This is page numbers 1355 - 1396 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

Need For Emergency Shelters In Yellowknife
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1359

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, in June of this year I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to meet with the emergency shelter operators to discuss the critical situation they were facing. He said he would be most pleased to meet and thought it would be very worthwhile. Mr. Speaker, it's now the middle of October and no meeting has yet taken place.

Mr. Speaker, shelters are overflowing, children are being put into an already overburdened foster care system, charitable agencies are spending their own money to provide government services and winter is coming. What is it going to take to get some action to make sure someone doesn't die on the streets this year? Thank you.

Need For Emergency Shelters In Yellowknife
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1359

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services has defined their purpose as follows: "To promote, protect and provide for the health and well-being of the people of the Northwest Territories." From this purpose we can assume that all the residents of the Northwest Territories can expect a certain level of health care and access to the various services and that all communities can expect a certain level of infrastructure to deliver such services.

Mr. Speaker, in reviewing the 20-year needs assessment I found that the health centre once identified for the Hay River Reserve has been eliminated. I understand and recognize the need for fiscal restraints, however, residents of the Hay River Reserve who require health services are now forced to travel to Hay River to obtain health services. This can be very difficult for many of the residents, especially for the very young children and the elderly, in the case of emergencies.

The addition of a health care facility on the Hay River Reserve will not only provide the residents with timely access to health services, it will provide the community with health care professionals that will be closer to the community, thus creating a greater understanding of community health issues. It will allow for easier distribution of health information and will allow for effective communication with the hospital staff in Hay River. It will also improve community infrastructure and build community capacity.

Mr. Speaker, the need for the health centre is an issue that has been ongoing and one that requires an innovative approach if it is to be realized. An option that has been proposed by the chief of the K'atlodeeche First Nation would result in the band council constructing a building that could be leased back to the Government of the Northwest Territories for use as a health centre. This option would not require a major capital outlay by this government for construction of the building, but only require a lease and operating payment.

Mr. Speaker, the K'atlodeeche First Nation has proved it is willing to look outside the box to seek workable solutions for the benefit of its residents. I urge this government to do the same by making this very important need a reality. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services during question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Pursuit Of The Traditional Trapping Lifestyle
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1360

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this being our second-last day of this session, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our oldest industry in the Northwest Territories, the trapping industry. As you know, Mr. Speaker, the trapping industry is the main reason why the North was built. On November 1st, trappers will go back to their traplines. Throughout the winter, my constituents will be trapping in their traplines. People in Lutselk'e will be travelling into the Barren Lands hunting for caribou, hunting for wolves and wolverines, setting a few traps here and there.

I know, Mr. Speaker, our government, through the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, has done lots to help trappers over the years, and I appreciate and recognize that, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my trappers and the trappers of the Northwest Territories. We have one of the most progressive and best programs in Canada to ensure that our trappers continue to trap. It's another way for people to gain meaningful employment and something for them to do, work their lands, their trap lands so they know what is going on on the lands, to call their decision to give us an inherent right to land title. Over the years, Mr. Speaker, aboriginal people know their land through this industry. They trap all over the place, and that's the basis of their lands.

So trapping, in my mind, has a lot more to do than just a monetary exercise, but it's an exercise of asserting their political and sovereign rights in their lands which translates into land claims and new relationships with Canada and co-existence within regions such as the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to express the importance of trapping and give it the recognition that it's one of our oldest industries in the Northwest Territories. I encourage the government to continue supporting that industry as it is a very important industry, especially to culture, language and identification of individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish all the trappers good luck and ask them to be careful. It's dangerous work, but have fun with it. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Pursuit Of The Traditional Trapping Lifestyle
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1360

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Mahsi, Mr. Nitah. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Recognition Of The NWT Seniors' Society
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1360

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity today to recognize the good work that a number of seniors are doing in the Northwest Territories on behalf of all seniors. They are being excellent advocates and they are the NWT Seniors' Society, Mr. Speaker.

