This is page numbers 503 - 530 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 3rd 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 policy.

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 503

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly, the 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly agreed that a new approach is needed to develop our agenda and statement of priorities. Members rejected the old method of developing an agenda based solely on our views, and in isolation of other governments in the Northwest Territories. Members felt that it was critical that we embark on a new way of doing business that emphasized partnership and collaboration.

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 Legislative Assembly, we are determined to find ways to open up the lines of communication with all northern residents.

As a beginning, Members felt it was important to bring leaders together to exchange views and create a foundation for understanding and working together. In January, I joined the chair of the Caucus, Mr. Kevin Menicoche, in announcing that leaders from across the North would be invited to a northern leaders meeting in Hay River in April.

Since that time, the planning for this meeting has gone very well. A planning committee chaired by Mr. Menicoche, and including representatives from aboriginal governments, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities and the government was established to oversee the process.

I am pleased to say that representatives from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Sahtu Dene Council, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Tlicho Treaty 11 Tribal Council, Akaitcho Dene First Nations, Northwest Territories Metis Nation, North Slave Metis Alliance, Deh Cho First Nations, Dene Nation and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities have all confirmed their participation at this meeting.

Mr. Speaker, the meeting will be held at the Chief Lamalice Complex on the Hay River Reserve from April 6 to 8. The meeting will be ably chaired by two distinguished northerners: Mr. Jim Antoine, a long-time

Member of this House and a former Premier of the Northwest Territories; and Joanne Barnaby, a former executive director of the Dene Cultural Institute and a resident of Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, this meeting is another important step in establishing productive partnerships with other northern leaders. We are very excited about the potential this meeting holds for leaders throughout the Northwest Territories to have a full and open discussion about the challenges and opportunities that face all governments in our territory. We hope these discussions will lead to an ongoing partnership between the various governments in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Transportation, Mr. McLeod.

Minister's Statement 26-15(3): Cars Awards For 2003
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I would like to call the Assembly's attention to the important work that CARS observer-communicators do to maintain safe and reliable air transportation at our community airports.

The community aerodrome radio station program, better known as CARS, provides essential weather and runway information to the aircraft and pilots serving our small communities. In recognition of the contribution that the observer-communicators make to safe air navigation in and out of our community airports, the Department of Transportation presents awards every year for the CARS station of the year and the observer-communicator of the year. A few weeks ago, the department announced the awards for 2003.

The award for the CARS station of the year went to the staff at the Fort Simpson airport. The Fort Simpson CARS service operates 24 hours a day assisting the air traffic at the Fort Simpson Island Airport and the Fort Simpson Territorial Airport. After Fort Smith and Hay River, the Fort Simpson airport is the third busiest CARS site in the Northwest Territories. The 2003 Station of the Year Award went to Josh Chappin, April Bell, Tim Brown, Jermaine Gargan and Jay Koldhis of Fort Simpson.

The Observer-Communicator Award for 2003 went to Nancy Zoe. Nancy was the only trained observer-communicator in Gameti for much of 2003 and through her diligent efforts kept the CARS site operating. Nancy's commendable dedication to the CARS service at Gameti deserves recognition.

Mr. Speaker, were it not for the commitment and effort of the CARS observers-communicators, our communities would not have the dependable scheduled air services that they make possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

----Applause

Minister's Statement 26-15(3): Cars Awards For 2003
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister Bell.

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, North American Occupational Safety and Health Week will be held from May 2nd to 8th of this year. The goal is to focus the attention of employers, workers, the general public and all partners in occupational safety and health on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace and at home. North American Occupational Safety and Health Week was first launched in June 1997 marked by an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico.

For many years, responsibility for Occupational Safety and Health Week related activities in the North fell to the Workers' Compensation Board. Five years ago, the WCB extended an invitation to business, labour and government to join in promoting this important event. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report this partnership has proven to be very successful. These organizations, along with members of a youth committee, have brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the events and it continues to grow in importance.

The theme for this year's Occupational Safety and Health Week, "Build a Safe Beginning," draws attention to the ever present need for ongoing training in the workplace. This is especially critical in the North with our young and ever increasing workforce.

Mr. Speaker, the 2004 organizing and youth committees have several exciting events planned: an employer contest, video lunches and safety demonstrations to name a few. I encourage all Members to get involved in North American Occupational Safety and Health Week this year and strengthen their commitment to occupational safety and health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

----Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Northern Leaders Meeting In Hay River
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to use my Member's statement to speak about the upcoming circle of northern leaders meeting being held on the Hay River Reserve. This is a new idea on the part of our government. The intent is to engage other northern leaders by including them in helping us set our agenda for the next four years.

There is a lot going on in our Territory on many fronts. We are on the verge of changes in governance as some aboriginal governments take on new roles and responsibilities in their regions. There is much activity on the economic front as we prepare for major development in the resource sector. Other sectors of our economy are also growing. It is incumbent on this government as much as is in our power to ensure that capacity building, and the realization of socioeconomic and political development be as consistent across our Territory as possible. It's an exercise in managing our resources in a way that ensures opportunity and support to northerners through our programs and services in a fair and equitable manner. No one and no region can be overlooked.

