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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the latest appointments to the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories.

However, before I do that, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the board members who have served us during these last four years. These women are:

• • President Viola Beck, Yellowknife;
• • Vice-President Harriet Geddes, Fort Providence;
• • Tessie Gonzales, Hay River;
• • Theresa Etchinelle, Tulita; and
• • Jean Ekpakohak, Holman.

Mr. Speaker, these members were the first to represent the Northwest Territories after the creation of Nunavut. Their challenges have been difficult, yet with dignity and determination they have strategically charted a new path for all northern women. During their time, the Status of Women Council focused a major part of their efforts on the strengthening of women by addressing obstacles such as family violence and by promoting awareness of women in new roles within the work place.

Mr. Speaker, this path has taken us through a period of unprecedented change and growth. I thank all these women, Mr. Speaker, for their work, their sacrifice and their commitment to the people of the Northwest Territories.

Today I have the great pleasure to announce the new Status of Women Council board members who will chart a course that builds on the accomplishments to date and that reflects our commitment to economic, social, cultural and political equality. The new members of the Status of Women Council are:

• • Lorayne Moses, Fort Simpson;
• • Betty Tsetso, Deline;
• • Therese Dolly Lafferty, Fort Resolution; and
• • Geraldine Sharpe-Staples, Inuvik.

Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud to announce for the first time a youth representative, Natasha McCagg, Yellowknife. These new appointees, Mr. Speaker, will join Ms. Lynn Brooks of Yellowknife who continues her term until 2004. Thank you very much.

-- Applause

Mahsi, Mr. Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation, Mr. Handley.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I would like to call the Assembly's attention to the award of a Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal to Mr. Pat Fowler, an employee of the Department of Transportation.

Mr. Fowler is a veteran fire fighter with over 20 years of service at the Yellowknife airport. The Honours Directorate Chancellery of the Office of the Governor General of Canada issues this medal as part of the Canadian Honours system. The Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Office of the Governor General, presented Mr. Fowler with his award at a ceremony earlier this month with his fellow firefighters and colleagues at the Yellowknife airport.

Airport firefighters are the most important element in the department's response capabilities for aircraft fire emergencies. Air passengers can travel confidently in the knowledge that these fire-fighting professionals are dedicated to their safety.

Mr. Speaker, with the Office of the Governor General, I extend my congratulations to Mr. Fowler on receiving his award in recognition of his professional contribution and service to the Yellowknife airport. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of our primary tasks as MLAs is to represent the needs and wants of our constituents. Sometimes we get messages and letters that in their words, do this far more eloquently than we as MLAs do.

In that respect, as my statement today, I would like to read a letter addressed to the Honourable Joe Handley as acting Minister of Education, Culture and Employment from a constituent, Anne Marie Giroux. The subject of the letter is clawbacks to income support:

Dear Mr. Handley,

I am writing to draw your attention to the hardships that result from the clawback policies relating to income support in the Northwest Territories. This is negatively affecting the health and well-being of many children, and action is urgently needed to change current policies.

I will use my situation as an example. I am a single mother of three preschool children. I have chosen to raise my children myself until they are in school full-time. Because of current clawback policies, I am not even able to provide basic nutrition for my family this month.

Under current Northwest Territories income support policies, our family is eligible for $635 a month for food and clothing. From this, the Income Support Program claws back the National Child Benefit Supplement, or NCBS, of $274.16. They also deduct $25 per month for reimbursement of an overpayment made by income support several months ago, their mistake. This is for NCBS not deducted at the outset of applying for income support.

Last month, I received a $230.88 income tax refund for 2001. This is considered unearned income by the IS program and has also been deducted from this month's food and clothing amount.

Finally, I exceeded the $400 earned income limit last month by $4.50, which is also deducted. Note that two-thirds of what I earned went to pay childcare while I was working. However, this was not taken into account under the Income Support Program, which I believe constitutes discrimination based on family status.

The result is that my children and I received an income support amount of $100.46 for the month of June.

