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

culture, Heritage And Language
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1402

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

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

Page 1402

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was happy to hear Minister Antoine's statement on tourism marketing today. The Minister listed the factors that have been having a negative impact on the tourism industry in the Northwest Territories. There's been a great deal of focus on developing our non-renewable resources lately and that's right. It's the thing we need to do because this sector has been the biggest driver of growth in our economy of late.

Mr. Speaker, the tourism industry is also a huge contributor to the NWT economy and a major player in the NWT's GDP. Our hotels, restaurants and other small businesses rely on tourism dollars and, Mr. Speaker, guiding brings dollars into many northern communities. Unfortunately, the industry has struggled for many years for their fair share of government support. We are lucky to have the kind of natural wilderness that attracts tourists from all over the world. As the Minister noted in his statement today, in recent years there's been strong growth in the aurora market attracting Japanese visitors every year. The North's abundant wildlife also attracts many sport hunters and fisherman who pay premium dollars to participate in a true northern adventure.

Mr. Speaker, the continued trend towards eco-tourism and cultural tourism can only be good news for the Northwest Territories. We still have vast areas of unspoiled wilderness and our outfitters are ready and able to bring in visitors to experience the pristine wilderness of the NWT.

The strength and uniqueness of northern culture offers a remarkable experience for visitors to the Northwest Territories and provides employment for people in our smaller communities. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear the Minister's announcement of the $500,000 campaign to market aurora tourism in Japan, but there needs to be even more support for the industry to survive the current downturn and to expand its product. The economic impact of tourism cannot be underestimated whether it's viewing the northern lights, rafting the Nahanni River or tracking caribou, our tourist visitors leave behind many dollars in our territory.

Mr. Speaker, it would be an important challenge for the 15th Assembly to see whether they can properly support the tourism industry so they can achieve its full potential. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Page 1402

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Reflections On The 14th Legislative Assembly
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1402

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's been interesting to hear over the last few days the Ministers' remarks on the achievements the departments have made over the life of this government. There are many accomplishments that we can stand up as Members of the 14th Assembly and talk about the work that's been done.

Mr. Speaker, we've also had our dark days in this Assembly but, as we've heard, we've come through it to the end of the days as Members of this 14th Assembly. Something I have always looked at, Mr. Speaker, is when members of my community sent me to work on their behalf, they did so knowing that I stood up and would represent them to the best of my ability on whatever issues would come forward and to respect their wishes and not to put name tags on them or put them in sections or categories of people, but to try to represent them as a whole community. Mr. Speaker, that's important because I stand here in this Assembly as a Member of a public government of the Northwest Territories representing all people in the Northwest Territories, not just one group of people versus another group. That's very important, Mr. Speaker, as we travel down this road that we are on. As the next government is put forward by the people of the Northwest Territories, all those using their democratic right to put an "x" beside an individual's name must do so looking forward to what leadership would be put here and the decisions they would make.

Mr. Speaker, it's important that we continue to work to the benefit of the people in these last days. I think you will see that by the amount of legislation that's been passed. It impacts people across the North. Mr. Speaker, when we stand in this House to represent people, we must remember we represent all people across the Northwest Territories who live in our communities. I would hold that up to all Members as a measure that we use not only for ourselves but for others in this House and other leaders across this land. Thank you.

---Applause

Reflections On The 14th Legislative Assembly
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1402

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Acknowledgment Of Mackenzie Delta Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1402

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to take this opportunity to thank my constituents to have the opportunity to have been their voice in this Legislative Assembly for the last four years. I have served two terms.

Mr. Speaker it's not often we get to thank the people who have put us here, but today I would like to do that, especially the elders, the youth, the community leaders and those people who we serve everyday. Mr. Speaker, without having that connection to the people we serve and having the ability to be able to contact them and help them out with their problems, their issues, and our community leaders have challenges along with us to assist them to improve the lives of those people who we serve. That is key. We are here to serve the people, not for them to serve us. It's an opportunity that one is blessed with to be able to do that.

