This is page numbers 69 - 100 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 communities.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Brendan Bell, Mr. Braden, 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, Mr. Zoe

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 69

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

For the information of Members, the languages in which there is simultaneous translation today are Inuvialuit and Cree. The Chair recognizes the honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Zoe.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 69

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

I rise on a Point of Privilege, Madam Speaker.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 69

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

What is your Point of Privilege, Mr. Zoe?

point Of Privilege
Item 1: Prayer

Page 69

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Thank you. Madam Speaker, I rise today on a matter of personal privilege to inform the House and my constituents that it has been my honour and privilege to have been chosen by the people of North Slave to serve in three legislative assemblies. I have not taken this responsibility lightly. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank my constituents for their support and confidence in me during the time I have been their representative in this House. I want to let them know that I have always had their best interests at heart.

Madam Speaker, spring is now in the air throughout the Northwest Territories. It is a wonderful time of the year and the longer days and the new buds on the trees reminds us all that it is time for reflection, new life and revitalization. Various events in my life, both personal and public, have given me cause for reflection this spring. Madam Speaker, I feel I need to make a fresh start in my life. I need revitalization and reflection. As I do so, my first priority is to ensure that the Tlicho people, my people, are represented in this House in the manner they need and deserve.

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to announce my resignation as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for North Slave effective immediately. To my colleagues in this House, I want to thank you for your friendship and support over the years. I am proud to say that I have served in this House with each and every one of you. I wish you good luck as you continue your important work on behalf of the people of this great territory.

To the Tlicho people, I wish you a joyous summer as you celebrate the implementation of our historic agreements. Good luck to all the candidates in the upcoming elections. I know you will serve our people with the best of intentions as we begin the next chapter in our period of history. Thank you. Mahsi cho.

point Of Privilege
Item 1: Prayer

Page 69

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. At this time, I am going to call for a 10-minute break and we will reconvene after that. Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

point Of Privilege
Item 1: Prayer

Page 69

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

I will call the House back to order. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. McLeod.

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Madam Speaker, this afternoon, I would like to advise the Assembly that the Department of Transportation's Graduated Driver's Licence Program will come into effect as of August 1, 2005. The Graduated Driver's Licence Program will attach some new conditions to the process of acquiring a driver's licence for the first time. These conditions will encourage the novice driver to respect the responsibility involved in operating a motor vehicle safely.

When the 14th Legislative Assembly amended the Motor Vehicle Act for the strategy to reduce impaired driving in June of 2003, it also enacted amendments for a graduated driver's licence. Due to the fiscal restraint, the Department of Transportation deferred the introduction of this new program until now. This week, the department begins an information campaign to advise the public of the changes in the driver licensing process that will take effect this August.

Until now, there has been no minimum period of time that a person must spend learning to drive between getting a learner's licence and taking the road test for a full class 5 driver's licence. The Graduated Driver's Licence Program requires that a new driver must hold a learner's licence and drive under the supervision of a class 5 driver for a full 12 months before testing for the class 5.

Similarly, a new class 5 driver's licence is probationary for 12 months. In that time, the novice driver may not have more than one passenger with him or her in the front seat of a vehicle. New drivers are not permitted to drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. The limit on the accumulation of demerit points for a mandatory licence suspension is 15 points for experienced drivers. For novice drivers, the limit is reduced to six points.

In a nutshell, those are the main elements of the Graduated Driver's Licence Program. They are not harsh or punitive. They are reasonable limitations to put on an inexperienced driver and consistent with the Graduated Driver's Licence Programs already in effect for some years now across southern Canada.

The value of the Graduated Driver's Licence Program is to emphasize for new drivers the skills they must acquire before they can operate a motor vehicle safely. Acquiring

those skills takes experience and gaining that experience takes time.

The motor vehicle is a sophisticated piece of technology and contributes to our freedom of mobility. Yet it can also be a dangerous and even deadly piece of equipment. With freedom comes responsibility. New drivers must learn to respect the motor vehicle. The purpose of the Graduated Driver's Licence Program is to provide an opportunity to learn that respect. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the contributions and abilities of persons with disabilities. NWT Disability Awareness Week is from May 20 to June 4, 2005. The theme for this year's activities is "Celebrating our Strengths."

Madam Speaker, disability can affect any one of us directly or indirectly at any point in our lives. Some people are born with disabilities. Other people are disabled by an accident, illness or disease. Some disabilities are temporary, while others are life long. Some disabilities are visible and other disabilities cannot be seen. The important message is that we can focus on people's abilities, rather than define them by their disabilities.

The NWT action plan for persons with disabilities and the NWT disability framework, which was released in December 2004, guides GNWT services for persons with disabilities.

Earlier today, I had the honour of presenting an award on behalf of the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities to Tammy Saunders of Yellowknife, a person with a disability, in recognition of her outstanding contributions in the field of disabilities within the NWT.

The NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities will be presenting two other awards to the mayor of Holman, Peter Malgokak; and Jacques Van Pelt of Fort Smith. These are two people that live with a disability who have been recognized by the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities as having achieved and provided outstanding contributions to their communities.

Madam Speaker, I ask Members to join with me and thank all persons with disabilities in the NWT for their contributions and strengths, which are shared with friends, families and communities. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Justice, Mr. Bell.

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in keeping with previous commitments to report progress, I would like to update the House on the implementation of the corrections human resource action plan, tabled in the House in December 2004.

In August 2004, corporate human resources began a review of the human resources challenges corrections was facing. Madam Speaker, by November 2004, a number of issues were identified which required priority attention. In response, the Department of Justice prepared an action plan and a team was established to begin the work immediately.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that we have greatly enhanced communications with all levels of the corrections services by holding more frequent and comprehensive staff meetings, by piloting an internal electronic message system, and by ensuring that supervisors and managers meet with staff every day. We are creating staff committees to develop and monitor staff training, to implement a staff awards system and to edit our new newsletter. Also, we are working with corporate human resources to develop a comprehensive human resource plan that will incorporate the best practices we are diligently following.

We are continuing to make progress on our targeted action items, Madam Speaker, but have adjusted some of our original timelines to accommodate the consolidation of human resource functions across government and the ongoing negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement. Madam Speaker, we will continue to move forward on outstanding tasks, including improving our job descriptions, addressing vacancies, identifying a three-year training plan and enhancing our hiring processes.

I look forward to continuing this work and will table an update report on the corrections human resource action plan during the fall 2005 session. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Mr. Braden.

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4) and 5-15(4) be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

I order Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4) and 5-15(4) be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Recognition Of Graduates In The Sahtu
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 71

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, at this time of the year, many colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions and high school academic years are coming to an end. For most students, their semester is already over and this is the time for celebration. I'm sure many students are happy that their final exams are over and that summer has arrived. But more importantly, this is a season in which graduation is celebrated and it is in recognition of a student's successes, success for all the students in the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, I'm proud to recognize the academic achievements of nine students from the Sahtu who have recently graduated from Aurora College in Fort Smith and two students at the Yellowknife Campus. For the individual graduates and for their communities and Aurora College, this is a celebration of talent, sustained effort and belief in the importance of learning.

These graduates work hard and the graduation day captures the pride and accomplishment and success of these students. Every single graduate represents a story of achievement and a wonderful promise for the future, just as these students have become important role models and future leaders in their communities. There are also 23 potential high school graduates from the Sahtu who have demonstrated commitment and discipline to create a brighter future for themselves and their determination has been recognized by all.

Madam Speaker, these students can be proud of the education they receive here in the Northwest Territories. This will reward them for the rest of their lives.

Madam Speaker, I would like to also recognize Sheena Kochon of Colville Lake who will be celebrating her graduation ceremony at 4:00 today with her community.

In addition, Madam Speaker, two elders from the Sahtu region were recognized and awarded special certificates by Aurora College in Inuvik for their contribution and dedication to teaching their aboriginal language. Mr. Maurice Mendo of Tulita and Ms. Rosie Sewi of Deline received honourary Aboriginal Language and Culture Instructor Certificates and both of them are called our Dene professors of linguistics.

In closing, I would like to recognize the parents and the teachers and the various organizations that have fostered and developed the academic successes of our students. Their constant support provides a foundation of success of individuals and entire communities that deserve recognition. Mahsi cho, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Recognition Of Graduates In The Sahtu
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 71

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Item 5, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Income Support Policies For Special Needs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 71

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in honour of the Disability Awareness Week which was celebrated at our luncheon in the Great Hall this afternoon, I would like to take this opportunity to once again call upon this government to move quickly in revising the income support policies in ways to understand and address the particular needs of those with physical or mental disabilities.

Madam Speaker, in a nutshell, the problem with the government's income support policies is that it's largely an effort to fit a square peg into a circle. Madam Speaker, generally speaking, it makes sense to encourage able-bodied and able-minded people on income support to train and to take life skills courses in order to maximize their potential for gaining better employment and eventually getting off the income support system. But what this does not recognize is that there are people in our society who are not able to ever work on a temporary basis or permanent basis, no matter what we do for them and no matter how much they want to. Right now our income support policies do not treat these citizens with the necessary sensitivity and comprehension.

Madam Speaker, it makes no sense to ask someone who is physically weak and on a waiting list for a heart transplant to attend a life skills courts to improve herself. This is what's happening out there.

Madam Speaker, it equally does not make sense to require someone with severe cognitive disabilities, such as Down's Syndrome, to ask them to take a training course and to take life improvement courses that would normally benefit able-bodied and able-minded people on income support. Madam Speaker, it also doesn't work for the government to insist that these people are left in abject poverty, supposedly aimed at encouraging them to get off the system, because we know no matter how much they want to, it's not possible.

Madam Speaker, when you know that there are those very small segments in our society who could never get off this income support system, I think we, as a decent society, must do what we can to help them in a different way. Madam Speaker, I believe those in our society who are clinically determined not to be able to work in any reasonable capacity should be given a certain minimum standard of living in the form of minimum government disability pension. Madam Speaker, in other words, this government once and for all has to understand and act on a deep appreciation that there has to be a separate set of policies and guidelines for those with special needs. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Income Support Policies For Special Needs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 71

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Youth Activity Funding
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 71

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Madam Speaker, today I am responding to a very alarming situation regarding the youth program budget for this year; or rather, the lack thereof. Several communities within my constituency have waited for this fiscal year to apply for youth activity

funding, hoping their early application could enhance their chances for funding. I regret to say that to my chagrin the recent response from the Minister's office was unfavourable. What was alarming was that the funds were exhausted already. How can this be when we're only in the first quarter, Madam Speaker?

If the GNWT had little or no funding to put towards youth initiatives, then the government should not be giving the impression that they will evaluate applications or have the means to provide for them. This response, along with the drastic decrease with community-based partnership funding such as a Youth Employment Program, is very concerning to me and my constituents. Youth within communities such as Fort Liard or Wrigley have very limited opportunities and exposure with post-secondary education and youth activities. The cost for youth to visit colleges and universities or attend sports functions limits many of our youth in these communities.

Secondly, the small populations of the communities and the enormous costs often create an unrealistic or very gruelling fundraising situation. There's really no other presence in that community other than government, Madam Speaker. With such differences in regions, this across-the-board standard calculation for evaluating funding requests alienate the communities and are unbalanced when comparing them to larger centres.

During my recent community visits, some of my constituents have expressed their opinion that the GNWT has dramatically reduced high profile community-based funding to support for the recent resource revenue sharing negotiations with the federal government. During a time when youth programs such as Healthy Living initiatives and education-based activities are regarded as crucial to a healthy development of the North, why then has this government reduced the budget for so many youth deliverables?

The youth are our future; they need our support and guidance and we, as the government of the people, cannot let them down. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Youth Activity Funding
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 72

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Closing Of Sleep Centre At Stanton Hospital
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 72

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Sleep apnea is a very common medical disorder that our adult population suffers from. Sufferers of this condition need to have their condition properly diagnosed in a sleep lab prior to deciding on a form of treatment. Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services is closing down the sleep centre at Stanton hospital. It is estimated that 80 percent of sleep apnea sufferers go undiagnosed and this is a real shame, because sleep apnea can have a detrimental effect on your quality of life.

This condition can cause severe drowsiness, so the sufferer is unable to concentrate on work, stay alert or take care of children or drive somewhere without severely injuring themselves or others. A sleep apnea sufferer recently wrote a letter to the Yellowknifer, describing the devastating effects of sleep apnea. Madam Speaker, this woman couldn't even lay down to go to sleep without suffocating. Needless to say, she also couldn't believe that the sleep centre was being closed when she had been told there was a three-year waiting list to get in.