Mr. Speaker, I request 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. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker,

Under income support, it is a constant struggle to provide the basic standard of living for a family. I would like to be able to provide proper nutrition for my children with basic items such as fresh fruit, which are normally beyond our means for part of each month, and for this month of June it will be out of the question entirely, as will milk, cheese, diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, et cetera.

Bills which are now on automatic payment will create havoc in my bank account because funds are not there. Phone and transportation are a regular part of income earning families, but we on this very backward income support system are not allowed to live as regular people.

One hundred dollars for a family of four is not acceptable and I consider this to be government abuse of its residents. Why does the government of the NWT talk about investing in children and yet not address the very real poverty of families?

Five jurisdictions in Canada have now stopped clawing back the NCBS and two jurisdictions allow a parent on income support to keep a portion of child maintenance payments. In the Northwest Territories, we have the highest GDP growth rate in Canada and the highest average incomes. Surely it is time to alleviate poverty and assist the poorest families and children by ending the current clawback policies.

Please consider this an urgent issue now.

Signed a very unrespected resident of the Northwest Territories,

Anne Marie Giroux

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as today is probably the last day of our session, I would like to send my warm greetings to everyone who will be celebrating Aboriginal Day. I want to state that I am very proud of the fact that we, the people of the Northwest Territories, are the first to recognize and give honour to the many achievements of the Dene, the Metis and the Inuit people by declaring June 21st an official statutory holiday.

In 1996, the Government of Canada proclaimed June 21st as National Aboriginal Day, a day to celebrate and reflect on the uniqueness of the culture which is prevalent throughout Canada. We the people of the Northwest Territories are distinct by way of our own culture and traditions that are very much alive and still remain the basis of our government, a consensus government, although some of my colleagues might not agree with that statement.

Mr. Speaker, many communities throughout the nation will be celebrating Aboriginal Day with culture and tradition being the key components of the festivities planned. In my riding, the Katl'odeeche First Nation kicked off a week-long celebration yesterday, in recognition of the 100th year of Treaty 8. Due to session, I was not able to join them. I wanted to send my apologies to Chief Pat Martel and the people of the community for not being there.

Some of the activities that are planned for this week on the reserve are talent shows, hand games, and Mr. Don Burnstick will facilitate a youth workshop and a comedy show. In Fort Providence, they will host a three day celebration beginning on Thursday with the official opening of the Leon Sambele Youth Centre, followed by traditional events such as canoe races, drum dances, and a talent show.

The community of Enterprise is combining Aboriginal Day and the Gateway Jamboree by delaying their celebrations to July the 6th, and they are expecting some well-known musicians to attend. Since Kakisa will be hosting the 10th Annual Deh Cho Assembly on June 25th to the 28th, they have planned to celebrate National Aboriginal Day after the assembly, after all the dust has settled and when they are able to focus on their own community.

Mr. Speaker, with this schedule of events, this promises to be a week full of festivities and entertainment for people of all ages. I want to commend all of the organizers for the hard work they have contributed to make these events happen. June 21st has been long celebrated by aboriginal people for generations. It is the longest day of the year...

Mr. McLeod, your time is up. Mr. McLeod.

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. Mr. McLeod, you may conclude your statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, June 21st has been long celebrated by aboriginal people. It is the longest day of the year and ends the season of spring and marks the beginning of the summer harvest. Since first contact, non-aboriginals have sought the assistance of aboriginal people for survival and adjustment to an environment that can be unforgiving. With the recognition of aboriginal contributions and achievements, cultural discrimination is on the decline. Aboriginal lifestyles and heritage is on the road to renewal and with the rejuvenation of aboriginal languages, future generations will forever have a culture they can be proud of. We take June 21st as a day to recognize and pay tribute to the traditional ways that are preserved through the richness of our elders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, the 23rd of June, a very important event will be taking place in Inuvik that will have a long-term political impact for the future of the Inuvialuit in my riding. The Inuvialuit, along with the Gwich'in in the Mackenzie Delta, will be signing an agreement-in-principle pertaining to the establishment of a self-government regime in the Beaufort-Delta region. Many residents in my riding consider this as an important waypoint on their way to self-determination.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate the Inuvialuit leadership for reaching this important goal and compliment them on their determination and perseverance they have demonstrated to date. As MLA for Nunakput, I, along with many others in my riding, look forward to the day when the final agreement applicable to self-government in the Beaufort-Delta is signed and finalized.

