This is page numbers 1 - 20 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 2nd 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 make.

Topics

Members Present

Mr. Allen, Honourable Brendan Bell, Mr. Braden, Mr. Delorey, Honourable Charles Dent, Mrs. Groenewegen, Honourable Joe Handley, Mr. Hawkins, Honourable David Krutko, Ms. Lee, Honourable Michael McLeod, Mr. Menicoche, Honourable Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Pokiak, Mr. Ramsay, Honourable Floyd Roland, Mr. Villeneuve, Mr. Yakeleya, Honourable Henry Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Mr. Clerk, would you please see if Her Honour the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories Glenna Hansen is prepared to enter the Chamber and open the Second Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

Item 2: Opening Address
Item 2: Opening Address

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Commissioner Hansen

Welcome back and happy New Year. As you look forward to a new year, I know that this has been a busy time for each of you and I thank and commend you for your concerted efforts to familiarize and prepare yourself for the challenges that lie ahead.

I trust that you have also found the opportunities, particularly over the holiday season, to spend time and connect with your families, friends and constituents.

As you begin your term as Members of this territorial Assembly, you represent a territory that is on the brink of unprecedented development and growth.

There are opportunities in this growth to bring benefit to the Northwest Territories through jobs, contracts and resource revenues. There are also inherent responsibilities to ensure that this growth does not happen at the expense of what we value most: our northern environment, cultures or traditions. Your guidance and wisdom will be the key.

Together, you must find ways to build and strengthen relationships with each other and with government and industry partners, to deliver programs and services in efficient and effective manners, and to move forward with important negotiations for land and resource ownership. This is no small task and it will not happen on its own.

It will take difficult decisions, debate and choices. It will take all of you and many others working together toward a common vision or goal. Most of all, it will take a true and honest commitment to the spirit and intent of consensus government, on which this Legislative Assembly is based.

I thank you in advance for your continued and earnest consideration and good judgement in the days, weeks, months and years that lie ahead. Before I declare open the Second Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly, I would like to remember Dennie Lennie who passed away January 13th. Mr. Lennie was a leader in the Inuvik and Northwest Territories business community and a tireless contributor to the community of Inuvik. More importantly, he was a friend and supporter to all who had the pleasure of meeting and working with him.

I offer my personal condolences to his wife Barb, and their children Jolene, Allison, Dayna and Issac, and the many friends and loved ones Dennie Lennie has left behind. I would also like to include at this time and give my sincerest condolences to all the families who lost loved ones before this last session.

During this session, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be introducing a bill entitled Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2003-2004, for consideration by this House. Mr. Speaker, the government considers this bill essential to the good conduct of government business and, as such, I recommend its passage.

As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I now declare open the Second Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Item 2: Opening Address
Item 2: Opening Address

Page 1

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Ministers' statements. Minister Handley.

Minister's Statement 1-15(2): Sessional Statement
Item 3: Ministers' Statements

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are well into 2004 and already busy on a number of fronts. As this is our first time back in this House since the Christmas holidays, I would like to take the opportunity to wish the Members of the Assembly and all people of the NWT a happy New Year and best wishes for 2004.

Working Together

I look forward to the coming year with enthusiasm and optimism. We will have significant challenges to face, but I sense a strong will amongst all Members of this Legislative Assembly to roll up our sleeves and get to work as a team on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories.

Trust is the foundation upon which good relationships are built, both at home and in the workplace. It takes time to build trust. It has to be earned with consistent actions, respect for input received, and a demonstrated commitment to live up to promises made.

There is agreement among Members that we must find ways to better work together. The challenge is to translate our good intentions into concrete actions.

We have started off with informal meetings to explore ideas about the setting of priorities. Discussion focused on how the Members of this Assembly might reach out to the public more effectively and build partnerships with other northern governments and stakeholder groups. As a Caucus, we are determined to find ways to open up the lines of communication with all northern residents.

