Thank you. I understand Her Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, is prepared to enter the Chamber and give the opening address. Mr. Clerk, would you please attend to and escort the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories into the Chamber.

Thank you. Before we begin the orders of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the pastor, Liz Richards, for her invocation. As well, the choir from Sir John Franklin High School with conductor Bill Gilday, for helping us with O Canada. Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6), so that all Ministers' statements filed with the Clerk can be delivered today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) in order to allow the completion of Ministers' statements. Are there any nays? There being no nays, item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Premier Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I also welcome Members of this Legislative Assembly back to the House for the start of our Fourth Session.

Today I will give you an overview of our work since the February session and updates on key initiatives to provide context for the progress reports that Ministers will be giving during this session. I will also share my thoughts on the work that lies ahead of us all.

Towards a Better Tomorrow, the agenda of the 14th Assembly, provides broad strategic direction to the Government of the Northwest Territories based on four key priorities:

1. Self-reliant individuals, families and communities, working with governments toward improving social well-being;
2. Better governance through partnerships;
3. A northern-controlled economy that is balanced, diversified, stable and vibrant; and,
4. Adequate resources helping all levels of government to become more self-reliant in meeting the needs of the people they serve.

At the time of its release, the Legislative Assembly told the public that Towards a Better Tomorrow would serve as the measure of its accountability. My Cabinet colleagues and I take that commitment very seriously.

It is important that we continue to work together as a Caucus and that all Members of this Legislative Assembly have the opportunity for ongoing input to help guide and direct the work of government. There is much work yet to be done.

On May 22, the second Intergovernmental Forum took place in Inuvik. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jim Antoine, RWED Minister Joseph Handley and I participated in this important meeting attended by aboriginal leaders from across the Northwest Territories and by the federal Minister, Robert Nault.

The Intergovernmental Forum was established as a means for allowing aboriginal governments, the federal government and the territorial government to come together to share information and to make joint decisions. It is the first and only forum of its kind in Canada -- one that respects the place of aboriginal governments as equals at the table.

Mr. Speaker, elected leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Principles at the Inuvik meeting, which will guide the relationships of the parties of the Intergovernmental Forum. This represents a significant commitment by all three parties to operate the forum on a government-to-government basis. As well, Minister Nault has reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government to this process. This process supports better governance through partnerships, a key priority of our agenda.

On the critical issue of devolution and resource revenue sharing, leaders endorsed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI). This paper sets out the objectives, principles and process for future devolution talks and includes a commitment by the parties to seek instructions and appoint negotiators by March 31, 2002.

The successful conclusion of agreements on devolution and resource revenue sharing will allow our government and aboriginal governments of the Northwest Territories full access to the substantial revenues being generated through the development of our non-renewable resources and will give us greater control over how development takes place. This is critical to helping us achieve our vision of self-sufficiency.

The Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, will be providing further details on the progress made at the most recent Intergovernmental Forum meeting.

Mr. Speaker, capacity building was also a focus of the Intergovernmental Forum. Aboriginal governments have made it clear that capacity is an issue if they are to be effective partners in the process and to cope with increasing responsibility and demands which are affecting aboriginal, territorial and municipal governments. Capacity also includes the ability of individual residents to participate in economic development opportunities.

The task force report on aboriginal communities and non-renewable resource development, launched yesterday in Yellowknife by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, brings national recognition to our capacity-building requirements.

This government is prepared to do its part to assist with capacity building for aboriginal governments and organizations, the non-governmental sector, municipalities, the NWT workforce and within our own public service.

Mr. Speaker, steady progress is being made to conclude aboriginal and treaty rights negotiations in the Northwest Territories. On May 23rd, Minister Antoine and I joined the DIAND Minister, Deh Cho chiefs and the people of the Deh Cho in Fort Simpson to celebrate the signing of the Deh Cho Framework Agreement and the Deh Cho Interim Measures Agreement. Deh Cho people have much work ahead of them to implement the Interim Measures Agreement and to begin negotiations on an agreement-in-principle. I wish them well in this work.

The work of the Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-Government and the Sunset Clause is also underway. Range Lake MLA Ms. Sandy Lee and Minister Antoine will serve as committee co-chairs, ensuring coordination between the important work of this committee and the work of the government.

Negotiations are progressing and our relationships with aboriginal groups and governments are very good. During session, Minister Antoine will report on progress being made at the negotiating tables.

As the system of governance changes in the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories must remain responsible to the needs of the people it serves. We have taken some preliminary steps in this regard, which will enable us to continue to effectively deliver programs and services in this changing environment, particularly through our regional offices. We will keep this House apprised as this work unfolds.

Mr. Speaker, when we took office, we were faced with a fiscal forecast that we would hit our borrowing limit within a year. We expected to have little money for investment and proactive measures. Since that time, several positive developments have given us some breathing room and investment flexibility.

Tomorrow, the Honourable Joe Handley, Minister responsible for Finance, will provide an update on our fiscal position, how revised forecasts will affect business planning and changes to our tax regimes.

