This is page numbers 177 - 204 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 4th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was ---applause.

Topics

Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Justice, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The 1-800 number does go directly to Alison McAteer House. I am aware of that. Many of the NGOs are better able to lever their resources by working together. There is much interconnectivity among NGOs, not just in Yellowknife but across the territory. I think we would find that if we looked at any number of programs being offered and delivered because oftentimes they are forced to deliver very good service, but on a shoestring budget. That certainly has been the case with the Y over a number of years. So am I aware that the Alison McAteer number is staffing the 1-800 number and providing a very key, integral role in the delivery of our family violence protection legislation? Yes. We value their support. We value that service and we think they will be critical in the success of this new legislation. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Supplementary To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The facts are that the three very specialized professionals such as a person involved in a project with child recovery or a person who works on teen dating, violence prevention and other specially trained people work in YWCA and they use the TTC as a place to practice their specialty. They also get up to one-third of their income working at TTC. Seeing as the Minister has already acknowledged the important role that the YWCA has to play in the implementation of this new act, what analysis, if any, has he done? If he has not done so already, would he commit to do that? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Minister Bell.

Further Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't believe we have any indication from Alison McAteer House that they will no longer be able to operate our 1-800 number line. I am certainly willing to sit down and discuss that with them. I think there are a number of months before any transition has been proposed. We do have some time to work out any of these operational challenges and we will certainly be able to be prepared to do that, but, as a first step, I will make sure we contact Alison McAteer House and discuss implementations for the provision of their service. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Supplementary To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's willingness to do that but, for the record, I just want to state once again how disappointed I am that all the Cabinet Ministers responsible for their portfolio have been neglectful in looking at the things that are applicable to their portfolios in talking about the transfer of TTC. Now, when the Minister contacts the Alison McAteer House which is run out of YWCA, would he consider increasing the funding of this organization to compensate for the loss they will have, seeing that he is already well aware of the shoestring budget that they operate under? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Minister Bell.

Further Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Many, probably all, of our NGOs are fiscally challenged and could use more funding. I think that's certainly a good discussion for us to have as a government with committee. I would certainly be prepared to do that. We are going into the business planning process and I am sure many other Ministers, as well the Minister of Health, would be prepared to have those kinds of discussions. We do rely on our NGOs to provide very valuable service right across the Northwest Territories and it is important to ensure that they have adequate funding. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Bell. Final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 194

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the Minister to make a commitment to do a thorough analysis of the impact of the transfer of TTC on the operation of YWCA, including the Alison McAteer House, and report to either the Social Programs committee or to this House as soon as possible? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Minister Bell.

Further Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am very confident that over the next 18 months we will have a number of discussions around the impacts and implications of this move of TTC. Certainly I am prepared to sit down with the Social Programs committee, of which the Member is the very able chair, have a discussion around the kinds of program impacts that might be seen and we can do a review, if that's what the Member is interested in, and make sure that we have done everything we can to mitigate any loss for any program. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Further Return To Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Question 83-15(4): Delivery Of Programs Under Protection Of Family Violence Legislation
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Bell. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Given that people with disabilities need to support the GNWT and already experience considerable difficulties and financial strain, what criteria do we use to identify those who are disabled and want to access government programs? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there are a number of departments involved in this area that would depend on the disability in question and what the circumstances of the request were and what service they were trying to access. Thank you.

Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Supplementary To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have had a bunch of questions with regard to the definition of a disability. That's the same problem that constituents are having in Wrigley, Fort Liard or Fort Simpson. They are saying that I believe I am disabled and the government doesn't believe it, so how do I get them to believe that I am disabled. What is the definition of a disabled person? Could the Minister answer that for me?

Supplementary To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There is no one definition in terms of a disability, or what constitutes a disability. If the Member has specific issues that his constituents are having trouble accessing programs for disabled, as the Minister responsible for the disabled, I would be happy to get that information from the Member. I will ensure that we get in touch with the proper agency and we take the steps necessary to be responsive to the request that's being brought forward. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

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

Supplementary To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is how does this government recognize who is disabled? That is what the people are asking me. Could the Minister answer that, Madam Speaker?

Supplementary To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The Nwt
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 195

The Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Miltenberger.