I know this week in the House, Bea Campbell was in attendance. She's the president of the society. Lloyd Bruins is the past-president, and the other directors are Alvin Armstrong, Jim Villeneuve, Helen Gruben, Laura Lennie, the late Bill Lafferty, and Chris Williams. I think they're doing fine work, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of seniors. It's this kind of advocacy work that I think has lead to the fact that we now every year celebrate the significant contributions of seniors and elders with an official week proclaimed Senior Citizen's Week. Mr. Speaker, the work and contributions of our seniors is continuing to grow in the North through local seniors' groups and societies, such as the one I've mentioned, and also the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors who are doing a lot of good work in this area, as well, Mr. Speaker.

I don't know if the House is aware, but between 1998 and 2018, it's estimated that there will be a 134 percent increase in the number of NWT seniors. Another note to mention, Mr. Speaker, in September 2004, coming up, our NWT Seniors' Society plans to have teams formed to compete at the Canada Senior Games being held in Whitehorse. Lots of fun events. I think they're hoping to have teams compete in bowling, golf, bridge, horseshoes and darts.

Mr. Speaker, Barb Hood, the executive director of the society, sent me an e-mail and she wished to make sure that we recognized the efforts of Mr. Miltenberger on behalf of seniors. She said that he and his office commissioned a review of seniors' programs and services in 2000-2001, held a number of community consultations and, following that, Mr. Speaker, there was a release of the seniors' action plan that had 28 recommendations. I understand 20 of them have now been completed and there are ongoing efforts to deal with the rest. They would like to say that with the support they have received they've been linked to the Department of Health and Social Services and many other government departments so that their good work can continue.

So on behalf of the Seniors' Society, I'd like to recognize the work of Mr. Miltenberger. Thank you.

---Applause

Recognition Of The NWT Seniors' Society
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1361

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition of one aspect of the government's latest proposal to establish a new NWT sport and recreation partners council. Mr. Speaker, this sounds good in title, but in effect, this continues to be the wrong approach to balance small and large community participation in sporting activities. We need to continue to expand programs to small communities, certainly, Mr. Speaker, but these should be done through extra government support and funding to small communities, not at the expense of what has been established in the larger centres, mostly through volunteerism and tax-based, Mr. Speaker. I believe, Mr. Speaker, creating a new layer of bureaucracy will only reduce the money available to those children who really need it.

Mr. Speaker, I'm also very concerned about the message that this proposal continues to send to the large volunteer community in Yellowknife and throughout the Territories. All these people, Mr. Speaker, have dedicated their personal time and resources to the NWT sports system for years, and the government's insistence in plying through this proposal is a complete affront to their years of dedication and commitment and hours of service.

Mr. Speaker, look at the tremendous history of volunteer coaches and organizations in Yellowknife and the Territories. From David Sutherland, John Argue, the Dunbars, Dave McCann, the Gilday-Dunbar team, Harry Vivian, the Grafs, Dave Walcer and Dennis Crane, to some of the relative newcomers like Mike Beauregard. The list is endless and they give their hours in the nights and weekends because they care about the kids and they believe in what they do. All of them not only have contributed their time and energy to making Yellowknife a great place for our children, but have all participated in coaching clinics and organizational meetings in and for very small communities. Again, on their own time. Mr. Speaker, the same can be said about many people involved with Sport North.

I'd like to conclude by saying, Mr. Speaker, that MACA and the government would be better off with spending more time, energy and money trying to encourage the development of volunteers and facilities in small communities rather than building another layer of bureaucracy and another board. Mr. Speaker, I have proposed this from the beginning and still do and will continue to do so and I ask the Minister to reconsider. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Changes In The Nahendeh Leadership
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1361

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a Member's statement I'd like to do today as MLA for Nahendeh. I just wanted to say that in my riding I have six communities and I work with the different chiefs and councils that are there. I just wanted to mention that there have been some changes since June since we last met, in my riding, and I just wanted to mention the newly-elected people.