Mr. Speaker, energy and the environment were key agenda items at the Western Premiers' Conference held in Moose Jaw on May 30th to 31st, which I attended. Climate change, sustainable development and production of environmentally friendly energy sources were discussed. I will provide more detail on the outcomes of our conference in a ministerial statement, and I expect that energy will also be an important topic at the Annual Premiers' Conference in early August in Victoria. Also, some of us expect to attend a U.S. Western Governors' Conference in Idaho that will focus on energy, also in the middle of August.

Mr. Speaker, energy means oil, gas and hydroelectric power. All of us have experienced the economic impact on increased demand for energy in Canada and the United States. While this has resulted in a welcome boom in employment, business opportunities and revenues for the people of the Mackenzie Delta, Sahtu and Deh Cho, where energy reserves are located, it has also resulted in increased energy costs for everyone.

While the governments of Canada and United States are now aware, very aware, of the significant oil and gas reserves within the Northwest Territories, we still have much to learn and to report to the people of the Northwest Territories about the immense hydroelectric potential of Northwest Territories' rivers. Over the next two years, we will continue to examine the feasibility of developing this potential to provide long-term revenue sources for both aboriginal and territorial governments. It is worth noting that this potential can be reached using the natural flow or "run of the river" without extensive flooding, thereby minimizing any adverse environmental impacts.

With the release of the proposed U.S. National Energy Policy, our government foresees increased interest in accessing our oil, gas and hydro resources. The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development will provide a progress report on developing our energy reserves. He will review what we are doing to maximize benefits for the people of the Northwest Territories, to protect the land and environment and to see that territorial concerns are considered in Canada's response to the proposed U.S. National Energy Policy.

We have also heard from residents and this Legislature that energy resource development must result in clean, affordable and accessible energy for our residents, our people. Presently, departments and agencies are undertaking separate initiatives to reduce energy costs for consumers ranging from the Greenhouse Gas Strategy to energy conservation to developing alternatives to diesel generation of power and heat.

To coordinate this work and to prepare an Energy Strategy to guide energy development and use within the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to announce today the establishment of an Energy Secretariat within the Department of Executive. I will lead the new Energy Secretariat, which will have a two-year mandate. I look forward to working with aboriginal and municipal governments, industry and other stakeholders to develop a Northwest Territories Energy Strategy.

Maximizing Northern Employment is a key priority of this government and the people we serve. Full employment is essential to the development of healthy, self-reliant communities and a diversified economy.

The current period of unprecedented economic activity has significantly increased the demand for skilled technicians and trades people. Ensuring residents can take advantage of these opportunities is challenging. We must work in partnership to develop the training initiatives needed so residents can access employment in any sector of our economy.

Later in this session, the Honourable Jake Ootes, Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, will provide this House with a full report on the exciting work being done in this area.

Increased revenues and new employment opportunities are positive impacts that accompany resource development. However, there are also negative impacts associated with development, including increased wear and tear on our roads and highways. Government must mitigate against such impacts. To maintain and improve the safety of our existing highways, the Honourable Vince Steen, Minister responsible for Transportation, is leading the government's effort to implement a Highway Investment Strategy, in part by establishing commercial vehicle trip permits and fees.

We recognize that fees are seldom popular. However, we must be prepared to do our part to maintain and improve our road system, and we are looking to the commercial transport industry to pay its fair share of costs associated with its use of public highways.

During this session, legislation will be introduced to provide for the commercial vehicle trip permits. In four years' time, the people travelling on our territorial highways should be pleased by the dramatic improvements that the Highway Investment Strategy has brought about in the quality and safety of our public highways.

Mr. Speaker, our government wants to see all residents realize their potential. This requires everyone to be healthy in body, mind and spirit. That is why we are committed to moving forward on a Social Agenda Framework. This will help us address the social issues that prevent people from being productive members of their families and in their communities. Progress in this area is as important to achieving the vision of Towards a Better Tomorrow as are devolution, resource revenue sharing and non-renewable resource development.

The Honourable Jane Groenewegen, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, is leading this important work which will begin with a Social Agenda Conference being organized in cooperation with non-governmental organizations and aboriginal groups from across the Northwest Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories will host this conference on the Hay River Reserve on June 19-20. It will bring together front-line service delivery experts, aboriginal and community leaders, Members of the Legislature and policy makers. I hope that all Members of the Legislative Assembly will make an effort to attend this watershed event.

Together, we want to produce a Social Agenda Framework for everyone -- the Government of the Northwest Territories, social agencies and the people living in our communities. The Deputy Premier will be providing this House with detailed information on the Social Agenda Conference and the development of a Social Agenda Framework.

Mr. Speaker, our children are the future. The young people of the Northwest Territories have prospects and opportunities before them that are vastly different from those of their parents. They need our support and encouragement to prepare for life's challenges, to complete their education and to reach their full potential.

Our government feels a special responsibility towards young people, a responsibility reflected by the appointment of the Honourable Roger Allen as Minister responsible for Youth; a portfolio which he approaches with passion and enthusiasm.

Helping residents, and especially our young people, to lead healthier lives is one of the key priorities we have identified in Towards a Better Tomorrow. Later in this session, Minister Allen will inform Members of the activities he is undertaking as Minister responsible for Youth.