It's not only sleep apnea patients that can use the help of a sleep centre, Madam Speaker. A constituent of mine suffered from a heart defect and had severe arrhythmia. One of the most significant symptoms is a marked decrease in oxygen while he slept. Once he was tested and given oxygen while he slept, he felt immediately better and the stress to his heart decreased significantly.

Madam Speaker, not only does the Northwest Territories not have a program to address sleep and oxygen related disorders, but the CPAP machines used to treat sleep apnea are not covered by the NWT health insurance. My constituent with the heart condition is also having trouble getting the government to pay the contractor that is providing him with oxygen.

Madam Speaker, I have some real concerns about how people with these disorders are being treated by our government and I'll have some questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you.

---Applause

Closing Of Sleep Centre At Stanton Hospital
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 72

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Robert Villeneuve

Robert Villeneuve Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, today I'd like to speak about some of the recent negative developments that the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board has been experiencing over the past couple of months. The federal government, as we are all aware, Madam Speaker, made a chair appointment without the consent of northerners and this government. Last April, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board raised the issue of conflict of interest of the chair and in rebuttal the chair suspended the board operations, which could and has resulted in serious repercussions to mineral explorations in the form of jobs to northerners and potential future developments within the Northwest Territories being shelved by exploration companies, which we have already witnessed last week with the seven applications that were put on hold because of the petty quarrelling amongst many board members and the chair.

Madam Speaker, not only has the appointment of a non-northerner by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Andy Scott, and supported by our own MP, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, opened up some old wounds already within the unsteady

Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board and now the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, and also now in our bureaucratically bloated regulatory regime here in the North, but the federal non-northerner appointee is now pouring salt on the wound by suspending the board's business of issuing permits in a timely manner.

Madam Speaker, all this mayhem could have been avoided had the federal government, more specifically Minister Scott and MP Blondin-Andrew, heeded the advice of northerners. What do we as northern residents and government representatives have to do in order to be taken more seriously by our federal counterparts?

Issues that are specifically northern related can and should be resolved by northerners in true northern fashion, which is by consensus and merit, and viewed as favourable by all northerners. This has to be considered sacred, not just out of respect, but because only northerners know what is good for northerners. I would encourage this government's leadership to express our frustration and disagreement toward the legislative process and establishment of such an important regulatory body, and take responsibility and the leadership position to direct the board to act and work effectively and cooperatively on behalf of northerners and not put northern development on hold for personal agendas. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Relocation Of Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 73

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the last few days the issue of the government's decision to move the Territorial Treatment Centre from Yellowknife has captured a lot of attention and certainly a lot of it is centred on Members of this Assembly and where we're going with this very sudden decision by the government to relocate something that has a very significant part of this community's and this region's service to children with severe behavioural disabilities.

Madam Speaker, on Friday I was comforted to hear the Minister of Health and Social Services tell us in relation to a discussion about dialysis services in Nahendeh that it makes far more sense to have services as close to the people it serves as possible. This is something that I am certainly learning a lot more about in relation to this particular issue.

Madam Speaker, I've heard from the YWCA here in Yellowknife that the loss of this service here in the city, of course, is going to potentially mean that some of the staff involved in delivering care for the young people at the Territorial Treatment Centre will also be lost to other related programs in the city. For instance, there are three at the YWCA: Project Child Recovery for children who witness violence in the home, a Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program, and a Support for Adults with Disabilities. All have staff who are very much involved in the delivery of service at the Territorial Treatment Centre.

My growing concern here, Madam Speaker, as I am learning more about the significance of this service, is that the government has made this decision without fully developing the plan, the consequences for it and how our region and our community are going to cope with this through the transition of this service to Hay River. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Relocation Of Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 73

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, last session I spoke in this House for a limited junk food policy out there for young students to tap into. I want to take this afternoon's Member's statement to congratulate the Yellowknife Catholic school board for their initiative in dealing with a firm policy that deals directly with solving some of these junk food problems out there.

Although a number of schools in other regions have stepped forward to take on initiatives of this nature, I think the Yellowknife Catholic school board needs an extra applaud of thanks for taking control and removing those low nutritional value foods out of their vending machines. I think that is a fairly significant step and it shows that they have their priorities in order and it shows us that we need to pay attention.

In recent months, more and more emphasis has been placed out there on balanced diet, modernization of the foods are so unhealthy out there. Study after study has shown and beyond that they've scientifically proven all along that mom truly was right, we need to eat good foods to grow up healthy, such as vegetables. I hope the folks up there in the gallery remember to eat your broccoli.

Madam Speaker, I just want to further applaud the Yellowknife Catholic school board for putting their children first by putting quality snacks into their vending machines and removing the garbage ones. Here is a lesson that can be learned by those in the GNWT. Any initiative of this nature can be considered a positive step in promoting healthy living and healthy choices, and beyond that a healthy and active world that people can grow up in. The GNWT has a role here to play. In promoting policies of this nature, we can keep our society much happier and healthier for our future, which affects the bottom line.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I just want to emphasize a couple points. The Government of Nunavut recently held a Drop the Pop campaign and they've basically identified how many students under the age of five will be losing teeth this fall because of their addiction to pop. Finally, one last point I want to say in closing, schools having to fundraise by tapping into the need for junk food is completely wrong, because it's almost like government justifying gaming and social addictions as reasonable efforts to raise revenues. So I think the Catholic school board is certainly taking a smart step forward and I applaud them personally for that. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Deh Cho Leadership Meeting In Fort Liard
Item 3: Members' Statements

May 29th, 2005

Page 73

Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today to thank Mr. Menicoche, MLA for Nahendeh, and Premier

Handley, as well as my colleague Sandy Lee for attending the Deh Cho First Nations leadership meeting in Fort Liard. As a Member from the Far North, it was a pleasure to attend the leadership meeting.

Madam Speaker, Grand Chief Herb Norwegian was a very good host and allowed us to make a short speech. Madam Speaker, as the Member for Nunakput, the Mackenzie Valley pipeline is very important to the Beaufort-Delta people. My support for the process was relayed to the Deh Cho First Nations leadership.

Madam Speaker, I was interested in attending the leadership meeting because the Deh Cho First Nations could play a vital role in the proposed pipeline and also the joint process. Although, Madam Speaker, the leadership did not speak openly on the proposed pipeline, I hope the Deh Cho First Nations will take my concerns seriously to move forward on the process of the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I'd just like to thank the grand chief and the chiefs along the valley for their hospitality. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Deh Cho Leadership Meeting In Fort Liard
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 74

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Ms. Lee.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize a class from Yellowknife in the gallery today. By looking at them I know that they are absolutely fascinated and interested about what is going on in this House. I am going to visit them in their class next Tuesday and expect to be answering some questions about some of the interesting proceedings in this House. Let me introduce Mr. Speakman's Grade 6 class from Range Lake North School. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Welcome. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize a former constituent from the Deline, Madam Speaker. He is also a good hockey player. I would also like to recognize behind me, Sonny MacDonald. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to recognize my constituent, Major Karen Hoeft, who is clearly very fascinated with what goes on in this House. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Premier Handley. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Member for Sahtu for recognizing my constituent for me, Mr. Sonny MacDonald, the band councillor for the Salt River First Nations, chair of the Arts Council for the Northwest Territories, a renowned carver and a friend from Fort Smith, Thebacha. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 74

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to recognize in the visitors' gallery today Wayne Miller. He is a resident of Yellowknife but he spends a lot of time in Hay River, so I feel like he is my constituent. Welcome, Wayne.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise again with questions to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, the Honourable David Krutko. Honourable Krutko, on page 142 of the unedited Hansard from Friday, had promised to table some information and I would like to know when the Minister is going to do good on the promise. As well, he took a question on notice last week and I would like to hear some answers to when we are going to hear these fabulous and mysterious answers on the EDAP program. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Krutko.

Return To Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 74

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I will be tabling the information that I was requested to table in the House, but because the Member's question was so technical, I will have to take a little time to research it and make sure that I get the information to the Member so that I am accurate in regard to the issue that he raised so that the information that he receives is valid and hopefully it will take care of his question. Thank you.

Return To Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. While I am really looking forward to hearing actually when we are going to table this program, because I am getting phone calls from Inuvik as well as Yellowknife in regards to how does this program work, how we justify one family getting

a different amount than another family, there seems to be no clear transparency on this sliding scale. Would the Minister clearly say today when we expect him to table this information that he agreed to on Friday, and will he table it in a timely manner so that questions can be posed fairly in this House before it adjourns this Thursday? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Item 6: Oral Questions

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am hoping to have the document tabled in this House by Wednesday.

Further Return To Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Question 37-15(4): Timeline For Responding To Questions Taken As Notice
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask questions today to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Michael Miltenberger. I would like to know what the current disposition of the sleep centre at Stanton Territorial Hospital is and I am wondering if the Minister can tell me how much it costs to operate that centre and how many patients it treats per year. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Three questions.

---Laughter

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Well thank you, Mr. Ramsay, for helping me with that observation. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this program is under a lot of growth pressures. I can't tell the Member specifically what it costs. I can tell him that there is work being done to make sure that we can cope with the demand, that we can modernize equipment and make sure that the staff we have are trained. We are working with a doctor from Calgary to come up with a good plan; this Dr. Remmers has had experience in other jurisdictions, so we are looking at this area very closely. Thank you.

Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. That didn't really get to the exact disposition. Is the sleep centre actually going to close or is there a study? It sounds like there is a study at play here that will see something happen. I am just wondering if the Minister can tell me how the current and future clients of the sleep centre will be looked after. What portion of care will be at the individual's expense? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. That really was two questions, but we can stretch this out. Mr. Miltenberger.

---Laughter

Further Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this is a program and a service that is required, and we are going to take the steps necessary to ensure that we can provide the service required with as much of the service as possible delivered in the North in terms of full-scale testing, all that can be done as well as the follow-up that is needed. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I guess we have an hour here. We are asking questions here for an hour, so I will ask more questions and then come back again. I am just wondering, because I did not hear the Minister say yes or no, is the sleep centre open or is it closed. What is happening with it? I need a definite answer and by the sounds of it they really don't know what is happening there. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 75

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, they know what is happening. Unfortunately I don't have the current briefing note in my book, so I am unable to provide the level of detail that the Member would like. I have the staff looking for the most current information that I received from Stanton and will be happy to share that with the Member when I get it. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am wondering if the Minister can also tell me if he is at least considering making these CPAP machines part of the NWT insured services for clients that require them. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 75

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there is a working group currently reviewing this issue and will be looking at all the recommendations. I am sure that they will be giving us suggestions on the best way for this program to be covered. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Question 38-15(4): Status Of The Stanton Sleep Centre And Its Clients
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I support the goals of the Department of Education. I believe that education should be within reach of every child and family in the Northwest Territories. Madam Speaker, it is somewhat different in the smaller communities that I represent in the Sahtu. I would like to ask a question of the honourable Minister. Generally on the education part in the Sahtu, what type of support is he giving the educational boards in terms of retaining good, qualified teachers in the Sahtu? For example, we have heard in the past of the teachers' housing situation that has been an ongoing issue in the Sahtu. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There are a number of initiatives that the department undertakes to encourage the retention of teachers. One of the first and the most important is the mentorship program that is supported by the department. This is to help new teachers gain experience in the system with an experienced teacher and to call on when they need advice or mentoring.

The Member specifically asked about housing, as well. Last year the Housing Corporation installed market houses in a number of communities in the Sahtu. I met with the board chairs of all regions, including the Sahtu, and asked them to provide me with some information on housing needs, which I could then pass on to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. That was provided in some detail by the Sahtu Divisional Education Council and that information has been passed on to the NWT Housing Corporation. They are taking that into account as they plan for the delivery of market housing. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am very glad to hear the Minister mention the mentorship of the teachers. We have a number of local assistants, as I referred to, in the teachers' program. What specific types of programs are there? Can the Minister advise this House of promotions that would help these assistants get into a job that would be permanent in the smaller communities because of the hiring of northern teachers? We want to keep our teachers employed in the Sahtu region. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There are people who have an interest in the education system who should consider, first of all, becoming teachers, taking the Teacher Education Program and getting a diploma and then moving on, hopefully, to take the Bachelor of Education Program. The college has put a lot of effort into making sure that people across the Territories can access that program.