As a beginning, it is important that we find new ways to talk with other northern leaders; discussion that allows for a frank exchange of views and creates a foundation for understanding and working together.

All 19 Members of Caucus are committed to establishing productive partnerships with other northern leaders. It will be my pleasure, later today, to join Caucus Chair Mr. Kevin Menicoche, as he announces an initiative to bring northern leaders together in the spring to discuss common issues.

Aboriginal Rights Negotiations

Mr. Speaker, as all residents of the Northwest Territories know, the face of governance in the Northwest Territories is changing as aboriginal rights negotiations are concluded and agreements are implemented. This environment is a complex one. A variety of agreements deal, in varying degrees, with aboriginal rights over land, resources and self-government, and these agreements are in different stages of negotiation or implementation.

The Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and Sahtu have concluded land claims agreements. The Inuvialuit and Gwich'in are pursuing a joint self-government agreement and signed an agreement-in-principle last year. In the Sahtu, Deline signed a self-government agreement-in-principle last summer and Tulita has just recently begun the process of negotiating a self-government agreement. The Tlicho Comprehensive Land Claim and Self-Government Final Agreement is the first combined land claim and self-government agreement in the Northwest Territories. Framework and interim measures agreements have been reached with the Deh Cho First Nations, Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations and Northwest Territory Metis Nation.

The jurisdiction and responsibilities of aboriginal and public governments are in a process of transition that will establish new relationships between the peoples and governments of the NWT. As we move forward with aboriginal rights negotiations, the shape and structure of government in the Northwest Territories will change, including the territorial government.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is fully committed to the negotiation and implementation of aboriginal rights agreements in the NWT; agreements that will bring further clarity and certainty to governance in our territory.

Achieving Self-Reliance

Mr. Speaker, we have much work remaining to reach our full potential as a fully self-reliant and prosperous territory; one where our people are healthy, educated, employed and living life to the fullest.

For the territorial and other northern governments, this means a better fiscal deal with the federal government. We need to conclude an improved formula financing agreement with Canada. We need a fair deal on devolution and resource revenue sharing that will give us what most other jurisdictions in Canada already have: a reasonable opportunity to generate own-source revenues, that can be used to pay for the social and infrastructure costs associated with the unprecedented boom in development that we are now experiencing.

We need additional resources to invest in our people and infrastructure now so we mitigate the impacts of development on our communities. We need to continue to work together to ensure these messages reach Ottawa.

It is a simple fact that what separates the "have" from the "have not" provinces and territories in this country is the ability of any given province or territory to generate its own revenues and pay its own way. We have the great good fortune of being a resource-rich part of Canada, so we have the ability to generate our own resources and become a net contributor to the nation.

There is a strong relationship between the economic self-sufficiency we seek and having the ability to determine our own future. Having one means gaining the other.

For individual residents of the Northwest Territories, self-reliance is just as important on a personal level. Personal independence means making healthy choices, taking responsibility for oneself and one's family, and contributing to the community in which we live.

Fiscal Update

As Members are well aware, we face significant fiscal challenges. While we pursue a new fiscal balance with the federal government, we must also explore other avenues that maximize the resources at hand. We must take a hard look at how we are managing spending in order to ensure operational efficiency wherever possible.

Even at the best of times, governments are in a constant state of change. This is because we are challenged every day, with examining our current circumstances and making the necessary adjustments required to stay on target. Our spending should reflect the priorities that we hold most dear. We face some very tough choices and it is important that we work together to make those choices over the next four years.

Tomorrow, the Honourable Floyd Roland will provide the Members of this House with an update on the budgetary process that we have laid out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, we are deeply committed to running the business of government in a more open and cooperative manner. I believe the Members of this House share the desire to demonstrate to the rest of Canada consensus government at its best, in spirit and in its actions.