I plan to attend the signing ceremonies presently scheduled for Sunday, the 23rd of June in Inuvik, and urge other Members of this House to do so as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening in the Great Hall, I attended the ceremony to recognize the achievement of community firefighters in getting their certification as National Fire Protection Association of Professional Firefighters and Fire Service Instructors. Mr. Speaker, this is a three-year process requiring considerable personal time and commitment and requires the support of the government.

Thebacha has the benefit of two of their people being recognized; Mr. Bill Reimer and Mr. Bernie Minute. Mr. Speaker, they are part of the Fort Smith volunteer fire department. This is an organization that allows the people of Fort Smith to sleep easy in their beds at night knowing that, God forbid, should the need arise, they will have some very dedicated, well-trained volunteers who are going to come to their assistance in the event of a fire or the need of the services that the fire department provides.

It is a service that the community, like many communities in the Northwest Territories, would never be able to provide if it was not for the work, dedication and time dedicated by these volunteers. While recognizing the achievement of Mr. Reimer and Mr. Minute, I would also like to recognize that they are part of a large organization that the community is greatly indebted to, and whose services we greatly rely on and greatly enhances the quality of life and the safety of the people in Fort Smith and Thebacha. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our government is not adequately supporting children with special needs. In fact, we are failing them and failing their families. Many see special needs children as those affected with FAS or FAE, but there are many more conditions that affect some of our kids, for examples, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism. What are we doing to help them achieve their best?

Mr. Speaker, if these children make it through, it certainly is not because of the support they receive from government sources. It is largely because the families of these children are exhausting themselves physically and financially trying to help their child keep up. These parents are desperate for help.

Mr. Speaker, special needs children are not a family issue. These children are not indicative of a dysfunctional home. They have medical conditions that mean they need special assistance to flourish.

In a student needs survey two years ago, teachers responded that 27 percent of students needed assessments. That is one-third of our children in school in the whole Northwest Territories. Once the few who do get an assessment are diagnosed, we continue to fail them.

For instance, Mr. Speaker, in Yellowknife, we have one visiting child psychologist who travels here once a month for three days. Mr. Speaker, in that same student needs survey, teachers responded overwhelmingly that their first concern was to get more trained classroom assistants.

Our Education Act says that students with special needs are entitled to inclusive education. In fact, a department directive specifies that inclusion is "...not simply placing students with exceptional needs into the regular classroom without essential supports and services." Mr. Speaker, without adequate support, these children fall behind, become labelled, are passed to the next grade and end up with very serious problems.

We cannot have one teacher assistant with an unworkable number of special needs children in the classroom. We should not have principals being forced to make decisions about who gets assistance and who does not.

Mr. Speaker, we in the Northwest Territories do not even have clear definitions and specifications as to what special needs require what level of assistance. It is time that this government moves to do that. This is already done both nationally and in other provinces and it would not be difficult to do here.

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. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, I urge this government to make it a priority to address the needs of these children and their families. It must start now so that they have a fighting chance of being successful, productive adults. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Gwich'in, the Inuvialuit, the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories for the next big step towards concluding self-government, which is the signing of the agreement-in-principle in Inuvik this Sunday.

Mr. Speaker, the Gwich'in and the Inuvialuit have asked Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories to negotiate self-government agreements and because of those provisions, self-government is possible through the Gwich'in Land Claim Agreement and the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories have recognized aboriginal people have that so-called inherent right to self-government, which is guaranteed in the Canadian constitution. That means that they agree that aboriginal people have the legal right to govern themselves.