As well, for those who are classroom assistants, it might be useful for them to consider taking the Aboriginal Language and Cultural Instructor Program. ALCIP is a program that is offered, when requested, by the college. We expect the divisional education councils to request the program, but the college is prepared to offer that to help people who may be working as classroom assistants be better prepared to work in classrooms, particularly in delivering language and culture programs. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the students and teachers really work well together in the Sahtu. The prime example of education is the small pilot project in Fort Good Hope where they have a shop program where there is a young Grade 5 fellow, Bradley Kelly, who makes pens. Different organizations contribute to the Fort Good Hope school and in the vision of the Education department, I want to ask the Minister when he foresees types of homemade shops that would be available for other schools in the Sahtu in terms of improving the students and the trades that can be improved in the smaller communities for future potential jobs that may be coming. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Member has identified an area where we have a critical shortage of facilities across the Northwest Territories. That is in shops and opportunities for young students to gain hands-on education experience. We are hopeful that true partnership, which that's exactly how the project got going in Fort Good Hope that the principal and community was able to strike with businesses in the region. They were able to outfit that shop and get materials for the program. We are hoping that we are going to see more and more of that. We have good examples in the Beaufort-Delta. We have some here in Yellowknife and in the South Slave, as well. It's a situation where right now we are relying on partnerships to deliver that kind of programming. We have, as part of the Northern Strategy discussions, proposed that we be funded for a number of mobile shop units. We would use those then to travel around to the various communities to provide some hands-on training in those communities, in particular, where we don't have the ability to put a room in a school and provide a shop service. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, a lot of our students in the small communities have a talent for hands-on programs and the shop program is one of them that could be a success in the small communities. Would the Minister consider other facilities that may be used in the communities to enhance the shop programs for our schools? MACA, DPW and other organizations sometimes have shops available for students. Would he consider that in the time frame before launching into a different program that would see these types of shops in schools permanently? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I think that's a great idea. We should find ways for schools to take advantage of other facilities that might be in communities. It's certainly something that we welcome. So it's already a possibility. We also encourage young people in school to get involved in apprenticeships and through the Schools North Apprenticeship Program, young people can gain hands-on experience and get credits towards their CTS courses, as well as time put in towards an apprenticeship. So we do have a number of different opportunities. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Question 39-15(4): Teacher Recruitment And Retention In The Sahtu
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Dent. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and it's with regard to the Member's statement that I made earlier. Madam Speaker, I know the Minister is very well aware of the issues I outlined in that statement, and that has to do with the fact that the Income Support Program that we have now is engineered and oriented for those who are in need of temporary help from the government, in between jobs or for whatever reason they need some social assistance until they get back on their feet. Some of them take longer than others.

Persons with disabilities have a completely different set of requirements and we know that some of them may never be able to get back to work and they shouldn't be subject to the program that is oriented for some other need. I know that the department and the government are reviewing its policies and I would like to know where the Minister is with that review. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr Dent.

Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I agree with the Member's assertions to how the program should cater to those who have disabilities or, for that matter, people who are seniors. There are different reasons for people participating in the program and the program needs to accommodate those differences.

We are in the process of working through the redesign of the Income Support Program. We are at the point where we are going to be going back to committee very shortly with some suggestions for how our policies could be accommodated to deal with the different people in the different categories. We have committed to go back to the committee, Madam Speaker, to discuss the issue the Member brings up; that is how the program redesign would deal with those who are disabled or those who are seniors. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Absolutely, there is a process on the way but I think it's good for us to air out our ideas and the process we are following. I would like to ask the Minister where the department and the Minister stands with respect to the possibility of treating those with disabilities differently than those who are on income support in a regular manner. For some public policy reasons, income support is quite low. One of the reasons, whether it's accepted or not, is to encourage the people to get off the system and get better income options wherever possible. That is not the case and that's not workable for those with disabilities. Is the Minister considering in his review to increase the assistance available for those with disabilities over what they get now? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Minister Dent.

Further Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The program right now already provides increased assistance for people who are on disability. There is an extra $300 a month for people who are considered disabled. So right now, there is an increased allowance.

Having said that, the Member has made a point that I am quite prepared to agree to and that is the purpose of supporting people through the Income Support Program who are disabled is one of providing an opportunity for citizenship. So as we redesign the program, I will be working with my colleagues to try to determine what is an appropriate level of support. That's absolutely where we are headed with this; to take a look at the levels of support. The next step in this is to take a look at program redesign options. In that process, we will be involving stakeholders. So people like the Council for Persons with Disabilities. We will involve them in this consultative process, as well as other stakeholders. We are intending to try to respond to the different needs that different people have for the program. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Dent. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
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Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I think that is where we should be heading. Madam Speaker, in his work, I wonder if there is any study or research going on as to what numbers we are dealing with. I think there is a very small segment of the population who is severely disabled, whether physically or cognitively, and who are not going to be able to partake in the mainstream working world. They need the help of the government. If the government could help them, with the help of family and friends, they can function relatively well in a situation that doesn't have to be institutional. I would like to know whether in this review process a study is being done as to what sort of needs we are looking at. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Absolutely, we will have that kind of assessment information done as we work through the redesign process, largely because I am going to have to come back to this Assembly for money to pay for whatever program we design. So all of those numbers will be available, yes.

Further Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
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Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know that the Minister is proposing to bring this to the committee. Could the Minister indicate any time frame as to when the stakeholders outside of this Assembly will be able to partake in this discussion? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am actually meeting with the department tomorrow to update the process and the timelines, but I would expect that we would be ready for the public part of the redesign process no later than the end of June or early July. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Question 40-15(4): Income Support Policies For Special Needs Cases
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My questions this afternoon are for the Minister of Health and Social Services on the issue of the announced transfer and the decision to move the TTC, the treatment centre for behaviourally disabled youngsters, from Yellowknife to Hay River. The Minister said on Friday, in relation to another issue, that it makes sense to have the services as close to the people as possible. At the risk of taking his message or his intent out of context, I really do believe that in this case there is a very strong similarity. Madam Speaker, 75 percent of the young residents are from Yellowknife and north, yet we are looking at moving the facility to a community that is even further away. If the idea is to have the services as close as possible to the people it serves, how do these two square? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, dialysis is a requirement when you have been diagnosed with that need and it tends to be there for the rest of your life unless you get a kidney transplant. That's somewhat different than the assessment and treatment services that TTC provides or Bosco provides through TTC, which are assessment and up to two years of possible treatment in a residential setting.

Madam Speaker, you can also look at the numbers in the North in a number of ways. Between 30 to 40 percent or 60 to 70 percent of those accessing the program were from communities outside of Yellowknife. What we have is an opportunity here to move a program to a community that has the capacity to do the job. I have indicated in this House the rationale why last week and that rationale still stands. Thank you.

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Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
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Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Madam Speaker, in relation to the comments about the ability of Hay River to provide the services, I am getting some very strong messages, very solid information, that indicates there would be a real ripple effect, not only for the Territorial Treatment Centre, but a number of other related services in my community in Yellowknife. So I want to ask the Minister again to justify why this decision has been made. According to media reports, the requests aren't before this House yet, but some $3 million will be sought to pay for these changes. Why are we being asked to accept this proposal now, this plan, this decision? Why are we being asked to accept this decision now when there really isn't a solid plan in place that would explain how we are going to deal with the consequences? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as I indicated in this House, a decision has been made to relocate TTC to Hay River. It's going to be a process that is going to take some time. There are some renovations to be done. We will come forward in the business planning process with the details

of the move. I have also committed in the next day or two to provide this House, the chair of the Social Programs committee and her colleagues, with information that got us to this point. That is the process and this is going to take some time. The business plan is where we intend to come forward with the transitional steps we are working on at present. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Madam Speaker, one of the things I will be looking for to test the Minister's rationale and his explanation can be found in a policy document, Health and Social Services establishment policy, which was last revised in May of 1999. This policy lists seven principles, Madam Speaker, the seventh of which says, "All activities of the health and social services system should support an approach that places the needs of people first." Will the Minister be able to bring us a rationale that is going to support this principle, this people-first principle? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we always put people first, and this program delivered by Bosco Homes is going to be relocated to Hay River to provide the same service. We will have the same expertise that we currently have with Bosco Homes, the folks they can tie into with their broad network outside of the Northwest Territories. So there is no diminishment, in my opinion, in the program quality. We would definitely not jeopardize any northerner, any child, in care for any reason. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 79

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Madam Speaker, the first principle, huge principle, of this Assembly, not just the Department of Health and Social Services or any department, all of our attention should be focussed on people first. In this particular situation, Madam Speaker, I am not convinced that we are going to be honouring this principle. Will the Minister rescind this decision until a business plan is placed before us and the people of this community to prove that indeed we are going to be making this move and still honour the principles and the mandate that we have to supply this service? Will the Minister back off on this plan? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 79

An Hon. Member

Back off!

Supplementary To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 79

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 79

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my ears are still filled with the echoes of the debate in the last session of this House on a similar circumstance that was put forward by the Member for Hay River South on a circumstance that is somewhat related to this in terms of their community and the impact on their community. Unfortunately, the reality is that in this case, not unfortunately, but the reality is in this case, Madam Speaker, we are tasked to carry out a certain project and a move and we are doing that, and we will come forward in the business plan to lay out the detail. We will be proceeding under that direction. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 41-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 79

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my questions today are to the Minister of MACA in regard to the chipseal program in the Sahtu. I understand they are doing a report and review. What can the Minister tell the people in the Sahtu, specifically the citizens of Fort Good Hope, in terms of what type of support they will achieve this year on their chipsealing program because of the enormous amount of dust that is flying through people's windows, and what type of program the people will see in terms of the chipsealing program? Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. McLeod.

Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Madam Speaker, the Member had asked about the chipsealing program I believe in the last day of session, and I had indicated that this year our focus is on Tuktoyaktuk and Fort McPherson. We're also doing some of the early work or have done some already in the community of Fort Good Hope. We're doing some of the drainage studies and some of the work to the base that's required. I would point out though that the chipsealing program is only for the main street. It does not allow us to pave the whole community. The dust problem in the small communities was always historically dealt with through application of calcium. The dollars are still in the community governments' budgets. It is up to the communities to do so. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has no intention of going into each community and doing dust suppressant. We have a main street chipsealing program that will be allocated through a number of years to the different communities as per our schedule. Good Hope is one of the communities, but it won't be for a couple of years yet to when we get to the point of actually laying the chipseal. So until that happens, the community is expected to use the money that is allocated in their budget to do some type of dust suppressant in the community. Thank you.

Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thanks to the Minister for the update. In Fort Good Hope and the other communities of Deline and Colville Lake, a lot of people live along the main street and there are more vehicles than ever using the roads in the small communities. The chipsealing program is for the main street only, and that's where my bone of contention is in terms of having this program in the small communities. The dust control suppression money doesn't last very long because it deteriorates after several rainy days and it goes away and the dust comes back because the formula does not hold the dust down. So again, Madam Speaker, in terms of the chipsealing program, Fort Good Hope was slated and somehow it got moved back a couple of years. I know they were doing work there last year. People were looking forward to the chipsealing program. So what more can the department do to help the communities, especially the people who live close to the main roads, and curtail the dust in the communities this summer? It is going to be a hot and dry season. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. That was a very long preamble to a supplementary question. I would suggest that was actually a Member's statement, but, Minister McLeod.

Further Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the Member is correct; the main street chipsealing program was reduced this year as our program had to cut the funding. So we had to reduce some of our activities in the different communities. Fort Good Hope is deferred by one year because of our budget restrictions. We've planned to have the community targeted as soon as Tuktoyaktuk and Fort McPherson are done. Having said that, we are also completing a study that we had a contractor do for us to look at the different conditions in the communities to see if there are any other options or solutions out there. The study is now complete. We are in the process of reviewing it. It will come forward with some recommendations and we would be pleased to share that information with the members of the different committees. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the four months, May up to August, is 120 days that the community of Fort Good Hope has to go through the dust season. Would the Minister commit to helping the community get more money or asking his Cabinet to get more money so that more effective use of dust control can be used in the community in the interim, because it has been deferred for the one year? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Madam Speaker, I'm not sure if the Member is asking me to commit additional dollars to his community of Good Hope. The program was reduced and Fort Good Hope has been deferred for one year. However, there is already an allocation and has been historically an allocation to the community government funding to deal with dust. The community also has the option to invest in dust control if that is a priority. We do not dictate where the communities should invest their money. If they spend it in other areas, that is the community's decision. So we can certainly indicate to the Member that we have a study that is complete. We'll share that information that will indicate what the best option is for the community of Fort Good Hope. If he's asking me to put in more money, at this point I don't think I can commit to that, but I certainly will commit to looking for some long-term solutions for dealing with some of the dust in the communities. That's a real priority. We've heard it over and over in our visits to the community. So I will commit to that, but not to additional funding at this point.

