This is page numbers 929 - 964 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 21: Family Violence Prevention Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 951

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 21: Family Violence Prevention Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? I'm sorry. I failed to notice Mr. Dent. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Bill 21: Family Violence Prevention Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to see the introduction of this bill and support the principle. I have pushed for this kind of bill for a long time. It's one that I am glad that we will now likely bring into effect before we end our life as an assembly.

Mr. Speaker, the laws as they stand do not do enough to end family violence. Victims of family violence need immediate protection and must feel safe in their own homes. Police need to obtain immediate protection orders over the phone, like they can in other provinces. Too often, victims are re-victimized by having to follow an often overwhelming and time consuming legal process right now to obtain the protection they really need right away. This bill will address that.

A Family Violence Act is critical to the health and wellbeing to people in communities, even without the infrastructure in place in all communities. Seniors, women and children are at the highest risk. This type of legislation makes it easier for them to be protected more quickly. Right now, if they are brave enough to report abuse, they could wait days or weeks before the long bureaucratic process comes through. That's too long to wait. Victims are often re-victimized by waiting for the long legal process.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased when earlier this year, Minister Allen made a commitment to introduce family violence legislation by this session. We are now going to have second reading. I say finally, Mr. Speaker. It's about time. Some people have expressed concern about how this role will be implemented in the smaller communities and this is a legitimate concern. It's something we are going to have to try to deal with. I have noted though, that Saskatchewan has implemented family violence legislation without having all of the infrastructure in place. They are finding that it works for them. I am confident that we will find a way to make sure that this legislation can work for us too.

Mr. Speaker, family violence is more common than most of us realize, especially in the North. While nearly three in 10 Canadian women who have been married or lived common-law have been physically or sexually abused, surveys show as many as nine out of 10 aboriginal women have been abused. The physical, emotional and psychological costs are impossible to determine. Many victims are afraid to leave their homes and many even lose their jobs because of high stress levels.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will give people at risk another tool they can use to protect themselves and their families. One of the most disturbing forms of family violence is elder abuse. This has been a key concern of the NWT Seniors' Society who pointed out that there is not enough protection for elders in the Northwest Territories. Elders have contributed so much to our communities and continue to be important teachers, caregivers and role models. It is our responsibility to make sure that they are protected by laws such as this one. Mr. Speaker, I note that in Alberta, seniors use this type of law to gain protection quite successfully.

Mr. Speaker, I know that this type of family violence protection law is not the only thing that's going to help resolve the issues for victims, but it is a key part of the arsenal that is needed to fight family violence. I think it's important, too, to recognize the dedication of workers, shelter workers, counselors, police officers, social workers and people offering victim services. Their commitment is admirable. I understand the Coalition against Family Violence was involved as this act was drafted, so I am hopeful that it does, in fact, reflect the expectations of the frontline workers. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working on the committee as we do the public review and report this bill back to the House for final passage this fall. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Bill 21: Family Violence Prevention Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Dent. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 21: Family Violence Prevention Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 951

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 21: Family Violence Prevention Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 21 has had second reading and, accordingly, the bill stands referred to a committee.

Item 18, second reading of bills. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Bill 22, Waste Reduction and Recovery Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, the bill provides for the establishment of programs for the reduction, recycling and reuse of waste materials.

An advisory committee would be set up by the Minister to provide advice and assistance on waste reduction and recovery programs. A special purpose fund, called the environment fund, would be established to be funded by surcharges added to the price of designated materials that are subject to a program. The bill would also allow the Commissioner and Executive Council to prohibit the sale and distribution of certain materials that are detrimental to the environment.

Provisions are included in respect of the enforcement of programs established in the regulations. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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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. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have prepared notes on this. I would just like to make a very brief comment to commend and congratulate the government in following through with the commitment that it made last session. As we recall, this was an issue and we also appreciate that there is a little bit of a traffic jam in the legislative agenda with many different legislation initiatives fighting for space. I know this is one of the lucky ones that made it through and I want to record that I am glad to see that is happening. I am aware that there are a lot of people in our city, and probably in many parts of the Territories, who really would like to see this come into law, Mr. Speaker.

