This is page numbers 297 - 330 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 know.

Members Present

Honourable Roger Allen, Honourable Jim Antoine, Mr. Bell, Mr. Braden, Mr. Delorey, Mr. Dent, Mrs. Groenewegen, Honourable Joe Handley, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. Lee, Mr. McLeod, Honourable Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Nitah, Honourable Jake Ootes, Mr. Roland, Honourable Vince Steen

-- Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 297

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, smoking represents one of the NWT's most acute public health concerns:

  • • we all know that our smoking rates, particularly in our youth and young adults, are alarmingly high;
  • • we are also aware of the fact that many infants and children constantly breathe in tobacco smoke in their homes and public places;
  • • and we know that many people are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke every day while they work.

The effects of smoking can already be seen in our high rates of respiratory illness and ear infections in infants and children, in our cancer rates in adults and seniors and in the high proportion of smoking-related deaths in our society. The outlook for the future does not look good if today's youth become tomorrow's life-long smokers.

As part of National Non-Smoking Week in January, the Department of Health and Social Services released a discussion paper on options for tobacco legislation in the NWT. This paper presents the various legislation and experiences of other jurisdictions. Research is showing which types of legislative controls can make a difference, and we can use this information to decide what will work best for the NWT.

As indicated in the discussion paper, there are two areas that may bring the most benefit to our communities. The first is to require smoke-free public places and work places to reduce the daily exposure to tobacco smoke currently experienced by any NWT residents. In addition to this obvious benefit, research also shows that this assists smokers to quit and sends a powerful message to the public that smoking is no longer an accepted behaviour. Even though these do not specifically target youth, research has confirmed such restrictions lower smoking rates in youth.

A second area is to focus on making it difficult for youth to access tobacco products, and to ensure that the vendor does not display promotional material for the sale of tobacco.

Research shows that addiction to tobacco starts in the teen years, and that the best way to reduce teen smoking is to prevent it from starting in the first place.

Mr. Speaker, the discussion paper represents preliminary work that will help us explore public interest in tobacco legislation. Should the feedback indicate support to pursue legislation, the department will begin more in-depth research on options for the NWT. The department has already begun to hear from the public. Close to 90 people have sent in their views on our online feedback form, and we certainly expect to hear from more, through our Web site and regular correspondence, over the next six weeks.

Of course, we know that success against tobacco will not be achieved through legislative means alone. It must be complemented by other work, like support programs for those who wish to quit, and education programs. As Members of this House are aware, Mr. Speaker, we have a territorial strategy, Action on Tobacco, which identifies these and other kinds of activities. Examples of the work underway include:

  • • partners with the NWT chapter of the Canadian Public Health Association to sponsor the NWT's first ever Quit and Win Contest;
  • • sponsoring a territorial conference for youth on smoking earlier this year;
  • • developing a tobacco component for the NWT school health curriculum;
  • • funding community-based tobacco initiatives;
  • • developing a public awareness campaign targeting NWT youth; and,
  • • working with federal tobacco inspectors to educate vendors on their important role on preventing the sale of tobacco to minors.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight the upcoming visit of Ms. Heather Crowe to the NWT and Nunavut. As Members may know, Ms. Crowe has terminal lung cancer as a result of long-term exposure to second hand smoke in her work environment. Ms. Crowe has chosen to dedicate her time to advocate on the importance of smoke-free places and the dangers of smoking. She has been featured on national anti-smoking ads on television and we are extremely fortunate that she agreed to travel to the North to speak to various groups, including this Legislature and the NWT Workers' Compensation Board. Ms. Crowe has also graciously agreed to have her NWT/Nunavut visit filmed so that we can prepare an educational video of her trip for distribution to other groups and communities.

Ms. Crowe will be in Yellowknife during March 13th to 16th. I encouraged all Members to take in the events planned for her visit, including a luncheon in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly on March 13th followed by a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. that same day in Northern United Place.

