discussions, but acted on the advice that came to me from my department as a result of those discussions being concluded. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister did say yesterday that she signed off on this decision. She is taking ultimate responsibility for having made the decision. Again I would ask, was she satisfied that this initiative was looked at in some detail? Has she satisfied herself of that?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I was the one who was responsible for final approval of those decisions on the privatization initiatives. I was satisfied with the advice that was provided to me in the preparation of those communications to the chair of the Stanton Board, Mr. Elkin, before forwarding that correspondence. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. According to section 38.02 of the collective agreement between the UNW and this government, the employers are required to "provide information, including the rationale relevant to the work that is being reviewed for the potential of contracting out." If this was followed as part of the whole detailed process that the Minister is confident was followed, will she please table that rationale in this House?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the initiative came forward from the Stanton Board and the senior staff at Stanton. We would expect that all authorities, policies and regulations would be adhered to. Due to the delegative authority and autonomy of the boards, I would have to check to ensure that it would be proper for me to provide that rationale in the House for tabling. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Final supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the collective agreement between the UNW and this government is not between the UNW and the hospital board. It is between the UNW and the Government of the Northwest Territories. If that is set out in that agreement, then this government must make sure that was followed.

I am asking, and I will ask again, will the Minister table the rationale that was provided pursuant to section 38.02 of the collective agreement between this government and the UNW?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said, I will have to check with the department and the board on that, so I will take that question as notice. Thank you.

Thank you. That final question has been taken as notice, Mr. Dent. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a very good question and an issue that we have been aware of, Mr. Speaker, once we looked at some of the areas of costs that could impact individuals. We just completed a survey, Mr. Speaker, to look at the increase in food prices across the Territory and we are looking at some changes in our program. We also are taking some time to look at the impact of the taxes that may come in to see what kind of impact it will have. At that point, we will look at additional changes if warranted. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are going to, on an annual basis, look at reviewing the amount of income support that is supplied in relationship to changes that may take place, Mr. Speaker. I cannot guarantee that we will increase prices because it does depend somewhat on the impact of those increases and the percentage of increase it will cause, and certainly we will keep that mind. We have been thinking along that line. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Before I ask the honourable Minister to respond, I just want to caution the Member to be careful in the line of questioning here. You are going pretty close to some issues that are on the agenda for later today. I have allowed considerable latitude and I will continue to do that, but it is just a caution. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned, we have just completed a survey and are looking at some changes, Mr. Speaker. The Member has a very good point. As increases are impacted upon people here in the Territories -- what area, how are we responding -- we will certainly be sensitive to any increases that come in. I cannot guarantee, though, Mr. Speaker, that we can react immediately to that because I think we have to look at this on a more regular basis and on a more consistent basis rather than reacting every time some increase comes in. Certainly I understand what the Member is getting at and we are prepared to look at this on a regular basis. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Your final supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the Member, in all likelihood, means transportation, food costs, fuel costs and so forth. I should state, Mr. Speaker, for those who might not be familiar, we do pay for accommodation and we do pay for fuel, so individuals are not impacted in that fashion. Certainly as I stated earlier in my reply, we will be sensitive to those that are out there on income support. We also will look at, if there are dramatic increases, to immediately do that, but on an annual basis or on a regular basis, I think is best. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley. It is with regard to the initiative that this government is looking at on the whole area of hydro development and his responsibility as the Minister for the protection of the human resource sector in regard to the wildlife and also the environment. I would like to ask the Minister exactly when is he intending to ensure that the public is informed on these initiatives and exactly how they will be consulted when these developments happen by way of public meetings or information going out so that they can review it. I would like to ask the Minister exactly when was he planning to ensure that the public is involved in the consultation process of any of these initiatives?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have been talking about the hydro potential within the system for several months now since they did the hydro generation study. We have recently had discussions with the people in the South Slave, particularly with the South Slave Metis, with the Salt River First Nations and some of the Akaitcho chiefs. I also attended and gave a presentation at the Dene chiefs meeting at which the Gwich'in were well represented, along with everybody else, a couple of weeks ago in Fort Providence.

I have also sent a letter out to all of the leaders indicating that I am ready and prepared to meet with aboriginal leaders to discuss the concept of hydro power, the pros and cons of doing it. I have an invitation, as I speak, to go to a number of assemblies, including the Dene Assembly, the South Slave Metis again, the Fort Smith Metis and so on. I expect to discuss this concept over the summer.

I want to point out, Mr. Speaker, that this is not at a proposal stage. This is simply a concept we are looking at. It has tremendous potential. It has tremendous environmental advantages for us. I think it has many positive sides in terms of the bigger picture of protecting our environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is well and good, but the people who are downstream from all these developments are the ones who are going to feel the impacts associated with those developments, from our experience with the Bennett Dam in BC. I would like to ask the Minister, when will you start considering looking at the implications in regards to the residents of the Northwest Territories with respect to the wildlife activities, and also the aboriginal rights relating to water and the management of those waters?

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

Mr. Speaker, I have to comment on the use of the word "dams". The Member has brought it up in his question. I have never talked about building dams. We are talking about building flow of the river turbines, or hydro projects. Mr. Speaker, the Member earlier on made reference to me saying that we were going to build three dams on the Mackenzie River. I have checked the transcripts of all of the interviews I have done recently and I have never used the word or referred to building dams. I am not talking about dams.

CBC, I notice, have used the word dams fairly liberally. What we are talking about is flow of the river. It might back water up as high as the traditional high water mark, but we are not talking about dams like the Bennett River Dam and the Hoover Dam and those sorts of things. That is not what we are talking about at all. We need to clarify that.

This summer, as we go around, I want to talk to people about the pros and cons of harnessing some of our hydro potential. We have huge potential. I intend to do that over the summer, listen to what people are saying. Developing the hydro potential will go nowhere without aboriginal leadership support on it. As we get support from the leadership in general for the concept of hydro projects, then we will start to go into the communities and talk to people at that level about this. We will not go there without the concurrence of the aboriginal leadership. Thank you.

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