Mr. Speaker, with the activity underway in the Northwest Territories, our government and officials have been busy. We have worked hard in recent months to implement our key priorities and initiatives. Much of the credit must go to the members of our public service. I am impressed every day by their professionalism and competence. They put in long hours and demonstrate great dedication.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories for helping us to get the job done.

Mr. Speaker, tourism is a growing industry worldwide -- particularly adventure and cultural tourism. Last year, 35,000 tourists visited the Northwest Territories, spending just over $30 million. Because we want to see the number of tourists grow, NWT Arctic Tourism Association has worked with the Canadian Tourism Commission to set up a new $1.8 million marketing partnership. The $900,000 being invested by the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development will be matched by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development will also work with partners to improve and increase tourism attractions and services. Tourism is an important economic sector. It is one of the few economic opportunities available to small communities in the Northwest Territories. It is a cornerstone for diversifying our economy and it creates a stable market for arts and crafts, which embody our rich, northern heritage and cultural traditions.

Mr. Speaker, with all of the exciting opportunities taking place here, we continue to think about the work that the Government of the Northwest Territories is doing to ensure that the people of the Northwest Territories benefit from resource development opportunities, and we keep coming back to one conclusion.

It is not about the number of oil and gas jobs we get. It is not about how many miles of pipeline we build, nor is it about how many millions of dollars in revenues we raise. The value of our work lies in being able to improve the lives of the people who live here. That is how our success should be measured in the years and decades to come.

All of us want to live in vibrant, stable communities, speaking our own languages and immersed in the rich, cultural fabric that is our heritage.

Our goal is to ensure that residents, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal, whether living in large centres or small communities, all lead healthy, productive lives and have the opportunity to raise their children in communities steeped in rich cultural and linguistic traditions. All of us must work to protect, preserve and enrich our cultures and our languages to ensure that we do everything we can to see that they continue and that they thrive. At the end of the day, it is all about preserving the unique identify of the Northwest Territories that sets us apart.

A gradual process is underway - we are gaining a new collective sense of identify as people of the Northwest Territories. I feel a responsibility as Premier to make sure that the work of this government contributes to that process in the months and years to come.

In this context, I would like to take a moment to talk about National Aboriginal Day. During this session, we intend to introduce legislation that would propose to designate June 21st, National Aboriginal Day, as a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories commencing in 2002. The government is introducing this legislation in response to support expressed by some of our municipalities and aboriginal organizations, and led by the MLA for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

I am aware that this may raise concerns for some members of the business community and that some of your constituents may have already expressed their concerns to you as Members of the Legislative Assembly.

I have tried to paint a picture for you today describing the ways that all of this increased economic activity is connected. We are entering a new era of cooperation, and much progress is being made in large measure because aboriginal people at last feel that their voices are being heard and that they are being included in the decision-making affecting their lives.

Think, then, of the tremendous expression of goodwill towards the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories that would result from broad public support for the designation of National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday. Think about what a powerful statement we will be making to the rest of Canada when we become the first jurisdiction in the country to honour National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday.

It would send a resounding and positive message about the place and importance of aboriginal cultures in the rich mosaic of the Northwest Territories. It would tell us and the rest of Canada what kind of a territory this is; what kind of people we are. If, in a spirit of harmony, we can acknowledge the aspirations of the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories and support them to reach their goals, while at the same time respecting the diversity of all our residents, then we will have made a major contribution in defining the emerging Northwest Territories.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Chairs and members of the standing committees for their support, contribution and willingness to work together to meet the needs of our constituents and to fulfill the vision we articulated one year ago in Towards a Better Tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, these are exciting and historic times. Since division, we have been building and developing a new identity for ourselves as a territory. Our ability to work together sets us apart from the people of most other places. With our combined resolve and creative energies, we can preserve our cultural heritage while at the same time being able to seize the opportunities before us. While we have made progress, we have a tremendous amount of work still ahead of us. Thank you very much.

-- Applause

Mahsi, Mr. Premier. Thank you, Premier Kakfwi. Item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Seniors, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week marks a special celebration. From June 3rd to 9th we are recognizing Northwest Territories Seniors' Week. The slogan "Recognizing Northwest Territories Seniors and Elders -- Contributing to the Future" was chosen in recognition of the significant contributions of seniors and elders to the growth and well-being of our communities.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, seniors are a vital and significant source of knowledge and guidance in our communities. Seniors are our living heritage -- they connect us to our past and provide wisdom for the future.

Seniors' Week offers us an opportunity to:

• • recognize, honour and respect senior citizens in the Northwest Territories;
• • highlight the positive contributions that seniors and elders are making in their communities; and
• • promote understanding of, and encourage positive attitudes towards, seniors and elders, and aging.

As Minister responsible for Seniors, I wish to highlight some events that are taking place this week. Today in the Great Hall there was a special luncheon ceremony to launch Seniors' Week and recognize recipients of the first ever Respected Elder Awards. I, along with my colleague Roger Allen, the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, co-hosted this ceremony. We were pleased with both the interest demonstrated by the community and by Members of the Legislative Assembly.

