The honourable Member from Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that the Committee Report 3-15(5) be received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The motion is in order. Motion is on the floor. Motion is in order. All those in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Committee Report 3-15(5) will be received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole. The honourable Member from Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have the Committee Report 3-15(5) moved into the Committee of the Whole for consideration on Friday, June 2, 2006.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have Committee Report 3-15(5) moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration on Friday, June 2, 2006. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Committee Report 3-15(5) will be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration on Friday, June 2, 2006. Reports of standing and special committees. The honourable Member from Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member from Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The following summarizes progress on committee's other priorities.

Human Resources

Effective April 1, 2006, a new Department of Human Resources was created, with the committee's support. The committee will continue to monitor the new department closely to ensure that it does result in a more efficient and accountable system. In particular, we would encourage the government to task the new department with re-examining the affirmative action policy and bringing forward options for discussion within the life of this Assembly.

A Review Of All GNWT Boards And Agencies

The Joint Cabinet/AOC Working Group has now concluded its mandate and advanced a great deal of work on data gathering and preparing a new governance framework for boards and agencies, including a policy on boards and agencies. Mr. Speaker, the committee urges the government to implement the working group's recommendations for additional resources to better coordinate boards and agencies.

A Review Of The Operations And Mandate Of The NWT Housing Corporation, Including The Rent Scales For Social Housing

Committee members have raised a number of serious concerns with the NWT Housing Corporation to which we have not received satisfactory responses from the Minister and government. This lead us to bring forward a formal motion on March 2, 2006, requesting a performance audit of the corporation by the Auditor General for Canada.

Public consultation was recently conducted on the NWT Housing Corporation's mandate. The committee looks forward to the results of this consultation later this year.

An Operational Review Of The Workers' Compensation Board And Completion Of The Amendments To The Legislation

The committee looks forward to reviewing the Auditor General's report on the performance audit of the Worker's Compensation Board.

Members continue to be concerned that they have heard little from government about the status of the rewrite of the Workers' Compensation Act, which is needed to address several outstanding issues and complete the work begun in the 14th Assembly. The committee has communicated to the government that we expect them to introduce a bill in October 2006.

Consideration Of New Legislation To Protect Whistleblowers

Members continue to believe consideration of such legislation is timely, both because of local issues and national trends toward increased accountability expectations from the public service, most recently evidenced by the "sponsorship scandal." The committee has asked the government to bring forward a public discussion paper on whistleblower legislation prior to the October 2006 sitting.

Review Of The Liquor Act

The committee has communicated to government that we expect them to introduce this legislation in the October 2006 sitting.

Review of the Residential Tenancies Act

The committee has communicated to government that we expect them to introduce a bill during the life of this Assembly.

Cost/Benefit Analysis Of Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, the committee has received the government's cost/benefit analysis of the business incentive policy and is aware that there is a great deal of apprehension among northern business owners about its future. Members look forward to seeing the results of the government's consultations before the October 2006 sitting.

Improving The Land Transfer Process And, In Particular, Accelerating Land Transfers To Municipalities

The committee is concerned that progress on this initiative is not keeping up with the demand for land, especially for

housing, Mr. Speaker. More coordination and streamlining of the land transfer process are needed if housing initiatives are to succeed.

Increased Investment In Early Childhood Development Programs

While the future of the federal Day Care Program is uncertain with the recent change of government in Ottawa, the committee encourages the Minister to continue lobbying Canada for reasonable base funding for the NWT for early childhood development.

In addition to the lack of adequate program funding, many communities lack childcare facilities. This is something the committee believes the government can do something about now, by allowing surplus government infrastructure and public housing to be used for childcare programs. The committee urges the government to come forward with a childcare infrastructure policy to make these facilities available. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to ask my colleague, Mr. Ramsay, to continue with the committee's report. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

Construction Of An All-Weather Road Between Tuktoyaktuk And Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Braden. The committee was pleased to see the November 2005 "Connecting Canada Coast to Coast to Coast" proposal by the Government of the Northwest Territories to the Government of Canada and continues to affirm its support for construction of an all-weather road between Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik.