While we intend to run a tight ship, we will also look to make strategic investments that make sense in light of the priorities we collectively establish - as a government, as a Caucus, and as northern leaders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 1-15(2): Sessional Statement
Item 3: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Premier Handley.

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of Dennie Lennie of Inuvik. Dennie was a highly respected northerner, a person who contributed to the development of the Northwest Territories in many ways.

Dennie was an active member of the NWT business community as the owner of Arctic Esso in Inuvik.

Dennie was very active in the Inuvialuit organizations where he served in a variety of capacities. For the past 10 years, Dennie served as chair and chief executive officer of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, one of the most successful aboriginal business corporations in Canada. He also served on the boards of a number of IDC investments including NorTerra Inc. and Akita Equtak Ltd., where his thoughtful advice and wisdom was greatly appreciated.

Dennie's knowledge and experience was widely recognized throughout the territory and he was often asked to contribute to panels and boards focused on the development of the NWT economy. Dennie served as a member of the GNWT Economic Development Strategy Panel, the Business Credit Corporation and most recently as co-chair of the Economic Development Advisory Group.

Mr. Speaker, Dennie also contributed in many ways within his home community of Inuvik where he has served in a variety of important positions including town councillor, deputy mayor and as chair of the Inuvik Community Corporation.

Dennie's quiet manner, his sharp intellect and his passion for business gained the respect and devotion of staff and those with whom he worked and associated.

Finally and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, Dennie was a loving husband to his wife Barb and his children Jolene, Allison, Dayna and Isaac. On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I ask all Members to join me in extending our sympathies to Barb and her family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 3, Ministers' Statements. Premier Handley.

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring the House up to date on the serious fire that occurred at the Fort McPherson power plant on January 19th and the steps that are being taken to restore power as quickly as possible while ensuring a high level of safety is maintained.

A fire began in the Fort McPherson power plant early in the morning of January 19th causing severe damage. The corporation and its insurers are still assessing the damage and whether any of the equipment can be salvaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal. Fortunately, no injuries were incurred.

The fire was reported to the corporation's Inuvik staff at 3:30 a.m. and the corporation immediately mobilized its emergency response plan. A mobile generating unit was dispatched from Inuvik along with an emergency team of personnel from across the corporation. Partial power was restored to the community beginning at 3:00 p.m., approximately 12 hours after the fire was reported.

A second mobile unit and more personnel were chartered to Inuvik by Hercules aircraft arriving in Fort McPherson at 2:00 a.m. this morning. The crew has been working since then to get this second unit up and running. Mr. Speaker, as we speak, I understand that unit is running now.

Mr. Speaker, restoring power to the community under these emergency conditions is very much a co-operative effort. The corporation is working closely with the local EMO, community leaders and the RCMP. The people of Fort McPherson are playing a vital role in restoring power by dramatically lowering their consumption of power and by helping out in many other ways. The corporation would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts to date and for their continued support.

Mr. Speaker, while the immediate emergency is in hand, with some power restored to the community, much work remains to be done to ensure a reliable power source for the community. The corporation is closely monitoring the mobile unit and local emergency generators currently serving the community. Load will remain limited until the corporation can undertake the next step of installing additional generating capacity to ensure reliable service until the plant is restored. It is expected to take about three to four days to ensure reliable service back to the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' Statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the first week of February, the Northwest Territories will reach a milestone. Since 1964, we have been certifying and recognizing our apprentices in their chosen fields.

During the past 40 years, our territory's buildings, roads and communities have been built through the efforts of certified tradespeople. Ever since 1968, when Colin Adjun from Kugluktuk received top tradesperson status in his course as a heavy equipment operator in Fort Smith, there has been no stopping northern residents from distinguishing themselves as electricians, plumbers, cooks, welders and in 37 other trades. Mr. Speaker, during the past 40 years, over 4,500 men and women have received their journey certification in the NWT.