The Respected Elder Awards were introduced as part of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards in this, the Year of the Volunteer. There were five regional recipients and one territorial recipient, all present for today's luncheon. They are:

• • Rosie Sewi of Deline;
• • Steven Rowan of Fort Simpson;
• • Ben Greenfield of Hay River;
• • Phillip Nitsiza of Wha Ti;
• • Lizzie Beaulieu of Fort Resolution; and
• • Esther Braden of Yellowknife.

It was with great pleasure that we celebrated the achievements and contributions of these seniors in our communities by honouring them with these awards.

As part of recognizing Seniors' Week, I would also like to pass on congratulations to Sarah Simon who recently celebrated her 100th birthday in Inuvik and to Michel Sikyea who is celebrating his 100th birthday with a party this afternoon at the Aven Centre in Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in a heartfelt round of applause for all the recipients of the Respected Elder Awards and for all Northwest Territories seniors and elders who are making a difference in all of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, everyone. Mr. Speaker,

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland, that Minister's Statement 1-14(4) titled Sessional Statement, be moved into committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As our colleague, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, has just made a statement about, this is Seniors' Week in the Northwest Territories. It marks an occasion when we can come together to celebrate the involvement and the influence that our seniors and our elders continue to have in our society. It is a time when we can come together as Northerners and legislators and make sure we are doing the best we can for seniors.

Among the many programs this government already provides, Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that we provide the resources and funds for seniors to help themselves through groups and associations like the Northwest Territories Seniors' Society. I think this is perhaps the best kind of help we can provide, for seniors have made it abundantly clear that they are more than capable of helping themselves.

We need to recognize, Mr. Speaker, that in the past decade, the Northwest Territories population of people over 50 years of age has increased by some 60 percent. It is the fastest growing part of our society. Are we preparing our health and social systems to be ready for this increase? Do we in this Assembly understand that we are, as my colleague Mr. Miltenberger pointed out, the junior elders of tomorrow? That we will have to live with the plans we make today?

This is a week when we can all come together to celebrate the achievements of our parents and grandparents, neighbours and community friends who have had a hand in shaping this community, this North, and our lives over the years and the decades.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, it is a rare privilege for me to stand here today and acknowledge the honour bestowed by her peers on one of those amazing people, my mother Esther, recipient of this year's Respected Elder Award for the Northwest Territories.

We heard at lunch of her many contributions to friends and community here in Yellowknife, across the Northwest Territories, and nationally. She is a leader, a pioneer and a role model for her five children and eight grandchildren. She is the strongest and the wisest woman I know. From my family, Mom, we love you, we cherish you, and we are so proud of everything you have done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Indeed, congratulations to your mother, Mrs. Braden. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, 13 students and three chaperones from Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson crossed the swollen Peel River on their way to Whitehorse, and had to be carried the last few metres to shore. As we speak, those 13 students from grade 6 to grade 12 and three chaperones are landing in London, England on the start of a ten-day European tour. From London, they will be flying to Rome, Italy, arriving at 9 p.m. tonight.

Thanks to the Premier, Mr. James Ross and the District Education Authority of Fort McPherson, the students will have the extraordinary privilege of having a special audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican tomorrow. I would like to take this time to thank the Premier and Mr. James Ross publicly for taking the time out of their busy schedule to arrange the audience with the Pope.

The students and chaperones will travel to Florence, Italy, on their way to Monaco, and from there to France, then to Spain before returning back to Canada on June 15th. The students, staff and community of Fort McPherson are to be commended on the extraordinary efforts made to fundraise so that they could undertake the privilege of having their students take the trip of a lifetime.

Believe it or not, Mr. Speaker, those students, their parents, the school staff and the community raised the necessary $70,000 in only nine months. On behalf of the students and the chaperones, I would like to thank corporate sponsors such as Enbridge Pipelines, TransCanada Pipelines, Westcoast Energy, Genesis Exploration, Petro-Canada, Ninety North Construction, Northern Transportation Company, Pentastar Transportation, and also Cal Tire and other corporate sponsors. Without those generous contributions and donations, the people of Fort McPherson would not have the privilege and support for their children to take such a trip.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the students...

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

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. Krutko, you may continue.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the students who were on this trip. They set a goal and they have seriously learned that when you set a goal and you put work and effort into it, you can accomplish anything. With that, I wish them all the best in their trip, and have a safe trip home. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first of all commend the government and the Minister responsible for Education for moving more quickly than required to lower the pupil-teacher ratio in the Northwest Territories. The recent announcement that additional money will be put into schools is indeed welcome. This will allow educational authorities to hire more teachers and lower the average pupil-teacher ratio from 17 to 16.5 to one, a year ahead of what is required by legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I think this sets a good precedent. Bill 1, which was passed by this Legislature, was a good bill, but the standards set in that bill, Mr. Speaker, should be seen as minimum requirements. Since this bill sets an average standard, if we just meet those standards, we are obviously going to have many classrooms that are above average in size.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that in other jurisdictions, the pupil-teacher ratio, particularly in the northern and remote areas of the provinces, is much lower than the average in that jurisdiction. For instance, in Labrador, the pupil-teacher ratio is much lower than if you take the whole province into consideration. In northern Alberta, the pupil-teacher ratio is very low. The last time I checked, the Northland School District had a pupil-teacher ratio of about 12 to one. Mr. Speaker, that is in a province that has the highest pupil-teacher ratio in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I would argue that we should strive to achieve the levels that we see in the northern and remote areas of other parts of Canada, rather than being satisfied with approaching -- not meeting, but just approaching -- the national average. We could make no more significant investment than in the education of our young people. In fact, Mr. Speaker, that would be the most effective and important investment we could possibly make.