I have been involved in the land claims process for many years and have seen the Mackenzie Delta and Beaufort Sea evolve over time to where we are ready for self-government. We have the institutions. We have the economic base and we have the people to take it on.

Mr. Speaker, it is an important day and time, not only for the Gwich'in, the Inuvialuit and our governments, but it is an important time in history for Canada to recognize the First Nations people who had government institutions long before the contact with the Europeans. I for one feel that it is time that we took that next step and gave the people of the regions, the people of our communities, the tools and the ability to govern themselves and have a say in how programs and services are run not only here in Yellowknife or with the government institution that is here, but it has to be closer to the communities and closer to our regions in ensuring that those agreements-in-principle for self-government are implemented and lived up to.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be in Inuvik on Sunday for this celebration and I hope that all Ministers and Members who are able to be there attend, because this is an important time in our history, to strive for self-government and the conclusion of our land claims for the Inuvialuit and the Gwich'in. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night the national symposium we had on the living history of the Northwest Territories had a banquet. All of us were not fortunate enough to take the time to attend, but I did go over for an hour. What happened last night was after the banquet, they honoured some 35 people from across the Territories, some of whom are no longer alive. They have passed away. They were honoured.

They also honoured a number of very, very distinguished leaders who are now very much becoming our elders of today. I wanted to mention that I was not there for all of them, but the short time I was there, about an hour, it was incredibly moving. I was there when Bertha Allen from the Delta, in Inuvik, was recognized and honoured by the symposium. She is very much an elder now, but she still has more energy than most people today.

Charlie Snowshoe, who has served the people of the Delta in Fort McPherson all his life, was there. He is now very much an elder, but still very determined, very focused and looking very distinguished with his very long, white hair.

Sara Hardisty, from the Deh Cho, who has contributed significantly to the enrichment of our culture through her sewing and traditional work and the teaching she has done over the years.

Father Pochat, of Fort Rae, who has been given credit for the way that Grandin College had turned out a great number of very significant leaders who have served the Northwest Territories over the years, was honoured.

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

Thank you, honourable Member, you still have a few seconds left. The honourable Member, in anticipation, is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that at some point or other, we need to give a more comprehensive statement about all of the people who were recognized.

Also recognized was someone who has been largely overlooked in our history, and it is Leon Sambele of Fort Providence, who passed away in the early 70s. Leon Sambele was a supervisor at Grandin College in the early years and he served as a role model for many of us. I was 12 years old when I met Leon. He was a very tall, incredibly striking young man who demonstrated a lot of confidence and determination. He taught us how to play as a team, study, work hard, stand up for ourselves, and how to stand straight and be confident in the face of discrimination and difficulties. He was involved in the early years leading up to the Organization of the Indian Brotherhood and did some work in the community of Fort Providence. He helped build the original community lot facility there, apparently. Just recently, the chief had announced that the refurbished, renovated old community hall there was named the Leon Sambele Community Hall in his honour.

All of these people were there. There were more than those I have mentioned, but it gives you an idea of what it was we were missing yesterday when we were doing our very important work here in this House. As the MLA for the Sahtu, I thought it important for me to let the people of the Sahtu know that I am duty bound to be here when the session is here, but as well, there is compelling reason to show up at symposiums and conferences when our people are there.

Last night the Gwich'in were there, the Inuvialuit people of the Deh Cho, the Akaitcho people were there, along with the Dogrib and the Metis. They sat there for over six hours celebrating our history, our leaders, those who are serving and those who have passed on. Former Commissioner Stu Hodgson, John Parker, many of the former Premiers and leaders of our governments today. Today Governor General...

Sorry, Mr. Kakfwi, your extension is up. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I will be there today to close at the end of the session, which I expect will be no later than 6 o'clock. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am looking forward to celebrating National Aboriginal Day on June 21st, 2002. It will indeed be a special day for all of the people of the Northwest Territories. All the people have the opportunity of joining our celebration and reflect on the many cultures that surround us. The communities across the North are hard at work, preparing and organizing events to commemorate this historic event.