Mr. Speaker, without a doubt, the courageous work of Ms. Crowe connects us more personally to the health issues and statistics on smoking that we read about nationally and here at home. It is through the stories of Ms. Crowe and many others that we will continue our efforts to promote the smoke-free society. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

2003 Northern Games
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 298

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2003 Northern Winter Games demonstration was held January 30th to February 2nd. It was a success this year. More than 100 participants from the Western Arctic region attended from Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk, Holman, Fort McPherson, Inuvik and also a youth from Whitehorse.

This year's games were mostly geared towards youth. We did have an 82-year-old elder, Mrs. Eunice Mitchell, who won a couple of events. First place at muskrat skinning...

---Applause

...and second place in caribou hide skinning. The best man of this year goes to Abe Mitchell and the best woman goes to Jean Gruben from Tuktoyaktuk. We had a record-breaking event. Matthew Anikina from Tuktoyaktuk broke the Alaskan high kick record and he went to the height of seven feet, four inches. The best overall categories, eight to 10 years of age, girls, Francis Esau from Sachs Harbour; boys, Miller Kasook of Inuvik. Eleven to 13 years of age, girls, Christina Esau of Sachs Harbour; boys, Greg Elias of Inuvik. Fourteen to 16 years, girls, Heather Okheena of Holman; boys, Craig Gruben of Tuktoyaktuk. Seventeen and over, girls, Katy Smith of Inuvik; and, Phillip Jacobson from Inuvik for boys.

Every year, these kinds of events bring our communities together and it's good to see the youth playing and challenging themselves with traditional games. It is also an honour to have our elders still participating despite their age. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

2003 Northern Games
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Investing In Northern People, Communities And Small Businesses
Item 3: Members' Statements

February 24th, 2003

Page 298

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about our small northern businesses that are investing in our people and in our communities. Resource development in the NWT has impacted our overall economy in the past several years. This impact has caused our government and the federal government to focus on training for jobs resulting from this development. It is important that in addition to training, we also have programs in place to support and encourage small business to grow and prosper by taking advantage of development opportunities in the North. There has been very little discussion on the role this government and the federal government will play to ensure that business opportunities are captured by our northern residents and existing businesses. In the past, we've seen a trend where southern firms negotiate one-sided joint ventures with associations or with our northern partners.

In many instances, these ventures provide minimal, if any, real return to our northern partners. Our Aboriginal northern entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to negotiate agreements due to limited human and financial human resources. As an example, Mr. Speaker, one such resource is gaining access to capital. It is no secret that the chartered banks are reluctant and most unwilling to work with small businesses in the North and more so if that business operates outside the larger centres such as Yellowknife.

If it weren't for lending agencies such as the NWTD, Business Credit Corporation, Community Futures, and the Metis-Dene development fund, businesses in the small communities would not exist today. These businesses not only provide employment but also provide important services. Mr. Speaker, this government must put some emphasis and focus on the development of our Northern business community. This assistance can be delivered by developing and offering programs that are identified by our business communities. This may mean developing new and innovative lending programs and they result in having the use of this government's position to ensure access to business opportunities through revising existing legislation. However it has to be developed with consultation and cooperation of the business community. At the end of the day we must try to continue to provide employment for Northerners. Therefore, as a body elected by northern people, it is this government's responsibility to provide the resources and support required to increase and maximize northern businesses and northern business opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this being Education Week, I'm going to make a little statement on education and how it relates to employment. As well, Mr. Speaker, the North is facing -- I guess the word facing is no longer an appropriate term -- is right in the middle of the most economic history of our history. We've seen major developments in the mining sector, we're seeing major developments down the road for oil and gas, specifically the pipeline. We sometimes concentrate on the negative aspects of these opportunities. The negative aspect that we see is too many fly-in people working our lines in our explorations for oil and gas. One of the problems there, Mr. Speaker, is our very low education rate and our people who are not ready for these opportunities. I know the Minister and his department have been working quite hard in the last couple of years to reduce that gap. I'll be asking the Minister some questions to see the latest developments in that area.

Mr. Speaker, we have one of the better opportunities in Canada and North America as young people. We have an education system that's free to a lot of Northerners that come back and work in the North. I challenge my young colleagues in the Northwest Territories to meet the challenge, get their education, get their diplomas in whatever areas or professions they want to get into. The opportunities are limitless. When we look at a mine it's not just truck drivers, we have to look at managers, administrators, accountants, mechanics and all professions. It's like running a little town in these mines and all kinds of professions are required.

We have a government that's delivering programs to meet those needs. We have industry that is partnering with government, we are challenging in the Northwest Territories to take on that responsibility and meet the needs so that we don't have to fly people in from the south. We could have our own home-grown workforce meeting the challenges. I'll be asking the Minister responsible what kinds of programs they have to close that gap. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Paul Delorey

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last Friday evening I flew home to Hay River to attend the Hay River Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting. Mr. Speaker, I listened to an enlightened speech given by Randy Ottenbreit, the manager of the Mackenzie Gas Project with Imperial Oil Resources. In addition, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Jim Antoine for also attending and delivering a message on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

One of the highlights of the evening, Mr. Speaker, was the awarding of the Alf Mansell Citizen of the Year award. It was awarded to my constituent Mr. Lloyd Brunes. Mr. Speaker I have known Lloyd for some 25 years and I can attest that he is indeed a very worthy recipient of this award. Lloyd has been a very dedicated volunteer in Hay River for many years, Mr. Speaker, even when he was holding down a full-time job as superintendent of public works for the town of Hay River for some 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, Lloyd is a long-serving member of both the Royal Canadian Legion and the West Channel Fishermen's Heritage Committee. He is also presently serving his third two-year term as a member of the Hay River Housing Authority board of directors. In addition, Mr. Speaker, Lloyd has contributed his wealth of experience and knowledge for many years to the Hay River Flood Control Committee. Mr. Speaker, Lloyd is the chairperson of the Hay River Community Health Board. In addition, he is the president of the Hay River Seniors' Society and he is also an executive member of the Northwest Territories Seniors' Society, having served as their president for the past two years. In addition, Mr. Speaker, Lloyd is also currently serving his second two-year term as the Northwest Territories' representative to the National Advisory Council on Aging.

Mr. Speaker, at the chamber of commerce dinner when Lloyd was honoured it was mentioned that, and I quote: "Whether or not he is doing his share does not seem to be a consideration with Lloyd, but whether a job has to be done and he can do it. He is deserving of recognition for just being a good neighbour and is known for helping wherever he sees the need, whether it is delivering some fire wood or hanging a door." Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree more. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Lloyd Brunes as a very worthy recipient to the Alf Mansell Citizen of the Year award.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Member's statements. Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

North Slave Housing Development
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 299

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Often in this House, I take the opportunity to speak on issues where improvements are needed. Today, I would like to focus on an area where improvements are beginning to happen.

On January 22nd a productive housing meeting was held in Rae. The Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the staff and I met with the chief and members of the housing board to reach an agreement on a number of principles to improve housing services in the Dogrib communities.

The basic principles that will guide housing in the North Slave include an independent local housing organization which will be created and presented to the Grand Chief and council so that it progresses with self-government. This framework will then be brought to the public for consultation and final ratification. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation will engage in an agreement with the Dogrib Rae band to provide public housing and some of the programs. Mr. Speaker, housing concerns are without a doubt the most frequent issue that I hear about. Hopefully this new agreement will set us on the right path as we move towards self-government.

Mr. Speaker, at the meeting in January we agreed that the ideas for the formation of a fully-elected board will be brought before the grand chief and council on or before the end of this week for ratification. After the input from the chief and council, the Minister and I will have a public meeting in Rae-Edzo. Our aim is to finalize the mandate of this new housing organization with as much public input as possible. We hope to complete this process and be ready for implementation by April 1st of 2003. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

North Slave Housing Development
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 299

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Draft Disability Framework And Action Plan
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 299

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly recently received a report from the Northwest Territories Council of Persons with Disabilities entitled the draft disability framework and action plan. From this framework, an action plan will now be developed.

Mr. Speaker, the framework document was accompanied by a report from focus group meetings held in December, both in Inuvik and Yellowknife, to talk about the framework. This framework is the result of much hard work and dedication to the cause of persons with disabilities and a remarkable partnership including government and non-government organizations monitored by Aboriginal organizations. They were asked to take on this task by the Premier in 2001.

Mr. Speaker it looks like this hard work will see real results. The framework document calls for an integrated collaborative approach between the Government of the Northwest Territories, NGOs and Aboriginal organizations in setting strategic direction for programs and services. The vision of the framework is full citizenship; it was guided by the values of quality, inclusion, accessibility and participation. It outlines the major needs, current status, the goals, priorities and promising practices for each priority area. The priority areas are set out very clearly. They are called building blocks and they are education, employment, income, disability supports and housing.

The framework document points out a number of solutions, Mr. Speaker, some of which will need funding and others that will need only changes in policy or legislation. For example, among the recommendations to address issues related to income, they recommend separating entitlements for income supports from entitlement for health and disability related supports. As well, Mr. Speaker, we need to see the income support program re-examine the income exemption limits. Many persons with disabilities are employed but they should not be penalized because they are not consistently able to work. To improve employability, the government should negotiate with the federal government to get cost-shared funding for employment support. Respite care is needed for the families of persons with disabilities. So is training for families, caregivers and school staff who work with them. Mr. Speaker, a coordinated client-centred case management system must be put into place so that we meet the needs of individuals. The NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities needs to be involved as we move toward that goal. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Premier for having appointed a Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities are not asking for a living standard above any one else, just the ability to have one that is fair. The Minister must now continue to work with the partners to make this all happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Draft Disability Framework And Action Plan
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 300

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

2003 Young Women's "power Up" Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 300

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about the second annual Power Up young women's conference that was held in Yellowknife on February 3rd, organized by Skills Canada NWT and Nunavut. The idea behind this fantastic event is to have Grade 8 girls from schools across the NWT and Nunavut meet female mentors that work in non-traditional trades and occupations. The girls get to network, talk to their mentors about their careers and take part in hands-on workshops. This year 235 girls from 17 communities in the North attended the conference. I also attended the conference, as a mentor, Mr. Speaker. This is the second year I have done this and I cannot stress enough how valuable an event like this is for our young women.

Not too long ago, many young women did not actually consider the option of a career as a pilot, a carpenter, an aircraft maintenance engineer or a firefighter. These were just not things that came to a girl's mind when she was contemplating career choices. Fortunately, times have changed and these young women's conferences are helping to change them. We know, Mr. Speaker, that there are all kinds of career possibilities out there for those young women, they just need to learn and become more aware of what those are. The event gives them a host of career choices they may have never considered and it allows them to meet and talk with the female mentors in these professions.

I should also note, Mr. Speaker, that on February 10th, a young men's conference was held for the first time. Mr. Speaker, I thought the event last year was fantastic, but the event this year had gone up a whole new level. Knowing the organizers, I know it will get even better next year and that is attributable to the small staff at the NWT/Nunavut Skills Canada office in Yellowknife. The hard work of executive director Allyson Stroeder and her able assistants, Barb Kardash and Erin Mohr. They are the ones who got the numerous sponsors on side, found the mentors and volunteers to help out, and dealt with the logistics of hosting over 200 young women for a one-day event in Yellowknife. These ladies deserve a big pat on the back for their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I know we have a real skills shortage in our territory right now and our young women can be whatever they want to be. I applaud the young women's conference for doing so much to spread this message. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

2003 Young Women's "power Up" Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 300

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Emerging Cultural Tourism Sector
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 300

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to draw attention to something I am sure Yellowknifers and people across the Northwest Territories are going to be hearing more about in the coming months and years, and that is the movement in the tourism industry towards something called cultural tourism.