It costs much more to teach adults, Mr. Speaker. How can you even measure the cost to society of the lost potential of those who do not succeed? We must invest more and earlier in our kids' lives.

Mr. Speaker, a study released just three weeks ago, which followed kids who were born in 1980, found that early intervention programs like Head Start had a dramatic impact on keeping young people in school later on in life. The impact, Mr. Speaker, was especially dramatic on boys, who typically drop out more often than girls.

So, Mr. Speaker, I would call on this government to continue to lead, to set the example and not just follow the minimum standards set by the amendments we made in Bill 1, and invest more heavily in lowering the pupil-teacher ratio and in early education programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Mahsi, Mr. Nitah. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to be back here with all of you, and I look forward to a very productive session. The last time I had the opportunity to address my colleagues in this Chamber there was a very cool breeze blowing here in Yellowknife, and indeed across all of our Territory. Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, that breeze has warmed up considerably and I might go as far as to say that summer has arrived.

Mr. Speaker, there is a certain magic about this time of year, and it shows up in all of our communities and on our streets. People cannot wait to put away their winter clothes and don their much cooler summer outfits.

Mr. Speaker, our walking trails, our parks and our ball diamonds come alive with all sorts of summer activities. We also see people airing out their tents and cleaning out their campers and motor homes, getting ready for their first camping trip of the year. And why not, Mr. Speaker? The days are very long, we have just come through a very long winter and, best of all, the bugs are not too bad yet.

Mr. Speaker, one thing that can put a damper on a weekend camping trip is to get to your favourite camping location and find that there are no sites left or, worse yet, Mr. Speaker, to find a gate across the entrance that is locked, thus denying everyone the pleasure of using the campground.

Mr. Speaker, the campground at Escarpment Creek just south of Enterprise has been enjoyed by many residents of Hay River and surrounding areas for several years. It is considered by many, myself included, Mr. Speaker, to be one of the best campgrounds for a weekend getaway.

Mr. Speaker, on a number of occasions last summer, I drove down to the Escarpment Creek campground with out-of-town guests. We were going to enjoy a barbecue, and I was going to show them the picturesque scenery from this location, only to find the gate closed and locked. Mr. Speaker, this situation exists at Escarpment Creek campground again this year. It has been brought to my attention by a number of constituents.

Mr. Speaker, this is a territorial campground funded by public money. I say remove the lock, open the gate and allow our residents to enjoy the short summer season as much as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk briefly about the Territorial Women's Correctional Centre, also known as TWCC. It is a correctional centre located in Fort Smith, and has been there for a number of years. This particular facility is one of the best in Canada, if not North America. It did not get that way by accident. It got there because it had very capable and qualified staff, and a very educated and experienced warden. A warden who is only now there on a temporary basis as they look for a replacement. It has been some time since this facility has had a permanent warden.

I have watched for many months as the facility has laboured on and I have been waiting to see what is going to happen with that position, because it is a key one. It provides leadership and direction and will help maintain the good work that has been done in the last ten years or so.

I do have a letter from the Minister responsible for Justice indicating he was going to staff it by public competition. I am waiting to see if in fact that will be done and what will happen. This is an important program and it is long overdue to have a permanent warden. Later today, I will be asking the Minister responsible for Justice for an update on this particular situation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To start the session off today, I would like to discuss several education issues that I have had some dealings with and time to think about. First, I would like to acknowledge some good work on the part of the Department of Education, especially in the area of summer student hiring.

The program this year, Mr. Speaker, is certainly night and day from past years. The website was a great idea. I think there are still some wrinkles to be ironed out, as is to be expected with any new program, but I believe the department is doing good work in this area. I would like to applaud the Minister for his work.

I do have some concerns with, as Mr. Dent has already raised, the issue of the Canadian average PTR. We are still funding at a much lower rate than the rest of Canada on average and certainly, as he has indicated, much lower than other rural and northern areas. I think this is something we need to target and move closer toward. We have put some additional money into this recently, but I feel we are not really running through the finish line, Mr. Speaker. We are sort of putting a toe on it and saying, "Well, there we are. We have complied with legislation."

Another issue I would like to raise is a concern I have with the Memorandum of Understanding that our Premier signed with the NWTTA in January of 2000. It indicated that we are going to spend approximately $4.6 million in 2000-2001 incrementally for student support and PTR. The actuals, Mr. Speaker, sad to say, are $2.8 million. I am concerned about what I consider to be an issue of a missing $1.8 million that should have been put into PTR and student support funding, Mr. Speaker.

