This is page numbers 1387 - 1432 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 chairman.

Members Present

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

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1387

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome to another week of work on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Minister's Statement 86-15(3): Northern Strategy
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1387

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the Northern Strategy. As Members know, this initiative represents an important opportunity for the Northwest Territories. The work we do now and over the next couple of months has the potential to shape the future of our territory for generations to come.

We start from the premise that a strong Northwest Territories is in the best economic, social and security interests of Canada and all Canadians. It is in this spirit that I participated with the Prime Minister and Premiers Fentie and Okalik in the launch of the Northern Strategy framework last December. It is also in this spirit that we intend to work towards a comprehensive Northern Strategy that addresses the priority issues facing this territory.

Over the next few months, through our consultations on the Northern Strategy, we have a real chance to reach common agreement on actions required to advance the priorities of the North generally and the Northwest Territories specifically. We are in a period of unprecedented economic development in the Northwest Territories, development that not only benefits our territory but the country as a whole. This development provides a unique opportunity to make the Northwest Territories a self-reliant territory.

The importance of the Mackenzie gas project to the long-term strategic interest of the Northwest Territories and the socioeconomic future of our people and communities cannot be overstated.

Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories fully supports this project. We support the work of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group in negotiating and taking an equity position in this project, the type of participation that would have been unheard of in the past projects of this magnitude. We support the negotiations between the Producers' Group and aboriginal organizations to negotiate access and benefit agreements that provide specific benefits to aboriginal people along the pipeline route. We support and remain fully committed to the joint panel process established to review it and to ensuring that northerners fully benefit from this development. We support and are partners in the work being done through programs such as the Aboriginal Skills Employment Program to train our residents to obtain employment in the oil and gas field.

But, Mr. Speaker, more remains to be done to prepare our territory for the pipeline and other oil and gas development. The people of this territory want to be sure our communities are ready for large-scale development, such as the Mackenzie Valley pipeline. This means investing in our communities and people to prepare for and help mitigate the infrastructure and social pressures that will accompany this development.

Even without the development of a pipeline, we know the program needs of our population for health care, housing, education and for other key social programs to continue to grow. The additional needs created by our rapidly expanding economy place an increased demand on our resources. The long-term implications for our territory are serious.

Mr. Speaker, these issues are not new. The Government of the Northwest Territories has consistently identified these issues as priorities over the past several years. We have clearly spelled out these challenges to the federal government at every available opportunity. The Northern Strategy is a valuable vehicle to reinforce this message and garner federal support and investment.

While Members of Cabinet will lay out more of the specifics about our response to the Mackenzie Valley pipeline project tomorrow, I want to spend some time discussing the piece of the puzzle that remains to be completed, a fair devolution and resource revenue sharing agreement.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, resolving this issue will ensure that northerners are the primary beneficiaries of the development of their resources. This means the federal government must step up to the plate and deliver on the Prime Minister's personal commitment at the launch of the Northern Strategy. This commitment was confirmed in his letter to me of February 9, 2005: "...to working collaboratively with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Aboriginal Summit to secure an agreement-in-principle on the devolution of lands and resources this spring and targeting conclusion of a final agreement in 2006." I believe this is a firm signal of Prime Minster Martin's commitment to the North.

Mr. Speaker, northern control of northern resources is the principle at the heart of our participation in the Northern Strategy. We believe any effective, sustainable strategy for the North must be based on the transfer of responsibility for northern lands and resources from the

federal government to northern governments. Equally important, this transfer must be accompanied by an agreement that makes northern governments the primary beneficiaries of the revenues generated by these northern resources.

---Applause

While the issue of northern control of its resources is at the heart of the Northern Strategy, the strategy goes well beyond this issue. The strategy is based on a number of key goals and objectives:

  • • strengthening governance, partnerships and institutions;
  • • establishing strong foundations for economic development;
  • • protecting the environment;
  • • building healthy and safe communities;
  • • reinforcing sovereignty, national security and circumpolar cooperation;
  • • preserving, revitalizing and promoting culture and identity; and,
  • • developing northern science and research.

Mr. Speaker, these goals and objectives are not meant to be exhaustive. They are meant to be a starting point for the discussion with northerners on the elements that will comprise a final strategy.

The framework agreement I will table later today lays out examples of the objectives that may be pursued under each specific goal. For example, we have been working for many years to reach agreement with the federal government to remediate contaminated sites across the territory, to identify and protect sensitive environmental areas under the Protected Areas Strategy and to increase the use of cleaner energy sources such as hydroelectricity, natural gas and new technologies. We believe the Northern Strategy can confirm the commitment of and set a time frame for both governments to resolve these issues.

In our view, the initial goals and objectives set out in the Northern Strategy framework are consistent with many of the priorities contained in the strategic plan developed at the beginning of our term. Members of Cabinet are prepared to speak in more detail to these specific priorities during debate on this strategy.

Mr. Speaker, when completed, the Northern Strategy will be comprised of two sections. The pan-territorial section will focus on matters that span all three territories such as sovereignty, security and climate change. The second section will deal with issues specific to individual territories such as those that I have spoken about today.

In order for the strategy to be successful, the federal government will need to make new, long-term investments in the North. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to insist that the Northern Strategy include resources to implement agreed upon actions.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to speak about the $120 million fund the federal government announced at the launch of the development of the Northern Strategy. The GNWT share will be $450 million. We anticipate this funding will be available in June or July.

These funds may be drawn down and used at the sole discretion of each of the three territories. It is our intention to utilize this funding to address urgent community needs. Over the coming months, we will be consulting with Members of this Legislative Assembly on the priority areas for investment. We are also committed to consulting aboriginal leaders with respect to decisions about where the money can best be used.

Mr. Speaker, I am very much looking forward to hearing the views of the Members of this Legislative Assembly on the Northern Strategy. Over the next several months, we will also be meeting with aboriginal governments, stakeholder groups and the general public to get their input on all aspects of the Northern Strategy.

Consultations with stakeholder groups will be initiated from my office in the days and weeks ahead. In addition, an advertising campaign and information package is being prepared that will be available to stakeholders and the general public in March. It is our hope that a draft document can be ready for discussion at the Circle of Northern Leaders' meeting scheduled for April 2005 in Inuvik.

We also intend to collaborate closely on these consultations with the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Andy Scott; and our Member of Parliament, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew. I am pleased that Minister Scott will be travelling to the Northwest Territories next month and will be joining Minister Blondin-Andrew and myself in a series of consultations on the Northern Strategy. I am also optimistic we will see more federal Ministers paying attention to issues of concern to the Northwest Territories over the coming months.

Mr. Speaker, the Northern Strategy is a positive development for the Northwest Territories. I believe we have already begun to see some public awareness changes due to this initiative. Northern issues are receiving quite a bit of attention recently. With the recent Canadian Public Affairs Channel documentary on the Northwest Territories aspirations for greater self-reliance, the possibility of Peter Mansbridge coming North with 'The National' next month and even the humorous coverage on the 'Monday Report' with Rick Mercer, our message is getting out to Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has made the Northern Strategy a major personal and political commitment. We have worked hard to get this commitment. I believe we must now work together to identify and move forward with our priorities for the Northwest Territories. The Northwest Territories is our home and it is up to us to shape its future. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 86-15(3): Northern Strategy
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1388

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Bell. Sorry; I recognize Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Minister's Statement 86-15(3) on the Northern Strategy be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Minister's Statement 86-15(3) is ordered into Committee of the Whole. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of RWED, Mr. Bell.

Minister's Statement 87-15(3): Western Energy Alliance
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1389

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide a brief report to the Legislative Assembly on the meeting I attended with fellow western and northern Ministers of Energy on Friday, February 18, 2005, in Calgary, Alberta. The Western Energy Alliance was formed by Premiers at the Western Premiers' Conference in Inuvik in July 2004. The Premiers directed Energy Ministers to meet and pursue the objectives of an energy alliance to ensure that the collective energy interests of western provinces and northern territories are advanced to the maximum benefit of our citizens.

At the meeting, chaired by Alberta, Ministers discussed energy supply and demand issues of common interest. Several priority areas were identified and will form the basis of our ongoing collective work.

The Ministers agreed in principle to raise awareness of northern and western Canada as a secure supplier of oil, natural gas and electricity to Canada, North America and international markets, both currently and for many years to come. This speaks to my colleagues' understanding of the critical role to be played by the Mackenzie gas project and NWT oil and gas resources. Mr. Speaker, all agreed that Canada's North will play a key role in the continental energy solution.

Mr. Speaker, Energy Ministers also agreed to pursue increased harmonization of energy-related regulations, to improve regulatory efficiency and to reduce barriers to development. Regulatory harmonization remains a priority and northern gas development will serve as a benchmark to be monitored and measured as we assess our progress. Mr. Speaker, this is an issue of interest to the Northwest Territories as we work to increase certainty in the North through the devolution of responsibilities over lands and resources.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, Ministers also agreed to communicate with their federal counterpart, the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, regarding a commitment to meaningful provincial and territorial participation in international energy discussions and negotiations. As Members know, energy issues constitute current provincial and future NWT jurisdiction and, as such, should not be left solely to the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, I am very encouraged by the spirit of cooperation amongst Ministers of Energy. There was much discussion of the unique context of the three territories and a firm commitment was made to assist the NWT in developing our energy resources to the maximum benefit of our residents.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce today that the Ministers of Energy of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and Nunavut have agreed to hold the next Western Energy Alliance meeting in Inuvik this June.