As I have stated many times and a number of times with regard to this issue, the one thing that people notice a lot -- that is, people who travel south or live down south for any length of time, because they are going to school there or because they are from there -- as soon as they come north, the first thing they notice is the fact that there is a lack of any kind of recycling program. At first, it's hard for them to not be able to recycle and reuse items. Then we get into bad habits because there are no regulations or programs that make it possible or easier for us to recycle what is recyclable, so we can reduce waste. So I believe this is a very good initiative. I look forward to learning more about the bill and to engage in the public hearing process. So, once again, Mr. Speaker, I want to speak in support of the principle of this bill and I would like to congratulate the government for following through on its commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you. To the principle of the bill. Mr. Bell.

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand today in support of this bill. I think it's important to note that for a time in the past six months, given our busy and ambitious agenda, this bill was in jeopardy of falling off the agenda. Due to an outpouring of support from people in the communities calling their MLAs, we took the issue up with the Minister and the Minister responded and recognized that this was a priority and he was going to get it back on track. I am certainly glad he has, and I think the proof of that is here today.

I think this is certainly good legislation. We know that the easier we make it for people to recycle, the more likely they are to do it, Mr. Speaker. I think that's just the simple truth. I look forward to working with committee to iron out the details of this legislation. I have had several concerns raised with me about the actual administration of the bill and the regime. There are some concerns, for instance, about how a beverage container deposit will be collected and administered. We have to make sure that if we're expecting wholesalers in the Northwest Territories to charge deposits to retailers and the food and beverage outfits, that those same retailers and food and beverage people can't simply order non-deposit pop from Alberta and save $2.40 a flat. So we're going to have to either decide how we're going to police this, or come up with a mechanism and a regime for making sure that this doesn't happen, or else this really will defeat the purpose of this bill. So I look forward to seeing how that administration is laid out. But I wanted to stand here again and thank the government and thank this Minister for taking action and bringing this bill before us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Bell. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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An Hon. Member

Question.

Bill 22: Waste Reduction And Recovery Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour of the motion, please signify. Thank you. All those opposed? Thank you. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 22 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 23: An Act To Amend The Safety Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

June 10th, 2003

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Safety Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Safety Act to clarify the application of the act by amending the definitions employer and worker; provide that the principle contractor or owner of an establishment shall coordinate the activities of all employers at the establishment; impose duties on suppliers of things used by workers or at worksites; provide for the establishment of safety programs; amend the provisions relating to disclosure of information and recognition of the Workers' Compensation Board's responsibility for administering the act in recognition of the need to share information with other governments and in recognition of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act; enable safety officers to issue directions to address potential dangers; enable the chief safety officer to issue codes of practice to provide practical guidance with respect to requirements of the act and the regulations; enable regulations to be made prescribing specific penalties for offences within the maximums established by the act; and provide for the establishment of a safety advisory committee to make recommendations respecting amendments to the act and regulations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 23: An Act To Amend The Safety Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

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

Bill 23: An Act To Amend The Safety Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 23: An Act To Amend The Safety Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour, please signify. Thank you. All those opposed? Thank you. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 23 has had second reading and, accordingly, the bill stands referred to a committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Bill 24: Midwifery Profession Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Bill 24, Midwifery Profession Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill provides for the regulation of the midwifery profession and requires persons engaged in the practice of registering midwives to be registered under this act. The bill consequentially amends a number of acts. Some of the key provisions of the bill are concerned with the following matters: describing the scope of the practice of registered midwives; authorizing the Minister to establish or adopt a midwifery practice framework; setting out the powers of the registrar to register persons as registered midwives and issue certificates; authorizing regulations to be made to establish or adopt a code of conduct; authorizing regulations to be made to establish or adopt a continuing competence program for registered midwives; setting out the procedures to be followed for the review of conduct of registered midwives; setting out rules respecting the various aspects of the practice of registered midwives, including the use of the title registered midwife; providing for the enforcement of the practice restrictions set out in the act; providing for Ministerial designation of practice sites. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 24: Midwifery Profession Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. We have a motion and the motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Bill 24: Midwifery Profession Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just quickly I stand to speak to support this bill. I think that this is another key piece in our collaborative model that this government has been working on. If you think of the successes of this government in this area and if you think of the fact that we are now enabling and have enabled nurse practitioners to be able to operate and function in the Northwest Territories, if you add the midwifery piece, we are simply expanding the scope of practice so that we have some help for doctors in the Northwest Territories. We know that especially in many of the smaller communities it's very difficult to see doctors and very difficult to see nurses. We need more help. I think these two pieces -- nurse practitioners and specifically this piece allowing midwives to practice in the Northwest Territories -- will vastly, vastly, Mr. Speaker, improve service for our residents. I look forward to working with committee to bring this legislation forward. Thank you.

Bill 24: Midwifery Profession Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Bell. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 24: Midwifery Profession Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 24: Midwifery Profession Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour, please signify. Thank you. All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 24 has had second reading and, accordingly, the bill stands referred to a committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Bill 25: Municipal Statutes Replacement Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

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Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that Bill 25, Municipal Statutes Replacement Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill repeals and replaces the Charter Communities Act, the Cities, Towns and Villages Act, and the Hamlets Act. The bill makes many changes to modernize these three statutes, to make them easier to understand and to make the rules more flexible where appropriate.

There are changes to operation of the municipal corporation. These include:

  • • providing hamlets, towns and villages with greater flexibility to stagger or change terms of office;
  • • setting out the process to be followed when it is necessary to force a disqualified council member to step down;
  • • allowing councils to adopt their own oaths of office;
  • • giving councils explicit powers to appoint youth members;
  • • allowing councils to establish boards or other bodies to administer programs and services;
  • • allowing council meetings to take place using speaker phones, videoconferencing or other electronic means;
  • • providing clearer direction on when council meetings may be closed to the public;
  • • requiring agendas for regular council meetings to be available to the public 48 hours prior to each meeting;
  • • allowing councils to provide indemnities to members in council committees for attending meetings;
  • • giving a clear description of the duties of mayors, council members and councils;
  • • giving council explicit powers to adopt codes of ethnics, with sanctions;
  • • allowing employees of hamlets and charter communities to sit as council members in some limited circumstances;
  • • facilitating alternate service delivery arrangements;
  • • providing councils with explicit economic development powers;
  • • allowing municipalities to establish new services or businesses and to establish or acquire shares in corporations with the approval of the Minister or the authorization of an investment plan;
  • • allowing delegation agreements to be made with the Government of Canada, or other municipalities, and aboriginal governments and organizations.

The rules governing financial management are being changed, including:

  • • new requirements that budgets and financial statements be made available to the public;
  • • providing that financial statements need only comply with generally accepted accounting principles recommended for municipal governments from time to time by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants;
  • • removing the requirement for Ministerial approval of forgiveness of debt bylaws for municipal taxing authorities;
  • • providing that debts of council members may not be forgiven;
  • • expanding the current powers to invest surplus money;
  • • specifying that long-term borrowing may be undertaken to finance capital expenses, but not operational expenses;
  • • allowing non-tax-based communities to borrow on a long-term basis for any purpose, rather than just for land development;
  • • new budgeting requirements pertaining to deficits;
  • • requiring voter approval for long-term borrowing and other long-term financial commitments;
  • • replacing ratepayer approval with voter approval.

Provisions establishing bylaw-making powers will now set out spheres of jurisdiction and general powers to enforce bylaws, as opposed to specific and narrow heads of authority. There are new provisions for voter petitions respecting bylaws.

There are new provisions to limit municipal liability for certain matters and activities, such as municipal facilities, services and utilities, fire protection, highways, the exercise of discretion, inspections and maintenance and remedying contraventions of bylaws. The current personal civil liability protections for council members are extended to youth members, municipal officers, volunteer workers and board members.

Municipalities will have powers to allow them to effectively enforce their bylaws, and will have general authority to conduct inspections and remedy contraventions. The Minister will have the ability to intervene if a municipality is in difficulty, without resorting to the appointment of an administrator. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.