Mr. Speaker, my home town of Inuvik is busy planning, like all other communities in the Northwest Territories. The Town of Inuvik will be holding a community barbecue, many cultural events, northern and Dene games, the community feast, the jigging contest and the old time fiddle dance to help celebrate National Aboriginal Day.

Mr. Speaker, with so many different ethnicities in our home town, I am very pleased to see that the whole town is coming together to share what is important to the aboriginal community. It is, simply put, an important community celebration. Mr. Speaker, I will be joining my constituents and my fellow community members in these celebrations.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to draw the Members of this Assembly's attention to the jacket I am wearing. The significance of this jacket exemplifies the uniqueness of our common heritage. I would like to thank my honourable colleague from North Slave for allowing me to showcase such a beautiful jacket from his home community. To show that, I wear it proudly in recognition of our cultural identity. So, Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would just like to say, happy National Aboriginal Day to all. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an area of health care delivery that affects a great number of my constituents and indeed a large number of women throughout the Northwest Territories. The issue at hand, Mr. Speaker, is the delivery of mammograms within the health care system.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard from several constituents lately about the problems they are encountering in having mammograms performed. There are instances, Mr. Speaker where Hay River women have been referred by a doctor for a mammogram in Yellowknife. When they arrive here, there is no technician on duty to perform the mammogram and they are being sent home.

Mr. Speaker, some of these women are without health care coverage and are having to pay the $250 deductible for their airfare to Yellowknife. In addition, they are having to take a day off work without pay, and they are being refused a mammogram once they get to Yellowknife. These women are having a further expense for a return trip to Yellowknife through no fault of their own.

I am appalled, Mr. Speaker. The medical community talks at length about the advantages of early detection and we cannot even get our Hay River women tested to rule out the horrible and often-times deadly disease called breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, by returning these women to Hay River without a mammogram, it further delays the possible detection of breast cancer, never mind the prolonged emotional roller coaster that these ladies are on.

Mr. Speaker, I have also recently received information from my constituents that the mammogram van will not be travelling to Hay River this year. Last year, there were 175 Hay River women who received mammograms and breast cancer screenings through this program. Now, they are told that the money cannot be raised to bring this badly needed service to Hay River. I am told that the maximum cost for this service would be $15,000.

Mr. Speaker, I would think that surely, this Department of Health and Social Services could find this money somewhere within their budget to accommodate the women of Hay River.

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, we have just recently lost some very fine women to breast cancer in Hay River. Surely my colleagues would agree with me that this government cannot put a price on human life.

Mr. Speaker, if mammograms turn up even one instance of breast cancer and a life is saved, then this is surely worth the relatively small cost involved in mammography. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have further questions for the Minister responsible. 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. As a Metis, I sometimes have aboriginal days.

-- Laughter

Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Mr. Nitah, your time is up. Mr. Nitah.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, occasionally, we do have to stand up on this side of the House and give the government a little credit for some of the things they do, although it pains us greatly to do it.

Mr. Speaker, I had not had a chance to speak to the tax issue yet, so I wanted to say that I am very pleased with the recent announcement by the Minister of Finance that he was introducing legislation to change the NWT corporate tax regime. It is important that we as a territory remain competitive with other Canadian jurisdictions by setting our corporate tax rate. We have benefited from large tax filings in the past and hopefully we can experience more tax filing windfalls that we can use for the benefit of our residents in the future.

However, Mr. Speaker, as pleased as I am about the potential of reducing our corporate tax rate, I am also very pleased that the Minister decided to reduce the small business tax rate on the first $200,000 that a small company earns by 20 percent. I am proud to represent Hay River in this Legislature, a community with a long history of entrepreneurship, and a community where the majority of residents are employed by the private sector. Allowing businesses to retain a greater portion of their pre-tax earnings will in some cases allow the expansion and for the hiring of new employees.

The Northwest Territories is on the cusp of many exciting opportunities in the resource development field. Anything we can do as a government to encourage the development of sustainable business opportunities for our residents or for those people who choose to come to the North is a laudable goal.