Mr. Speaker, I have always strived to improve the lives of the people I serve in the Mackenzie Delta communities and to be able to stand here knowing that when I speak, I am not speaking for myself, I am speaking because someone has asked me to raise an issue, to make a problem either go away with the help of the Ministers on the other side and not just stand here and rant and rave day in and day out and hope someone is listening. Mr. Speaker, I think it's important that that opportunity we have to serve also means we, as a government, have to change the whole system. We have to ensure that we are listening as elected officials and that the government across the hall is hearing what we are saying.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a real honour to serve two terms in this House for the people of the Mackenzie Delta and deal with the challenges we have and the many we have ahead of us such as pipeline development, self-government arrangements...

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

Acknowledgment Of Mackenzie Delta Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1403

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. Are there any nays? Mr. Krutko, you may conclude.

Acknowledgment Of Mackenzie Delta Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1403

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, in the Mackenzie Delta, we are facing many challenges such as oil and gas development, pipeline construction and negotiations for a regional self-government agreement. Mr. Speaker, all that doesn't mean anything unless the individuals we represent in our communities can see a change or improvement in their lives and in not having to cope with the stresses that we, as a government, should be managing. In most cases, those are the issues that are raised in this House.

Mr. Speaker, the programs and services we deliver as a government are our responsibility to ensure that they are being delivered fairly, equitably and to all residents of the Northwest Territories, especially, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that we work for the benefit of all our people.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I'd like to thank my constituents again and I look forward to serving for another four years. Thank you.

Acknowledgment Of Mackenzie Delta Constituents
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1403

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Honouring Commitments To The North Slave Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

October 9th, 2003

Page 1403

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier made reference to the comment he made in Rae-Edzo. On August 25th, in front of the Prime Minister, in front of all the government officials and witnesses to the signing of the Tlicho land claim, he stated, if you take care of the Tlicho, the Tlicho will take care of you. The Premier went on to say that these words apply to this government in particular.

Mr. Speaker, these are strong words. Unfortunately, over the past four years I have seen numerous government studies, plans and reports dating back 10 years which have overlooked the North Slave riding. Some of these documents and studies include the highway strategy, Corridors to Canada document, the energy strategy, and the Health and Social Services action plan.

Mr. Speaker, last week in the House the Premier acknowledged my relentless pursuit over the past four years for improvements on Highway No. 3 and road access to the smaller communities in my region. Has Cabinet listened and responded? No. The highway is still in terrible shape and there are still no plans for roads to the small communities.

Mr. Speaker, there is an opportunity for the Premier to go beyond lip service with his reference to a strong partnership with the Tlicho. As this Assembly is winding down, transition documents are being created for the next Assembly. I urge the Premier to make sure that the best interests of the North Slave are considered by including in this document:

  • • plans for an addiction centre in the North Slave;
  • • policy changes for housing programs;
  • • changes to the highway strategy; and,
  • • the establishment of health service delivery standards throughout the North.

These are all areas which I have brought up. These are areas of ongoing concern. When he talked about the land claim, the Premier commented that the Tlicho have taken a bold step to say we were partnered with this government. I only hope that this government will walk with the people of the North Slave and ensure that they are included in government plans, strategies and reports. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Honouring Commitments To The North Slave Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1403

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Paul Delorey

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this is our last time in this House together as Members of the 14th Legislative Assembly, and seeing as Thanksgiving is this coming weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to give well-deserved recognition and thanks to various individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by giving thanks to our youth. We are blessed in Hay River with having some fine examples of youth excelling in their chosen endeavors. One fine example of this, Mr. Speaker, are the three young people from Hay River who recently participated in an extremely intensive Canadian Forces program called the aboriginal entry program.

Mr. Speaker, the three youths are Robert Lafleur, Brandon Starcevic and Angel Asels. Brandon has been accepted into the Canadian Navy and Robert has been accepted into the Canadian Army. Both Robert and Brandon are currently in the throes of their 10-week basic training program before they commence a three-year tour with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I am a strong supporter of seeing our youths succeed. Therefore, I would like to recognize and thank them for their commitment and dedication and wish them continued success.

As all 19 Members of this House are aware, Mr. Speaker, our four-year terms of office are an arduous process and we couldn't possibly accomplish what we do without the tremendous support of our beloved families. Mr. Speaker, our family's constant support is what keeps us going. As I do in every day of my life, I would like to give enormous thanks this time to my wife, Davida; my daughters, Michelle, Monique and Katrina; and my son, D'Arcy.

