This is page numbers 799 - 832 of the Hansard for the 14th Assembly, 5th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was chairman.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Roger Allen, Mr. Bell, Mr. Braden, Mr. Delorey, Mr. Dent, Mrs. Groenewegen, Honourable Joe Handley, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. Lee, Mr. McLeod, Honourable Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Roland, Honourable Vince Steen, Honourable Tony Whitford.

-- Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 799

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Jim Antoine will be absent from the House today to attend the World Diamond Conference in Vancouver. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Minister's Statement 58-14(5): Health Care Financing
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the Members of this Assembly of recent discussions with the federal government about the important issue of health care funding.

The Premier and I had the opportunity to appear before the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada at the open public hearing in Yellowknife on May 16. In our presentation to Mr. Romanow we discussed the actions our government is taking to strengthen health and social services, and also some of the key challenges faced in the North.

We presented 11 recommendations to the commission, several of which were specifically related to the federal government's health care financing obligations. We recommended that:

  • • the federal government restore CHST funding, at a minimum, to the 1994-1995 levels;
  • • a significant investment be made in health promotion and prevention programs by all levels of government, in order to achieve meaningful sustainability;
  • • a federal funding formula, which goes beyond a basic per capita allocation, be established for health care programs taking into account northern costs and Canada's fiduciary obligations to services for aboriginal Northerners.

Following our presentation, Mr. Romanow asked us to comment further on our recommendation for the development of health funding formulae that are needs based. We have subsequently corresponded with Mr. Romanow on this matter and I have shared this correspondence with the Standing Committee on Social Programs.

Over the past month, I have also had several opportunities to discuss federal program funding issues with federal Ministers. Most recently, I raised the matter during discussions with the Honourable Ann McLellan, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). I suggested that funding approaches by Canada should not be based on per capita structures alone. Rather, there should be recognition of fixed costs as well as the particular needs of a jurisdiction.

Our position received some support during a recent Ministers of Social Services meeting. There was consensus that negotiation of future agreements for Employment Accessibility for Disabled Persons (EADP) should be based upon principles that ensure the Territories receive a standardized minimum level of funding.

The Government of Canada has a major role in the renewal of the health system. The federal share of health expenditures must reflect not just nationwide cost drivers, but also the unique cost of doing business in the North and, more importantly, the health needs of people living in isolated communities.

Mr. Speaker, funding formula structures are complex, and challenging previous assumptions is difficult. However, I do believe that we are seeing progress. There is an increasing recognition that historical approaches to federal funding of health and social programming must be changed. Thank you.

-- Applause

Minister's Statement 58-14(5): Health Care Financing
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one thing that we see is a lot of people conducting meetings. We do a lot of travelling and attend a lot of workshops, conferences and committee meetings. Expenditures at a lot of these major events usually take place in our large centres like Inuvik, Yellowknife and Fort Smith.

However, Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that we direct our departments and agencies such as the NWT Development Corporation, the Business Credit Corporation, the Power Corporation and also the departments that host workshops, strategies and get-togethers, that those forms of get-togethers could be hosted in small communities.

I think it is time that we started promoting our small communities to these agencies and departments which represent all communities. I think it is important that we find a mechanism that allows people from the communities to also see the different structures of our government that represent them by making decisions, either through developing policies, procedures or looking at strategies.

We find that in a lot of our small communities, it seems like government comes around maybe once a year, if you are lucky. In most cases, a lot of our communities now have developed hotels and accommodations through bed and breakfast facilities. I think we have to look at that opportunity so that all communities in the Northwest Territories benefit, but also so we promote those communities to agencies of government and the expenditures made by government are shared, not only spent in the larger centres, but spent in our smaller communities.

I think it is important, Mr. Speaker, that we take the time to look at the public awareness of what we do as government and also get the people who represent communities on these agencies and public bodies to really get a feel for what is in our communities, to see exactly what is so unique about our communities, what makes our communities work and exactly who the people are in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct this government to take it upon themselves to establish a policy or a directive to those departments out there to do everything they can to ensure that small communities have this opportunity to host these different functions.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister questions on this matter. Thank you.

-- Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Reduced Costs For Northern Air Travel
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During our term as the 14th Assembly of the NWT, we have been blessed with economic prospects that are in great shape. Employment activity, tax revenues and investment in the NWT are at record levels. Through my term as the Member for Great Slave, I have advocated that the cost of living and the cost of doing business in the NWT are among the biggest hurdles we have to realizing our full share of these gifts.

Mr. Speaker, I have focused especially on the three biggest cost drivers: housing, energy and northern air travel. As a result of an announcement last week by Canadian North, I believe we are turning the corner on the air travel issue.

Our northern-based airlines, like those around the world, have been going through some difficult times with increased fuel prices, new security costs and decreased passenger loads in this post September 11th era. These combined impacts have resulted in double digit increases in air travel here in the North and it more than doubled the volume of complaints and demands for innovation and better ways of doing business.

In this regard, I am encouraged to see that Canadian North has listened, has sharpened their pencil and have introduced a range of improvements. Canadian North has heard the complaints, they have analyzed their business plan and they have taken responsive and responsible action, Mr. Speaker. It is innovative and aggressive and like any business, it also assumes risks.

The new plan lowers airfares throughout the system between 26 and 42 percent, Mr. Speaker. This is a full-time approach, it is not a one-time seat sale. Canadian North has eliminated over 100 different rate scales and the three-tier system it now has will make booking and paying easier for the customer.

We no longer have to deal with advance booking deadlines, Saturday stayovers and those annoying fees that crop up when we have to change bookings. In fact, we can now change plans and even get refunds within an hour or so of a scheduled flight.

Air travel with Canadian North is now more transparent, Mr. Speaker, with fewer complications and greater flexibility. It certainly helps the northern affordability issue that I have been advocating.

While one airline has demonstrated it is ready to take on these cost factors, government can also do its part. We have airport improvement fees, Nav Canada fees, GST fees, security fees, all of which make a difference. Now, as of the announcement from Canadian North, I congratulate the president, the company and Canadian North staff for their innovative approach to airline pricing reform. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Reduced Costs For Northern Air Travel
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Braden, for that good news. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

2002 Norman Wells Reunion
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 14th, 2002, I attended the opening festivities of the 2002 Norman Wells Reunion. Mr. Speaker, I must say that the community was already buzzing with activities.

This two-week reunion includes a creative roster of activities planned for the entire community. Day one alone included a magician who entertained the school children, a dusk till dawn charity golf tournament, mud football for the risk takers, a teen dance with a live band and an adult dance with Yellowknife's own Tracey Riley. Mr. Speaker, this was only day one and each of the nine days are likewise filled with exciting and fun events. Where else can you win, or get a chance to win, a 1.1 karat Ekati diamond for a $10 ticket, or see a major Canadian band, Blue Rodeo, in such a small venue?

While these activities are bringing people together, the main reason people are gathering, Mr. Speaker, is to reunite all those people who have lived and worked and put time into the community of Norman Wells at some time in the past century, and to celebrate their contribution to over 50 years of community building.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Canol Branch 287 contributed to the celebration by recalling their members for a weekend of activities. Elders like Jim Sexsmith, founding charter member and first president, and Agnes Melynk, founding member of the Ladies' Auxiliary, both returned to see the changes and to eagerly show their memories of the community as it grew in the early days.

They met the new generation who are building the foundation for continued growth in the 21st century. Community members like Frank and Cathy Pope pointed out the scores of history-making moments captured in photographs and proudly displayed in the Legion. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

2002 Norman Wells Reunion
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

2002 Norman Wells Reunion
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Young children and youth checked out the displays and basked in the comfort of a large and diverse community family coming together to celebrate a good life, then and now. Mr. Speaker, the weekend is over and now the town of Norman Wells' celebrations begin with many more activities which will last until Sunday, the 23rd of June.

I wish to thank the mayor, Kevin Diebold, for his support of the 2002 Reunion Committee. I also wish to acknowledge the Town of Norman Wells and the Norman Wells and District Chamber of Commerce, the Ernie MacDonald Corporation, the private businesses and government sponsors, and all the scores of volunteers for their great contribution and support of this worthy celebration.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend the people of Norman Wells showed everyone, including myself, all the kindness and hospitality that they are known for. We all look forward to returning this week to meet more people and attend the special events and concerts.

I invite you, Mr. Speaker, all the Members of this House and the people of the Northwest Territories to travel outside of your own communities and your own regions to take part in activities such as these. This reunion allows us to reflect and celebrate the enduring legacy of our people's efforts to build communities based on the solid mix of dreams and hard work. Please join me in congratulating this proud community for its many accomplishments and to wish it all the best for the future. Thank you.

--Applause

2002 Norman Wells Reunion
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Mahsi, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Development Of Highway Infrastructure
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to follow up on a statement made on Friday by the Member for Great Slave. It was regarding the development of territorial roads. My colleague, Mr. Braden, pointed out in his Member's statement that sometimes projects such as a road network extending into the North Slave region would be done at the exclusion of another piece of road, such as the Ingraham Trail.

I guess, like anything, this is a matter of perspective. The status quo has been that the Yellowknife area has dominated budget considerations and, subsequently, other regions have had little chance to grow or to develop. It is a matter of which regional hat you are wearing as to which areas you feel are being excluded.

Unfortunately, the hat that has often been worn is a Yellowknife hat and this area not only has a hat in budget considerations but a full suit of clothes. In contrast, other areas are threadbare in terms of budget considerations.

As an example, I feel that the opportunities in my region are being stunted because of the money spent on the development of the Ingraham Trail as an access point into the mining region. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge that the Ingraham Trail is the Territories' busiest recreational road and that it is suffering because of it. Wildlife and fish stock are stressed because of the overuse and abuse and the road is also hazardous to drive. New areas and roads need to be opened up in all regions, Mr. Speaker.

I know local operators have spent years developing the aurora industry. I see no reason why this would be compromised if a road network were developed in the Dogrib region. I recognize that maintenance still needs to occur along the Ingraham Trail for the people who live and play along it. My concern has always been with the government's plans and priorities to develop a road past the Ingraham Trail to access the mines.

Mr. Speaker, I think we limit ourselves when we think of either/or situations. That is when one area gets funding and another area gets none. Perhaps collectively, we can, as a consensus government, come up with options.

Development Of Highway Infrastructure
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Mr. Lafferty, your time is up. Mr. Lafferty.

Development Of Highway Infrastructure
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement.

Development Of Highway Infrastructure
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, the honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Lafferty, if you would just go back a paragraph, we missed some of it.

Development Of Highway Infrastructure
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. That is when one area gets funding and another gets none. Perhaps collectively, as a consensus government, we can come up with options so that areas are not excluded and that the Territory as a whole benefits.

I would like to refer to the statement made by Minister Handley on Friday that he has no intention of delaying consideration of a potential road through the Dogrib region. Unfortunately, I found little comfort in his statement as recent government documents do not reflect the issues that I have been bringing forward for the past two-and-a-half years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Development Of Highway Infrastructure
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Capacity Building In Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring up the important subject of capacity building within our communities. It is a difficult term to define. It has been defined as the ability to shape, control and take responsibility. The components of capacity building include basic literacy, education, life skills and training. These components of capacity building are taken for granted by southern Canada while in the North we continue to struggle and fight for them.

Mr. Speaker, the delivery of programs for training in the North has problems that must be overcome. Our programs and training initiatives are fragmented and have numerous delivery agencies which have resulted in duplication and overlap. Numerous GNWT departments are providing and undertaking various training and education programs.

In addition to these government initiatives, we have Human Resources Development Canada, Community Mobilization, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Aurora College, aboriginal governments and the private sector all providing various and similar types of programs and training with no apparent long-term vision of what we are trying to achieve.

Other problems facing capacity building include a lack of long-term focus on job and career opportunities, failing to recognize and meet the needs and expectations of communities, funding that is not adequate within the communities to develop their capacity, formal education that is undervalued or at times not appreciated in our communities, and a lack of basic literacy and education. These all limit access to mainstream employment opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, all is not lost when problems arise. We must look for solutions to overcome these problems. We must look outside the box to meet the unique demands placed upon us. We must plan for future development growth by identifying opportunities as they arise. We must take stock of our human resource capabilities. We need to determine our human resource requirements for the next five, ten and 20 years. It is important that training and education be coordinated for timely, meaningful and effective delivery. Financial and human resources must be made available for training within our communities.

Industry must buy into and actively participate in any capacity-building initiatives. Most importantly, aboriginal culture and its contribution must be recognized as an important component of sustainable development.

Capacity Building In Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Mr. McLeod, your time is up.

Capacity Building In Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

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

Capacity Building In Communities
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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