In Fort Simpson, the chief is Keyna Norwegian, and John Tsetso is the sub-chief, with Judy Sabourin, Kevin Menicoche, Maurice Tanche, Hazel Isiah-Tanche, Loyal Letcher, Dennis Nelner and Ethel Lamothe as the council in Liidlii Kue First Nation.

In Fort Liard, in the Acho Dene Koe, Floyd Bertrand is the chief there, elected with Guy Berreault, Charles Bertrand, Joe Bertrand, Stanley Bertrand, Gordon Timbre, and Janna Deneron as the youth delegate.

In the summertime, the Deh Cho leadership also had gone through some leadership elections and I just wanted to mention here for the House, that Herb Norwegian is the grand chief of the Deh Cho First Nation. Herb has been involved with the Deh Cho First Nation government for over 25 years, and has been instrumental in gathering traditional land use and occupancy information from the region. He has been chairing the Land Use Planning Committee in the Deh Cho territory so he has extensive experience in that whole area of land, hunting and being out on the land.

So I just wanted to mention here, Mr. Speaker, that in our work as MLAs we have to work with the First Nations in our respective ridings, and that they truly provide a lot of leadership in the communities and it has been a real pleasure working with them over the years. Thank you.

---Applause

Changes In The Nahendeh Leadership
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1361

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Committee Report 20-14(6): Final Report On Planning Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1361

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a report from the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight.

introduction
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1361

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the 14th Legislative Assembly, Members set out plans and priorities for the newly formed Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight and shared those plans publicly in a tabled document. Midway through the Assembly, Members assessed the progress made against the initial plan and set out the broad direction for the remainder of the Assembly. That report was tabled in June 2001.

This final report sets out the progress we have made toward achieving our goals and reflects on our activities over the life of the 14th Legislative Assembly.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is comprised of all 11 Regular Members. Its role is to:

  1. Review issues which have government-wide implications including the executive offices of the Department of the Executive;
  2. Conduct the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;
  3. Consider the budgets and financial management of the Northwest Territories Workers' Compensation Board, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and any other boards and agencies that are outside the responsibility of any other standing committee; and,
  4. Examine the reports on the annual financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General.

vision And Mission
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1361

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

One of our first activities was to set out our vision and develop a mission statement. We set these out as follows:

Our vision is to be responsive and accountable to the public by acting with integrity to contribute to the achievement of the 14th Legislative Assembly's vision.

Our mission will be to take purposeful action to support, question or oppose government initiatives and to hold government accountable; we will also propose that government take action where appropriate and in the public interest.

The committee then set out its priorities, identifying areas in which we planned to take action.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1361

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Our first priority was "to advocate for the rights of the public and those needing a voice in dealings with government."

The absence of human rights legislation and the potential for litigation were the driving forces behind the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight's actions to advocate for the advancement of human rights legislation, a children's advocate and improved access to information and protection of privacy legislation.

Very early in our mandate the Legislative Assembly adopted Committee Motion 15-14(2), Enactment of Human Rights Legislation, on March 31, 2000. The government responded by introducing human rights legislation that was given third reading by the Legislative Assembly. The legislation is in the process of being implemented now, and the Human Rights Commission should be fully operational by spring.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has not undertaken any significant action to advance the establishment of a children's advocate office, although Members had hoped to see a government proposal to address this issue.

The committee advocated for the rights of the public to a more open and transparent government by reviewing the annual report and recommendations of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Commissioner, and presented the Report on the Review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Commissioner's Report 1999-2000 in the Legislative Assembly. This marked the first time that a standing committee reviewed this annual report and considered the Commissioner's recommendations, thus setting the stage to have future reports automatically referred to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight. In subsequent years, the committee also reviewed the Commissioner's 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 reports. Over the life of this Assembly, the committee has recommended several amendments to the ATIPP legislation. The government has responded positively to many of the recommendations, most recently through Bill 27.