Further Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the chipsealing program would make a real difference in the small communities that don't have a chipsealing program. The larger centres have paved roads; they don't have to deal with the dust. In the smaller communities, the old people have to live day in and day out in houses where dust is a very big issue. It's a crying shame that this government who wants to make a difference in the Northwest Territories, and we've got $40 million sitting by Cabinet. So would the Minister again look at the chipsealing programs in the communities and see if he can get anything done that will help the communities with their dust problems? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, we have been looking at the dust problem for a couple of years now. As I indicated earlier, we have undertaken to hire a contractor to come up with some options for us. We will look at that, and if it requires additional investment from this government, we will bring that forward. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Question 42-15(4): Chipseal Program In Fort Good Hope
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 80

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 6, oral questions. We have 22 minutes left in question period and four more people on the list at least. Let's see if we can fit everybody in in the next 20 minutes, and that will include the assistance of Ministers and their answers. Next on the list I have the Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I have questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services in regard to the treatment of an individual with disabilities that is so appalling, and I have been meaning to ask these questions. I think given this week is Disability Awareness Week it has even more significance, Madam Speaker. This individual is somebody that is well known to us, he's from a community and he used to work in this building. He has been housed in a hospital since February; three months. His apartment had to be renovated, and it has taken this long, and I challenge anybody in this House to be housed in a hospital for three months and not develop any new health conditions. Madam Speaker, I think this is quite appalling and I think the government has an obligation to take care of this situation right away. So I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services why it is that it is taking this long to renovate this house so this person can be in his own home. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this is a very thinly veiled discussion of a very personal issue involving a specific individual that the Member has done everything but name, and it's not appropriate for me to comment in this House. I would be more than happy to talk to her about what is transpiring in this particular situation, but it is not appropriate to discuss it in this House. Thank you.

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Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I suppose that is his judgment call, but I can assure this House, Madam Speaker, that I have run into this individual in many places and he is begging all of us to do something. So I can tell you, Madam Speaker, that I am speaking with his total consent, and perhaps the Minister could be sympathetic enough to make a commitment in this House on his behalf that he will look into this situation and confirm to us that he will be back in his house by next week. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 81

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am aware of the circumstances of this particular case, and I am aware that it has taken some time to get all of the various parties together. I am also aware that in fact the accommodation will be ready for occupancy I believe this week. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Question 43-15(4): Treatment Of Individual With A Disability
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Ms. Lee. Thank you. Next on the list I have the Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services in regard to the requests the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors has had out there for quite some time now. They have been asking for support from this government in regard to planning money so they can move forward on building a dementia centre here in Yellowknife. It's my opinion that they are addressing a need that isn't directly their responsibility, but that impacts them. It's a responsibility, in my mind, that belongs directly in the hands of government, yet this community organization is stepping forward and addressing the need on their own through a partnership program. So when will this government, when will the Minister of Health and Social Services step forward and help this organization that is addressing this community need, and when will he address it by giving them some planning money? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as far as I am aware, we have made a commitment to free up some funding to allow that planning to proceed. Thank you.

Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Do they have the money in their hands as of today? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 81

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there has been an agreement reached between the Department of Health and Social Services and the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors on this project, but it is a cash flow issue. As far as I am aware, there is an agreement signed and that the chair is aware of it and that the deputies work directly with these folks and these matters are in hand. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 81

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It's my understanding that this money is tied to other money. So

is this agreement binding that the GNWT will eventually come forward with this money, because, as I understood this, clearly they needed this planning money in the fall, and this community organization is willing to take out a mortgage and they are willing to fundraise for this facility. They need some money to move forward. So is this agreement binding and is it tied to anything so they keep waiting for it? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 82

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 82

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this is planning money. We've been working with YACCS over the last couple of years to move this project along. It's tied into a broader facilities plan to deal with the cognitively impaired and long-term care resources required across the North. At this point, we've committed to the planning dollars. There have been suggestions about how it could be financed, but there's clearly more work that has to be done. It also has to be taken through due process once the design and everything is agreed to. There is a process that has to be followed with the committees and Cabinet to in fact be able to do that, but we've committed to the resources to help them continue the planning. We're committed to seeing this process through, and it figures into our broader planning for long-term care. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 82

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 82

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this government decided a couple of months ago we should throw $1.2 million in the pot to study some of the effects of a pipeline just like that. So I mean we've been talking about this project for a couple of years as the Minister admitted. When are we going to get off the pot and go forward and make a decision? We could make this decision today. We could take it to Cabinet and have it done before this Assembly, and if we needed to sit here a couple extra days, we could. I think there's a willingness out there. This organization is willing to carry this mortgage, they want to see community development by community organizations, which I have to emphasize is the responsibility of government, but they are going to take control of this and they are going to address the need. So will I get a commitment from this Minister that we will expedite this process because they are waiting for this planning money to move forward? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 82

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I'll let the Member expedite, we'll move in...(inaudible)...and we'll try to expedite the process.

---Laughter

I'm not sure what pot he's talking about, but the pot I have has some resources in it, both of which are fully subscribed to. We've committed to this process. We've agreed with YACCS on a way to proceed and we're going to do just that. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Question 44-15(4): Dementia Centre In Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 82

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minster Miltenberger. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my questions today are for the Premier. Given the proposal to move the Territorial Treatment Centre out of Yellowknife to Hay River, it's important to a great number of citizens here in the city of Yellowknife. Clients, employees, specialized service folks, are interested to know how a decision like this is arrived at. I would like to ask the Premier what exactly is the government policy on decentralization? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The government has a policy on government organization. That policy does outline how major organizational changes are made. In the case of moving a facility like TTC from Yellowknife, that would fit into the category of major organizational change. That's a decision that's made by Cabinet. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Premier Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Premier and some of his Cabinet colleagues are also Yellowknife MLAs. Does it bother the Premier or bother the other Cabinet Ministers that the information that myself and colleagues of mine have asked for from the Minister about where the research is, what type of studies were conducted into moving the TTC from Yellowknife to Hay River, we just haven't got it? I know the Minister has responded that he's going to get it to us by the end of session, but, Madam Speaker, that causes me a great deal of concern that that information isn't readily available to Members of this side of the House, and I'd like to hear from the Premier if indeed it causes him concern that we can't get the information to make an informed decision. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Ramsay, we may be treading close to a line here. I don't think you can ask the Premier a question in his role as Premier and have him answer it within the context of his role as a Yellowknife MLA. We will go to the latter part of the question and try to ignore the first part. Thank you. Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Cabinet has looked at a number of factors in considering this change. The Minister responsible has assured me that he will have that information by the end of the day tomorrow. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 83

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 83

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My apologies for crossing the line. It is a pretty invisible line, but I may have crossed it. Thank you. I am wondering if the Premier can let us know, in the government's organizational policy, does that policy speak to strictly moving jobs and programs around or does it speak to clients' needs and program needs?

It is one thing to move civil service jobs out of Yellowknife; that is something, given the chance, I would support, if it made sense. When you look at a program, the clients it is going to impact, the services those clients are going to need, does the organizational policy of this government have that in mind? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 83

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

Supplementary To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 83

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 83

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, the policy looks at a number of factors, including the government's organizational design, its flexibility to deliver programs, best use of personnel, best use of fiscal infrastructure, delivery of the program closest to the people who are being served, equitable distribution of social and economic and employment benefits around the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, there are a number of issues that we have to take a look at. No one of those would trump all of the others, it would be a matter of looking at everything and saying where can we best deliver the program of the services given all the factors. We must look at them being fair to everybody around the Territories. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

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David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Given the fact that we haven't had any information, I would like to ask the Premier what information was available to Cabinet Ministers when they made the decision. We haven't seen any information. I would like to ask the Premier what did they see? Where was the research if they had any research prior to making that decision? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 83

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 83

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just listed a number of criteria that is normally considered in making this kind of decision. There is certainly good discussion in Cabinet about all the factors that we would have to consider in relocating TTC and, as I have assured you, Madam Speaker, the Minister responsible will share the information with the Member before the end of the day tomorrow. Thank you.

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Question 45-15(4): Policies For Facility And Program Relocation
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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This question is for the Minister responsible for Youth. Knowing that the government must commit to additional investment with respect to youth initiatives for healthy and prosperous communities, why has the government reduced funding for this fiscal year to the point that funds have been exhausted in the first month of this fiscal year? Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. McLeod.

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Madam Speaker, we have many youth programs that we have developed over the years and many new programs. I am not sure exactly where the Member is going when he says that we have reduced funding. We have a budget for youth in a lot of different areas. We have a budget for youth core funding which is dedicated towards providing assistance to larger-scale programs in the different communities and organizations and individuals. We also have the Youth Contributions Program that has money allocated for travel and different organizations. We also have our Volunteer Development Program, our Pan-Territorial Sports Program and the sports and recreation contributions to the communities.

I would have to ask the Member to clarify which program he is indicating, because I do not believe that there has been any reduction. Our programs have maintained their level of funding. We have actually added more programs this year with the introduction of the NWT Games; we also have the Community Initiatives Program that is in place.

The Member may be referring to funding that is allocated to the different regions now that we have changed the process of how applications are handled. Historically, the applications came directly to us in headquarters. We no longer do that. The money is now allocated, for the most part, to the different regions. Of course, the programs are well utilized and well subscribed to. The money does run out early in the year and in this case I believe the Member is referring to a youth contribution application that was made and was able to be funded. That is all I can say on that. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

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Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I guess a little bit of clarification is in order for the Minister. During my recent tour I went to Wrigley and Fort Liard and the students there were looking at traveling for track and then going down for some orientation and looking at some areas of further education down in Alberta. I went to the Minister and asked him, I said look, these communities need help. He said no, we cannot help them. I said, well why? The official response was we have no more money in the pot. My question to the Minister, Madam Speaker, is why do we not have any more money? This is still May and we just received a new budget two months ago. My question to the Minister is why don't we have any money to assist these communities and these youth organizations? Thank you.

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Question 46-15(4): Youth Contribution Program Funding For Nahendeh
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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

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Question 46-15(4): Youth Contribution Program Funding For Nahendeh
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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, some of the regions have already allocated all of their money. For the program that the Member is referring to, the Youth Contributions Program, we have $125,000 for 33 communities across the Territories. That doesn't go very far. We have looked at different ways to try to make the dollars stretch a little further. We have looked at capping the amounts that we make in terms of contributions. We have looked at limiting the different organizations in the communities. We are trying to find ways to be able to spread that around a little further, but up until now that is all the money that we have to deal with. That was the amount approved in the budget, so it really restricts us on the number of applications that come forward from all the different communities. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

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Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am sure that the government and the Minister are well aware that many of these smaller communities have no other resources, such as the larger communities which can go to industry and can go to private enterprises. Small communities, Madam Speaker, like Wrigley and even Fort Liard to some extent, don't have those opportunities to ask other areas. They are coming to me and I am asking the government look, we have to help them out and they are telling me no. I am saying when is this government going to help our small communities? They must know that they have no other sources to go to. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Question 46-15(4): Youth Contribution Program Funding For Nahendeh
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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

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Question 46-15(4): Youth Contribution Program Funding For Nahendeh
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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we have a $1 million budget in the area of youth programs and three-quarters of that, or $750,000, is budgeted for Youth Corp Programs. There is $125,000 for the youth contributions. There is some money for a youth program advisor. All the money that we have in our budget goes to the communities. We recognize that the needs and requests that are coming forward are a lot more than we can accommodate. I am certainly willing to provide a breakdown of the money that was allocated to the Member's riding, for him to see where the money has been spent and to have further discussion with him to see how we can make the dollars go further in his riding. The southern communities have historically applied earlier on for the different funds to go on different trips and, of course, because we're very limited in where we can spend that money, it doesn't go very far. But I certainly would like to sit down with the Member and point out and outline all the different programs we have for funding and also give him a breakdown of what was spent or where this money that was allocated to his region, his riding, was spent. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

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Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would very much look forward to the Minister providing that information to me and if they can provide it before we leave this session this week. It's just that myself and the Minister and the government are aware of the small communities, but I think what's happening, Madam Speaker, is that in the small communities' perspective this does not exist in our bureaucracy. So we're going to have to look at some way of addressing that. Once again, if the Minister will provide that information to me before we leave this session, that will be appreciated. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

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Question 46-15(4): Youth Contribution Program Funding For Nahendeh
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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we certainly would be pleased to provide that information. As I indicated before, our dollars flow out to the communities. A number of projects were funded over the years in the Member's riding. We'd be pleased to share that information. Of course, we're always looking at any way we can supplement our budget. We'd like to see the youth programming and youth projects increase. So we will be maintaining another ask for any new monies that come forward from the federal government or to this government, and we'd certainly keep our interests forward for all the different communities. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The time for question period is over. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Mr. Hawkins.

