Good afternoon, colleagues. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minster of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Many times in this House we have discussed the importance of languages to all northerners. The diversity of official languages recognized in the Northwest Territories makes us unique in Canada.

During March we celebrate the value and importance of languages to our northern life. March is:

• • Aboriginal Languages Month
• • March 6th to 20th Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie celebrates Francophone culture
• • March 20th is International Francophonie Day

The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to the support of all our official languages and this is an opportune time to profile some recent activities in this area:

• • The Official Languages Board and the Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Board have been established and the second meeting of both boards is currently taking place.
• • The first annual report on official languages was released in October 2004.
• • In August of 2004, the aboriginal languages and culture-based education directive was issued to education authorities across the NWT. This directive clarifies the ways that aboriginal language funding may be used in schools.
• • To support children's development of their aboriginal language, 18 language nest programs have been funded.
• • Dene Kede curriculum for Grade 9 classrooms has been completed and will be made available to NWT classrooms this month.
• • French first language schooling offered through the Commission Scolaire Francophone de Division has been expanded this year to include Grade 10 at Ecole Alain St. Cyr.
• • The aboriginal interpreter-translator certification standards for testing in Chipewyan have been completed and the first exams should be administered by this summer.
• • The aboriginal language communities are completing 47 projects ranging from on-the-land camps to producing a documentary film on elders' history.
• • Through Literacy Strategy funding, the aboriginal language communities are completing approximately 28 projects ranging from terminology development to teaching literacy to young mothers.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is committed to supporting all the official languages of the Northwest Territories. The involvement of each of the language communities working in concert and collaboration with the GNWT is essential if we are to protect, maintain and hopefully revitalize language usage. Over the past few years, the renewed emphasis on partnership and collaboration has strengthened our efforts and established a solid path for us to follow in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member responsible for the Status of Women, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Strong, dynamic women have contributed to the sustained development and progress of the North. From March 6 to 12, 2005, we celebrate International Women's Week to recognize the contribution women have made to our society. Today has been designated a special day to honour their contributions.

With the national theme "You are Here - Women, Canada and the World," I want to acknowledge women who have helped shape the North through their wisdom and actions, both big and small. Northern women improve our world everyday, by making a difference in the workplace, representing the public in elected assemblies, nurturing their families or simply by making healthy choices and being strong role models for their families and communities. Women constantly exercise their power in positive and meaningful ways.

During International Women's Week, we will be celebrating the contribution of women in communities across the North. Today the Status of Women's Council of the Northwest Territories held its annual bread and roses luncheon in Yellowknife in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly to present the Wise Women Awards. I encourage northerners to participate in events across the NWT that celebrate women and their achievements.

Let us all celebrate the progress that women have made this week and reflect on how we can remove barriers to ensure that women are equal, respected members of NWT society.

As Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I salute the contribution of women to the healthy progress of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in honour of International Women's Day, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about the Canadian Women's March 2005 Coalition. This is a group made up of 10 national women's and social justice groups committed to the elimination of poverty and violence in Canada and making the links between local and global actions.

Mr. Speaker, they are launching their international campaign today on International Women's Day and it will go on to October 17, 2005, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Poverty. In particular, Mr. Speaker, the coalition is pushing the federal government to meet 13 demands which were first announced back in 2000. There will be events held around the world and Canada including one that will be held in Yellowknife on May 2nd. Mr. Speaker, the 13 demands, for the record, are as follows:

1. Restore federal funding to health care and enforce the rules against privatization of our health care system;
2. Keep the promise to spend an additional $1.5 billion over five years for affordable housing and build 25,000 new affordable housing units every year for the next five years;
3. Implement a publicly funded and publicly accountable not-for-profit national childcare system;
4. Increase old age security payments to provide older women with a decent standard of living;
5. Use the surplus from the employment insurance plan to increase benefits, provide longer payment periods and improve access, as well as improve maternity and family benefits;
6. Support women's organizations for equality and democracy;
7. Fund consultations with a wide range of women's equality seeking organizations prior to all legislative reform of relevance to women's security and equality rights beginning with the Criminal Code and ensure access for women from marginalized communities;
8. Implement a progressive immigration reform;
9. Contribute to the elimination of poverty around the world;
10. Adopt national standards which guarantee the right to welfare for everyone in need and ban warfare;
11. Recognize the value of exclusion of women with disabilities from economic, political and social life and take the first step of ensuring and funding full access for women with disabilities to all consultations on relevant issues;
12. Establish a post-secondary education transfer and increase funds to a national system of grants;
13. Immediately introduce and adopt proactive pay equity legislation based on the federal Pay Equity Task Force recommendations.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the road to getting a gym built in Nahanni Butte is hard to navigate, rocky and uncertain, literally. But today, I would like to speak to you about getting to Nahanni Butte and the completion of the access road.