Many residents have gone on to become entrepreneurs and today's leaders. People such as Bob Hanna of Fort Simpson, who not only holds five tickets but also runs a successful plumbing and mechanical business. I would be remiss if I also didn't recognize two successful tradespeople who are Cabinet Ministers, the Honourable Michael Miltenberger, a journey carpenter by trade; and the Honourable Floyd Roland, a journey motor vehicle mechanic. Mr. Speaker, in paying tribute to those who have literally paved the way during the past 40 years, we need to recognize what the latest generation of tradespeople will do for our Territories in the very near future.

These are the people who will build the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline, our bridges, maintain and create our infrastructure, develop new power plants, build new mines and polish diamonds. Tradespeople are in high demand now and will be even more so in our future.

Mr. Speaker, while our apprenticeship and trades programs have been very successful over the years, we need to ensure that our northern workforce is better trained and benefits from future resource development. Programs such as the Schools North Apprenticeship Program where secondary school students can become registered apprentices in designated trades are now more important than ever. Work that is being done with our industry partners and through Aurora College will continue to be critical to our future success.

I will be inviting all Members to the apprenticeship awards ceremony on February 4th, to help honour our apprentices.

We know how far we have come in the last 40 years. We need to ensure that our northern workforce is ready and prepared to take us into the future. Please join me as we salute those who will create the roads for us to get there, and the homes we will live in...the tradespeople of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Some Hon. Members

Hear, hear!

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Ministers' statements. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have just gathered as the 15th Assembly for the second time and there has been much reference at the outset to the merits and principles of consensus government. Premier Handley's remarks after being acclaimed as Premier included, "I think we have to work together, working together toward common goals." In his sessional statement today, the Premier referred to working together, trust and translating our good intentions into concrete actions.

As Mr. Handley said, later today there will be a press conference. An idea that actually emerged with the 14th Assembly will be acted upon when the 19 Members of this House meet sometime in April with other community, northern and aboriginal leaders. Mr. Speaker, this is the backdrop and the context in which I raise my concern today.

I heard comments in the media early on in our mandate which have caused me concern, and I have to believe have caused other northerners concern as well. Back in December, Mr. Handley made reference to the trilateral approach to negotiating devolution; that it had been slow and hadn't resulted in significant progress. In the absence of any reference to an alternative, immediately I began to wonder how this would be perceived by our aboriginal government partners who have been at the Intergovernmental Forum table with us. If a new approach to negotiating devolution had been considered, developed or approved, it is news to me.

Then, as recently as this morning, there it was on the CBC news: "Health Minister Michael Miltenberger proposes changes to health board operations. We need fewer boards and we should amalgamate education and health boards." If that's a government initiative or approved direction, it's not one that I had any part in developing or discussing. I don't know what my constituents would think of this idea because, like me, they just heard it on the radio this morning.

I don't want to belabour this, Mr. Speaker. I think the Premier and the Minister get my point. It's an affront to the Members elected to this Assembly and to other northern and aboriginal leaders who we say we want a closer working relationship with, and to our constituents, to hear on the news in this manner, any reference to sweeping reform of governance structures for two areas of service and programs as significant and critical as health and education.

Some Hon. Members

Hear, hear!

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Of course, the Members of this House, including myself, want to work together in a cooperative and constructive way, but hearing news as we did today is not going to serve that purpose. So let's get the line drawn right now, up front, that we're here to have meaningful input on this side of the House, on behalf of our constituents and we will not tolerate anything less. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 4, Members' statements. The Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Villeneuve.