As well, I think a lot of constituents have raised concerns with the Education Act and the fact that they do not believe it speaks to averages. It seems to be education-body specific. I think any reasonable person who reads the act would assume that, Mr. Speaker. I do not believe our funding formula is complying with the legislation.

I have several concerns that I intend to raise with the Minister and will be doing so today and going forward. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to highlight for the House today a very important event for the people of the Deh Cho. On May 23rd, two historic agreements were signed at the papal grounds in Fort Simpson. Signing took place at the same site where Treaty 11 was signed in 1921. These two agreements mark a new era for the people of the Deh Cho.

Mr. Speaker, the Framework Agreement sets out how the Deh Cho will negotiate self-government with the federal and territorial governments. This document serves as a schedule or plan for negotiations between the GNWT, the Government of Canada and the Deh Cho First Nations. The Framework Agreement identifies boundaries for negotiations, including wildlife management, forestry, taxation, health and education.

Mr. Speaker, this is just the beginning of a longer process. Our second agreement, the Interim Measures Agreement, gives the First Nations a say in how the development occurs in Deh Cho lands while self-government negotiations are underway. Our self-government negotiations may take seven to eight years. The Interim Measures Agreement gives us the means of protecting our lands. We will be part of the decision-making process on what development occurs while we are in negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, these two agreements encompass 3,000 people in ten communities of the Northwest Territories. Our lands include approximately one-third of all of the communities in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, May 23, 2001 is a day in history for the people of the Deh Cho. We had the federal Minister of Indian Affairs, Mr. Nault; our Premier, Mr. Kakfwi; and Minister Antoine in attendance. It was a time for celebration. I want to thank the Premier and Minister Antoine for being part of that day.

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, our negotiations will take time. May 23rd just marked the beginning of a longer process. I wish the people of the Deh Cho well as we move towards self-government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I start out my Member's statement in this session, I would like to send greetings back home to my wife and children. Mr. Speaker, spring brings on a special feeling for many people in the Northwest Territories. I refer specifically, Mr. Speaker, to those who are preparing for graduation from their formal years of education, the K-12 system as we call it.

Mr. Speaker, I was fortunate to attend and be part of the ceremonies and the banquet of the graduation ceremonies in Inuvik on June 1, 2001. It was a special time, Mr. Speaker, to see the young men and women there preparing to move on. It was like a rite of individuals moving forward to become young men, women and adulthood. Many will be pursuing further levels of education and some will be looking into the job markets right away.

Mr. Speaker, during the banquet, I had also listened to an event they had. This was the first time I have attended their banquet. During the banquet, they held an event they call the prophecies, where they do a slight roast of all of the graduates. Listening to that, Mr. Speaker, I also had warning at that time that some of these graduates would be looking to challenge in the area of leadership when it comes to this Assembly. I look forward to that, and encourage them to step forward and to look wisely at the decisions they make in the near future.

I wish them the best in their writing of the exams as the end of the month comes by, and I also commend them for being positive role models to their brothers and sisters as well. I think it is something we need to celebrate and show that it is something we definitely look forward to and hope that they will be achieving their actual graduation certificate and moving forward to further levels of education. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for saving the best for last.

-- Laughter

I believe I am the last of the Members to speak here. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honour Seniors' Week this week and recognize all of the elders we have in the gallery today, along with honoured guests. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate and express our thanks to all those elders who were honoured for their contributions during the ceremony earlier today.

I am especially happy to have, for the very first time, the most important elder in my life, my mother, who I will be recognizing later, and also my aunt, who recently moved from Korea.

Mr. Speaker, a couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to attend a part of the workshop on elders abuse awareness held at Baker Centre in Yellowknife. I understand there will be a report arising out of that workshop and I look forward to getting their recommendations and acting upon them.

While I was sitting in the workshop, it made me think about the elders in my life. Not only those who are related to me, but elders I see around me. I realize that we constantly rely on our elders: mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and we take them for granted to meet all our needs. It seems to be forever, no matter how old we are or how old they are, and how able we are or how able they are. I know when I walk in the house or whenever I am in need, I expect my mom to be there to give me support.

At the same time, without even knowing that we are doing this, we practice ageism. Like every other "ism" in our society, such as sexism or racism, it is ever so subtle, harmful and hurtful. It is not right.

As years go by, as I come closer to being an elder myself, I am always surprised at how the elders I know have the same goals, dreams and desires. They have expectations about their life. They have great talent and skills and great experiences for us to learn from.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May I end the statement by saying perhaps it is because they are in a stage in their life where all the desires, needs and their appreciation for life is more pronounced, because they understand the concept more clearly about time and experiences. I do not think the rest of us, as individuals and a society, understand this enough. I think we have to take the time for this week, as Seniors' Week and Elders Week, to understand that we have to be aware of not practicing ageism, that we as legislators provide support and services and resources necessary to make sure that the elders and seniors in our society could fulfill and live their lives at their best ability, and that we appreciate them as much as all the other people in our society who need extra help. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too join Ms. Lee in thanking you for saving the best for last. Thank you.

-- Laughter

Mr. Speaker, today I would also like to recognize Michel Sikyea, who was born 100 years ago today and, as we speak, is enjoying his birthday party over at Aven Centre.

