Debates of March 5th, 2003

This is page numbers 505 - 540 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 chairman.

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Harmonization Of Income Support And Public Housing

International Women's Week, International Women's Day

Premier Absent From The House

Lack Of Affordable Rental Housing In Yellowknife

Beaufort-delta Oil And Gas Development

GNWT Electronic Mail And Internet Usage Policy

Impacts Of Harmonization Of Income Support And Social Housing Strategy

Valuable Work Of Parent Advisory Committees In NWT Schools

Kamba Carnival On Hay River Reserve

New Hay River Playschool Building

Consistency In Government Policies And Initiatives

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees

High School Graduation Requirements In The Nwt

GNWT Definition Of Consultation

Consultation On The Harmonization Initiative

A Single Power Rate Zone And The Energy Strategy

Discretionary Enforcement Of GNWT Human Resource Policies

Need For Changes To The Landlord And Tenancy Act

Re-designation Of Young Offenders Facility In Hay River

Phasing In Of Increases Under Harmonization

Cabinet Deferral Of Harmonization Strategy

Income Support In Small Communities

Harmonization Strategy Creates Three Classes Of Students

Reasonable Approach To Employees' Use Of Internet

Petition 2-14(6): Rental Rates And Affordable Housing In The Nwt

Bill 4: An Act To Amend The Consumer Protection Act

Tabled Document 35-14(6): NWT Health And Social Services System: Accountability Framework

Tabled Document 36-14(6): Stanton Territorial Health Authority Operational Review: Implementation Team Status Report - January 31, 2003

Tabled Document 37-14(6): Discussion Paper: Territorial Law To Control Tobacco Use. What Do You Think? January 2003

Tabled Document 38-14(6): Hss System Action Plan 2002-2005: February 2003 Update

Bill 12: Nursing Profession Act

Bill 13: Deh Cho Bridge Act

Bill 14: An Act To Amend The Public Service Act

Bill 15: An Act To Amend The Workers' Compensation Act

To Discontinue The Strategy To Harmonize Income Support And Social Housing

Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

To Change The Implementation Date Of The Strategy To Harmonize Income Support And Social Housing

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Kamba Carnival On Hay River Reserve
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 508

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have been experiencing some very cold weather over the last couple of months, but it's not cold enough to discourage event organizers of the Kamba Carnival to see the show go on. The Kamba Carnival celebrated its 20th anniversary last week on the Hay River Reserve and it's an annual event organized and overseen by many volunteers who donate their time and energy to bring entertainment and fun to the community. It was a time for old friends around the North to come together and for new friends to be made.

This year's event was not unlike others. It was cold, but that didn't deter the many volunteers, the visitors and participants from enjoying the festivities. There were activities and games for all ages. The talent show which includes singing, jigging and break dancing was sold out at the Chief Sunrise Education Centre. The adult talent show was no different. It was filled to capacity with a lot of toe tapping going on. Richard Lafferty, once again, shared his skill on the fiddle. Karen Lafferty and Adrian Ducharme sang their way to first place in the women's and men's singing competition. A real crowd pleaser, the jigging event, allowed spectators the privilege of watching Anna Coleman and Eddie McKay float and jig their way to first place in the over 50 category.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, another important event is the dog team races. This event is captivating and it not only provides for excitement, but it allows for reflection of the past and the importance of the dog teams as transportation for aboriginal people in the North.

Mr. Speaker, other events included snowshoe races, sled pull, hand games, all of which were well attended and participated in. Mr. Speaker, no event would be complete without some northern delights and no one was disappointed this year as there was plenty of fish, bannock and other types of country foods. Mr. Speaker, the winters are long and cold in the North. The volunteers who make events such as Kamba Carnival help people shake off the winter blues while working to keep the tradition alive and exposing our young people to those traditional ways that were once important to survival.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the Hay River reserve, the many volunteers, the participants and spectators who took part in and made this year's Kamba Carnival a success. For this, I will applaud them and encourage them to continue the tradition. Thank you.

---Applause

Kamba Carnival On Hay River Reserve
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 509

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

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

New Hay River Playschool Building
Item 3: Members' Statements

March 4th, 2003

Page 509

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring accolades to a wonderful initiative established by a very dedicated group of parents in Hay River, that being the new Hay River playschool building. The new building has been the dream of many parents in Hay River for several years.

Mr. Speaker, the building that the playschool had previously been housed in was built back in the 1950s and the playschool took occupancy in 1993. By 1999, through a number of fundraising initiatives, the playschool managed to pay off the mortgage and even accumulate a sizable building fund. This was no small feat, Mr. Speaker. Due to the extremely poor condition of the building by year 2000 or so, the playschool executive knew that something had to be done with the building. In looking at the amount of renovation that it would take to bring the building up to standard, it was determined that their only option was to build a new building.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity, once again, to thank the Honourable Roger Allen, Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation for the donations of two Housing Corporation lots in Hay River to the playschool. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that as I speak, the floor is being laid in the new playschool building, the electrical, heating, mechanical and carpentry finishing will commence within the next couple of days. The final inspection on the building is scheduled for March 31st and it is the playschool's hope that they can move into their new building over the spring break in April. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that a tremendous amount of work has been done over several years by the parents, volunteers, towards this very worthwhile project.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize these parents. The members of the past building committee were Candy Carlton, Kathy Sperry, Ron Tordiff, Donna Dean, Leanne McLeod, Heather Desautels and Robert Fraser. Mr. Speaker, the current board building committee members are Louise Schumann, who is the building committee chairperson, Melanie Carter, Tracey Hill, Laurie Fraser and Rhonda Latimer, who is the playschool coordinator and also a teacher at the playschool. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating the parents of the Hay River playschool on a job well done.

---Applause

New Hay River Playschool Building
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 509

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

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

Consistency In Government Policies And Initiatives
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 509

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to address the need for this government to be consistent in the initiatives that it brings forward. I would like to focus on two examples which have come up during the last year, which emphasizes how important it is to build on a common vision in order to create a unified territory, which is the goal of the document Towards A Better Tomorrow.

One of the much talked about issues during this session has been the government's proposed harmonization initiative. There has been a lot of debate about this initiative, both for and against, Mr. Speaker. During the discussions, I have been deeply disturbed at the lack of knowledge that Cabinet has about what impact this initiative will have on seniors, students and single parents. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that Cabinet is promoting a strategy that is set to begin on April 1st without having considered its impact on target groups. At the other extreme, Mr. Speaker, Cabinet refuses to address the issue of a one-rate zone for power throughout the Territories. We have information on what power users are paying in the communities and the Northwest Territories. The Power Corporation has a profit margin that they have to meet and using this, the Public Utilities Board could easily establish a one-rate zone for the territories. Mr. Speaker, on February 20th, I asked the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation to put the issue of a one-rate zone back on the table for discussion. I was told that I would have to wait until the energy strategy was done. We have all the information, but Cabinet refuses to discuss this issue.

This is where we are not consistent in the way we do things. In this case, we have all the information we need to proceed and we know what the impact will be, both positive and negative, but Cabinet refuses to discuss this issue. In the case of harmonization, information is not available, impacts are unknown, but Cabinet is still going ahead with this. As we know, the harmonization initiative and Cabinet dropping the one-rate zone for electric power will both have a negative impact for the smaller communities. I think this government needs to look at why we are here. Is it to meet the needs of all Northerners or is it to follow the wishes of Cabinet? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Consistency In Government Policies And Initiatives
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 509

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Return To Question 112-14(6): Income Support Clients In Public Housing
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 509

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Lafferty on February 27, 2003 regarding the amount of rent paid by Education, Culture and Employment for income support clients that are currently living in public housing. For the 2002 calendar year, the amount paid was approximately $155,000.00. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 112-14(6): Income Support Clients In Public Housing
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Ms. Lee.

Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to follow up on my Member's statement about the important role that the parents' advisory group and parent advisory committees play at many levels, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask a question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. My colleague from Hay River North talked about establishing something formal to recognize the work that is being done by firefighters. Has the Minister considered or has he ever communicated with these parents' advisory committees and groups to show that their work is valuable and appreciated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

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

Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We don't have a formal process, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the many individuals that are involved in the education system from administrators to teachers to classroom assistants, support teachers and so forth, including the volunteer groups like the DEAs in some cases and certainly the volunteer groups that are in the parent advisory groups. We should do that, Mr. Speaker, and I'm glad that the Member brought that up. Thank you.

Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think this is a section of our community that gives a lot that has been ignored. These are not boards that are appointed, they are not remunerated, they don't run for the office, they just silently go about doing their work, but they do important work. I wonder if the Minister could commit to look into this and see what sort of things he can do as a Minister to recognize and show that their work is appreciated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

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

Further Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is absolutely correct. These are volunteer individuals who spend a lot of time providing assistance and guidance to our educational bodies. I agree with the Member that we should formalize a method by which we can recognize these individuals and I'll proceed to do that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's willingness to look into this and to take action on it. May I ask the Minister to conclude that deliberation and advise us by June session as to what precise action that he would be taking in that regard? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

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

Further Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will certainly work on it immediately. I'm not sure if we can give the details as to what we can possibly do for recognition by the end of this session, but I'm sure that we can get some things rolling fairly quickly, Mr. Speaker, because we will be nearing the year end within a couple of months and we want to ensure that those parent advisory groups are recognized and the individuals that are working on them. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was going along so well and it looks like I hit a bump there. Mr. Speaker, what I was suggesting to the Minister is to have a response by June session, not by the end of this session. I believe that is enough time for the Minister to... I don't mean a lot of money or anything like that, but I think there is a lot that can be done to recognize them and to show them that they are appreciated. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

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

Further Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we can certainly do that. It would be my desire to have this done before June, Mr. Speaker, because, as I said, the representation on some of the parent advisory groups may change next year and school year end is approaching at the end of June. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Question 154-14(6): Recognition Of Parent Advisory Committees
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

The Deputy Speaker David Krutko

Item 6, oral questions. Member for Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Question 155-14(6): High School Graduation Requirements In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 510

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the last couple of days, I've questioned the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment on the quality of the education in our schools and some of the testing that goes on and what it actually means. I would like to continue with that, Mr. Speaker. The question I have for the Minister is, at one point in the Northwest Territories and throughout Canada a Grade 12 diploma meant something, it told potential employers that you'd achieved a certain quality and that you were able to step into the workforce and begin some tasks in that scenario. Mr. Speaker, what I understand now is that a Grade 12 certificate is not of much value nowadays and I would like to confirm if it is or not by asking the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment if, in fact, a Grade 12 diploma is required when students to go college or university.

Debates of March 5th, 2003

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