Mr. Speaker, the Nahanni Butte access road has been discussed in this House for 10 years, ever since 1996. In 2003-04, the Department of Transportation report on public access roads said that these roads formed an important part of our highway system. Improvement to these roads would increase safety and decrease highway maintenance costs by reducing the blading, grade repairs, granular and dust control requirements.

Furthermore, the Governance and Economic Development committee, in their review of the 2003-2004 Main Estimates, urged the department to complete the public access road projects and devote any additional funding the department receives to get this done.

Well, here we are in 2005, Mr. Speaker. The Nahanni Butte access road is still incomplete. Although the Department of Transportation has scheduled the access road to be partially constructed up to 2007-08, the bulk of the funding to complete it lies in that black hole called future years. Now that we have the tax money, let's strike while the iron is hot and get this road finished. While we are building it, let's throw in an innovative training program that will train some people in Nahanni Butte to be heavy equipment operators, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, while this government accelerates this program and gets this road built by 2008, some far off distance and uncertain future is not good enough. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, March 8th, today, is International Women's Day. Traditionally, International Women's Day is a time to reflect on progress made in the areas of women's political and social rights, a time to call for change and a time to celebrate acts of courage and determination of ordinary women who play an extraordinary role in creating strong and healthy communities.

The national theme for this year's event is, "You are Here - Women, Canada and the World." The national theme urges us to pause and take stock of exactly where women are as a group today. There have been substantial advances for women in civil rights in the ninety-some years, since Women's Day became an international event, two notable dates for women's civil rights in Canadian history are 1920, when Ottawa extended the right to vote to certain Canadian women over 21, but not aboriginal women. Aboriginal women had to wait until 1960 for the right to vote when the Canadian Bill of Rights received Royal Assent. Today, there are still nations where women have yet the right to participate politically.

Yesterday, in Kuwait, hundreds of women protested in the streets demanding their right to vote and run for parliament. Civil rights are important, Mr. Speaker, but they do not guarantee that conditions for women will improve. Although women in the NWT have equal rights to participate politically, the extension of a right does little to provide equal access. Right here in this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, there are only two women and there are no women in Cabinet.

Mr. Speaker, the national theme, "You are Here - Women, Canada and the World" also speaks to the grassroots character of the work that is done to improve the status of women. Real change is never handed down. Real change begins with the effort women put into improving conditions for women right here in our own communities.

In honour of National Women's Day, I want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of women who take up grassroots leadership roles. These are the women who are leaders in the frontline jobs traditionally occupied by women, such as nursing, teaching, counselling and parenting. But these are also women who choose to enter fields that have been traditionally dominated by men, such as trades and politics.

So, Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the women who were recognized as the wise women in the Northwest Territories. Their names are Ruth Wright, Tonya Cazon, Helen Tobie, Alphonsine McNeely, and Sister Agnes Sutherland. Congratulations to these strong, wise women. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to talk about mental health and mental illnesses, Mr. Speaker. In our modern society, mental illnesses and disabilities are viewed a lot differently today than they were even a few decades ago. We see this in many different ways, Mr. Speaker, in our own homes, in our hospitals and community care centres, in courts and legislatures. We are dealing with this terrible affliction more progressively and compassionately. There is, through the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Human Rights Acts, a much greater emphasis on the individual's autonomy.

The NWT's Mental Health Act, Mr. Speaker, was first developed in 1988 and has since been amended in some ways over the last 17 years. Mr. Speaker, the Mental Health Act is a powerful piece of legislation because it can take away from an individual their right to have control over their own lives. It also puts a great onus on those medical and legal professionals, Mr. Speaker, who may be compelled to do this in some circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, our Mental Health Act is quite out of date with a lot of the more modern thinking and approaches to how we should be treating the occurrence of mental illness and disability as legislators. There is, of course, the ever present influence of alcohol, but another shift in the way we need to be looking at this is a disturbing increase in the availability and the impact of street drugs. These are things that are in the medical and the court system now that just weren't there even a few years ago. I know, for the professionals who have to deal with this, it often raises questions for them. Do they have to deal with the situation in a medical sense, or is it perhaps a police or social issue? This is why, Mr. Speaker, I believe our Mental Health Act needs to be revised. I will be asking the Minister later on today what plans we have for addressing this.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to use my Member's statement today to address the proposed Northern Strategy. I am very happy that the federal government and the governing Liberal Party who have been in power in Ottawa for 13 years have finally realized that there is life north of 60.

---Applause

The strategy itself is long overdue and welcomed by all who call Northern Canada home. Last week in this House, Members had an opportunity to speak to the Northern Strategy. I enjoyed listening to my colleagues on this side of the House as well as the Premier and Deputy Premier. We all share a love for the Northwest Territories. This is our home, and we represent all of the 42,000 people who live here.

---Applause

The residents of the Northwest Territories have put a tremendous amount of faith in us, as leaders, to deliver and finally get the Northwest Territories a fair and equitable deal on resource revenue sharing and devolution. Our job as Regular Members is to support and encourage our government to get a deal for us. I wanted to say that I believe the Premier is doing all he can

to get some action out of Ottawa. He needs all of our support in this effort. Our future depends on it.

The Northern Strategy is a huge opportunity to show how different the Northwest Territories is. We have to demonstrate to the rest of Canada that we are deserving of special attention.

---Applause

Our economy last year grew 21 percent, compared to the Yukon economy which was stagnant and Nunavut's economy which actually shrank. We are certainly a going economic concern. What do we need in the strategy? We need some concrete examples from the federal government that shows they understand our situation. We must address the high cost of living here. With things like tax credits for interest paid on mortgage payments; a living, breathing resource trust fund; value-added industrial development to look at keeping some of the fuel here that is going to be leaving soon and some already does in the Norman Wells pipeline, so people can actually afford to heat their homes; other tax breaks; and, a beneficial tax regime. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, the other item missing from the strategy is an EDA, an economic development agreement with Ottawa.

---Applause

Why do we continue to be dealt only crumbs from Ottawa? The recent funding of $90 million over three years split between three territories is almost insulting. Has anyone even ever figured out how to access this money and apply for the funding? I would be surprised if anybody really knows the answers to those questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today is International Women's Day. I rise to recognize the progress and advancement of women in society, specifically in achievement by a female constituent of mine. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jeannette Mandeville was born and raised in Deninu Kue. Although she currently lives in Hay River with her husband Roger, she still has a strong connection and attachment to the community of Deninu Kue. A well-rounded individual with an educational background on native studies and social work, she has also enjoyed being outdoors fishing and boating, just to name a few of her interests.

On February 10, 2005, during the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Award ceremony, Ms. Jeannette Mandeville, an employee at the Ekati diamond mine for more than four years, was recognized as a recipient of an award for her exceptional achievement and certification as a security officer at the mine. Mr. Speaker, as a woman from aboriginal descent in a non-traditional occupation, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Ms. Jeannette Mandeville again for her achievement in the private sector.

Aside from the fact that she was one of the only two female recipients to receive an award, it is a big step, indeed, for herself personally and, more importantly, to the bigger picture towards addressing gender inequality.

Mr. Speaker, in our own public service, the percentage of women is only at two percent. Today being International Women's Day, it is a perfect time to celebrate the achievements made by women in society and also to reflect on the journey that women have gone through and still continue to work on for the benefit of the younger generations. All I can say, Mr. Speaker, is kudos to Jeannette for setting a fine example and paving the way for the younger generation of women in their pursuit for non-traditional occupations. It is very encouraging indeed. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past week, we have spoken many times of making history in the Northwest Territories in terms of devolution, revenue resource sharing and the Northern Strategy and becoming like a have province in the Northwest Territories. We often see, Mr. Speaker, that the federal government also plays the big role of big brother in many of the areas in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, in every aspect of our life, we are affected by government's decisions. Mr. Speaker, we would like to know when the federal government will get out of the big brother's role and allow us, as northern people, to make the right choice for us that is good for us in the North and not have the federal government dictate as to what type of decisions or appointments that they can make to boards that will affect our lives.

Mr. Speaker, over the course of many years, we have slowly moved away from the big brother concept, from 1867 to today. However, we often wonder if the federal government is still following the policies that reflect 1867, or in 1870 when the Northwest Territories was transferred from the British to Canada.

Mr. Speaker, when will this government again take a stand with the federal government and listen to the people in the North who will be affected by the federal government's decisions such as the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board appointments? These appointments should be done in the North and for northern people who are affected greatly in these types of decisions. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With today being International Women's Day, I would like to recognize all women across the NWT for the contributions they make to their communities. Many times, some volunteers are needed. Women are the first to sign up. Without them, many programs would not be up and running. We have to recognize mothers who try to raise their children to make good choices in life; daughters who grow up too fast and are getting married; and grandmothers who, in many cases, end up raising their grandchildren and are the backbone in many families. Women who are in the public service should also be recognized and can serve as role models for all young women. Women like Sharon Firth with her Olympic experience, and Bertha Allen, an Inuvialuit elder, both will be recipients of the Aboriginal Achievement Awards. Ruth Wright, who is a constituent of mine, was just given a Wise Woman Award today and should also be recognized. We have two Members in the Assembly, Mrs. Jane Groenewegen and Ms. Sandy Lee, who are both Members of this Assembly...

---Applause

...and represent their constituents with such passion that many in Cabinet would rather face a man that is six-foot-eight and 300 pounds.

---Laughter

Finally, Mr. Speaker, we must not forget the wives of the NWT. Many of us here have wives who must look after the home in our absence. Sometimes they must feel like they have another child with the way we act.

---Laughter

I would like to extend our appreciation to all of the women of the NWT for all that they do to make our lives better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.