He had a very interesting life. He was orphaned at three years of age and lived at the Fort Resolution Mission until he was 18. In 1923, he and his wife Rose were married. He came to Yellowknife for the first time in 1928 for a visit and then moved here in 1934. He worked for Con Mine for 15 years, but on a part-time basis so he could have time for both he and his wife to continue to live a traditional lifestyle hunting and trapping at Moose Bay.

Michel also worked for the Town of Yellowknife in the 1950s, and in 1963 moved to N'Dilo. In fact, the main road leading into N'Dilo, Sikyea , is named after him. As was already mentioned, he is famous for having shot the million-dollar duck. That duck cost him one dollar: it cost the federal government one million dollars. That duck was, until recently, on display on the second floor in the Yellowknife Courthouse, a female mallard.

Mr. Sikyea and his wife live in the Aven Manor Home, where they moved in 1995. He and his family and friends are celebrating his 100th birthday today. Mr. Sikyea will receive birthday congratulations from Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Governor General. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Indeed, the congratulations of this Assembly go to Mr. Sikyea on achieving such a milestone in life, 100 years. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank you for saving the best for last.

-- Laughter

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to publicly recognize Cameron Clement, president of NTCL, as the Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce's Businessperson of the Year. Cameron is retiring from the NTCL later this year, so the timing of this award is even more appropriate.

Cameron has worked for NTCL for the past 32 years, and has been a full-time resident of Hay River for much of that time. He has held many different senior management positions with the company before being appointed vice-president in 1993. In 1995, Cameron was instrumental in relocating the head office for NTCL to Hay River from Edmonton. In 1996, he became president.

Under Cameron's leadership, NTCL has established itself as a prime contractor for resupply and delivery materials, including fuel to the Northwest Territories and Nunavut communities, as well as other circumpolar regions, including the north slope of Alaska.

Not only has Cameron made an outstanding contribution to NTCL, but he has also maintained a strong sense of community and commitment to local causes. He has ensured his company has been at the forefront in the sponsorship of community-based programs, including education, the HH Williams Hospital Foundation, the youth centre, sporting events including the Arctic Winter Games, the DARE Program, the food bank, the soup kitchen, Smart Communities and the development of community initiatives such as the Hay River Golf Club and the track and field facilities.

To those who know him, Cameron is a gentle and unassuming man, which belies the fact that many of us have had to bear the brunt of his combination of amazing wit and public speaking talent.

I am proud that Cameron's tremendous contribution to business in the North has been recognized, and I join in congratulating him for all of his achievements. I am pleased to take this opportunity to thank him for his consistent dedication to Hay River. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Are there any more "best for last" statements by Members? Item 4, Members' statements. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Colleagues, before I go to the floor on this, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a former Member of this Legislative Assembly, representing the Mackenzie Liard riding, and now a respected Metis elder, Mr. Bill Lafferty.

-- Applause

Also, I would like to recognize the Languages Commissioner for the Northwest Territories, Ms. Fibbie Tatti.

-- Applause

The Information and Privacy Commissioner for the Northwest Territories, Ms. Elaine Keenan-Bengts.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize several people here today: a familiar face, the deputy minister of RWED, Mr. Bob McLeod, and his wife, Melody, the chair of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Board. Visiting us for the first time here in the House is my mother, Forestine McLeod. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

It is always nice to welcome the parents of honourable Members. Mrs. McLeod, welcome to the Assembly. Do not be a stranger to us. Come back often. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to take the opportunity to do something I do not get a chance to do very often, recognize a constituent, Ms. Bea Campbell, the president of the NWT Seniors' Society in Fort Smith, who is here to help kick off this very important week. Welcome and thank you for coming.

-- Applause

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

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I see so many distinguished guests in the gallery. I am hoping that everyone there will be recognized eventually, but I hope I will be forgiven if I just recognize my family in the gallery, who is here for the first time. Mr. Speaker, my mother moved back from Toronto last summer. This is her first time being here, Taejeong Lee.

-- Applause

And, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce some family of mine: my cousin, his wife and two kids, and his mother moved from Korea about a month ago. I would just like to put them on record, Jaehoon Lee, Eunmi Lee, Eunseo Lee, Eunho Lee and Okhee Lee.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are some visitors from Hay River North, but I will let my colleague, Mr. Delorey, introduce them. I have two constituents here, Ben and Fran Greenfield, who I think have the best market garden and saskatoon orchard in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent of mine, Lloyd Brunes, who is also president of the NWT Seniors' Advisory Council, in the gallery. Although they are not my constituents, I would also like to recognize Ben and Fran Greenfield. I would also like to congratulate Ben on receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are many people in the gallery and I wanted to recognize some of my constituents, and maybe take the opportunity to introduce several others as well. First of all, a gentleman who has moved into my constituency -- I am not sure of what other Yellowknife constituency he was in before, but he is a very well-known Yellowknifer -- Ed Jeske. I would also like to recognize Esther Braden, who is one of my constituents; Larry Elkin, the chair of the Stanton Regional Hospital Board; and my wife, Marg Baille. Also, they are not constituents, but I would like to recognize my deputy minister, Penny Ballantyne; Gordon Stewart, the chair of the NWT Power Corporation; and Larry Pirka, the chair of the Yellowknife Catholic School Board No. 2. Welcome to the gallery.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two people, Barb Hood, the executive director of the NWT Seniors' Society, and my mother Esther. Thank you.