---Applause

This meeting is timely for the NWT, and will occur in association with the Inuvik Petroleum Show. We have strong allies in advancing the energy interests of the residents of the NWT. I look forward to further cooperation with my colleagues to ensure the effective development of our collective energy resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 87-15(3): Western Energy Alliance
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1389

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Record Profits In The Insurance Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1389

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the weekend, I caught a news item on TV that really got me worked up, Mr. Speaker. That is the report that the insurance industry made a record profit of $4.2 billion in 2004. I must agree with the Consumer Association of Canada, Mr. Speaker, this is just plainly obscene, especially in light of the fact that we have all been suffering for a number of years now from the skyrocketing insurance rates on everything from vehicles to houses, not to mention the cost of doing business for our small businesses.

All along the way, we were lead to believe that we all had to suffer collectively because the insurance industry was on the verge of collapse from too many claims from the disaster of 9-11, from massive natural disasters like hurricanes in Florida and other calamities around the world that we all had to pay for. Then they had the audacity to announce a record $4.2 billion in profit. Mr. Speaker, we must ask where is the limit to this obscenity? How long do our young drivers, especially young male drivers, have to pay all of their pay cheques practically to drive their first car? How long do real estate agents have to spend all their time trying to find coverage for home buyers? Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that even the insurance brokers in town that I talked to during my door-to-door campaign thought things were out of control because it was certainly no fun for them to be the bearer of bad news to small businesses about skyrocketing premiums. They had to tell the small businesses that their premiums were going up by 300 percent. That could possibly put them out of business. This government, and therefore the taxpayers, have been paying through their nose as well. In fact, this government has to raise the liability deductible to $10 million in order to control our premiums, Mr. Speaker.

say it is now time for us to collectively stand up and say that we are not going to take this anymore. Mr. Speaker, at the same time that they are reporting this process, in 2004, 94 percent of the small businesses in the North have listed rising insurance premiums as one of the most negative factors affecting their business. Later on today, I am going to be asking the Minister responsible some questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Record Profits In The Insurance Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Zoe.

NWT Literacy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement today, I would like to talk about the Northwest Territories Literacy Strategy. I want to put on record my support for this strategy. I believe it is going to be fundamental to the well-being of the North. Mr. Speaker, communication is vital. Every individual should have the ability to read and write, and it is the responsibility of this government to provide the tools to achieve these essential skills.

Mr. Speaker, without reading and writing skills, something many of us take for granted, people have a difficult time finding employment and doing many day-to-day tasks. Mr. Speaker, literacy not only affects individuals, but it also affects society as a whole. Societies that invest in literacy programs and services reduce poverty, unemployment, income support and criminal activity. Literacy programs improve the individual, family and community.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Literacy Council has been very successful. The strategy develops and delivers a wide range of community-based programs addressing the literacy needs of community members. The funding also supports training, online learning and resource development for adult literacy practitioners. Funding also goes towards successfully promoting the Northwest Territories Literacy Week and Family Literacy Week.

Mr. Speaker, current funding is barely enough to deliver the programs and services presently available. Additional money should be invested into the Northwest Territories Literacy Strategy to further support programs and services and campaigns, which otherwise might not survive.

For years, I have heard this government identify the need to develop a literacy strategy in the Northwest Territories, and now when we experience an economic boom, Mr. Speaker, this government should consider increasing investment into the programs that are necessary to ensure that northerners take advantage of such a prosperous time.

NWT Literacy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Mr. Zoe, your time for your Member's statement has expired.

NWT Literacy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

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

NWT Literacy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Zoe, you can conclude your statement.

NWT Literacy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, people who can't read and write will not be offered jobs in today's market. Again, they fall through the cracks. As I stated earlier, Mr. Speaker, I believe this strategy is fundamental to the North and the well-being of our society. In no way should we be letting our guard down on the NWT Literacy Strategy funding. If anything, we should be increasing the funding to prepare people to take advantage of our current economic situation. Reading and writing skills are critical to human development and lifelong learning. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be addressing some questions to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mahsi.

---Applause

NWT Literacy Strategy
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche

Gymnasium For Nahanni Butte
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, it has been 72 hours since I spoke about the Nahanni Butte and their need for a community gymnasium.

---Applause

I am not convinced that we are being heard. Perhaps a statistical approach is needed. Mr. Speaker, the statistics are not good. In Nahanni Butte, only 30 percent have graduated from high school since 1989. Both Fort Liard and Nahanni Butte have the highest rate of violent crime, which is over three times that of the rest of the Territories. The rate of juvenile crime is also higher for these two communities than elsewhere in the NWT. Core housing needs in Nahanni Butte are double those in the rest of the Territories.

The percentage of one-parent families is double that of the rest of the Territories. Nahanni Butte also has more dependent children per adult than the rest of the NWT, Mr. Speaker. All of these children have very little to do and nowhere to go, Mr. Speaker. They hang around outside the band office, and then they hang around outside the store. This is how entire childhoods are being spent.

But I believe and know, Mr. Speaker, that the addition of a gymnasium could do a lot to turn those statistics around. During the winter, kids could be inside playing games, learning new skills and learning to feel better about themselves. Adults could play games with their children. The community could organize indoor events and keep everybody moving, Mr. Speaker. We are told, time and time again, by this government that physical activity is the answer to all of our problems. Well, let's put that statement to the test and build this gymnasium in Nahanni Butte. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Gymnasium For Nahanni Butte
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1390

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Pokiak.

Birth Of Granddaughter
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1391

Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a very important day to my family, when a new baby girl weighing nine pounds and one ounce came into this world.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I am speaking about my daughter, Letitia, and her boyfriend, John, who are the proud parents of their new baby girl. My wife, Lucille, and sons, Darren and Bertram, are proud to be grandparents and uncles.

---Applause

We welcome the baby girl to our family. I can't be there today with them, but my thoughts and prayers are with my wife, Lucille, sons, Darren and Bertram, and Letitia and John and the new addition to our family.

On another note, Mr. Speaker, Lucy Dilton, our mental health worker for Tuktoyaktuk, was recognized by the Department of Health and Social Services on February 5, 2005, for over 10 years of service. Congratulations, Lucy.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, the Nasagaluak brothers, Eli, Billy and Joe, of Tuktoyaktuk returned recently from the national snow sculpture competition in Ottawa. I am proud to report they came in second and won the People's Choice Award during this competition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Birth Of Granddaughter
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1391

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Education Week 2005
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1391

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the week of February 21st to 25th is Education Week. I believe that this is a good time to celebrate and appreciate all of the teachers across the Northwest Territories.

---Applause

If we take the time to reflect on what teachers do every day, we can develop a clear appreciation of their hard work, perseverance and community commitment. Our children are not always angels, Mr. Speaker, and I have to say that about my own little princess as well. I know when she gets to school, she is not an angel, so I apologize to her teachers. Mr. Speaker, I think that we all have admiration for teachers who deal with everyone and, I am sure, sometimes have to grit their teeth on some occasions.

Mr. Speaker, in today's society, we depend greatly on our teachers for helping our children develop into healthy, happy, educated, and successful adults. We spread their resources very thin and often challenge their classrooms with students who display disruptive behaviours which distract from the learning of others. Mr. Speaker, for various reasons, some children cannot cope in a regular classroom environment. Their resulting disruptive behaviours result in long periods of repeat suspensions and absenteeism from school. Mr. Speaker, it is a mandatory responsibility of this government to provide an education to every child in the Northwest Territories. If they are not in school, how is the government actually meeting this legislative mandate?

It is understood that not every child is equal in their ability, level of learning and social development. It is up to us to provide an education and environment to help these children to become productive members of society. This will require us to be creative in contemplating alternatives for students who cannot succeed in the mainstream environment.

Mr. Speaker, I will be addressing this issue through oral questions today. Mr. Speaker, if we see any teachers this week, we should take the time to congratulate them and to show how much we appreciate their efforts and how important they are to our children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause.

Education Week 2005
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1391

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Villeneuve.

Land Use Access And Consultation Requirements
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1391

Robert Villeneuve

Robert Villeneuve Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend I had an opportunity to go snowmobiling without hunting, for the record...

---Laughter

...around some of the lakes just north of Yellowknife. Although the outing, Mr. Speaker, was very relaxing -- the land seemed quite serene and uninhabited most of the time -- but I was particularly concerned with the number of so-called cabins that littered the shorelines of many of the small unknown bodies of water and also some of the well-known lakes in the area.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform this House, the NWT residents and especially the non-residents who want to build structures on the land without proper authorization from this government, the federal Department of Indian Affairs or the local First Nations organizations, they are not only violating the territorial lands act under section 20, but also violating the stewardship values of the local First Nations who have lived in this area since time immemorial.

Land Use Access And Consultation Requirements
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1391

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!