If we want a strong business sector, reduced dependence on government and increased employment, then we need to, as a government, look at every opportunity possible to encourage the private sector to grow. Reducing corporate and small business taxes in the Northwest Territories does do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, on the last day of session -- at least on the last scheduled day of session, I guess we will see what happens -- I would like to recognize some local residents who have recently received national recognition.

Last night, with all the rest of the Members in this House, we took part in a ceremony in our Great Hall to pay tribute to 15 territorial firefighters. Two of my constituents, Stephen Moss and Dennis MacAskill, just completed training and received certification by the National Fire Protection Association. Mr. Miltenberger referred to the three years of hard work these folks have put in, and I think the key is that they will now be able to train others in our communities and make our communities safer.

I would also like to recognize Pat Fowler, who the Minister of Transportation spoke of earlier. He was recently awarded a Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal for his work with our Department of Transportation out at the Yellowknife airport.

Mr. Speaker, I think after September 11th, we all have a better understanding of both the contribution firefighters make and the risks that they take every time they suit up. Also, speaking of September 11th, Mr. Speaker, Brent Pushkarenko recently received the Gordon Sinclair Award on behalf of Mix 100 for his newsroom coverage of local events on that day. This Sinclair award is very prestigious and is handed out every year to radio and TV stations for best local coverage in areas of populations of less than 50,000 people.

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of all these local award winners, and I hope my colleagues here today will join me in recognizing their efforts. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this being the last day of session, we will be joining our families and constituents in celebration of the summer and special celebrations, starting with National Aboriginal Day this week and Canada Day the week after.

There are people in our midst who are not able to enjoy this time as much. They are members of Union Local 1574, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who work for NorthwesTel, who have now been off the job for more than a month with apparently no end in sight.

Mr. Speaker, I respect the role of collective bargaining and the need for both parties to negotiate as much as possible to arrive at the most favourable package possible for their side. I am also aware of the fact that there is very little we can do as a Legislature to influence this process. This is a very difficult situation all around, given turbulent international and national telecommunication markets and the challenges they pose for employers such as NorthwesTel.

At the same time, Mr. Speaker, I must say that I sympathize with the striking employees who feel that they must be able to keep their wages and benefits package at a level that would keep them competitive with the rising cost of living in the North for both current and new employees. To be frank, Mr. Speaker, it is very frustrating for me not to be able to do much more in this position.

I would just like to take this opportunity to let them know that I am thinking about them. I am sure that many Members are also thinking about them, and I would urge both sides to keep on meeting and talking to come up with a position that is agreeable to them.

I would also like to take this opportunity to call on this government and the federal government, because as I understand it, the federal government is in charge of the labour telecommunications market. I would urge both levels of government to pay attention to this process and assist in any way possible and appropriate to bring this dispute to a close as soon as possible. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Members a safe journey and our constituents a happy National Aboriginal Day and Canada Day.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Hay River North on June 17, 2002. Mr. Delorey asked me, "Who is responsible for the condition of the railway tracks on the sections of highway just approaching the railway tracks?"

Regarding the level crossing of highways and railways, the highway authority is responsible for the highway up to the railway crossing. The railroad is responsible for maintaining the highway across its tracks. The highway authority does not work on the railway's tracks. Keeping in mind the possibility of derailment, this arrangement preserves the railroad's responsibility for the integrity and continuity of its track.

At the railway crossing on Highway No. 2 in his constituency that the Member referred to, the timbers that carry Highway No. 2 traffic across the tracks are replaced by the Mackenzie Northern Railway every year. The Department of Transportation maintains Highway No. 2 up to the timbers on either side of the track. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by Mr. Krutko on June 17, 2002, regarding water and sewer operations agreements.