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Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to return to item 6 on today's agenda. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 6,

oral questions. Are there any nays? There are no nays. We will return to item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, it's been reported in the newspaper and a couple days in the House regarding the housing situation that my honourable colleagues have been asking the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. I'd like to ask the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation about the programs and how that has impacted our region in the Sahtu with regard to the types of programs that have been talked about in the House in recent days. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Krutko.

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in regard to the EDAP program, as we all know that's probably one of the programs that we've been able to get the most mileage out of and I think, if anything, in most communities that's the only program we can get people out of public housing into home ownership. They have been taking advantage of that. Like I stated in my statement over the last week, we've put some 570 people into this program and we've put some $67 million into the Northwest Territories economy.

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Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

But I think more importantly the EDAP program was originally designed to help people move from public housing into home ownership who were paying the high end with regard to the rent scale. So I'd just like to note for the Member that the EDAP program, as it was originally laid out, was to assist small communities and individuals to move out of public housing into home ownership. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you. Madam Speaker, the EDAP program seems to be getting a good response from the smaller communities. In terms of the home ownership programs, can the Minister inform this House if someone is rejected for whatever circumstances of their application if there is a process for the people to reapply? Is there an independent board that they can go to, or do they apply through the office of the Housing Corporation to seek another approval of the application? Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Krutko.

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there is a process in which we encourage the applicants to reapply in regard to the following year because of change of circumstances. Like I stated last week, there are certain responsibilities in the application that the client must consider. They must be able to show that they're able to sustain a house in regards to the operation of the unit, but also more importantly they have to retain a mortgage through the bank for a portion of the payment for the unit.

The other problem that we have in a lot of small communities is land development. A lot of these clients in small communities are having problems trying to access land, and there are time limits with regard to the application, which is 90 days. In a lot of cases, communities do not have access to banks, don't have access to the lands to be developed in that time frame. So in most cases the applications are approved and then the following year a lot of this construction takes place. So because of that, a lot of clients are basically informed that because they have not completed or concluded the responsibilities laid out in the application, they are rejected and encouraged to apply next year, hopefully with a better chance of getting access to a bank or being able to obtain land to build on. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, sometimes it takes a little special consideration in the smaller communities, because the Minister has outlined several of the reasons in terms of the land development. Can the Minister advise the House in terms of what types of steps the Housing Corporation is doing in terms of seeking more land? I know there are special arrangements made with the land set aside for band residents under the Indian Act. Is there anything the Minister can do or is he looking in terms of assisting people in the small communities in terms of the land development and in terms of getting them some secure notion that they could continue and succeed in applying for funding? Otherwise they will give up and, out of frustration, leave the application alone. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Krutko.

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we are working with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and also the different aboriginal tribal councils and Indian Affairs, because Indian Affairs does have responsibility for band lands. I think that is where the problem is. There are ongoing meetings with Indian Affairs to try and find a resolution to this problem and I think because of the capacity problems in a lot of our small communities, we've realized through Municipal and Community Affairs that we have to put more money into those small communities so they can develop those lands so that people who want to get into

home ownership have the ability to access those lands. So we are working with other agencies to be able to resolve this problem. Again, it is a problem that we're having with Indian Affairs with regard to the office here and we are having ongoing meetings with them. Hopefully through that we will be able to resolve this issue. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, with the EDAP program the Minister has said there is, and I have noticed, some special consideration for the small communities versus the larger centres. Now in these small communities, can the Minister advise or inform this House in terms of the large amounts that are given to the individuals in the smaller communities in terms of this program here? Why are such large amounts given to our smaller communities than our larger centres under this program here? Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Krutko.

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we do have unique challenges in small communities and we also realize that the cost of living is a lot higher and that the clients in most cases have minimum wages in the $50,000 range. In regard to construction of a lot of these units where you have to bring them in through the winter road or by barge, there is a higher transportation cost associated with that. We take that into consideration.

Like I stated last week, this program was designed to get people out of public housing and into home ownership, and a lot of those people are in the bracket range of $45,000 to $50,000. In order to assist them with acquiring a $300,000 or $250,000 home, there will be a subsidy associated with it. The subsidy is not actually money that's going into the individual's pockets. It's a subsidy that is based on depreciation over 15 years of a mortgage in which it declines every year. You have to live in that unit for 15 years, pay down the portion of whatever you borrowed from the bank, but also realize that the forgiveness is based on a 15-year period. If you sold your house before the 15 years or you gave up the mortgage, the second mortgage is still held by the Housing Corporation. We still have an interest in it. I think that's an important component that hasn't been explained here.

For communities, we realize there's a high cost associated with getting people out of public housing and also the cost of financing it. We also have to realize that to keep people in public housing for a life period of...Say one of our housing units costs us about $1 million just to keep somebody in public housing. By making an investment of $50,000 or $60,000 to help these people get into home ownership is a benefit to ourselves as government to encourage people to get out of public housing and get into home ownership. Hopefully that explains the Member's question. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I'm going to rise today, along with my other colleagues, in regard to the Territorial Treatment Centre that the government has proposed to transfer to Hay River. The concern I have, and I would like to clearly hear it from the Minister today, and I don't want any long answers, I just want him to clearly say if there was a study and business plan done on this to move it to Hay River. If so, when was it written and discussed by Cabinet? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. That was two questions, but that is almost exactly, word for word, questions that have already been asked here in this House today. I would say those answers have already been provided to almost exactly those words. I'll let the Minister of Health and Social Services respond to that. Thank you. Mr. Miltenberger.

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, a decision paper was taken to Cabinet in March. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. Hawkins.

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Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you for that latitude. Would the Minister be able to provide when the study was originated? Was it originated a year ago, six years ago? Was there a study originated or done on this and when was it written? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there was, as I indicated, a decision paper done. We also looked at other options prior to going to Cabinet with a final decision paper. I'm not sure what the Member means by a study, but the department looked at options and came forward with a decision paper to Cabinet. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

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Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Is the Minister suggesting any type of study or detailed information wasn't required at this particular time? Maybe he could elaborate what a decision paper means, for the

benefit of those tuning in. The decision paper; was it made by one person? Can you elaborate what it is? Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. I think the question is what is a decision paper. Mr. Miltenberger.

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, decisions are made in Cabinet, based on papers that are brought forward laying out background and recommendations on a particular issue. In this case, that's the process that was carried out with this decision. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

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Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, what type of consultation did the Minister have that related to this decision paper? Did they go out to the community? Did they do any special surveys? What type of consultation information did they seek in order to bring forward this decision paper that was discussed and decided upon in March? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, part of the decision was to see whether there was a capacity in the community of Hay River to run this program, and there was; whether there was existing resources to do the capital renovations, which there was; and that it was a contract, which it is; and would it be an appropriate decision, and that was what was brought to Cabinet and that was a decision that was made to proceed with the relocation of Territorial Treatment Centre from Yellowknife to Hay River. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Madam Speaker, in the recent cleanups of the communities, we witnessed a lot of plastic garbage bags in our communities by the Northern Stores. I want to ask the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources if there is any type of incentive or partnership with the Northern Stores to have some incentive that the plastic bags could be recycled or put somewhere? They're destroying the land. I want to ask the Minister if he would look into something that would make a decision to not have these plastic bags all over the communities and on our land. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Member raises a good point and I will look into it, as he has requested. Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Would the Minister also look at this in terms of working with the other departments in supporting this initiative, especially the school children? Would the Minister commit to a time frame where we could expect some good news from this initiative? Thank you.

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 87

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we have a recycling initiative that's going to be taking effect November 1st. I share the Member's concern that littering in our communities is probably one of the most unsightly and stoppable issues that are before us and it's a personal choice and an education issue. It's an issue that plagues every community I've been in, my own included, where no matter how often cleanup is done, the next day there are bottles and cans and plastic bags and wrappers. It's something that communities have responsibility for and that every person has a responsibility for that uses those substances. So we'll work with our colleague departments and the communities, but the big issue is going to be to get folks not to throw the garbage on the streets, in the ditches, in the lots. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 87

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 87

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the issue again is will we be helping our people to help themselves in terms of keeping the land clean? Would the Minister look at considering bringing forth a policy that would support the communities, support keeping our land clean where they would also encourage business such as Northern Stores to have some form of incentive to bring back the plastic bags, the pop cans, the chip bags so they don't get thrown all over the streets in the small communities? As much as you want to volunteer the people, there has to be some incentive. Would the Minister commit to some type of policy that would see this type of action get done in the communities? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 87

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the fundamental incentive is the love everybody has for the land and the need and desire to have a pristine environment in our communities and outside our communities. That goes, once again, to people making the individual choice to take their last drink of pop and throw their can in the ditch or throw their garbage bags or shopping bags outside or in the garbage. We have a program coming into effect November 1st, which will encourage and put funds to help communities set up recycling programs to start recycling bottles and cans and hopefully to broaden out over time to recycle other materials, as well. I appreciate the Member's concern and I am committing to him that we will work to make sure that that program is fully implemented in all the communities over time. On the broader issue of having people respect the environment and not throw their garbage down, that's an education issue that we will work with him and with Education and all the other departments that are involved at the community level. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's commitment to get the recycling program done over time in all the communities. Would the Minister look at having this program be supported by the smaller communities where they can be part of the program even though they may not have a recycling program in the communities or have the machinery to support this? Is there anything they can do in terms of getting the program off the ground and start making communities aware of the situation and have a clean environment for all people?

Supplementary To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will go back and talk to the department to make sure they've taken every reasonable step, and then some, to talk to all the communities about putting in a proposal to access the resources to get a recycling plant going in the communities and look at what other options there are. If it's not a full-blown recycling operation, maybe there is a first step required. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Question 49-15(4): Recycling Program For Communities In The North
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This time I have questions for our Premier for the Legislative Assembly who is the lead on Cabinet. My questions are regarding the transfer of the TTC to Hay River. I have concerns that this decision has the appearance of being fast-tracked just to fill this building. That being said, is the process and the goal of moving the TTC to Hay River just to fill this building? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Madam Speaker, no.

Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to know what other options were looked at and why TTC was singled out. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Madam Speaker, I don't understand the question of why TTC was singled out. I am not sure what the Member means. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Premier. For more clarification, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Why did TTC reach the top of the list to be the one moved from Yellowknife to Hay River? Why was it singled out to be the only choice? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Madam Speaker, it is a territorial facility. It is the only one, to my knowledge, that we have of that kind. There were a number of factors that caused us to have a look at it, including the fact that it is a territorial facility and there is a large potential capital investment that is necessary to replace the current facility to look at how our government is meeting the economic, social and other interests of people across the Territories. So, Madam Speaker, there are a number of factors we looked at in reviewing the TTC. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 88

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I believe in the fall last year, we passed a motion that at least supported wholly on this side of the House about the establishment of a treatment centre in Inuvik and in Yellowknife. I don't think it would have broken anyone's heart here if we had to put a treatment centre in Hay River

to see that facility continue its life if that was the mandate. Could we not look at other options to fill that facility without moving the TTC to Hay River from Yellowknife? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 89

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you. Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 89

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Madam Speaker, I am sure there are lots of options we could look at to move different programs different places. There is probably a list of 20, 30 or 50 things we could be looking at. In our case, the Territorial Treatment Centre was looked at. It was felt, when looked at all of the factors as I outlined before that we consider in making these types of organizational changes, that this was a reasonable move to make, given the responsibility we have to look after the interests of people all throughout the territory in these treatment centres. We could have put something else somewhere, I don't know. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Question 50-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 89

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Pursuant to section 35(a) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the annual report respecting Members' indemnities and allowances for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Pursuant to section 35(b) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the annual report respecting capital accommodation expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Pursuant to section 35(c) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the annual report respecting Members' constituency expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Pursuant to section 19(a) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the summary of Members' absences for the period April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2005.

Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Pokiak.

Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, June 1, 2005, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that pursuant to section 61 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, that Elaine Keenan-Bengts be appointed as Access to Information and Privacy Commissioner; and further that the appointment be effective July 1, 2005. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Minister Roland.

Bill 10: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 17: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Weledeh, that Bill 10, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bill 10: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 17: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Bill 10: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 17: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 10: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Item 17: First Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 10 has had first reading. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Minister Roland.

Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Revolving Funds Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, be read for the second time.

Madam Speaker, this bill amends the Revolving Funds Act to decrease from $5 million to $1 million the maximum fiscal year end debit or credit balance in the petroleum products stabilization fund.

Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Revolving Funds Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Revolving Funds Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Revolving Funds Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 89

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 3 has had second reading and now stands referred to standing committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Mr. Bell.

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, be read for the second time.

Madam Speaker, this bill changes the definition of "employee" to include persons who perform services as appointees, volunteers and students and persons who perform services under contracts and agency relationships. Employees are prohibited from disclosing personal information without authorization. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Bell. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 3 has had second reading and stands referred to standing committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Minister Dent.

Bill 4: An Act To Amend The Education Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Education Act, be read for the second time.

Madam Speaker, this bill amends the Education Act to provide that the Minister shall prescribe the hours of instruction for the academic year for kindergarten, subject to a minimum threshold of 485 hours. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bill 4: An Act To Amend The Education Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Dent. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 4: An Act To Amend The Education Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 4: An Act To Amend The Education Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 4 has had second reading and stands referred to standing committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Minister Bell.

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Judicature Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Judicature Act, be read for the second time.

Madam Speaker, this bill amends the Judicature Act to include provisions enabling the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal to make orders preventing persons who have brought vexatious proceedings or conducted proceedings in a vexatious manner from commencing or continuing court proceedings without leave. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Judicature Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Bell. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Judicature Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Judicature Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 5 has had second reading and stands referred to standing committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Minister Bell.

Bill 6: Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2005
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that Bill 6, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2005, be read for the second time.

Madam Speaker, this bill corrects inconsistencies and errors in the statutes of the Northwest Territories and deals with other matters of a minor, non-controversial and uncomplicated nature. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bill 6: Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2005
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Bell. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 6: Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2005
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 6: Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2005
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 6 has had second reading and stands referred to standing committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Minister Miltenberger.

Bill 7: Personal Directives Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 90

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Bill 7, Personal Directives Act, be read for the second time.

Madam Speaker, this bill recognizes and regulates personal directives, commonly known as "living wills." It provides individuals with a legal mechanism for planning for their own possible future incapacity with respect to their health care or other personal matters, and it enables medical practitioners to obtain consent in respect of individuals who lack the capacity to give consent.

Some of the key provisions of the bill are concerned with:

  • • allowing a person, known as a director, to make a personal directive that will only take effect when the director is incapable of making his or her own decisions regarding health care or other personal matters;
  • • providing for the designation of an agent under a personal directive who can, if the director becomes incapacitated, make decisions respecting the director's health care and other personal matters;
  • • providing that a personal directive can be combined with a power of attorney to allow for the comprehensive management of the director's health
  • • care and his or her personal, legal and financial affairs;
  • • providing that the director will have been determined to lack capacity when two persons who are either medical practitioners or psychologists declare that he or she lacks capacity;
  • • providing that an agent cannot make certain specified health care decisions without the granting of specific authority in the personal directive;
  • • giving health care providers authority to render emergency medical services to a director who appears to lack capacity;
  • • giving the Supreme Court the power to review personal directives and make orders related to them in the case of uncertainty or dispute;
  • • providing immunity from liability for agents and health care providers for decisions made in good faith;
  • • providing for offences for the destruction or alteration of a personal directive, improper use of personal information, improper influence and illegal acts by agents;
  • • authorizing the making of regulations; and,
  • • making consequential amendments to the Guardianship and Trusteeship Act and the Mental Health Act.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bill 7: Personal Directives Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. Mr. Braden.

Bill 7: Personal Directives Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to stand and speak in support of this bill, and very sincerely in support of this bill. Over my past experience as an MLA, the need for this kind of legislation has been brought to my attention in at least a couple of situations. Some of them, Madam Speaker, have been very painful or protracted situations that families have felt because family members have been incapacitated through illness or injury. The existence of this kind of legislation may have, and in these cases would very likely have, resulted in a much less painful and difficult situation for these families. So this is a very needed and necessary legislation. It's very welcome legislation. I believe also, Madam Speaker, that it will be welcomed by practitioners in the medical and the legal areas as well as individuals and families, because this will make the administration of their duties so much more straightforward and less painful in these situations. So this is good legislation and I look forward to dealing with it in standing committee, Social Programs, and reporting back to the House in the fall. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bill 7: Personal Directives Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Braden. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 7: Personal Directives Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 7: Personal Directives Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 7 has had second reading and stands referred to standing committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. Minister McLeod.

Bill 9: Municipal Statutes Amendment Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 9, Municipal Statutes Amendment Act, be read for the second time.

Madam Speaker, this bill amends the Charter Communities Act, the Cities, Towns and Villages Act, and the Hamlets Act. The amendments enable community governments to:

  • • make bylaws authorizing the refinancing of long-term debt without the approval of the Minister or the voters, so long as the principal amount being borrowed does not exceed the principal amount then outstanding under the original debt;
  • • require that notice of loss or damage relating to conditions on highways or in public places controlled by a municipal corporation be given in writing to the senior administrative officer;
  • • transfer charges for unpaid municipal services to the property against which they were incurred in the same manner as arrears for property taxes.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bill 9: Municipal Statutes Amendment Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister McLeod. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Bill 9: Municipal Statutes Amendment Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 9: Municipal Statutes Amendment Act
Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Page 91

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 9 has had second reading and stands referred to standing committee. For the record, let me clarify that when Minister Roland brought forward Bill 8, when I should have said the bill had second reading, I said Bill 3 in error. In fact, it was Bill 8 that had second reading and was referred to committee. Item 19, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Minister's Statement 1-15(4), Sessional Statement; Minister's Statement 3-15(4), Fiscal Update; Minister's Statement 4-15(4), GNWT Actions to Support Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Project; and, Minister's Statement 5-15(4), Preparing for the Pipeline: Financial Support to Community Governments, with Mr. Ramsay in the chair.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 91

The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you. I would like to call Committee of the Whole to order. We have a number of items to deal with. We have Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4), 5-15(4). What is the wish of committee? Mr. Menicoche.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 91

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mr. Chairman, the committee wishes to consider Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4), 5-15(4), specifically with Minister Bell.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. We will continue after a short recess. Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, committee members. We will call Committee of the Whole back to order. As I said, we have a number of items on the agenda today: Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4) and 5-15(4). We are going to discuss these Ministers' statements concurrently, so they are open to be addressed by any Member. Who would like to go first? Comments. Mr. Yakeleya.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the comments that I have are in regards to the pipeline; the evolution of how things are moving with the federal government, the aboriginal communities, the specific access and benefit agreements that the communities are negotiating with the industry, the development that is happening with the Mackenzie board that would approve these certain permits and licences for the pipeline, and the ongoing discussion between our government and the federal government in terms of royalties, and the different regimes that hope to see some benefits for the people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Chairman, there are some underlying concerns or feelings that things are maybe up in the air as to what may happen next. It seems that it is a big puzzle, that one piece has to fit in before the next piece. It is very complex and timing is a very crucial step in terms of how we here in the Northwest Territories are going to see or not see a pipeline within the life of this Assembly, or if we have to wait an extra 10 or 15 years.

As lead Minister, Mr. Chairman, I am going to ask the Minister what type of message is he or his department giving to the rest of the people in the Northwest Territories and probably southern Canada, so that would they would have some satisfaction met that, yes, the pipeline is going ahead or there are things that are being worked out that would see a pipeline within the next couple of years, or things are just really too bad and that there is not going to be any pipeline in the future.

I hear that there is work being postponed. I hear that there is other work that is not being worked on this winter. It is a big issue for the people of the North. I believe the Minister is doing his best in terms of ensuring that this project stays on track, stays within the communities, and that there are lines that are being drawn for both the aboriginal governments and our own government in terms of who is taking responsibility for what and what issues are being dealt with through the meetings outside of this government to ensure that there is some security for industry to know that a proposed pipeline could be built and that everyone is taking some responsibility for this project.

I want to ask the Minister what is the message to the people in the Northwest Territories in terms of the Mackenzie Valley proposed pipeline? There are a lot of what-ifs up in the air and there are a lot of scenarios being played out across the Territories. In terms of our government, what is the message that is going out to the communities right now as we speak? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 92

The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Before we go any further, I just want to make mention of one thing. In an effort to try to make the best use of our time, perhaps if you have a number of questions directed at one Minister, we can try to get you to use up as much of your 10 minutes as you possibly can. I am sure the Ministers can take notes of the questions that you pose during your comments. I think that may be a better use of our time as opposed to going back and forth.

Mr. Yakeleya, I will go to I believe it was Minister Bell. Is that who the question was directed at? Minister Bell? Thank you.

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Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Our message to everybody who is interested in seeing this project move forward and to all northerners is that this government's support for the project is unwavering. We believe that the people on the ground in the communities are eagerly anticipating the project.

We want to see this happen, we want the economic benefits that can come from a development like this, but we want to make sure it's done in the appropriate manner. We're very confident that the environmental review process, the cooperation plan that's been laid out, is a comprehensive review process that will make sure that there isn't the duplication that we might have seen in past projects, and there's quite a potential with all the overlapping mandates and a number of different authorities involved that that would happen without this cooperation plan. So we think we're in for a very comprehensive and thorough environmental review, and we're in full support of that.

The recent announcements from Imperial, their decision to defer some of the on-the-ground work and refocus efforts on the regulatory process and on access and benefit agreements that they feel they haven't made the necessary progress on is obviously we're happy to see the additional horsepower and effort put into these areas, into the regulatory review process and into access and benefits. It is a concern to us that some of the work was deferred. What we need to do is to move as quickly as possible to resolve some of these outstanding issues so that come the late summer and early fall when the public hearing process is slated to begin, the project proponents have the necessary level of comfort and certainty that they need to continue to participate. What we don't want to see is the project's proponent pull away from the project at that stage, because that would be a significant delay. We think the delay here, the work that has been deferred this summer, is something that can be recovered in terms of critical timing, and still allow us to deliver gas before the end of 2010.

The work that needs to be done on access and benefits agreements is something that we've taken a real interest in. The Minister of Finance, the Premier and I have been in Ottawa meeting with our counterparts to try to deal with the outstanding socioeconomic issues and needs and pressures up and down the valley that rightfully should be on the shoulders of northern governments and not the project proponents. We're owning up to those responsibilities and acknowledging that there's a lot of work to be done, but also making the very clear point that it's the federal government that needs to fund the programs and services that are required, and the federal government, to their credit, now have acknowledged that. They've acknowledged a responsibility for funding and

we're now negotiating with the federal government and with aboriginal governments a deal that would see us able to address some of these socioeconomic impacts so that we can pave the way for a commercial deal on access and benefits, and that work is ongoing. I know the Premier's office is in contact with Ottawa this week as well, and the Minister of Finance, his office as well continues that work. So hopefully in the coming couple of weeks we will have additional meetings in Ottawa and look to get a resolution on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Minister Bell. Mr. Yakeleya.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Bell. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to ask the Premier a question in regard to the AIP that is going to be looked at this spring or possibly this summer with Minister Goodale, Minister Scott and Deputy Prime Minister McLellan in regard to sticking to those time frames in terms of the devolution agreement. In his opinion, in terms of having something signed by the end of this summer on devolution and resource revenue, is this something we will see or something that will give us some security as we move forward with our resource development potential areas in the North? Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Minister Bell. Oh, Mr. Premier.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Chairman, an AIP is still possible this spring, and I am still pushing the federal government and the Aboriginal Summit to work with us on achieving that agreement-in-principle this spring. I can tell you though that as the days go by, I'm getting increasingly uneasy that we're not going to be able to achieve it. We have to keep in mind this is a tripartite agreement. There's the Aboriginal Summit, ourselves and the federal government who have to come to agreement. At the negotiating table there's been less progress than what I would have liked to have seen, and I can't blame any one side for that, but we're not moving as quickly on outstanding items.

With the resource revenue sharing AIP in particular, there just have not been the discussions that I wish we had, and I have to say that a lot of that is because of the federal government's preoccupation on other issues that we haven't been able to get the meetings we want. But I am still looking to do that before the federal government recesses, but we'll have to see a more concerted effort if we're going to achieve it. Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. I've got Mr. Pokiak next on the list.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a couple of quick comments in regard to the opening statements by the Ministers. I made it clear that it's very important that we move forward with the Mackenzie Valley pipeline issue. It's too bad that we sort of are reacting to something that Imperial Oil put upon us here in regard to the announcement they made. So we're put into a place where we're reacting to something that we should have been prepared for.

Mr. Chairman, there are a couple of things I would like to touch on. One is a question for the Premier on his sessional statement. Again, in his talks with the federal government, it's very clear he indicated that the federal government is making a real commitment to work with this government and the affected communities along the pipeline route. Can the Premier indicate to people on this side of the House just exactly how committed is the federal government to actually making funds available at this time? Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Premier.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Chairman, the federal government has been more accessible to our government than I have seen and any other government in recent times. They have done a number of things. The most significant so far in terms of getting us new money is the changes to our fiscal formula, but also the Northern Strategy where the Prime Minister has committed to a more strategic view of the North, the commitment to provide us with $40 million. That money, I understand from our Member of Parliament, is coming to us in June. So there is a $40 million commitment there.

On the other area that I don't know if I want to say the government is not interested, but I know they are preoccupied with basic survival in Ottawa. So it has been difficult to get meetings. The actions that Imperial took did serve as a wakeup call for the federal government, and did cause them to move into action pretty quickly. Now it seems that there are delays that I'd sooner not have in getting their attention. Mr. Chairman, I might also say that as we speak there are aboriginal leaders from the Northwest Territories in Ottawa, and they are also doing their part to keep the government focused on this and I've been talking with those who are in Ottawa. I spoke to two of them this morning. So we'll continue our effort. I think the federal government is trying, but, as I say, they're preoccupied with other things. They are certainly making the commitments, it's following through with final agreements that we need to achieve. Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Mr. Pokiak.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm well aware of some of the funding that's been made available right now, Mr. Chairman, but I think the question I have for the Premier is I'm talking about the money we're talking about with regard to the social impacts that are concerns for the aboriginal groups. I am well aware of the Northern Strategy money that's available to this House, but my question is specifically about what was actually talked about in Calgary with the Deputy Prime Minister as to how much money is available for this government to address the socioeconomic impacts. Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Premier.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Chairman, just for clarification, Minister Roland, Minister Bell and I met in Ottawa with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of DIAND and Minister of Northern Development. At that meeting, we did not talk about specific amounts of money. We talked about the fact that socioeconomic impacts are primarily government's responsibility, primarily our responsibility because those programs are within our mandate. But because we don't have resource revenue sharing, there is an obligation of the federal government to provide us with money to be

able to achieve our needs. They agreed with that. We didn't talk specific amounts of money because we wanted to talk to the aboriginal leaders first.

When we met in Calgary the following week, it was only with aboriginal leaders, not with the Deputy Prime Minister. At that time, we looked at what our estimate was for the GNWT of meeting socioeconomic needs. That was roughly $50 million on forced growth, mitigating impacts and the capital expenditures. We looked at what the asks were or the requests were from the aboriginal governments. It totalled up to an average of $100 million a year with some years in the initial periods being higher than later on because of the need to improve our capital infrastructure.

So the $100 million a year, until we have resource revenue sharing, was an estimate we worked out with aboriginal governments. We sent that to Ottawa. The federal Ministers have seen it and as we speak today, our officials are in touch with theirs about setting up a meeting. I am prepared to go to Ottawa any time a meeting is set up, whether it's tomorrow or the day after or the day after that, but I hope to have a meeting this week. My preference is to meet with the federal Ministers and aboriginal leaders. But if that can't be possible, I will do it again on my own and brief the leaders on why we are doing that, given the short time frame we have to work with.

But there is no commitment on the part of the federal government toward the $100 million. Our deputy ministers did meet with theirs last week and we will continue to rationalize and explain why we feel this amount is necessary. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Mr. Pokiak.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have one last question with regard to the devolution agreement. When you talked about a devolution AIP being signed by the spring, we are at the end of May now. We are pretty well past spring and looking into summer. So when are we actually going to get that AIP in place? Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Premier.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Chairman, on the devolution side, that is the transfer of responsibility, there are five outstanding issues. I don't think those issues can be or will be resolved at the negotiating table. I am prepared to sit down with Minister Andy Scott and whoever he needs, to come to political agreements on those outstanding items if necessary. As soon as I get a meeting, I want to talk about those.

On the resource revenue sharing side, there has been less of a willingness to come to the table and talk seriously about resource revenue sharing. What we are asking for is an agreement that is very similar to what the provinces enjoy, where we get a percentage of revenues ongoing, but the federal government still seems to be stuck on wanting to offer us a flat amount of money, just a fixed amount of money regardless how much revenues go up or down. That is not acceptable to us. So we have to move them off that.

There are other issues as well on the quantum. This is not, in our view, a token amount of money. This is a fair share of revenues that come off our territory that we are asking for. I don't think what we are asking for is outrageous, but we want a share of it and we want it done on a percentage basis, not some flat amount that has no relationship to development.

The other issue we have to deal with is the sharing of resource revenues with aboriginal governments. Some seem to be more eager to get into debate with us about how to divide it up before we know what we've got. I am of the view that we work together as northern governments to get as much as we can, as good a deal as we can and then worry about dividing it second. If we get into big disagreements about how to divide it up, we may end up with nothing and have nothing to divide up.

In conclusion, I know it's the end of May. I know we are running out of time. I am getting more and more concerned we may not achieve this. I think it's very unfortunate if we end up putting this off until fall. Who knows what the agenda will be in the fall in Ottawa. I don't like that scenario and I am not ready to concede that it's not going to be done this spring. Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. I have Mr. Villeneuve next on the list.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Robert Villeneuve

Robert Villeneuve Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have a couple of concerns with Minister's Statement 5-15(4) by the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs with respect to the $1.3 million that is going to be provided to the NWT for the assessment of the impacts of the proposed Mackenzie gas project. I guess just looking at the numbers and seeing that the 21 communities that are going to be affected will be directly affected or more affected, I should say, with pipeline development which equates to around $50,000 for each one of those communities. With probably more funding available through some of the negotiations with the proponents and even further funding through federal government funding sources for these communities to assess the social, economic and long-term impacts of the Mackenzie gas project, my attention is drawn to the other 11 communities in the NWT that are not considered high impact zones with the Mackenzie gas proponents and with the federal government.

This government here has also committed to providing $50,000 to these 11 community governments for their review and planning and assessing any potential impacts and opportunities with the pipeline construction. I am just wondering if this is a one-shot deal. Is this a one $15,000 deal for these 11 communities, or is this a yearly contribution to the communities to deal with all the technical, professional and legal aspects to review the pipeline impact on these communities?

I think a project of this magnitude is going to affect the NWT everywhere, whether you are right next to the pipeline or whether you are 500 kilometres away from the pipeline. I think there will be as many people moving into communities like Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Hay River and other non-impact zone communities as will be going into Fort Good Hope, Fort Simpson and all those communities that are right next to the pipeline. I just don't see how $50,000 for any one of these 11 communities is going to help to do a thorough review of any impact that the community is going to be able to measure from the

pipeline project or any opportunities that they are going to be able to identify. I just want to ask if there is any more funding on the horizon for these so-called low impact zone communities that the Mackenzie gas project will be impacting just as much as the communities right along the pipeline route. That's my first question. Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve. Mr. Premier. Mr. McLeod.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the funding that the Member is referring to is the $1.3 million that MACA has brought forward and allocated to the number of different communities based on the level of impact, and this funding was identified as something that was needed through our conference that we hosted in Inuvik in December.

A lot of the community governments came forward and indicated that there was very little and, in some cases, practically no resources out there to assist them to deal with the many demands that were being placed on them as a result of this Mackenzie gas project on top of other things that they were being asked to do in the area of resource development. It was not an area that we expected to fund as a government. Initially we expected the federal government or the proponent to come forward with some of these resources. Our concern has been that there are limited resources for a lot of these communities to deal with the number of issues that are coming forward.

We did come forward with a funding mechanism to Cabinet for consideration. It was approved. In our plans, we identified 21 communities that were affected. The methodology that we used to identify the communities was through the Mackenzie gas project environmental impact statement. They identified the communities that they felt had potential direct or indirect impacts. Through that we made out our list of communities that would qualify for that funding.

The $30,000 that is available includes all these communities, plus Yellowknife. The reason we added Yellowknife is because Yellowknife was the only community that did not fall into that category, however, is an intervener in the review process.

In our view, as the Member has indicated, we agree that all the communities are going to be impacted in some way; however, we felt that there was a need to put more money into some of the communities that were going to be impacted more and at the same time provide some resources to the other communities to deal with any requirements to plan, review or assess any potential impacts or opportunities on the community or by the community as a result of this pipeline construction. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Villeneuve.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Robert Villeneuve

Robert Villeneuve Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I guess I understand the Minister's point of view that all communities are going to be affected to some degree with pipeline construction. I guess all I'm really concerned about is the fact that a lot of these communities don't have housing markets, they don't have a lot of infrastructure, they don't have a lot of the amenities that a lot of these other 11 communities probably have, like Hay River and Fort Smith and a couple of these larger centres.

With that being said, you know, I just don't know how we can say who's going to be really impacted and who isn't going to be impacted, because I feel that a community like Hay River and even Fort Smith and Fort Resolution, who have been on the road system, I think there's going to be a lot of pipeline construction workers who are going to be taking up residence in these communities that have housing markets, these communities that have community development plans that are in the works and have a little more infrastructure in their communities so they can raise families and have decent schools. I think there would be a large influx of construction workers into these communities, as opposed to taking up residence in Fort Good Hope or Colville Lake or anywhere off the road system.

I just feel that $15,000 to do any technical or professional or legal reviews, or even economic impact reviews for any of these communities is really insufficient. I don't think $15,000 really carries a lot of professional time attached to that. Just to do some social impacts in these communities is definitely going to soak up all that money, not to mention the economic impacts and the infrastructure impacts and the legal research and advice that's going to be required and the regulatory reviews that maybe some of these communities want to get in on.

Are there any other dollars these communities are entitled to? I know that the federal government funding arrangements are only for these impacted communities that are identified in this environmental impact statement. That goes for proponent funding, too, on any social or economic impact measurements that these communities want to do. All this funding is just for these 21 communities that are identified in that impact statement.

I think maybe if this government was going to fund something like that, that they'd fund maybe more to these other 11 that aren't privy to this federal government funding and proponent funding and stuff like that to do all these reviews. So why shouldn't they give more to these other 11 communities as opposed to giving the majority $50,000 to each one of these 21 communities on top of all the other monies they have at their disposal? I just don't see a balance in that. Thank you.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve. Mr. McLeod.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the intent of this funding was to assist the communities to prepare and deal with the regulatory review process. As I indicated earlier, it was funding we felt we needed to put into the hands of the communities to assist them to deal with the pipeline construction application. The hearings are going to be starting fairly quick this summer, late summer more than likely. The communities needed the resources to be able to deal with it.

There are 11 communities that have been recognized outside of the Mackenzie gas study area. We did not provide a lot of money for them to take part in this process. We were able to provide some dollars, however, our intention was to be able to deal with the communities that were directly affected and recognized by the Mackenzie gas project environmental impact statement or were recognized as interveners.

These dollars are one time. We're looking at it as a short-term solution to a larger issue. We're expecting the federal government to have some dollars. My colleague from Industry, Tourism and Investment tells me that we're expecting some federal intervention money. We're hoping that will provide the dollars, as the Member is asking, to the communities that were receiving the smaller amount. But this is really intended just to carry the communities through until such time as other dollars can be recognized. It's a short-term solution.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. I have Mr. Braden next on the list. Mr. Braden.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. A lot of ink and time has been devoted to the issue here. It was, I think, a very useful and decisive move that the pipeline group, lead by Imperial Oil, took the decision to declare not a halt, but a major slow down to all their work, and the message in that was that it signalled that they did not have the confidence to proceed at the same rapid pace as they have had related to political and regulatory problems.

It seems that in the month or five weeks since they took that move, a lot has happened. Indeed, it focussed our minds. We got Ottawa, as the Premier said, to give this project more recognition and urgency and vitality than I've ever heard from them. It certainly jolted northern leaders to revisit this immense project and test our commitment to it. I think for a while there, Mr. Chairman, it seemed that we really did have our legs back under us. We were firing on all cylinders and there was a sense of renewed confidence, especially for the people who live in the affected communities up and down the valley who have been looking for the related job and related development work on this project and the investors in communities like Inuvik. Unfortunately, we're hearing the brakes are being put on the kind of investment this project is going to need in that community.

I haven't heard that the momentum has been maintained, Mr. Chairman, since we did get our legs and, as I say, we started firing on all cylinders. Whatever analogies you want to make, I'm not seeing the movement along with the sort of urgency and expediency that we all felt was required.

The Premier has been quite candid with us this afternoon in saying that there is indeed a pace in the successive negotiations that is starting to become an issue now. In trying to make a little bit of a list here of all the different levels and layers of negotiations that are going on, there's the one on the start-up talks for $100 million on the social and infrastructure funding, there are the longer-term negotiations on the resource revenue sharing and devolution regarding all the resources in the Northwest Territories, the negotiations going on between the pipeline group and the First Nations on impact benefit agreements. I don't know that I've even heard when the next meeting date has been set here. So aside from a lot of people saying the right things and nodding in the right direction, are we really that much further ahead in terms of getting this project back on track and advancing it than we were a few months ago?

The Premier is quite correct; Ottawa is the major player here. They are under extreme distraction right now. The sense of frustration comes back again. What can we do to restore the sense of partnership and teamwork and unity that this incredible project could mean for all of Canada, but yet it lags again?