As we prepare to meet with other northern leaders in Hay River next week, we will consider the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the North. We will contemplate what is to be gained by approaching these challenges and opportunities in a unified way as it relates to our common interests on behalf of the people we represent. I am of the opinion that there is much to be gained by working together, showing respect for each others' respective mandates and aspirations. If we can stay focused on the fact that what we do is not about us but about the people we represent, I think we will make progress. All of the people in the Northwest Territories have common needs with respect to their well-being and their right to prosper. Mr. Speaker, prosperity is not just about money, it is about wellness, self-reliance and dignity. I am looking forward to working with other northern leaders on behalf of our constituents, and I hope that a good spirit of cooperation and understanding are outcomes of our meeting when we get together in Hay River next week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

----Applause

Northern Leaders Meeting In Hay River
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 504

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Nunakput, Mr. Pokiak.

Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Beaufort-Delta Divisional Education Council youth entry level skills program, known as YELS, was established a number of years ago. YELS and the oil and gas companies sponsor a six-week program in the NWT and Alberta. This program offers an opportunity for high school students to learn about the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Speaker, YELS and ConocoPhillips sponsored five students from the Beaufort-Delta to tour the ConocoPhillips Wembley Gas Plant in Grande Prairie, Alberta, this year. I am proud to say that two students from our home community of Tuktoyaktuk were chosen to attend the program. They are Margaret Noksana, and Paul Steen. Some of the Members in this Chamber today may remember Paul Steen as he was a Page in the 14th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, Margaret Noksana was kind enough to provide my constituency assistant with the following information on the recent trip to Grande Prairie. They departed for Grande Prairie on March 7th and returned on March 12, 2004. Day one, tour of the Wembley Gas Plant, safety orientation, engineer orientation; day two,...(inaudible)...production, safety meetings, went to see some small pumps, saw how oil and water are separated; day three, further tour of gas plant, watched oil and gas movies; day four, tour of the regional college in Grande Prairie.

Mr. Speaker, during this tour Ms. Noksana indicated that she met a lot of nice people. Ms. Noksana and Mr. Steen enjoyed their trip very much. Without the assistance of YELS and ConocoPhillips, these students would not have

been able to travel south to get a firsthand experience of the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Speaker, oil and gas exploration plays an important part for employment and business opportunities in the Beaufort-Delta. Students involved in the YELS program see firsthand the importance of education and may decide to find a trade in the oil and gas field as engineers and gas plant operators et cetera. Therefore, I would encourage Ms. Noksana and Mr. Steen to complete their education, and take advantage of whatever opportunities are available to them.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank YELS and ConocoPhillips on providing students such as Ms. Noksana and Mr. Steen with an opportunity to explore the oil and gas industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

----Applause

The Speaker

The 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, I would like to deliver a good news story today on the successes of the trades program currently being offered at Diamond Jenness Secondary School in Hay River. Mr. Speaker, there are a number of valuable trades orientated programs currently being offered to Diamond Jenness students. There is a mechanics program, a welding program, a housing construction program, and the schools north apprenticeship program.

Mr. Speaker, the mechanics program is a new program that exposes students to auto mechanics. Local mechanic, Mr. Norm Gour, has for the past seven months and continues to donate his time on a volunteer basis to the success of this program. Under his guidance, students participate in classroom demonstrations, activities and community field trips. Corporate sponsorship from both Kingland Ford and Bumper to Bumper have been instrumental in the success of this program.

The welding program, Mr. Speaker, is in its second year, and has doubled in size and stature. Students participate in classroom demonstrations, welding activities, and community field trips. Sponsorship from NTCL and the Canadian Coastguard have greatly contributed to the success of this program.

Mr. Speaker, the housing program is a successful partnership between the NWT Housing Corporation and the school. Students participate in hands-on construction of residential housing units. Local tradespersons who specialize in carpentry, drywalling, painting, electrical, plumbing, heating, cabinetry and floor covering instruct students, and all hours donated by these trades people are strictly on a volunteer basis. Approximately 3,800 student hours are donated yearly to this extremely valuable program.

Another program currently being offered, Mr. Speaker, is the schools north apprenticeship program. This program involves a partnership between the students, Education, Culture and Employment, Diamond Jenness and our local businesses. Sponsorship includes Kingland Manufacturing, Kingland Ford, Bumper to Bumper and Poison Painting.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a tremendous credit at this time to the efforts of Mr. Tim Borchuk the shop teacher at Diamond Jenness, and Mr. John Ashcroft, who have been hired to oversee the shop students. The tremendous vision shown by these two men in maintaining the trades program is to be commended. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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.

Paul Delorey

Paul Delorey Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation's sponsorship of the housing program has resulted in allowing DJSS to diversify its trades program. If it were not for their assistance, the school would not be able to offer the housing program, the welding program, or the welder mechanics program.

I would just like to propose that there is more work to be done. Our high school is 30 years old and has not been updated to reflect the needs of the growing NWT economy. With the growing needs for skilled trades persons and the implementation of the career technology studies program, our current facility is maximized. Mr. Speaker, an expanded facility and increased funding for instruction at Diamond Jenness will not only satisfy the current demands, but will allow for expansion into the pre-trades education. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to work to ensure that this becomes a reality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

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

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are 170 licensed liquor establishments in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker. By far, the vast majority of these are well-run establishments necessary to our communities, to our hospitality industry that provide jobs. About five percent of them, at the most, cause our problems. In the last two years alone, we've had two deaths in Yellowknife attributed to situations and incidents in bars. Other serious incidents are on record in Hay River and Inuvik. Our Liquor Licensing Board, under the chairmanship of Mr. John Simpson, has, in recent months, undertaken very proactive and responsible measures and enforced compliance among these few establishments with the standards that are already in our laws.

However, these very welcome changes in approach have generated considerable negative reaction from some sectors. Most disappointing is that in the words of Mr. Simpson, our own government has not signalled its support. Mr. Simpson, regrettably, has tendered his resignation because he doesn't feel that he has the backing of our governing authority which is our Department of Finance. In fact, in a conversation with Mr. Simpson this morning, and in direct answer to my question, "Are you being interfered with or hobbled in your

actions by this government," he answered without hesitation, "Totally."

Minister Roland, the Minister of Finance, in a news report this morning, said, "The board is quasi-judicial and is a ruler. It makes judgments on establishments for breaking the rules that are there. So it is very difficult for them to go into the social aspect of it and try to expand its mandate." But, there is a disturbing contrast, Mr. Speaker, between the Minister's approach and that of Mr. Justice Ted Richard, who wrote in the decision in August 2002, about a board ruling. Mr. Justice Richard said, "Considerations which focus on public safety and public peace are consistent with the purpose of the Liquor Act and the intention of the Legislature."

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

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.

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. So between the Minister responsible for managing liquor in the Northwest Territories and the judiciary, we have a dramatic difference -- I would say a grand canyon, Mr. Speaker -- in how we manage and enforce our laws. It is long overdue that we resolve these issues with a full-scale revamping and modernization of our antiquated liquor legislation. It should go beyond just the issues surrounding this board, but it should also go into many other areas that are impacted by the way we manage alcohol. In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, I support the direction and the approach taken by the board and hope that it will continue with some support at least from this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about the GNWT budgeting process. Mr. Speaker, since I was elected MLA, I have not seen Regular Members have direct input into the government budgeting process. I was thinking to myself last night about the process and possible ways to better improve the system so that Regular Members have their direct input. As a Regular Member, I can see that we are the ones who have to answer to the people of our ridings. As things are now, to do that, I have to ask questions relating to the budget process and how the government plans to allocate the monies and in which direction it will flow and for what length of time. I believe that Regular Members should have a say in the departmental budget reviews throughout the year or prior to the budget's session when concrete budget plans are announced.

Mr. Speaker, as the MLA for Nahendeh, and since the budget speech at the beginning of this session, I have been questioned by a number of my constituents as to why this was done and why that was not done and why was this taken out and why wasn't this taken into consideration; questions that I am sure will be followed up with letters which I will then be passing on to the appropriate departments that I will be questioning myself.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that if the MLAs were involved in the budget-making process before and, of course, during the business planning stage, a lot of unnecessary constituency complaints could be avoided. I believe that Regular Members are as much part of the government decision-making process and are just as accountable to their constituents as the government is to the people of the NWT. Mr. Speaker, Regular Members should be consulted more regularly throughout the year on how the government plans to budget their monies and what areas will be affected or not affected. Mahsi Cho.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Affordable Housing For The Sahtu Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is on affordable housing in the Sahtu. Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of the communities across the Northwest Territories that need more adequate, suitable and affordable housing. Housing in the communities is crucial today. The situation in the Sahtu is no exception. The lack of affordable housing in my constituency affects people across the board; elders, families and single people. Residents are suffering from overcrowded housing and many houses are in desperate need of major repairs. Not too long ago, Mr. Speaker, I learned about a Fort Good Hope elder who was living in a condemned house. Mr. Speaker, we can and must do more.

What I would like to see, Mr. Speaker, is a strategy in the Sahtu that takes into account people's needs and interests. We need to do something different here. We need a unique response to the particular needs of the people in the Sahtu and other regions. My personal experience tells me that pride in one's home is an important part of breaking the cycle of dependency. I see no better way to develop pride and self-sufficiency than owning one's own home. I can say this from personal experience, having built a log house in my youth.

The 2004 NWT housing needs survey is due out any day. I look forward to reading it, Mr. Speaker, although I am afraid to confirm what I already know from what I see when I go to the communities in the Sahtu and what my constituents tell me. The issue of the BIP has been on my mind for some time and the intent of waiving the BIP. The point I am making in this House, Mr. Speaker, is we need housing in the Sahtu and this is what the communities are looking for from this government. I have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.

---Applause

Affordable Housing For The Sahtu Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 506

The Speaker

The Speaker David Krutko

Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.