However, Mr. Speaker, Members were disappointed the government did not move more aggressively to extend access to information and privacy protection legislation to NWT municipalities, either by including them in the existing act, or developing separate legislation. Members are also concerned the federal government now has jurisdiction over the collection, storage and use of personal information by the NWT private sector, under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. The committee urged the government to bring forward substantially similar legislation in order to ensure that local privacy issues are addressed by made-in-the-NWT law. Unfortunately the government has declined to take action on this issue.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly consider legislation to address information and privacy issues the committee has identified with respect to municipal governments and the private sector

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would ask the Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden, to continue with the report. Thank you.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1362

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1362

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Our second priority was "to have a public service that is representative of the population served, that is treated fairly and managed effectively."

Committee Motion 5-14(3), Establishment of a Public Service Commission, was adopted by the Legislative Assembly early in the 14th Assembly as a first step toward fostering a climate of fairness, representativeness, competence, nonpartisanship, efficiency and effectiveness in support of the territorial public service. The Executive Council commissioned the human resources management study, or the Thornton Report, in response to the motion and transmitted the report to committee.

Although the government never formally responded to the recommendations in the Thornton Report, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight reported to the Legislative Assembly on June 12, 2001, with a preliminary Committee Report 4-14(4), which included recommendations for a process to continue to work with the government to attract, develop and maintain a highly professional workforce.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight proposed the establishment of a smaller working group to work with the government to try and advance the key areas of an independent staffing appeals process. While initial discussions appeared promising, with a review of options for an appeals process, the government wrote to committee on April 14, 2003, to say that it was unlikely that any changes to the current appeals process will be introduced in the 14th Assembly.

Members have noted that we do not have a truly representative public service as a result of problems with the affirmative action policy and the lack of employment equity measures on many occasions in the House. The government has not made any significant changes to the existing policy.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is disappointed that there has been so little progress made towards achieving a more representative public service during this Assembly.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly consider again whether a public service commission might be the best way to support managers with the tools needed to ensure effective human resource management, and in particular to address employment equity issues that appear to be barriers to a more representative public service.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly, at the very least, move quickly to establish an independent appeals process.

Mr. Speaker, our third priority was "to work toward effective government organization, structure and operations."

Initially the government was expected to complete a program and functional review concerning departments, boards and agencies to assess the effectiveness and efficiency related to service delivery. Of particular interest were the organization and structure of health and social services boards, education councils, and the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. The Cuff Report was commissioned by the Minister of Health and Social Services and reviewed by the Standing Committee on Social Programs.

Members questioned the establishment of regional offices and the relocation of public service positions. Despite being offered briefings on regional reorganization by the government, committee Members were eventually told that there was no government-wide undertaking to reorganize. The government did acknowledge, however, that some departments may have realigned their internal structures and resources to more effectively deliver services. While we were continually told this, we could not help but notice that many initiatives, such as creation of the Sahtu health board, appear to be a result of claims settlements and self-government negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, the government has established a Deputy Ministers Task Team to oversee a corporate review and transition plan. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight invited the government to begin discussions on options for departmental restructuring. The government told us that there would be no move for major restructuring during the life of this Assembly. The recommendations will be made to the 15th Legislative Assembly as part of the transition-planning document.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly consider the recommendation for a public service commission, when examining the corporate review of personnel functions as a means to bring together the people and resources involved in ensuring that the public service has an adaptable, diverse and nonpartisan workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to turn this over to my colleague, Mr. Nitah, to continue with the report.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1363

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The chair will now recognize the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1363

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our fourth priority was "to see a cohesive and current workers' compensation system and governing authorities to meet the changing environment."

The division of the Territories and outdated legislation dictated the need to review the workers' compensation system over the life of the 14th Assembly. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight advocated for such a review, and the Minister responsible for the board responded by making a commitment to conduct public hearings and prepare appropriate legislation for introduction and passage during the life of this Assembly.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight supported the recommendations of the Review Panel as outlined in "Act Now" and urged the government to introduce appropriate legislation. Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, and Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Safety Act, were introduced by the government as phase I of their response to Act Now, and dealt with many of the recommendations contained in the report.