Increased Programming For Drug And Alcohol Addictions Rehabilitation And Treatment

The committee is frustrated with the government's consistent refusal to act on our recommendations for additional drug and alcohol treatment facilities. With the recent release of the Chalmers report, the government appears to have dug in its heels even further in its determination to invest almost exclusively in community-based services. Members sincerely believe this is the wrong approach for the NWT, based on what we have heard from our constituents and on our own experiences. In the absence of regional, culturally appropriate treatment facilities, we fear that many residents will never have the support they need to win their battle with addictions.

The committee supported a motion on February 27, 2006:

That this Assembly reaffirms its motion of October 29, 2004, requesting that the government establish a centre dedicated to treating addictions to drugs other than alcohol, establish an addictions treatment centre specifically for youth and reopen residential treatment centres in Yellowknife and Inuvik.

Adequate Resources For Transition Houses For Victims Of Domestic Violence

During its pre-budget consultations, the committee heard from transition houses that are struggling to meet the needs of clients in crisis with inadequate resources for programming, staffing and basic infrastructure maintenance. Their concerns are outlined in detail in the committee's October 2005 Report on Pre-Budget Consultations. The committee understands there has been some progress in shortening the amount of time it takes for shelters to receive their funding, however, we remain concerned about the overall adequacy of funding to transition shelters.

Reduction Of The Infrastructure Deficit

Years of fiscal restraint have left the NWT with a serious infrastructure deficit. Many communities are lacking facilities, while many existing public buildings are in serious disrepair. The committee is therefore pleased to see the amount of the GNWT's resources as well as new federal funding now being directed to capital projects.

Role For Elders In NWT Government

Committee members believe that elders have a great deal of knowledge to offer the government, particularly on issues such as climate change and wildlife management. The committee requests that the government initiate a formal consultation process with elders to ensure they are given appropriate recognition and respect in our institutions, and that their knowledge informs our policy-making.

Equal Access To Student Financial Assistance For Trades Students And Persons With Disabilities

Increased Investment In Trades And Apprenticeship Programs

Facilities For Seniors

The Standing Committee on Social Programs will pursue these priorities.

Introduction Of Measures To Mitigate The Impacts Of Past Hydro Projects

Development Of A Hydro Project On The Bear River

Adequate Resources For Dust Control In Communities

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development will pursue these priorities. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to pass the report on to Mr. Menicoche. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Ongoing Objectives

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The committee will also continue to pursue the objectives explicitly included in our mandate, which are:

• • the comprehensive overview of the GNWT's budget and fiscal framework;
• • the consideration of bills, budgets and financial management of the Department of the Executive, including the executive offices, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, and the Financial Management Board Secretariat, and the Department of Finance;
• • examination of Auditor General's reports;
• • examination of the reports of statutory offices including the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission; and
• • coordination of House business scheduling and planning in cooperation with Cabinet.

New Priority: Adequate Support For Frontline Organizations

During its 2005 pre-budget consultations, the committee received presentations from frontline organizations in several communities raising concerns about the level of support they are receiving from government. Staffing is an especially acute problem for non-governmental organizations and will rise to crisis level if they continue to lack the resources to offer competitive wages and benefits in order to recruit and retain qualified staff. Additional concerns, which are outlined in detail in the committee's October 2005 Report on Pre-Budget Consultations, included:

• • overall inadequacy of funding, particularly as this limits their ability to provide holistic programming to meet clients' multiple needs;
• • the need for multi-year funding arrangements;
• • the administrative burden associated with having to apply to and meet the accountability requirements of multiple programs, particularly where programs have not been designed to fit clients' actual needs; and
• • the need for more direct involvement of frontline organizations in the GNWT's planning exercises.