Mr. Speaker, also at this time, I would like to thank and recognize a very special young lady who has been an enormous help to me over the past four years: my constituency assistant, Ms. Debra Mageean. She has been extremely dedicated to my office and has been a strong link between my constituents and myself, especially when I've been away on government business.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by saying that I have thoroughly enjoyed my four-year term of office here representing the interests of my constituents of Hay River North. I give thanks every day for their continued support and I look forward for the next month or so being in very close contact with all my constituents. Hopefully I will be here to represent them for another four years, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Passing Of Elders In Tu Nedhe
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1404

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my riding has lost quite a bit this past week. Yesterday, Marie Casaway - known as Marie-Louise, but better known as Granny - passed away in Lutselk'e. I spoke earlier in the week about a lady passing away in Deninu Kue. Combined, Mr. Speaker, we lost 195 years of life experience.

Marie was born in 1908 and when I was born, Mr. Speaker, just to give you an idea of how old this lady was, she was just collecting the old age pension. That was 36 years ago. She was a woman who had many children and many grandchildren and many more great-great-grandchildren. A woman who is known to our government because our government has been helping to pay for her care in the community. Members of my community in Lutselk'e did not want to send her to an old age home in Yellowknife or anyplace else. In that sense, Mr. Speaker, she became everyone's granny in Lutselk'e.

I'd like to celebrate her life with the Members. I will be going home tomorrow and celebrating in mourning her life with my community as well. A woman that stays with you that long has an effect on everybody in the community. Everybody called her Granny and it's not too often that you find a woman that lives long enough for everyone to adopt as their granny. It's a sad day for the community, for the region and, again, Mr. Speaker, we lost a wise old lady who helped many peoples, including many generations.

I'd like to officially thank her on behalf of my constituents in the people's House here today. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Passing Of Elders In Tu Nedhe
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1404

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Mahsi, Mr. Nitah. Condolences go the family of Granny Casaway. As a young social worker I had the pleasure of knowing her and learning from her advice way back in the 1960s. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Fairness To Income Support Recipients
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1404

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Seeing as this is our last day I'd like to raise the issue facing our income support residents of the Northwest Territories and more specifically the disabled residents of the Northwest Territories one more time. That issue is the clawback of certain dollars in the support system that are intended for the disabled.

Mr. Speaker, these individuals currently have a program called the community living benefit program to assist in meeting their daily needs. This entitles them to income support, including $300 for their disability needs. Like any other income assistance recipients, all other income is deducted from their monthly payments. With the high cost of living in the North and after all the deductions, this leaves these people in a financial situation of poverty that's difficult to work your way out of.

Under the income support program, the allowable income without interference is $200 for singles and $400 for families on a monthly basis. Everyone has debts and other essential needs and these debts are not considered as basic need expenses. Consequently, these expenses are deducted from their monthly payments.

Mr. Speaker, also, all other federal and territorial funded programs are deducted from the recipients. Many of these programs are intended to address child poverty or career development. These programs become meaningless if they're not received by the very people they're targeted for. After reviewing an Alberta government guide for assured income for the severely handicapped, also known as the AISH program, which entitles the handicapped to medical and financial benefits, I see that in that province these benefits are assured if your disability impairs your ability to earn a living and is modified based on the severity of the disability.

Mr. Speaker, the Alberta government enables those in poverty to better their lifestyles by exempting certain incomes, such as Canada child tax benefit under the Canadian Income Tax Act; death benefits under the Canadian Pension Plan; land claim settlement payments; grants intended to enhance employability; and also allows an income of $400 for each child receiving maintenance.

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

Fairness To Income Support Recipients
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1404

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, Mr. McLeod. You may continue.

Fairness To Income Support Recipients
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1404

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, in Alberta, these exemptions allow the families that are experiencing financial difficulties to get back on their feet without jeopardizing essential needs. It may also be the key to recipients relying less on income support payments.

Mr. Speaker, with the program we have in place compared to the AISH program, our disability assistance recipients fall short of their needs. I'm especially concerned for the disabled with terminal illnesses. They have to worry about finances that are not being covered under current benefits. Some don't qualify for any special benefits. Mr. Speaker, this government has to change their attitude towards the people on income support, especially towards our disabled residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Fairness To Income Support Recipients
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1404

An Hon. Member

Hear, hear!