During its review of Bill 23, the committee raised concerns that there may not be adequate protection in legislation for employees who make safety complaints to their employers. The committee would urge the WCB to undertake a review of this issue in order to determine whether further amendments are needed.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly quickly follow up on the remainder of the legislation proposed for phase II.

Our fifth priority was "to develop an energy strategy to address the changing NWT environment and outside influences."

The committee urged the Executive Council to develop a comprehensive energy strategy, by leading a campaign to call attention to high cost of energy, green house gas emissions and the need for alternative energy options. Committee was successful in having the Legislative Assembly adopt a motion calling for the development of a comprehensive energy strategy. The government responded with the establishment of an Energy Secretariat in June of 2001 and the announcement of a special advisor to the premier to head up the secretariat.

While committee supported the need for a strategy, the recently released energy strategy is disappointing and appears to contain nothing more than "motherhood and apple pie" recommendations. There are no practical options proposed to address the major issues originally identified by committee.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight remains generally supportive of the government's exploration of hydroelectric potential both as an alternative to fossil fuel consumption and as a revenue source.

Our sixth priority was "to see a strategy for sharing control of resources including non- renewable resource development, and environmental impacts and liabilities of development."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has been supportive of the government's work with the Aboriginal Summit through the Intergovernmental Forum and is on record as supporting the government in negotiations for a devolution agreement. Committee named two representatives to attend the Intergovernmental Forum political meetings as observers and to report progress to Members. In addition, the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs has provided regular briefings to committee.

While the cooperation of the Aboriginal Summit and the Government of the Northwest Territories is encouraging, Members are unsure of how much progress has actually been made toward negotiating an adequate resource revenue-sharing agreement. Given our fiscal outlook, this is a crucial area in which we need to see advances.

Our seventh priority was "to develop a diversified long-term fiscal outlook for the GNWT."

Committee worked with the Minister of Finance and Cabinet in supporting the development proposal related to non-renewable resources in the NWT to the Government of Canada. Representatives have lobbied to heighten awareness of the northern funding issues. We were heartened by last weekend's announcements that significant parts of the plan would see federal funding over the next few years.

As the Minister of Finance has kept reminding us of the approach of the debt wall, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has played a watchdog role and has consistently advised the government to adopt a prudent approach to fiscal management. Unfortunately, Members of the committee have limited impact on the spending priorities of the government.

Our eighth priority was "to advocate for adequate housing for residents."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight acknowledged the lead role of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, but continued to lend support to advocate for adequate and affordable housing for NWT residents. In 2001, committee strongly urged the government to re-examine proposed new initiatives and find a way to invest at least $2 million to $3 million in additional housing programs.

The committee followed up with a theme day in 2002 and presented a committee report on adequate, affordable and suitable housing for residents of the Northwest Territories.

The government responded by announcing in the 2003-2004 Budget Address $1.7 million in each of the next three years in additional grant and contribution funding for specific communities to provide for new housing and renovations to existing housing.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleague, Mr. Roland, continue with the report. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1364

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Nitah. The chair will now recognize the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1364

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our ninth priority was harmonization.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight supported the initial objective of the harmonization strategy to assess income in the same manner in all NWT departments and agencies. However, Members became concerned when issues were raised during implementation that the process was not perceived to be fair to all affected parties. Consequently, a motion to establish a working group of 14th Assembly Regular Members and Ministers to review the harmonization strategy was adopted by the Legislative Assembly with a deadline for implementation of April 2004.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight would like to remind the 15th Legislative Assembly that a deadline of April 2004 was set for the implementation of the harmonization strategy.

Our tenth priority was "to advocate for reduced cost of living for residents."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight continued to advocate for reduced living costs for northern residents by discouraging increases to fees and taxes that would add a burden to northern residents, and by supporting amendments to the Income Tax Act to benefit both individuals and northern businesses by:

  • • Supporting amendments to the Income Tax Act to increase the deductions and credits and a minimum cost of living tax credit for individuals.
  • • Supported amendments to the Income Tax Act to reduce the general corporate income tax rate and the small business income tax rate.

Our eleventh priority was "to support the development of prevention measures and promote awareness of the detrimental effects of FAS/FAE."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight took the lead to organize a theme day to raise awareness about what is now called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. All committee Members spoke on the issue, as did many Cabinet Ministers.

other Activities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

October 8th, 2003

Page 1364

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight tackled several other issues as they arose and urged the government to take appropriate action. Here are a few of the highlights of these activities:

  • • Committee worked with the Minister of Finance and Cabinet in supporting the corridors for Canada - roads to resources economic proposal to the government of Canada to heighten awareness of the northern funding issues.
  • • Committee supported the efforts of the northern Premiers in lobbying for a new funding arrangement for health care in the territories. Additional funding was promised the three northern territories. Canada also agreed to examine the issue of per capita program funding with an eye to accommodating our relatively small population, and the resulting tiny allocations for northern jurisdictions that usually leads to.
  • • The government attempted to implement major changes to the Business Incentive Policy. Committee argued that the proposed changes were being implemented without the benefit of knowing the costs and benefits of the existing program. The government nonetheless proceeded to announce it would implement the revised policy effective October 15, 2003. Following a motion in the House supported unanimously by committee Members, the government agreed to keep the existing policy and continue implementing a contract registry and reporting system which will eventually provide data for a cost-benefit analysis.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly review carefully the cost and benefits of the existing business incentive policy before considering any changes.

oversight And Review Of Public Accounts
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1364

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

The public accounts are the audited consolidated financial statements of the government. The accounts summarize the financial figures of all departments and territorial corporations and give a full picture of the government's financial transactions and its financial position as at March 31st of any given year. The tabling of the public accounts prior to the business plan review is useful to standing committees as Members can compare expenditures with the original budget plans for the year.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight's Report on the Review of the Report of the Auditor General to the NWT Legislative Assembly for 1999 stated that:

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight and the Auditor General noted that the government's public accounts and most of our territorial corporations' annual reports are rarely tabled in a timely manner. The public and Members of the Legislative Assembly have a need for timely, accurate and relevant information on the financial condition of the government, so they can effectively hold the government accountable for the way in which it manages and spends public money.

In light of these significant reporting and tabling issues, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, in consultation with the Auditor General's office, recommended that the tabling of the public accounts occur earlier in a phased approach with 2002-2003 and all subsequent accounts being ready for tabling no later than August 31st of the same year.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is pleased to note that both the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 public accounts were tabled in accordance with the agreed upon timeframe.

conduct The Overview Of The Budget And The Fiscal Framework
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1364

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

This role is intended to improve the business planning and expenditure management information provided to the Legislative Assembly.

During the review of the 2002-2003 business plans and main estimates, committee highlighted the following concerns:

  • • Recommended that the funding for the Living History Project be removed from the 2002-2003 main estimates and brought forward as a supplementary appropriation if the expenditure could be justified within the appropriate department.
  • • Expressed concern about the new capital planning process and asked the government to come forward with revisions.
  • • Recommended the removal of the Energy Secretariat from FMBS to RWED.
  • • Expressed concern about the placement of the social agenda in the Executive with the lead role being assigned to the Department of Health and Social Services.

Review of 2003-2004 business plans and main estimates

  • • Recommended a complete review and overhaul of the new capital planning process, taking all Members concerns into consideration.
  • • Recommended the removal of proposed capital spending pending full justification.
  • • Motion to amend clause 3(2) of Bill 3 by deleting $149,000 from the capital plan.

Mr. Speaker, I request now that the chairman of the accountability and oversight committee complete the report.