So if we can shake this in any way it's to ask the Premier on those three different sets of negotiations that at least seem to be apparent on the infrastructure, the impact in our communities, on the resource revenue sharing process, and on the IBA negotiations. Is there indeed sort of a process and a framework that we can anticipate, or are things as much in the air as we might be lead to believe? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Premier.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm sure that Imperial and its partners are still confident the pipeline is going to go ahead. They've spent $350 million or so, so far. They're continuing to spend on it. It's not a matter of confidence and we're still confident it will go ahead. We're going to work on that assumption. I believe the federal government will want to see it happen, too. So there's a fair bit of confidence there. But what Imperial has done is slowed down their spending on it because they have to get over the hurdles on access and benefit agreements and on socioeconomic impacts, the regulatory issues and fiscal certainty, those kinds of issues before they continue to invest heavily on the ground with geotechnical work. Otherwise their investors are going to begin to question what they're doing.

So Imperial has not slowed down. They still have roughly 200 people who are working away every day here on this. A lot of their work is focused on regulatory and on access and benefit agreements and answering requests for more information that have been put forward. So they're dealing with that side of it. They continue, but they have slowed their spending down.

The aboriginal governments continue, to my knowledge, to deal with the access and benefit agreements and they're working with us on socioeconomic impacts. The Deh Cho have their own negotiations going on following their legal challenges to the federal government. I understand that's moving along. So there is a fair bit of negotiating going on between the aboriginal governments, the industry and with the federal government.

The federal government has met with us at the political level. They also have their deputies working on this. The Deputy Prime Minister has appointed a fellow by the name of Horgan. The deputy minister of DIAND is the lead and I believe he's working full time. His time is dedicated full time to pulling this all together on the federal government's behalf. So there is a lot of that work going on.

Our officials were in Ottawa late last week and met with their federal counterparts. I am looking at a meeting as early as Wednesday, more likely on Thursday, and I'm ready to get the permission of Members to go to that as soon as we have that if we do get a meeting.

So things are still moving along. I want to make sure we keep that momentum going and I'll do everything I can to keep this very much a Canadian issue because it is bigger than the Northwest Territories. I want to make sure it's understood that it's a Canadian issue right across the country.

So things are moving along, but I guess I get eager and I want to move this along every week with another meeting at the political level. I realize sometimes you have to be more patient than that. I don't want to give the impression that this is somehow stalled. It hasn't. There's a lot of work going on in the back rooms.

As I said earlier, today I've spoken to two aboriginal leaders from the Northwest Territories who are in Ottawa right now and both of them assured me they're raising this at the aboriginal roundtable with the Deputy Prime Minister, with the Minister of DIAND, with the Prime Minister, and so on as well. So we're continuing to do everything we can. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. I have Mr. Pokiak next. Mr. Pokiak.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Calvin Pokiak

Calvin Pokiak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a quick question on Minister's Statement 3-15(4) with regard to fiscal update. I'm just wondering if the Minister of Finance can indicate to us if that panel has been formed yet to visit the issue of formula financing. Thank you.

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Minister of Finance, Mr. Roland.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the work on the federal expert panel has started, as well as the Council of the Federation panel has been announced and their work is starting. The one with the federal government, the expert panel, is from the federal government viewpoint looking at the whole area of equalization formula financing and will report back by late 2005, around December. The Council of the Federation panel which has a slightly more open mandate to look at both at what we call a vertical and horizontal fiscal imbalance, on that side of it they will be reporting back around December, as well. Hopefully with that work we will be able to substantiate our needs as a territorial government and why we are asking for the funds and the arrangements we have with the federal government. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Minister Roland. I don't have anyone else on the list. At this time, does committee agree that we have concluded discussion this afternoon on Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4) and 5-15(4)?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Agreed. Ms. Lee.

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Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

I just have a very short remark to add to the...Not a remark really, I have some questions for the Premier on both resource revenue sharing devolution and this Mackenzie Valley pipeline issue. I know that the government and the Premier and many leaders from the North are trying to bring this together and trying to get a resolution. I have to tell you, Mr. Chairman, when I heard about Imperial Oil pulling out their work for now, or slowing down the work, at first I, like everyone else, was quite alarmed. But I started seeing opportunities for this. I thought an impetus that could give more urgency to this and force the partners to all come together and try to resolve this, all parties including the Deh Cho leadership and their negotiating policies to be worked out. I believe that when human minds, human interests and human desires all converge together, it could be the right moment for a good arrangement to be arrived at.

I remain hopeful that that announcement would be continued to be used as an impetus for this to be resolved. I am thinking, or assuming, that there are a lot of people working hard to get there, not only in the government and in the aboriginal leadership in the North and the business leadership, but business interests around the country and around the world.

Since then we have heard many deals being made by the federal government with various provinces on various files. Over the last few months, the federal minority government has worked out an arrangement for Newfoundland/Labrador. Prime Minister Martin sat in a room for eight hours and worked out some sort of financing arrangement with Premier McGuinty of Ontario. There are slews of announcements being made on early childhood development. I am wondering if the Premier in any of his interactions with the federal government and whether Prime Minister Martin or Deputy Minister McLellan...What do we do to force all the parties, not force, but create and environment where we could...I just think that if Prime Minister Martin could get all the parties together, or if he had the desire to...I think he is one who has shown with his years of business experience, he could, I think, bring all the parties together and work out a deal after eight hours. I don't know if I am totally out in left field on this, but I think if given all the interest and desires...I do believe that everybody in the Territories wants a deal; it is a question of what kind of deal and how it works for them.

In his conversations with the Prime Minister and any of the leaders at the federal level, has any suggestion like that been made or does he see something like that happening? I think I am speaking mostly for the Mackenzie Valley pipeline, but even with resource revenue sharing and devolution. All of us sitting here -- I don't know what it is like for the new Members of this Assembly -- for six years we have been talking about getting close to a deal and still not seeing the results of it. I am wondering if I can ask the Premier that. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you very much, Ms. Lee. Mr. Premier.

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Chairman, first of all on the resource revenue sharing and devolution, that one we do have a commitment from the Prime Minister and I continually remind the federal government that he made a commitment to have an agreement-in-principle this spring and that we are working toward it.

I think we are closer than we ever have been. As I said, there are five outstanding items. When I get a chance to meet with Minister Scott -- he is the lead Minister on the devolution side -- I intend to propose to him that we resolve those at the political level in what Ms. Lee has referred to as one of those six, or seven or eight hour meetings. We just sit down and do it.

On the resource revenue sharing, that one is a little trickier. Mr. Goodale has been very busy. We haven't made the progress we would like to have made. It is not because we haven't been trying, it is just that the Minister has been harder to get to meet with. We still want to do that and I am at a loss as to how to speed that process up.

Clearly, the Prime Minister has made the Deputy Prime Minister the lead on the Mackenzie Valley pipeline. I have been working closely with her on it. We have had the meetings. I've mentioned we've had three or four meetings with her over the last eight months or so on this issue. The last one was with Mr. Bell and Mr. Roland. We had the NWT Day, of course. We have been doing what we can. I have suggested to the Deputy Prime Minister that she has to meet with more than just me separately and industry separately. I don't believe she has met with the aboriginal leaders, but she has to meet with all of us together.

I recognize that we have a different kind of mandate, too. Industry is doing whatever they can for their investors and the aboriginal leaders are doing, at a regional level, what they need to for their people, and we have to look at the broader public interest. We still have to sit down in one room and figure out how we move this thing ahead. I think meeting separately, in my view, and I have made this known to the Deputy Prime Minister, is not going to achieve the results in the end. We have to get together, whether it is on a bilateral basis with the aboriginal groups for example first, then later with industry; however we do it. But having separate talks is not moving it as quickly as I hope we can.

I will be taking the opportunity, I hope before the end of June, certainly in the summer, before the end of June and possibly this week, to remind the Prime Minister of the commitments that he has made and give him my assessments of the progress we are making or where things are being slowed down, as well. Those are the intentions that I have at this point. I still hope to have a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministers of DIAND and Finance this week. Whether it will materialize, we will see. I am told it may happen on Thursday. People are traveling on Friday, but we will see.

Ms. Cournoyea is there this week. I know she has taken the opportunity to talk to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is going to be giving me a call. I have been relaying messages back and forth to him, as well, to get him on side. We are making every effort we can to pull this through but, as I say, it is not completely within our control. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. No other speakers on the list. Mr. Yakeleya.

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Just a quick one, Mr. Chairman. This goes back to the issues that Mr. Handley has been talking about in the Northwest Territories. Is there somewhere in the plans with all these different negotiating tables happening and all the things that are coming to the fore, is there a point in this government that we will get together with the Circle of Northern Leaders and just have one topic on the go ahead of the pipeline, other issues? There are so many different facets to this proposal that just reading News/North that Deh Cho settles a suit, which was in today's news. The Deh Cho is allowing some question of the pipeline. There are several regions that have settled land claims agreements. There are others that haven't been settled and they are still trying to do their best to come to some conclusions to make a project like this go.

I guess I am saying is there somewhere in the cards, Mr. Chairman, where regions and communities should get together and focus our energy on one issue? There are many concerns out there. I support Minister McLeod's initiatives in terms of helping out our communities. We need help like that to get going. We need to be there with them. More importantly is the leadership in terms of this government. There are many sensitive issues and we have to be careful how we make a go of it. I think people are looking for that type of direction. The Protected Areas Strategy is so important because the pipeline could go under our waters and on some of our sacred sites. We also want to leave some legacy in our communities. Mr. Chairman, are there any types of discussions that one day we will all get together and have a discussion on all these important issues that would contribute to the nation building of the Northwest Territories and have the federal government take notice of some of the urgencies in here that they need to act upon?

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Mahsi, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Premier.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would welcome the opportunity to get together with Members in a committee, possibly in AOC, to go through the negotiations that we have ongoing with Ottawa. The most immediate one in my mind is the pipeline. That's the most immediate. The most important one in terms of our long-term solution is devolution and resource revenue sharing. But, Mr. Chairman, there are at least 14 different sets of negotiations between our government and Ottawa, some of them less significant, but there are a lot of negotiations happening all the time. Mr. Chairman, I would be happy to sit down with the Ministers and AOC and take a look at the whole list of things we are negotiating right now in order to determine the priorities and then what we can to get out to the communities and explain to people what we are doing on their behalf and why we are doing it the way we are. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Mr. Yakeleya.

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Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am surprised to hear about the negotiations, Mr. Chairman. I know it's a very complicated set of negotiations. I think that's what we want in our communities. What is being done on our behalf? There are also aboriginal land claims agreements being talked about. Sometimes we miss communications and talking with each other on some of the issues. It's really important for this government's leadership to know what's being done on their behalf in terms of looking at the agreements that are coming down. I think people would be very happy to know that we are working on their behalf on some of these really crucial agreements such as resource revenue sharing and devolution, and we are making progress. That's the leadership I would like to see from this government acting on our behalf. Let's let the people know what's going on. Thank you.

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Premier.

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Chairman, I think that's good advice, very good advice. We will certainly consider that as we get ready for the general assemblies and for our own trips out to communities where we are meeting with them. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Does committee agree that we have concluded Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4) and 5-15(4)?

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

There being no further business before Committee of the Whole, I will now rise and report progress.

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Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Item 20, report of Committee of the Whole. Mr. Ramsay.

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, your committee has been considering Ministers' statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4) and 5-15(4) and would like to report progress that Ministers' Statements 1-15(4), 3-15(4), 4-15(4) and 5-15(4) are concluded and, Madam Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

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Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The motion is in order. To the motion.

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Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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Some Hon. Members

Question.

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Item 21, third reading of bills. Item 22, orders of the day.

Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

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Acting Clerk Of The House Mr. Inch

Madam Speaker, there will be a meeting of the Rules and Procedures committee at adjournment today; Accountability and Oversight committee at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow; full Caucus at 10:30 a.m.; and, Social Programs at 12:00 noon.

Madam Speaker, orders of the day for Tuesday, May 31, 2005, at 1:30 p.m.:

  1. Prayer
  2. Ministers' Statements
  3. Members' Statements
  4. Returns to Oral Questions
  5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
  6. Oral Questions
  7. Written Questions
  8. Returns to Written Questions
  9. Replies to Opening Address
  10. Petitions
  11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees
  12. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
  13. Tabling of Documents
  14. Notices of Motion
  15. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills
  16. Motions
  17. First Reading of Bills

- Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2005-2006

  1. - Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 2004-200518. Second Reading of Bills

- Bill 10, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act

  1. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
  2. Report of Committee of the Whole
  3. Third Reading of Bills
  4. Orders of the Day

Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

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The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Accordingly, this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 31, 2005, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 5:19 p.m.