The Aurora Arts Society, Mr. Speaker, a group of volunteers here in Yellowknife from the arts and music community, came together over the last couple of years and with the assistance from our government -- I know RWED was a supporter -- has done an extensive research project and development piece here, which has laid the groundwork in the capital city for this exciting new approach.

Cultural tourism is something that in the modern tourism industry, Mr. Speaker, is a business as defined by our group here in Yellowknife: fostering, promoting, developing, and delivering year-round activities that reflect the unique arts and multicultural heritage of our community. This goes beyond what we might consider our traditional or usual ideas of culture or heritage. This goes into the history, the complexion, the stories and backgrounds of our entire region. Here in Yellowknife and in the North Slave, we have a history in aviation, in mining and in transportation, as well as the Aboriginal and other cultural communities that are part of this region, Mr. Speaker.

As a result of this study, community leaders in the business and in the arts community from Aboriginal and other levels are coming together. They are looking at this as a way for the tourism industry to really come into its own and mature and grow. Mr. Speaker, I am really pleased to see this because this really is a way for us to put a whole bunch of advantages and products and ideas together and really make them work together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Emerging Cultural Tourism Sector
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 301

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program Required
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 301

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to take this opportunity to respond in part to the Minister of Health's statement, "Taking Action On Tobacco". I think that certainly there are many government initiatives, but this one correctly identifies the problem, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has said that we know our smoking rates are too high, particularly in our youth and young adults, alarmingly too high, higher than most of the country, Mr. Speaker. It talks about what we might be able to do in order to take on that challenge and try to turn the tide on smoking. I think one of the important initiatives is legislation that will prevent smoking in public buildings and in the workplace. I see the Minister has indicated Ms. Crowe is coming to the North to tell her story and I know it is a compelling story of her lung cancer and it's attribution to secondhand smoke in the workplace.

But, I think there is another important piece here, Mr. Speaker, besides legislation, which will be important, despite the fact already that you could make the case that it is a harmful substance and doesn't have any place in the workplace -- and possibly Worker's Compensation and insurance should take that into account -- but I think programming is the other key piece, Mr. Speaker. This is something, I think, over the years where this government, not unlike many other governments, has really fallen down. Where we have come up short, Mr. Speaker, is in having a comprehensive plan that is linked across departments.

This is not solely the responsibility of the Department of Health, Education has a large role to play and certainly the Ministry of Youth has a large role to play. This is a department, the Ministry of Youth, that we set up and created some three years ago and to this point, in my mind, it has simply paid nothing but lip service to this. There is no budget for the Ministry of Youth and a lot of these initiatives could be tied in under this department. We talk about developing an anti-tobacco component in the NWT school health curriculum. That's a very good idea but we can't do that while at the same time, not promoting physical education in all of our schools and making sure that is a priority.

We have a great opportunity here at this time with Canada Winter games going on, Mr. Speaker, to use some of the role models and athletes who certainly are heroes to our young people, have them tell their story. I find it amazing to believe that someone can be competitive at that level and smoking at the same time. I'm sure it is not the case, Mr. Speaker. So I urge the department to work with other departments in developing the initiative. Let's not make the same mistakes we've been making for the last 10 years. Thank you.

---Applause

Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program Required
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 301

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my Member's statement today, one of the concerns that is outlined by the draft disability framework is the access to employment assistance for persons with disabilities, which is a federal program. The Government of the Northwest Territories has not been a signatory to the program, which expires March 31, 2003. Can the Minister outline to this House why the GNWT has not participated in this program which would have gotten federal money for persons with disabilities in the Northwest Territories?

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.