As suggested by the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, Public Works and Services had updated the standard memorandum of understanding for water and sewer services. In order to comply with the Financial Administration Manual directive 901, section 4.1.1, on charges for a service to the public, the changes from the previous agreement include:

• • Recalculating the administration fee and clarifying the tasks covered. The administration fee is now 5 percent. Tasks include payroll, leave and attendance, office equipment and supplies, duplication, processing and storage of records, cost of invoicing and reconciliation of invoices and system support.
• • Calculating a planning and management fee to cover management and supervision. This fee is 11 percent and covers costs incurred by Public Works and Services to provide services such as planning and budgeting, supervision of on-site staff, management of contracted services, procurement of supplies and materials and troubleshooting.
• • Setting charges at the hourly rate for provision of administrative services to make additional support documentation available to the community when requested.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Pat Fowler. I think he is still up there. I think he is joined by his daughters, Andrea and Melanie. Members may recognize Andrea. I believe she has worked here on a couple of occasions as a receptionist. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Yellowknife resident Lynn Brooks, a local person who is always interested in politics. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my summer student, Bret Talbot, who I believe is in the gallery, though I cannot see him. He is working for me for the summer and he has been working diligently on a database for me. He will be attending Fairview Community College in the fall. I would like to recognize him and thank him for a good job.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to draw your attention to the visitors gallery and the presence of Ms. Hannah Edwards, from Perth, Australia, a visitor of the Whitfords on what I think the Australians call a walk-about. Ms. Edwards.

-- Applause

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question this afternoon is for Mr. Handley, the acting Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment. It is a follow-up to a letter from a constituent, Anne-Marie Giroux. I am a supporter of the Income Support Program. I am on record as being behind the principles of the program. However, Mr. Speaker, there are some people who fall very hard through the cracks.

My question for the Minister regards the National Child Benefit Supplement. Five jurisdictions in Canada no longer deduct it, and two no longer deduct the whole payment on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Why does the GNWT clawback the National Child Benefit Supplement from income support recipients? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The question is directed to the honourable Minister now responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Presently, the National Child Benefit Supplement is taken back by the department. It is used to reinvest in programs and services for all low-income families, so we take it back and we put the money back into the support of low-income families. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess on that point, I would like to explore the opportunity that families across the NWT have. Could the Minister give me some idea of just how accessible those early childhood benefit programs are in Yellowknife? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I will have to take that as notice because I am not really familiar with exactly how accessible each of the programs are in Yellowknife, or in the other areas. Thank you.

Thank you. The question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, a chart I received from the Minister of Education a month ago indicated Saskatchewan puts as much as 24 percent of their education budget into classroom support. The classroom support budget includes funds to support kids with special needs.

Mr. Speaker, we are striving for 15 percent of our budget, way less than Saskatchewan, yet we probably have more kids in need in our classrooms than they do. Mr. Speaker, how does the Minister justify the current level of funding for classroom support in the Northwest Territories?

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

Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me say that I am quite pleased that we have been able to move the amount of money dedicated to inclusive schooling from 12 percent up to 15 percent for this coming year.

Mr. Speaker, as well, it is very difficult to compare jurisdictions because we include different ways of funding our schools, different other kinds of support programs. I do not want to say that 15 percent is adequate in all cases, but I would say that it is a big improvement over what was the case when this government took office. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would agree with the Minister that we have improved the situation, but not enough. Mr. Speaker, for years, boards have asked that we identify funding according to the challenge that a child faces. This is a common approach across Canada. Will the Minister bring in a policy to do that now in the Northwest Territories?

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

Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, we fund our schools largely through a formula that is based on the pupil/teacher ratios, as well as extra money for things like inclusive schooling. Right now, the policy of the department is to give the boards the flexibility to be able to move a lot of the grant money we give them to serve their purposes. I think for us to set a policy, as the Member refers to, right across the department would in many ways be taking back some of the authority we have given to the boards and some of the flexibility they currently have. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, then let's be sure we are doing it the right way. Will the Minister agree to meet with the chairs of the education councils and authorities to discuss the manner in which funding for special needs is identified in the funding formula? Thank you.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, certainly I would be willing to meet with the chairs of any of the boards who want to meet with me as soon as we have time and to discuss, not just our inclusive schooling, but all of our funding for schools and hear any of the concerns they might have. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister take it upon himself to ensure better access to professional assessment in our schools within the next year?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to meet with the boards and discuss what services they currently provide, what is available from Health and Social Services and how they might suggest we improve the services.

I think one of the challenges we face as a territory is that some regions, some communities, do not have the same access as do others. We would have to look at how we can ensure that everybody has fair access. 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 of Health and Social Services. It is in regard to the mental health workers. I wrote a letter to the Minister back in March looking at a possible increase for these workers, but yet, Mr. Speaker, the NWT social services system action plan identified that there is core need in regard to ensuring the quality of health programs, especially the inadequacy of compensation and support for our workers.

I would like to ask the Minister, what is his department doing to raise the salaries of our mental health workers to bring them in line with our other health professionals?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that particular issue is part of the work that is being done with the combined Addictions and Mental Health and Family Violence Strategy. The addictions component I have on my desk. The mental health strategy is still in the development stage.

I am aware of the Member's concern. I will be going to his communities in August. It is also an issue I want to speak to as we look at the socio-economic impact of major resource development, because I know it has been identified in his communities by some of the leaders as an issue. Thank you

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is one of the key areas that has been identified in regard to the Health and Social Services System Action Plan for 2002-2005. I think it is crucial that we act on some of these recommendations. I would like to ask the Minister, how soon can you act in regard to trying to find the resources to bring these people in line with our other professionals?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the first step is going to be to conclude the part of the strategy, the mental health component of that strategy, which I just referred to, the Alcohol and Drug and Mental Health and Family Violence Strategy. We are going to have to quantify the amount of money we are going to acquire to address that particular priority. We are going to have to put it on our list and we are going to have to go back through committees and then back to Cabinet. Hopefully by the fall, we will have a very clear idea as to how we can proceed. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that our mental health workers in our communities would like an answer to see exactly what the direction of this government is and how soon can they see fruition to finding solutions to these problems. I would like to ask the Minister again, do you have any idea how we are going to be able to see it within the next six months? Or are we talking about a year? How soon can we see this change take place?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have outlined the projected time lines to the best of my ability at this point. Whether or not the required resources will be made accessible is going to be a decision that has to be made. I would have to make a presentation to both committees, as I indicated, and to Cabinet and the Legislature. It is going to be on the list with many other very critical issues that require additional funding. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was trying to nail down the time here but it seemed like we were going in circles. I would like to ask the Minister, do you see it in the fall session or are we going to hopefully have something come back to the House next February? When will you have something to come back to the House?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my plan and intention to come forward in the fall with the results of a number of strategies; the Continuing Care Strategy, the Addictions and Mental Health and Family Violence Strategy, the one relating to the disabled as well. They are very critical pieces. There are many components, as the Member has indicated, that are of importance to all the people. By this fall, I would hope to be able to come forward with those particular documents.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stated earlier in my Member's statement that the mammogram van has come to Hay River for a number of years and travelled to Hay River in September of last year and screened 175 women. Now I have received information that the mammogram van will not be coming to Hay River this year due to a lack of funding. This is very upsetting to the women of Hay River who rely on this service. Would the Minister of Health and Social Services please confirm if that is a fact, that the mammogram van will not be coming to Hay River due to a lack of funding? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue raised by my colleague is one I have noted. I have already gone to my office and asked them to check. The information I have before me indicates that for 2002-2003, we have put in about $270,000 of new investments into that area of breast cancer screening and access to mammography. The issue that my colleague raises is one that I am not aware of.

Given the number I have just quoted and the number he has quoted, I want to check, because it is obviously not only going to apply to the women of Hay River but the women of the South Slave, where that test was made available. I am in the process of checking that particular issue. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister commit to working with the community health board in Hay River to address the financial solution in order to bring this mammogram van to Hay River? Again, will you ensure that the funding is made available so that this can happen? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.