The committee sees frontline organizations as key to the success of many of the Assembly's goals: they are delivering some of our most essential services and have the best knowledge of their clients' needs. Moreover, they are made up of highly dedicated people who are providing programs far more effectively and at far less cost than if government were to try to achieve the same results on its own. It is critical that we support their efforts and ensure they continue to be viable.

The committee understands that the government is developing and implementing new funding criteria and approaches for frontline organizations. We look forward to hearing from these organizations again during this year's pre-budget consultations on whether they have experienced any improvements as a result of the changes made by the GNWT.

Other Activities

Over the course of the last year, the standing committee has continued to move its priorities forward through "theme days." A theme day is when Regular Members decide to collectively focus on a particular issue in the House through Members' statements, oral questions, and/or debate on motions. This provides an opportunity to raise the profile of a given issue with the government and with the public.

A motion during the formal Session of the Legislative Assembly is a proposal for the Assembly to do something, order something to be done, or express an opinion on an issue that is presented to the Assembly for a decision. Following the introduction of the motion, there is an opportunity to debate it and then a vote.

In addition to the motions mentioned in earlier sections of this report, the committee supported the following:

Energy And Cost Of Living

This motion, carried October 24, 2005, called on the government to develop comprehensive strategies to address energy costs and the overall cost of living, and to present those strategies to the committee in public meetings. As a result, public meetings did take place in November 2005 and January 2006, and a great deal of information presented at those meetings is publicly available on the government's web site.

Beverage Container Recovery Program

This motion, carried October 26, 2005, called on the government to delay implementation of the Beverage Container Recovery Program in every community without an approved depot until such time as a local depot became available. Although the government proceeded to implement the program territory-wide, the motion did press the Minister and department to come up with interim arrangements for several communities to ensure residents could receive refunds for their recycled containers.

Northern Residents Tax Deduction

This motion, carried on February 9, 2006, called for the Premier and Minister of Finance to begin working with their counterparts to lobby the federal government to increase the northern residents tax deduction and to index it annually in the future to keep pace with the cost of living.

Conclusion

With just over a year remaining in the life of the 15th Assembly, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight looks forward to seeing significant progress on several priorities between now and the end of 2006 and to working with the government to address the many outstanding priorities and objectives noted above.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that, pursuant to Rule 93(5), the GNWT table a comprehensive response to this report within 120 calendar days.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight's Committee Progress Report on Priorities and Objectives 2006.

I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that Committee Report 4-15(5) be received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. There's a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Committee Report 4-15(5) will be moved into Committee of the Whole. Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have Committee Report 4-15(5) be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration on Friday, June 2, 2006.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have Committee Report 4-15(5) be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration on Friday, June 2, 2006. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Committee Report 4-15(5) will be moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration on Friday, June 2nd.

Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are directed to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, the Honourable Michael McLeod. I just received notice that the community of Tulita is on water advisory notice and the water advisory has many facets, however one of the key indicators are the filters in the water plan system. Are there any backup filter systems in the small communities who may get these water advisory notices? How come these filters weren't ready for the communities to be put in, so they wouldn't have such an advisory given under the health centre? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The community of Tulita has encountered some problems with the water treatment plant in the area of the filter clogging up. The community does not have a backup filter for this plant. However, it does still have the use of the old water plant that was left in place as the backup and the community is utilizing that facility. It does not have the filtration system that the new guidelines require. That's why the community has issued the boil water warning. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister inform the people in Tulita when they will be able to get these filters and where will these filters come from? Why didn't they have the filters in place for such an emergency as this? Thank God for the old backup system in Tulita.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will have the filter in the community as soon as we can. The filter has to come from outside of the country. It comes from the United States. We don't have a filter system in place. It wasn't an area we thought would be a great risk. We do have a backup system. The backup system is the old water plant and that's what is being currently used. Nobody has really been cut off from the water supply. There is the inconvenience of the boil water advisory and it's working well.

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