Cooperative Working Relationships
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 4

Robert Villeneuve

Robert Villeneuve Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to extend my best wishes for the new year to all the Members of this House, my constituents, the people of the NWT and especially my family. Mr. Speaker, as the honourable Member for Weledeh, our Premier indicated earlier that trust is a key component to making this government a productive partner in building a strong working relationship with other northern and aboriginal governments. As this government embarks on developing these new agreements with other governments, I can assure all the Members of this 15th Assembly that I will be at the forefront working to establish this trust and will be supporting this government so that we can all move forward with this new working relationship with the people of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to inform the Members and my constituents that I am committed to continue working on the many issues in health, housing, education and economic development over the next four years, with particular emphasis on issues that can only be resolved if there is a trust between all governments, the Members of this House and the people of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, in light of our fiscal situation, I realize -- and I'm sure many northerners do too -- that we all have to start working together in order to maximize our potential and to ensure a more efficient, effective and responsible delivery of programs and services for our people. I'm committed, and I trust this government is too, to meeting this challenge with enthusiasm and hard work. We cannot do this alone. This government will not only require the support of all our communities, but also some direction and dedication from all our strong northern leaders so that we can all make a positive change and set the stage for a brighter future for all our children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Cooperative Working Relationships
Item 4: Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 4, Members' statements. The Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off my first statement of the new year by wishing a happy New Year to all my constituents and the other residents in the Northwest Territories and Members of this House, as well. My Member's statement today is one that I'm very proud to make, Mr. Speaker. I wish to recognize and acknowledge two constituents who have been honoured by winning the Minister's Award for Academic Achievement. This award is issued to the person receiving the highest mark in the Northwest Territories on departmental exams.

Mr. Sean McGee received the 2002-2003 award for Biology 30. Congratulations on a job well done. The next young gentleman I would like to make mention of and acknowledge is Mr. Jonathon Millard, who incredibly scored the highest marks in both Physics 30 and Social Studies 30. Mr. Mallard is currently attending the University of Toronto. I again would like to congratulate both young men on their outstanding scholastic achievements and wish them both well in their future endeavours. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 4, Members' statements. The Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Resident Justice Required For Hay River
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

Paul Delorey

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as most Members are aware, the Honourable Chief Judge Robert Halifax has retired after some 26 years of distinguished service to the residents of the North. A common theme that was echoed by many at Chief Judge Halifax's retirement party, Mr. Speaker, was the relationship with the people of all nine of the communities south of the lake that Robert Halifax was able to establish as a resident judge based in Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, in 1976, the Government of the Northwest Territories made an important decision to place a resident judge in Hay River upon the completion of the courthouse. Mr. Speaker, Hay River has been a judicial centre since that time and the residents of the South Slave have enjoyed the services of a resident judge for almost 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, there are many inherent benefits to having a resident judge in the South Slave. For example, a resident judge is essential to establishing continuity, both within the justice system and within the communities that are served. As well, they will get to know the families involved and the people's background, which I believe is key to an effective judicial process.

Another key benefit to a resident judge, Mr. Speaker, is the justice of the peace program, which has proven to be a tremendous success over the years. There are a number of long-serving justices of the peace south of the lake and it's essential that this vital and valuable program be continued. Also, we would be in danger of losing, Mr. Speaker, the community-based justice programs that have been so effective in the South Slave.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it's imperative that we, as legislators, create a sustainable economic base at the community level. The support services for a resident judge are firmly established in Hay River. We have all of the infrastructure in place to fully support a resident judge and our location within the South Slave region is ideal for travel to all of the communities in the South Slave.

Mr. Speaker, there appears to be a force at work that is compiling statistics that imply a reduced workload for a judge in the South Slave communities, thereby justifying the argument that a resident judge is not required. Conversely, the statistics that I have been able to garner, which are far too extensive to go over in this forum, clearly show that there is a demonstrated need for a resident judge to serve the South Slave and that there is no reduced workload.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Resident Justice Required For Hay River
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent to conclude your statement.

Resident Justice Required For Hay River
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

Paul Delorey

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I feel that it is incumbent upon the Minister of Justice to ensure that the needs of the residents of the nine communities south of the lake are taken into consideration when determining a replacement for resident Chief Judge Halifax. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Minister to do the right thing and ensure that a resident judge is placed in Hay River. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause