This is page numbers 1397 - 1454 of the Hansard for the 14th Assembly, 6th 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 tlicho.

Topics

Education And Training For Northerners
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1406

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Significance Of The NWT Tourism Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1406

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The tourism industry, as Mr. Dent has talked about earlier today and I've talked about on a number of other occasions, is one of our quiet strengths, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to recognize the significance of the contribution that we just approved that will go into the Japanese market. I will also be levering significant funds from the national government, the Government of Canada, in recognition of how important this is.

Tourism is one of those magic industries, Mr. Speaker, that spreads itself across our economy. It's been estimated that a dollar spent by a tourist is a new dollar that comes in and it makes its way up to seven times across the restaurants, the taxis, everyone who provides a product.

We need to be aggressive, not only to win the tourism market share, but to keep it. Mr. Speaker, the ecotourism and cultural tourism sectors really are the ways of the future. This fall, I had the pleasure of experiencing three days on the Barren Lands about 300 miles east of Yellowknife to enjoy and experience and sample this rare and this wonderful product that we have out there. It went far beyond just looking at the magnificent natural wildlife of the caribou and muskox, but there was tremendous evidence there of the Dene culture and the trapping from the early days.

I was very interested, Mr. Speaker, to talk to the other guests who were there, mostly American, to find out why they wanted to be here. Well, besides their passion for photography or the wilderness, Mr. Speaker, they like Canada -- of course they like our dollar compared to theirs -- and they like our style. Our tourism product is a great strength. It gives us diversity. The operators and the owners who believe in it, who have invested in it, are passionate about it. I'm very pleased to see that at least on this occasion we were able to match that with some investment.

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

Significance Of The NWT Tourism Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1406

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Significance Of The NWT Tourism Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, this industry is worth protecting. It is worth investing in. It is worth growing in. I would like to wish the members of the industry and the people in our government and other communities and organizations who work in the industry, all the success this coming winter season and next season and at their annual convention in Inuvik in November. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Significance Of The NWT Tourism Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Appreciation For Colleagues, Staff And Family
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, as this may be the last day for the Members of the 14th Assembly in this House, I wish to thank you and all my colleagues for your cooperation and understanding while serving as a Member representing Nunakput and all residents of the Northwest Territories. I wish to thank the Clerk and his staff for their assistance over the years. Mr. Speaker, I could not do the job I have over the past four years without the professional assistance of my executive assistant Kat Nicholson; my constituency assistant in Tuktoyaktuk, Lena Kotokak; and, my executive secretary here in Yellowknife, Judy Payne. Thanks to them all. I must not forget to thank my summer student assistant, Amanda Nasogaluak. I wish to acknowledge, Mr. Speaker, the cooperation I received from community leaders in Nunakput.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a productive four years, in my opinion. Time seemed to fly because we have been so busy. Will I be back, Mr. Speaker? I don't know. I do know I will let my name stand for re-election. With the support of my voters in Nunakput, I could be back.

Mr. Speaker, a big thank you to my wife and partner, Betty, and to all my family for their endless understanding of my absence from the dinner table at home.

Mr. Speaker, a happy Thanksgiving to you, my colleagues, and everyone back home. I hope to see them all soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Appreciation For Colleagues, Staff And Family
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1406

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

GNWT Daycare Subsidy Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment outlined the accomplishments of the department and I acknowledge that happily. I don't want to take anything away from that, Mr. Speaker.

At the same time, I know he will continue to work diligently on his portfolio until the last day, even when all of us are out there doing something else. So I wish to highlight something I need to look at, which I have mentioned in this House before, and that has to do with improving the government's daycare subsidy program and how it's applied to a licensed daycare home.

Mr. Speaker, a licensed day home is a small home-based operation that is just a little bit bigger than a regular babysitting service where the operator is allowed to have up to eight children and up to six of them of preschool age. Currently, Mr. Speaker, the government subsidizes $28 per child per day, while the going market rate is $35. Once they're billed, the government often takes months and months to pay their bills. In the meantime, these operators are expected to pay for these children and carry the cost until they are paid. This is not a fair practice, Mr. Speaker. I would suggest that the subsidy should be increased to at least meet the market rate. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I am advised that these clients on subsidy are cut off for whatever reason and often no notice is given to the operator. The operators usually expect a 30-day notice from any other parents that bring their children. The operator is then left out in the cold without ability to fill the spot because she or he was given no notice. No business would be expected to operate under these conditions, Mr. Speaker.

I would suggest to the government that the government consider reserving spots for a daycare subsidy or at least pay for the duration of notice. Mr. Speaker, the important point here is that the daycare program is a much needed service and there's not enough of it. The daycare subsidy program is one small thing the government is doing and it's a good thing. It's just that it should be done better.

Mr. Speaker, daycare operators will be less and less willing to take the children on daycare subsidy unless the situation is improved. I do believe that the Minister believes in the importance of this program and that he will work until the last day to improve it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

GNWT Daycare Subsidy Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1407

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I spoke in June with my reply to the Opening Address, so I appreciate being able to use two-and-a-half minutes here to express my thank yous and thoughts of my eight-and-a-half years in political life.

Mr. Speaker, I told my colleagues how far we have come in the time I have been a witness to the evolution of political life in the Northwest Territories, some 40 years. In 1964, the Eastern Arctic didn't have political representation and that area is Nunavut today. Today we have the Tlicho bill before us and what remarkable progress we've made, Mr. Speaker. Even in those early days, the representation was from appointed Members from southern Canada, so we have evolved tremendously. For me. Mr. Speaker, the past 50 years of my working life here has been as a civil servant, as a business person, and they've been exciting and interesting and a fabulous life for me, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take an opportunity to thank my staff who have worked with me over the past four years so diligently, some have come recently. I would like to acknowledge my EA, Evan Walz, who is in the gallery today; Kathy Wind, my secretary; Pearl Benyk, my CA; and, I would also like to thank them for their tremendous support that they've provided to me over the four years. Of course, it's been an honour for me to represent the constituency of Yellowknife Centre and I thank my constituents.

Of course, the most important thank you I leave to my wife, Margaret, who's been my supporter and, like Mr. Steen, I have missed many a day for supper and that's sometimes hard to take for people who support us, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to say hello to my son, Luke, who today is a geologist with this government and I am sure he'll enjoy his life here in the Northwest Territories. In December, I will leave public life, Mr. Speaker, and I will devote myself until the last day diligently and totally dedicated. Then I will go on to my next hurrah in the North here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Further Return To Question 411-14(6): Approval For Giant Remediation Project
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Dent on October 8, 2003, regarding the approval for Giant Mine's remediation project. In response to the Member's question, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has been aware of the following information on the timing of surface remediation at Giant Mine:

  • • Surface remediation at Giant Mine does not depend on the Government of Canada finalizing the plan to manage the arsenic stored underground at the mine and to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.
  • • While any long-term management plan for arsenic underground will necessitate access to the storage vaults and for some surface structures such as the C-shaft headframe work to remain functional, the federal government could initiate cleanup of other surface liabilities immediately.

However, as the Honourable Joe Handley stated to this Assembly, there is a difference of opinion between this government and the Government of Canada as to whose responsibility it is to remediate and fund the surface cleanup. Despite the Government of the Northwest Territories formally inviting the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in November 2001 to enter into discussions to resolve our differences, progress to date has been minimal. Territorial officials continue to pursue DIAND for speed and resolution in this matter, Mr. Speaker. We recognize the Member's concern over the slow pace of remediation at Giant Mine, however this government must continue to be diligent in ensuring that the Government of Canada fulfils its legislative and fiscal responsibility at Giant and that correct management decisions are made with respect to the long-term health and safety of Northerners in our natural environment. We need and will continue to be very careful when making these decisions. Our future generations would expect no less than that. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Further Return To Question 411-14(6): Approval For Giant Remediation Project
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1407

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Mahsi, Mr. Minister. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two of my staff in the gallery, Kat Nicholson, my executive assistant and Judy Payne, my executive secretary.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two very close friends of ours; Twyla Campbell, and it's her first visit to Yellowknife; and, long-time friend Steven Cooper who is no stranger to the North. They are visiting here today. I would also like to recognize my constituency assistant Wendy Morgan. Without her support, I truly could not do my job. Also, Mr. Speaker, today in the gallery, I would like to recognize my husband, Rick, who has been my biggest supporter and fan. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's not often I do this, but today I have a special visitor: my son, Thomas Keenan, who's got a day off school and is attending the session.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Paul Delorey

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize two fine young people from my constituency of Hay River North who have been here paging all week. They are Ms. Bailey Mackie and Morgan Monkman. I would also like to recognize my constituency assistant, Ms. Deborah Mageean, who is in the gallery today. I would also like to recognize a constituent of mine, Rick Groenewegen, in the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1408

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, I would like to recognize my constituents from the North Slave; the aboriginal leaders from the North Slave; and, other people who are back there that I can't see. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1408

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1408

Roger Allen

Roger Allen Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity this morning to recognize Tom Williams, my former executive assistant who now plays a major role in the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1408

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.