-- Applause

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. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all seniors with us today, especially Agnes Williams, who is a constituent of mine. As well, I would like to recognize Brita Tay, from Victoria, B.C. who is the mother of my deputy minister of Finance's secretary. Thank you.

-- Applause

Are there any other recognitions of visitors in the gallery? The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two important ladies, Nora Lennie from Tulita and Helen Grube from Tuktoyaktuk. Also, I would like to recognize Charles Overvold, the deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

-- Applause

Thank you. Are there any further recognitions of visitors in the gallery? I would like to say thank you to everyone who has attended the Assembly today. Just a reminder that we are going to take a short break here to entertain a reception in the Great Hall, to which you are all invited. I would like to say that I wish you would come more often. It sounds like the House of Commons here with all of the clapping. Now we shall take a short break.

-- Break

The House will come back to order after a short break. Item 6, oral questions. Item 7, written questions. The Chair recognizes the honourable Member for the Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

I seek unanimous consent to go back to item 6, oral questions.

Thank you. The honourable member is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 6, oral questions. Are there any nays? I did hear a nay. The Chair heard a nay. The Chair will again ask, are there any nays? There are no nays. Then we shall return to item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As indicated earlier, my question today will be for the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment and it relates to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by our Premier and the NWTTA in January 2000.

Specifically, I am referring to the clause that says:

"It is recognized that the approval of the planned legislative changes will result in an incremental increase in education funding of approximately $4.6 million in the 2000-2001 year."

Mr. Speaker, the last presentation I received from the department suggested that we only spent $2.8 million in that year for incremental funding for those two things; student support and PTR. I am wondering why? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the time the discussion took place, the funding and the PTR, it was pointed out that we would lower the figures according to what is set out on a territory-wide basis. Additionally, we would include areas for forced growth. That is where the difference comes from, between $4.6 million and $2.8 million, I believe. Thank you.

Merci, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am a little confused. I am wondering if we are supposed to tell our constituents and the public that we did not spend half the money that we were going to spend on student support and PTR because there was some forced growth that did not happen. Is that really what the Minister would have us tell our constituents? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it did happen. The figures were based on the previous year. We always use the previous year's figures and, as the Member knows, we just put $1.3 million back into the PTR system to address that issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Bell.

Mr. Speaker, I will acknowledge that we put some more money into PTR that originally indicated going forward, but that does not address the situation of underfunding in previous years.

I am wondering why we would set the bar so low that we could hop over it on one leg, Mr. Speaker? We did meet the legislative requirements, but clearly we knew that we could do much better. Why did we not? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think this has been a very ambitious program on the part of our government. On an overall basis, the PTR has been reduced to the figures that we have set out to achieve and I believe that our funding has been very substantial in this whole area and we have met the requirement. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Final supplementary, Mr. Bell.

Thank you. Substantial? I do not know, Mr. Speaker. We are far behind the Yukon, Manitoba, Newfoundland, other areas, northern Alberta. Would the Minister agree that we have some catch up to do if we are going to have the kind of PTR that other rural and northern locations have? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I am glad the Member brought up the issue of other jurisdictions, Mr. Speaker, because yes, it is very true that we want to bring down the PTR. That is our aim and we are putting substantial money into this. There will be $30 million plus at the end of four years that we will have invested into this whole area.

With other jurisdictions, Mr. Speaker, it is always hard to totally compare because we do not know if other jurisdictions have similar situations, such as we fund 77 language specialists in the Northwest Territories that are not counted in the PTR. We also fund teaching assistants, who are also not included.

So we have to compare apples and apples, not apples and oranges. Also, there are special student needs funding that perhaps is not included in other jurisdictions the way we include it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for Transportation. It is in regard to the projects that have been let on Highway No. 8. There have been some projects deferred, especially in regard to the count of replacement from kilometre 0 to kilometre 20 on the Dempster Highway; from the embankment widening from kilometre 127.6 to kilometre 130.6 on the Dempster Highway.

I would like to ask the Minister, in regard to the different adjustment transfer guidelines that we have within our budget directives, which is directive 302. I would like to ask the Minister, in regard to the changes that are increased, the project that is now known as the Campbell Creek Bridge, what is the notification process that your department uses to inform Members that the projects within their ridings are going to be deferred?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. We did move some capital funding from specific projects on Highway No. 8 to offset the increase in costs for the bridge at Campbell Creek. However, the department considers all the capital that is applicable to Highway No. 8 as one project. We are not moving money from one riding to another. It is all one project as far as the department is concerned.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The point is, Mr. Speaker, it is clear that when you defer something, to me, that means you move it to somewhere else. In regard to my riding, two projects have been deferred, in which some of that deferral is because there was a capital cost overrun in regard to the bridge. I would like to ask the Minister again, what do you do when you defer a project in a Member's riding?