This is page numbers 611 - 644 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 communities.

Topics

Bill 12: Nursing Profession Act, Carried
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 631

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. We have a motion on the floor and the motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 12: Nursing Profession Act, Carried
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 631

An Hon. Member

Question.

Bill 12: Nursing Profession Act, Carried
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 631

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Is the House ready for the question? All those in favour, please signify. Thank you. All those opposed? Thank you. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 12 has had second reading and, accordingly, the bill stands referred to a committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Bill 13: Deh Cho Bridge Act, Carried
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

March 9th, 2003

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that Bill 13, Deh Cho Bridge Act, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Minister, with the approval of Commissioner and Executive council and on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, to enter into agreements whereby a concessionaire will construct, operate and maintain the Deh Cho Bridge across the Mackenzie River. The concessionaire will have the powers and responsibilities of a highway authority under the public Highways Act in respect of the bridge, and the government may charge tolls for vehicular use of the bridge in accordance with regulations authorized by this bill. This bill also provides for the appointment of transport officers, for the penalty for offences under the act and regulations, and for the enhancement of regulations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 13: Deh Cho Bridge Act, Carried
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 632

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. We have a motion. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 13: Deh Cho Bridge Act, Carried
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 632

An Hon. Member

Question.

Bill 13: Deh Cho Bridge Act, Carried
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 632

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

The House is ready for the question. All those in favour, please signify. Thank you. All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 13 has had second reading and, accordingly, the bill stands referred to a committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 3, Bill 4, Bill 11, Committee Reports 3-14(6), 4-14(6), 5-14(6), 6-14(6), 8-14(6) and 9-14(6), also Bill 9 and Motion 10-14(6), with Mr. Krutko in the chair.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

We have several items to deal with: Bill 3, Bill 4, Bill 11, Committee Reports 3-14(6), 4-14(6), 5-14(6), 6-14(6), 8-14(6) and 9-14(6), and Motion 10-14(6). What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Dent.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to recommend that we continue consideration of Bill 3 and Committee Reports 3-14(6), 4-14(6) and 5-14(6) concurrently, specifically, first of all, to deal with the Department of Public Works and Services, followed by the Housing Corporation.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Does the committee agree?

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 632

The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Okay, we'll take a short break and continue on with Public Works and Services.

---SHORT RECESS

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 632

The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Department Of Public Works And Services

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

I would like to call the Committee of the Whole back to order. Before the adjournment, the Minister of Public Works made his opening comments. At this time, I would like to ask the chairperson of the committee responsible for reviewing the department under consideration if they have any comments. Mr. Roland.

Standing Committee On Governance And Economic Development Comments

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development met with the Minister of the Department of Public Works and Services and his staff on January 16, 2003, to review the department's draft main estimates for 2003-2004.

The committee noted a net $586,000 increase in operations expense for PW&S from their 2003-2006 business plans. PW&S explained that this net increase is due to a $35,000 adjustment in amortization expense and by the assumption of responsibility for the Fort McPherson water haul contract of $551,000. There were no changes in capital expenditures for the department from its 2003-2006 business plan.

Administration Fee Of 16 Percent To Communities

As previously stated in the general comments, the committee spent a considerable amount of time during the business plans exploring this issue and made two recommendations to the department in order to increase both community capacity and maintain consistent delivery fees. The first recommendation was for the department to not implement a planned seven percent increase in the administration fee the department charges the communities over and above the fee for any work provided by PW&S. The committee felt that the four communities affected by the rate increase would be caused undue hardship by the increase as they had not incorporated it into their yearly budget planning.

Further to this, the committee also recommended that the Minister approach the four affected communities with new draft contracts allowing for communities to contract out necessary repairs to their infrastructure, including current water and sewer services contracts with PW&S. During the last main estimates review, the Minister had stated that new contracts had been drafted and would be signed by communities over the summer of 2002.

During the main estimates review for 2003-2004, the committee asked if any of the four communities had new agreements with the department. The Minister stated that none had been signed. He also stated, however, that the planned increase of the administration fee to 16 percent was going ahead for implementation on April 1, 2003. To justify the increase, the Minister stated that he had been directed by the Financial Management Board Secretariat to obtain full cost recovery for all services provided to the communities.

The committee once again must state that it does not support any administration fee levied on work done by the department for communities. The committee is aware that the majority of the money spent by the community on services is ultimately recovered from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. The committee does not feel that it is appropriate for PW&S to unilaterally impose a charge which will ultimately come from another GNWT department. Therefore, the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development recommends that the Department of Public Works and Services immediately suspend all proposed increases to the administration fees charged to communities for water/sewer maintenance services until such time as the GNWT has a consistent process of charging administration fees for work provided on behalf of others.

In response to a letter from the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, the committees were informed that the government has agreed to suspend the planned increase to the current administration fee of nine percent. Members are pleased to see that the government intends to further discuss this issue with the affected communities.

Evergreening And IT Services

As previously stated in the general comments, the GNWT has adopted a three-year replacement schedule for desktop computers called Evergreening. The GNWT stated that for desktop and presumably laptop computers, the government has concluded that a three-year replacement cycle is the best balance between functionality and cost.

The standing committee recommended in their report on the business plans that the government review this program and extend the three-year replacement schedule wherever possible. In their reply to the committee, the government stated that it will review the program but still regards the three-year replacement schedule as a necessary expense.

The standing committee reiterated their support for the extension of the current three-year replacement program in its recommendation under the general comments.

The standing committee also recommended in the report on business plans that the government consider the donation of computers deemed to be obsolete by the government to communities and non-governmental organizations. The Government agreed with this recommendation and stated that it would explore the options.

Members are aware that the knowledge management strategy will attempt to centralize and harmonize computer service and purchasing for the GNWT. The standing committee would like to be assured that there will not be excessive additional costs for IT services once the knowledge management strategy is fully implemented.

Delay Of Capital Projects

Members are aware that while funds have been approved in the House for several capital projects, many of those have been delayed far beyond what would be considered reasonable by members of the public.

Members are concerned that money that has been approved in the House should not be routinely carried over into future years but should be used at the time of its approval.

Two examples were brought forth by members. The curling rink in Aklavik was approved in the capital acquisition plan over two years ago, and yet the project has yet to be started. Another example of a carried-over project is the water plant project in Tsiigehtchic. Members asked for and received a complete list of capital projects and their current status from the department.

The standing committee is of the opinion that the delay of some capital projects causes vital government resources to be tied up while other capital projects languish due to a lack of funds.

Water Quality Concerns

Members are aware that there are a few communities that are concerned about the quality of their drinking water. Given the vital importance of this issue after the tragedy in Walkerton, Ontario, the standing committee would like to be assured that the department is doing everything possible to ensure clean, healthy water for all residents of the NWT.

During the review of the business plans, the committee asked about several boil water restrictions in prior months for several communities. The department stated that the alerts were put in place largely because communities were having difficulty taking water samples to a testing facility in the proper amount of time. The standing committee asked that the department assist remote communities with their delivery of water samples to testing sites to ensure water quality.

The standing committee would also like the department to thoroughly review the responsibilities for all testing of water done by the communities, GNWT departments and health officials. Members are aware that there were significant changes to the formula funding for communities over the past two years. There are concerns that some communities may not be aware of their current roles and responsibilities for the testing of water. The standing committee would like to be assured that water safety remains of utmost importance to the department.

Environmental Liabilities

The standing committee had asked during the business plan review for a timeline schedule for the clean-up of environmental liabilities managed by the department. Members were pleased to receive this list and review it. However, the department neglected to provide estimates of the costs associated with site clean-up. Members requested this information and it was provided.

Members noted that the government will likely be coming forth with a supplementary funding bill in order to address some of the larger site clean-ups.

Petroleum Product Revolving Fund

As Members reviewed the business plans for the department they were alarmed to see a projection forecasting the deficit of the petroleum product revolving fund to extend past its legislated limit of $5 million. The standing committee expressed their concern to the Minister who replied that he would likely have to approach Cabinet with a plan to write off some portion of the debt.

In the main estimates, however, Members were pleased to see that the department is no longer projecting a deficit past its legislated limit. The department stated that significant savings were achieved due to a mild winter season and significantly less money spent to subsidize fuel as well as having had the good fortune of an excellent winter road season last year.

The committee, however, remains concerned that should these mitigating factors change, the revolving fund will once again be placed in a precarious position. Members would like to encourage the department to carefully monitor the deficit of the revolving fund, but would strongly discourage the department from raising prices in order to stabilize this fund. Mr. Chairman, that concludes the Governance and Economic Development's committee report on the Department of Public Works and Services. Thank you.

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Roland. At this time, I would like to ask the Minister if he will be bringing in any witnesses.

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Does the committee agree the Minister brings in his witnesses?

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 633

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Sergeant-at-Arms, can you escort the witnesses in?

Mr. Minister, for the record, can you introduce your witnesses?

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, on my right is the deputy minister of Public Works and Services, Bruce Rattray; and, on my left is director of petroleum products division Michael Aumond.

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 634

The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Welcome, witnesses. General comments. Mr. Bell.

General Comments

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 634

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a question that starts with some comments on the second page of the Minister's comments. He indicates that PW&S works with other departments to deliver direct services to our residents. They provide technical and professional support. I think it is the case that PW&S handles the competitive process in certain instances on behalf of departments. Can the Minister confirm that?

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Krutko

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Steen.

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That's correct.