---Applause

Fairness To Income Support Recipients
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1404

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this being the last day of session for the 14th Assembly, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in this House for the pleasure of having worked with them for the past four years. As I've said before, it's a very unique working environment. We've spent a lot of time together. Sometimes we agree and sometimes we don't. But we attempt to maintain a high level of decorum so that everyone can express themselves and feel that their input is valued and heard.

At the end of the day, we are all here for the same reason. We want to ensure the best outcomes for our constituents and the people of the North, where our decisions, programs and services impact on their lives. In that sense, it's an awesome responsibility.

I would like to thank my constituents in Hay River for allowing me this opportunity to be their voice in this legislature and I know that they expect me to do this to the best of my ability and I trust that I have done that.

I would like to thank my awesome constituency assistant, Wendy Morgan, for all of her help and support. I would also like to thank my honourable colleague from Hay River North. I supported his bid for this job. He is my MLA. I voted for him and I have not been disappointed.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my family: my husband, Rick, who's here today; my children, Jordan and his wife Kathleen, my son Jeffrey and his wife Kandace, and my very opinionated and ever-active daughter Jillian. As our children grow up and pass different milestones like graduations and weddings, it's a reality check for us and a stark reminder that time marches on. Jillian was in Grade 1 when I was elected the first time and now she's in Grade 9. By the way, Mr. Speaker, might I say she's serving her third consecutive year as class president. I've had serious competition for willpower with her, but I think that Mommy is still the boss.

As we watch our family grow it gives us cause to reflect on the choices that we've made and the choices that we will continue to make in the future. Life is precious and time is valuable and I'm always conscious of an admonition of my late father. One of them was, let's make the day count for something. In other words, get up and get to work. Even though we won't always fully understand or realize all the consequences of our decisions or our work until we're some ways down the road, I'm thankful for the privilege that I've had of representing Hay River and working for my constituents. Working in this environment and in this capacity is not something that I would trade and I hope to be back.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to just quickly conclude my statement.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you. The honourable Member seeking unanimous consent to conclude her Member's statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss today if I did not also thank God for all of his blessings. Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, any skill or talent that we have we can thank Him for. I would like to end my statement with a verse from the Bible which answers the question of what was required of Israel at the time. Michael was a prophet and he said, "He has showed you, oh, Man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." This is my prayer for myself and for our government: to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Education And Training For Northerners
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1405

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought today about issues I might like to highlight in my last Member's statement. I think for me it was an easy choice. I wanted to again remind us of our challenge and that is to ensure that we can do everything we can for the people of the Northwest Territories in terms of education and training.

It's no secret that many of the discussions we've had as a legislature have been difficult. They've been tough discussions, but they've been about the sense that there's a growing disparity between the have and the have-not communities of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that more than anything education and training can be the great equalizer. I think that if our education system across the Territories is successful then opportunities will open up for everyone. Yesterday I mentioned the program south of the border, the bill, Leave No Child Behind. I think our education system has to leave no community behind.

---Applause

I think, Mr. Speaker, we did a good job as an Assembly. When we started we put a lot of money into the pupil/teacher ratio. I'm proud of that, but I think we can do more especially in terms of student supports, Mr. Speaker. I also believe that if there was an area that we've fallen short of in education, it certainly, I think, is in terms of trades and apprenticeship. We did have much discussion about the need to meet the opportunities for jobs that are becoming more and more available in the Territories, but we really need to look at our priorities and, I believe, spend more effort encouraging young people to enter this area of employment and ensure that we put the resources there so that our young people across the Territories can get training.

Mr. Speaker, speaking of resources, another program that I think we seriously need to improve is our student financial assistance. It has come some way and four years ago I remember discussions about student financial assistance, if you can believe it, not recognizing distance learning. We are there now, but we need to continue to improve its flexibility. I've had constituents come to me who wanted to go to cooking school, take real estate training, financial services training and our program simply didn't meet them half way, Mr. Speaker. It seemed to be more concerned that they were attending a typical university program in the South, two semesters a year, a certain number of hours a day. Mr. Speaker, we have to get out of that mindset so that we can meet the needs of all of our residents. I certainly hope the next government will make that a priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause