This is page numbers 1 - 24 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 4th 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 ---applause.

Topics

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. Yakeleya, Mr. Zoe

---Drumming and Singing

Members Present
Members Present

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The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you very much for that performance. We will have an opportunity to see more performances from the Inuvialuit Drummers and Dancers in the Great Hall. I would ask you now to please rise as Chaplain Major Karen Hoeft delivers a prayer for us.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

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The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you very much, Major Hoeft. I'll ask the Clerk, would you ascertain if His Honour the Commissioner is prepared to enter the Chamber and open the Fourth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

Item 2: Opening Address
Item 2: Opening Address

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Commissioner Of The Northwest Territories Hon. Tony Whitford

Mr. Speaker, Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly, it is an honour to be your Commissioner for the next three years. I look forward to serving the people of the Northwest Territories and to meeting as many of them as possible while carrying out my duties of my office.

I am especially pleased to be back among you in this Legislative Chamber, and to be back in my old chair once again.

---Applause

This is the Year of the Veteran, and I would like to thank the northern veterans, on behalf of us all, for their courage and for their sacrifices while in the service of our great country. This year we also celebrated the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe, VE Day, and the end of the Second World War, an important day in world history that we must never forget. Were it not for the bravery of men and women like our northern veterans, the privileges we now enjoy as a society today may have been denied us. We are in your debt.

---Applause

Recently, I had the great honour and pleasure of meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the centennial celebrations in Saskatchewan. The celebrations marked 100 years since the creation of the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. This is a milestone for the Northwest Territories as well, as the creation of Alberta and Saskatchewan from the vast Northwest Territories marked an important stepping stone to the geographical evolution of our territory.

In was a tremendous honour to represent the people of the Northwest Territories at the centennial celebrations.

Please join me in congratulating the people of Saskatchewan and Alberta in this, their centenary year.

---Applause

During this session, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be introducing the following bills entitled, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2005-2006 and Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 2004-2005 for consideration by the House. The government considers these bills essential to the good conduct of government business and, as such, I recommend their passage.

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

---Applause

Speaker's Opening Comments
Item 2: Opening Address

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The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Please be seated. Good afternoon, Members. Welcome back to the Chamber. Welcome also to our distinguished guests and visitors who have joined us in the gallery today for the opening of the Fourth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly. Colleagues, I trust that you are all eager to get down to business, so I won't ramble on too long.

First I would like to take an opportunity to acknowledge and thank, on behalf of all Members, individuals who have contributed to making the opening of the Fourth Session a remarkable one here today. In particular, I would like to thank the Honourable Tony Whitford, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, for opening our session. Thank you very much, Commissioner.

---Applause

For those of you who are not aware, our esteemed Commissioner will be honoured along with 12 other residents of Rae-Edzo, Hay River, Fort Smith and Yellowknife for their community contributions in the ceremony of the Order of St. John this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. Mr. Whitford will be appointed as Vice Prior of the Order of St. John, which is approved by the sovereign head of the Order of St. John, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and by Her Excellency, the Governor General and Prior of the Most Venerable Order of St. John in Canada. I am sure you will all join me in offering our congratulations to his honour and the other deserving recipients.

A special thank you to the Mildred Hall Choir for singing O' Canada for us, the very talented Inuvialuit Drummers and Dancers, and our honourary chaplain today who lead us in prayer, Major Karen Hoeft of the Salvation Army. As everyone is aware, Major Hoeft and her family will soon be leaving the North to carry on their work in Winnipeg,

Manitoba. On behalf of all Members, I would like to wish Majors Karen and Al Hoeft best wishes for the future and thank you for all your good work you have done in the Northwest Territories.

---Applause

On a matter of House services, I am pleased to announce to all Members and to the residents of the Northwest Territories that we will be enhancing our language services in the Chamber this session.

---Applause

Each day we will provide interpretations in two of the official languages so that in each week every language will be available in this House and for rebroadcast to the people of the Northwest Territories on APTN. I am pleased to announce that our languages for today are French and North Slavey.

This week in the House, we will be served by Pages from St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife; Chief Julius School, Fort McPherson; Moose Kerr School, Aklavik; and ?ehtseo Ayha School in Deline. Good luck to all of you and I'm sure you will do a fine job for us.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some of our special guests with us in the gallery today: Honourable Justice Ted Richard of the Supreme Court of the NWT;

---Applause

His Worship Gordon Van Tighem, mayor of Yellowknife;

---Applause

NWT Chamber of Commerce president Steve Meister;

---Applause

the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew;

---Applause

Lieutenant Scott Archer, Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters;

---Applause

Inspector Roch Fortin, officer in charge of Yellowknife RCMP detachment;

---Applause

Pastor Connie Landstrom;

---Applause

the Right Reverend J. R. Sperry;

---Applause

Ms. Katherine Peterson, Legislative Assembly Law Clerk;

---Applause

Major Al Hoeft of the Yellowknife Salvation Army;

---Applause

Consul General of France, Monsieur Jean-Yves Defay;

---Applause

Madam Marie Noelle Defay;

---Applause

and, Mr. Ted Hughes, Conflict of Interest Commissioner of the NWT.

---Applause

Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.

Colleagues, before we continue with the orders of the day, I would like to note that respect for each other and the House is something I know you will all continue to practice. Your constituents are better served by constructive and respectful debate.

Orders of the day, the honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Minister's Statement 1-15(4): Sessional Statement
Item 3: Ministers' Statements

Page 2

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with a short update on a number of important initiatives we have undertaken since the last sitting of this Legislative Assembly, initiatives that strengthen our partnerships both within and outside of our territory.

This is an interesting time in Canadian politics. It's a time that brings forth both opportunity and challenge for our territory. As we witness the political situation in Ottawa, we must continue to focus on partnering with the federal government in areas of importance to this territory.

The uncertainty created by the minority government, combined with the development potential of our territory and the heightened interest this brings, creates a political environment offering great opportunity, if we work together. This means we need to articulate a clear vision and set of priorities, and communicate this in a unified voice to Ottawa.

Each of us in this Assembly has a job to do, to keep the priorities of the Northwest Territories on the radar of the federal government. We are in the midst of unparalleled development, development not only benefiting the residents of the Northwest Territories but all Canadians. It is for this reason that all Members of this Legislative Assembly joined aboriginal and business leaders in hosting an NWT Day in Ottawa on April 5th.

The primary purpose of NWT Day was to meet with the federal Ministers and MPs to deliver an important message, a message about the need for the federal government to invest in this territory and work with northerners. The NWT is at a crossroads, the potential of our territory is tremendous, potential for development, for investment, for community and individual self-reliance, for shared benefits and wealth unprecedented in our history.

Mr. Speaker, the next logical and important step in the political and economic evolution of this territory is to see northern government, both public and aboriginal, take on the responsibility to manage its resources and to control

the nature and pace of development, not to have it set for us by federal or private interests. In the interim, we need to see the federal government provide additional revenues to deal adequately with the pressures brought on by the rapid development we are experiencing in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the work undertaken by the Members of this Legislative Assembly in partnership with the members of the Business Coalition and aboriginal governments who participated in NWT Day in Ottawa contributed greatly to move us closer to the resolution of these goals.

Since that time, the federal government has made a real commitment to work with this government and the affected regions along the pipeline route to provide additional interim funding to deal with the serious challenges our communities face to prepare for and deal with the development of this important project. We have been working with the leaders of the impacted regions to develop a plan to address these concerns.

But, Mr. Speaker, the long-term solution remains the negotiation of a fair devolution agreement that transfers responsibility for resource management to northern governments and makes northerners the primary beneficiaries for the development of their resources. The Prime Minister made a commitment last December to work with us to reach an agreement-in-principle by this spring. Deputy Prime Minister McLellan, Minister Goodale and Minister Scott reiterated this commitment during meetings in Ottawa recently. While we appreciate the public commitment made by the Prime Minister and his Ministers, we now need to see this resolve followed through at the negotiation table so that the remaining issues can be dealt with in the coming weeks.

Mr. Speaker, another important example of the work we are doing with the federal government is to develop a Northern Strategy that provides a comprehensive policy basis to guide decision-making for years to come. With the launch of this strategy last December, the Prime Minister made an important commitment to the three northern territories. He made a commitment to work jointly with us to develop a comprehensive vision for the development of the North.

But the Northern Strategy is not, and should not, be considered a partisan exercise. It is about nation building and creating new vitality and prosperity in the Canadian federation through the strengthening of Canada's territories. It is important that the leaders of all parties in the House of Commons endorse the principles underpinning the strategy, and we have been working hard to ensure the other parties in the House of Commons understand and support the development of this strategy.

Mr. Speaker, another significant event occurred last month in Inuvik when northern leaders gathered at the second annual Circle of Northern Leaders to discuss the priorities that should be addressed in the Northern Strategy. It was clear the single most important priority must continue to be the pressing social and economic needs of our communities; better tools to deal with alcohol and drug problems; a responsive health delivery system; adequate housing and infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, these priorities reflect the common themes that have emerged from responses we have heard from individuals and in our many meetings with stakeholder groups. This work will culminate in a draft NWT chapter of the Northern Strategy with the following priorities:

  • • building healthy, sustainable communities;
  • • working towards self-reliance and self-determination;
  • • protecting the environment and developing clean energy;
  • • building capacity; and,
  • • improving the health of our residents.

This round of consultations has concluded for the Northwest Territories. We are now developing a draft document incorporating all that we have heard. This document will not only identify these priorities but also the commitments required by governments to see them realized. It must lay the foundation for a new working relationship between the federal and northern governments that accurately reflects the important place this territory plays in the federation.

We expect the first draft of the Northern Strategy will be released next month. It will be a living, changing document guiding decision-making processes in the years to come. It will continue to evolve in order to reflect the changing priorities and circumstances of northerners, a feature essential to the NWT, as we know the immediate future will bring great change to our territory.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to make note of two other important forums we participate in to advance the interests of the Northwest Territories.

The Northern Cooperation Accord signed by the three territories in September 2003 provides opportunities to work together on issues of common concern. In April, I had the pleasure of hosting the third annual Northern Premiers' Forum in Yellowknife. It was an opportunity to work with Premier Fentie and Premier Okalik to review the work each of the territories have undertaken on the Northern Strategy and to discuss issues under this year's theme of "Working Together for Shared Success."

It is important to note that the cooperative approach we have taken with our northern neighbours over the past several years has served the interests of all three territories. By working together, the three territories have realized additional federal funding commitments in areas such as health, our territorial financing agreements and in specific initiatives such as the Northern Strategy.

More importantly, we have also made significant progress on ensuring federal funding is allocated to the three northern territories in a manner that ensures it can have a meaningful impact. This means contributions that provide an adequate base funding level in addition to our normal per capita allocation.

Mr. Speaker, we also work with our colleagues in the western provinces and northern territories through the Western Premiers Conference to advance our interests. Earlier this month, I was pleased to join western and northern Premiers of this year's conference in Lloydminster. As Members are aware, this is the centennial for the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the border city of Lloydminster was chosen to host

this event to recognize this important centenary in both provinces.

The primary issue of discussion at the meeting was the need for action against the glowing use of crystal meth. The use of this drug is spreading at an alarming rate and although its use has yet to hit northern communities to the extent it has in southern Canada, we know there is an urgent need to take proactive steps to deal with the problem across jurisdictions to curb its manufacture and use before it becomes a crisis in the North. The Government of the Northwest Territories will participate in a meeting of Health, Justice and Public Safety Ministers in early June to continue to share best practices and develop strategies on education, prevention, treatment and policing for crystal meth.

Another significant area of focus was on labour market shortages in the North and West. An important focus of these discussions was about finding ways to address the low participation rates of aboriginal peoples in the labour force.

We agreed to work jointly on a strategy to deal with the critical labour shortages in western and northern Canada including working with employers and labour groups to identify best practices for the training and development of workers. Premiers will also bring western and northern aboriginal leaders together this summer to develop and implement a western Canadian aboriginal training strategy.

Mr. Speaker, we have been busy since the need of the budget session in working with our partners on issues of importance to this territory. This has required the collective effort of all Members of this House. I would like to thank all Members for their work and look forward to continuing our collaborative approach this summer in meeting our aboriginal government partners during their respective annual assemblies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 1-15(4): Sessional Statement
Item 3: Ministers' Statements

Page 4

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Premier Handley. Item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Minister Handley.

Minister's Statement 2-15(4): Year Of The Veteran
Item 3: Ministers' Statements

Page 4

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, 2005 has been designated as the Year of the Veteran. This is an important declaration that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. As well, 2005 is also the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, including the recent anniversary of Victory in Europe on May 8th, VE Day, and in the Far East on August 14th, VJ Day.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to join all provinces and territories in recognizing the significant contributions of veterans during this 60th anniversary year. It is an opportunity for our government, in partnership with community groups and agencies, to recognize veterans throughout our territory during the coming months. We are extremely fortunate to live in a country where we enjoy peace, democracy and the freedom to pursue our personal goals. This is the lasting legacy of all Canadians and allied veterans.

Mr. Speaker, we are honoured to have some of our veterans in the gallery today. We are also joined by representatives of groups and agencies that are planning events for the Year of the Veteran.

The events planned for the Year of the Veteran are an expression of gratitude to war service veterans and veterans of the Canadian Forces. It gives me great pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to highlight some of the activities that are being planned in the Northwest Territories:

  • • The City of Yellowknife's annual picnic on June 19th will include a commemoration of NWT veterans;
  • • The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Aboriginal Veterans Association is planning to recognize veterans on National Aboriginal Day, June 21st;
  • • Commemorations on Canada Day will be held by various groups in a number of communities, including the Holland Association of the High Arctic, Scouts, the Rotary Club and Yellowknife Seniors Society;
  • • Special remembrance ceremonies will be held by the Royal Canadian Legion Vincent Massey Branch 164 on July 2nd to honour all war veterans and on November 11th for all NWT veterans;
  • • The Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters is working with the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to prepare a Year of the Veteran exhibition this fall;
  • • The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is holding an Amazing Sunday session on the Year of the Veteran as part of their series of family-oriented educational activities; and,
  • • Education, Culture and Employment is sending educational materials to all NWT schools and libraries for their use and display.

Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the activities planned to celebrate the Year of the Veteran. They reflect a commitment by community groups and agencies, individuals and this government to remember and celebrate the contribution of our veterans to our nation and our territory.

I ask all Members to join me in recognizing all Northwest Territories veterans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 2-15(4): Year Of The Veteran
Item 3: Ministers' Statements

Page 4

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Housing Needs In Nahendeh
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 4

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been approached recently by my constituents regarding the NWT Housing Corporation's possible policy changes regarding residential home loan guarantees. These changes will dramatically affect the accessibility and affordability of homes. Families' self-sufficiency within the communities have always been a top priority to me and the GNWT.

The NWT Housing Corporation must consult residents of the NWT when considering such drastic policy changes.

The NWT Housing Corporation has not approached the local governments, aboriginal communities, agencies and residents for input on this issue and to discuss possible solutions.

Housing Needs In Nahendeh
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

An Hon. Member

Shame, shame.

Housing Needs In Nahendeh
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, these changes, although not intended, will target aboriginals more than any other group in the NWT. For example, in one community in my riding there are no aboriginal families being given assistance in owning their own homes. The reality is many people in the communities are living eight to 10 people per house.

As long as I can remember, housing has been a primary issue in the North. Communities all over the North are experiencing overcrowded conditions, long waiting lists and aging units. The enormous strain affects the communities and the individuals in many ways. During a time when more resources and commitment are needed for housing, how can this government reduce resources and modify policies creating additional barriers for people who are striving to be self-sufficient?

People in my communities work hard. Families are expected to take on more and more financial responsibilities. The income gap is growing. They have contributed to our economies their whole life and when they need assistance, Mr. Speaker, for residential purposes, we must not let them down. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Housing Needs In Nahendeh
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Celebrating Graduation Responsibly
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently, Mr. Speaker, Inuvik lost one of our young people when Marshall Sayers perished while skipping on the ice with a snowmobile. I can't help but think that without alcohol, this would not have happened. Too many people in the NWT die because of alcohol. If we took out all the alcohol-related deaths, many more of our family members would still be with us today.

As young people, many of us have gone through this, and now, as adults, and hopefully grown up, we speak from experience when we ask that you not follow the same lifestyle. It's just not worth it. So many opportunities are out there for you to succeed and make a positive contribution to your community and the NWT.

With graduation festivities coming up in the next few weeks, we ask that everyone be careful and stay sober; enjoy your special day. I ask this as someone who has gone through it and found out that it's just not what it's cut out to be. I knew Marshall and I'm saddened by the fact that he was taken from his family before he should have been. I'm sure that the family will agree with me when I ask all the young people to learn from this and not have his death be in vain. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Celebrating Graduation Responsibly
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Pokiak.

Special Events In The Beaufort-delta Region
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to welcome yourself and my colleagues on your safe return to attend the Fourth Session of the 15th Assembly. Mr. Speaker, a number of special events have occurred recently in the Beaufort-Delta region that I would like to touch on today.

The Aurora College campus in Inuvik recently graduated 39 adults in various programs and I would like to congratulate Nellie Pokiak, Lena Pingo and Jenna Keogak.

On Friday, Mr. Speaker, May 27th, 2005, four students will graduate from the Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Holman. I would like to wish Robbie Inuktalik, Lori Ovilok, Fred Kataoyak and Tony Analak each success with their future endeavours.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank Shaylene Lundrigan who represented the Nunakput region during the Youth Parliament. She did a very good job.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the mayor and council of Tuktoyaktuk, I would like to thank my colleagues on the Accountability and Oversight committee and the staff for holding the annual strategic planning meeting in my community and for taking the time to meet and talk with the residents of Tuktoyaktuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Special Events In The Beaufort-delta Region
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 5

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Villeneuve.

Robert Villeneuve

Robert Villeneuve Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Let me just start by congratulating Mr. Tony Whitford on his appointment as the 15th Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I really look forward to building a meaningful working relationship with the new Commissioner over the remainder of the 15th Legislative Assembly. I also would like to welcome all the distinguished guests in our gallery today.

Mr. Speaker, I'm not only thrilled to be back in the House, but also thankful that all of my colleagues are also here, safe and in good health. I'm optimistic that we can continue to work effectively and collaboratively to finding agreeable solutions and plotting positive directions to resolve many issues of concern raised by my constituents of Tu Nedhe and northerners alike.

Mr. Speaker, we're all aware of the recent political developments that have been unravelling in Ottawa over the past couple of months and I know the recent developments can have a profound impact on our Canadian political landscape which, in my view, could move the NWT into a more prominent role within the Confederation over the next decade and into the future.

But that is over there, Mr. Speaker, in Ottawa. What I want to talk about is here, in the NWT, and it's about our people. I would like to express my dismay with the haughty attitude and the low level of attention towards many grassroots issues in the smaller communities displayed by this government, namely our bureaucratic system.

During the Circle of Northern Leaders meeting in Inuvik in April 2005, all leaders clearly expressed the same concerns that I feel, in that it is imperative that this government begin working more collaboratively and closely with the residents of our smaller communities in the delivery of important programs and services, like housing, health, education and economic development and, also equally important, in the streamlining of our ever-growing bureaucracy here in Yellowknife, so that the other 32 communities in the NWT realize some of the many tangible benefits as people do here in Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, I will commit to working on these territorial or what I deem to be very important home turf concerns so that they are given serious priority in this House. I hope that my colleagues here share this vision and my enthusiasm to developing and integrating agreeable solutions and working toward an equally prosperous territory across the board from Inuvik to Fort Smith, from Lutselk'e to Nahanni Butte. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

School Spring Break Timing In The Sahtu Region
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 6

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I was pleased to see part of our northern culture come into the Legislative Assembly, such as the feeding-the-fire ceremony and the drumming of the Inuvialuit people here.

Mr. Speaker, spring is outside, spring is in the air, and so are the geese and ducks. Many of the Sahtu people are still on their annual spring hunts while some of them are already out on the land and extending their time out there. It is a happy time out on the land, sharing nature's beauty and annual renewal.

Last year, Mr. Speaker, we accounted for over 451 people who went out on the spring hunts in the Sahtu region. Mr. Speaker, right now there are elders out on the land ready to share their wisdom and knowledge with the young people. Some of the young people are unable to go because of the school dates and they have to stay in the communities.

It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that this is an enlightened society we profess to live in and that the government would recognize the cultural and spiritual importance of the spring hunts and make allowance for children whose parents want them on the land during the spring hunt, without suffering the consequences of missing school days. Children who are aware and proud of their history and culture will have a better sense of self-worth and will do better within the confines of the regular classrooms.

As an aboriginal person, I have close ties with the land. I have learned much of what I know from my parents and grandparents. At some point I'd like to share what little I know with my little son.

Alas, Mr. Speaker, under the present system, spring break is in March. Last time I looked, Mr. Speaker, March is not spring north of 60. What I'd like to see is spring break during spring. May is a good month for being out on the land. Even if you allow one week in March and another in May for spring breaks, we would be further ahead and be able to take our children out on the land for reasonable periods of time to do some spring hunting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

School Spring Break Timing In The Sahtu Region
Item 4: Members' Statements

Page 6

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I start my statement, I would like to welcome all the distinguished guests who are with us here today.

I'd like to use my Member's statement today to highlight the impacts of moving the Territorial Treatment Centre from Yellowknife to Hay River. I can understand and appreciate the politics that are at play when a decision like this is made. What I haven't seen is an actual business case for the move. I'd like to know how the Minister can say that workers in Hay River who lost their jobs with the closure of Dene K'onia will gain employment if and when the TTC is relocated to Hay River. That's at least 18 months from now and how could anybody wait that long for a job?

I've not heard from any of the employees at the TTC who are interested in relocating. The employees that are there today and the ones who come before them have made some very serious and substantive investments in our community and in our children.

What cannot be overlooked here is that the average length of employment by staff at the TTC, both full time and part time, is over five years. For the most part, all of the employees are long-term residents of Yellowknife at over 10 years per employee. These employees work under private contract and are notoriously underpaid compared to the equivalent work done under the public sector.

I'm worried that comments being made in the media are downplaying and dismissing the hard work and dedication of the staff at the TTC. Mr. Braden, the MLA for Great Slave, has noted that the move to Hay River will allow more children to be helped. How is this possible when 40 percent of the referrals to the TTC are from Yellowknife? Have we given any consideration to the clients that the TTC serves? What about the families and the children that will feel the brunt of this decision, the majority of children that will be located seven hours drive away from family and friends?

The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, is that this decision is going to impact 17 full-time employees, six part-time employees, and numerous families here in Yellowknife. I would like to

close by saying that typically I am in favour of decentralization when it makes sense. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will ask the Minister how this decision makes sense. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, thank you. Following on the heels of my colleague's statement, I, too, want to address the matter of the proposal to relocate the Territorial Treatment Centre to Hay River.

For many years the NWT's only care facility, I believe, for young children with these severe behaviour problems has been the TTC facility here in Yellowknife.

For several months the idea has been in play to relocate this centre to Hay River. The proposal is based on some very expensive renovations to an existing old building with limited capacity, compared with putting those dollars into the now vacant Dene K'onia centre. This would expand capacity and, from information I have seen, it would be a good use of taxpayers' dollars and in the long-run be a better facility for the NWT's population of children with these problems.

In a newspaper story this week, I made known my views in support of this idea. What I did not emphasize in this interview, Mr. Speaker, was an equal concern for the 17 jobs now located at the TTC and for the families and children who would face disruption from such a move. Needless to say, I have heard from staff and parents who were very upset with my views.

I apologize to these people, Mr. Speaker, for not acknowledging their situation in this newspaper interview. I am hoping to arrange a meeting with the staff and I want them to know that I will make sure that their situation is fully represented in this potential relocation. I would emphasize that it is far from being concluded.

Mr. Speaker, as MLAs we are often confronted with situations that conflict between our own local priorities and those that might serve the territory as a whole. This is a classic example of that kind of conflict. I want to assure my constituents that I will work for a solution that will be in their best interests and the best interests of the children of the Northwest Territories and of the resources of the territorial government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause