This is page numbers 13 - 38 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 1st 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 assembly.

Topics

Mr. Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Ms. Bisaro, Mr. Bromley, Hon. Paul Delorey, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Krutko, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Sandy Lee, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Michael McLeod, Mr. McLeod, Mr. Menicoche, Hon. Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Ramsay, Hon. Floyd Roland, Hon. Norman Yakeleya

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Good morning, colleagues. Welcome to the House. Orders of the day. Ministers’ statements. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

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

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the youth in my constituency. During my campaign, I focused on youth. Among other things, it was one of the most important issues in Tu Nedhe. As you know, our youth represent the future. They can be a vibrant element of our communities and yet they can also be innocent victims in unfortunate situations and circumstances.

According to a census done last July, youth under the age of 19 represent almost one-third of the total population in the Northwest Territories. In my riding of Tu Nedhe, youth under age 24 represent 41 percent of the population. With this statement, Mr. Speaker, I am making a commitment to the people of Tu Nedhe that in addition to the many important issues and concerns I have heard during my campaign, I will be paying special attention to the concerns and needs of today’s youth in Tu Nedhe, Mr. Speaker, including recognizing and honouring, from time to time, the successes and achievements of various youth from my riding here in the Legislative Assembly.

We are all familiar with the saying "It takes a whole community to raise a child," but what about the resources, tools and expertise needed to support the community, Mr. Speaker? We need to ensure that, as a new government, we continue the good work of the work that has begun before us. Also, it is incumbent upon the new government to take a proactive approach to ensure that the appropriate resources, tools and expertise needed to support our youth are not only maintained, but identified as one of the government priorities. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin today, it is Friday, which is Red Friday, and I am wearing

red to show my support to the troops and their families and their commitment to us, as well.

Mr. Speaker, NGOs are a vital component to the fabric of the NWT. They offer and deliver programs, important programs and services that the government can’t do and sometimes doesn’t even want to do. In my opinion, these organizations are, in essence, picking up where government fails to act. In some cases, as well, these NGOs continue to get the short end of the stick when it comes to funding, lack of core funding, Mr. Speaker. Their funding does not reflect the increased costs of the times that we’re living in now. Many of these NGOs operate on shoestring budgets and contributions given by government, and this will be no surprise to this new Cabinet. It’s time we start showing our appreciation to this NGO sector.

Mr. Speaker, while during the election process for our Premier, I had questions for our two Premier candidates about wanting to know can we start off on the right foot by revealing NGO funding and making sure that the programming relevance is what we want. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this government take a less bureaucratic approach and start off on the right foot by taking immediate action with this problem and working and delivering a strong solution so we can finally deal with some of these shortfalls our NGOs, again, our vital fabric to the North, get treated fairly.

Mr. Speaker, the Alison McAteer House, as I pointed out the other day, is run by the YWCA and its funding struggles are well known to this community, and I’m certainly sure it’s well known to this Cabinet. Mr. Speaker, we can’t allow them to close the doors because they want to pay their employees fairly. Mr. Speaker, all they’re asking for is fair compensation.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for our Premier later today and I look forward to his enlightening answers to make sure we start this government off, this Assembly off, on the right step. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, we’ve just gone through an election process where we’ve heard a lot of issues, going door to door and hearing our constituency raising issues by way of problems that they see in our communities. Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest problems I see is the poverty that’s still out there in our communities. We hear about the high

cost of living, the high cost of rent, the problems delivering programs by way of income support for individuals who are walking the streets for three months with not a nickel in their pockets because they either missed a meeting or were told we can’t help you so…But, again, Mr. Speaker, the poverty that is in the Territories should not be there, yet we may rate as one of the high statistics in regards to the economic and the gross domestic product of producing diamonds in the country and we’re still living in poverty in a lot of our communities. The problem that we’re having by way of attracting people to our communities and the high cost of living, especially in the area of housing, from people that are living in income support are basically who are receiving a good paying job and having no alternative but to go to public housing to find shelter and paying $2,500 a month to rent a home to raise their families and finding out that they’re no better off going to that community find a job; they’re better off to go into larger centres.

Mr. Speaker, we also have to deal with the high cost of living by way of the power costs, the shelter costs and also the high cost of groceries in a lot of our communities. Mr. Speaker, we, as a government, have an opportunity to do right by the people we’re here to serve, and revise our programs and services so that they work; they’re not penalizing people through our income support reforms that we’ve done. If anything, we’ve got a bigger crisis by way of people in arrears, people who cannot afford shelter and people that also can’t take advantage of programs and services because of the restrictive guidelines that we’re using to enforce it.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, those are some of the issues I heard during my campaign and I want to ensure to Cabinet that we have to do everything we can to ensure that we have a process that will get our people out of poverty and put them back to be able to have reasonable and sustainable living in all our communities. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the past many weeks have been a very busy time, starting with the month of September, the election period, culminating with October 1st , polling day. It was a

busy and exciting time as each of us had the opportunity for a very concentrated dialogue with constituents about the issues most important to them. I found that exercise to be invigorating, and a renewal and a recharging of my enthusiasm to pursue those issues. Some of what I heard was not new, but many of the suggestions and ideas about how to approach them were new and focused on issues in a way that I hadn’t had a chance to previously hear or think of. Now, as different areas of responsibilities are determined, we will get down to do the work that we were elected to do. I very much look forward to the next four years in this role, working with former and new Members alike. Some of the issues of great importance that I heard about in the community of Hay River include, and these are just some of them:

overdue, mid-life retrofit of the Diamond Jenness Secondary School;

progress on the replacement or renovation of our hospital;

taking the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority into the GNWT-wide system;

improvements to the communications around

medical referrals to avoid waste and valuable resources;

sufficient education resources in our classrooms;

the completion of the assisted living facility in Hay River, staffed by GNWT employees;

initiatives to address the cost of living, including a review of the payroll tax and the rebates;

a review of the support to seniors and persons with disabilities ensuring fairness to all regardless of marital status;

recognizing the value of our NGOs, such as the family support centre, youth programs and ensuring that they are adequately resourced;

support for our community's aging infrastructure challenges;

establishment of a comprehensive community energy plan;

safety and security of our community through

adequate resources to meet the demands on our local RCMP members;

providing tools and programs to our residents to allow them to participate in supporting the law enforcement activities;

crime prevention and awareness programs;

curriculum in our schools to prevent children from turning to drugs and alcohol.

These are just a few of the issues that I will be placing emphasis on in the weeks and months ahead. I believe that this is going to be a productive fours years. We share many issues in common as Members collectively. We respect and support each other and we can improve things for the benefit of all northerners.

I would like to thank the people of Hay River South for giving me the opportunity to return to this Legislative Assembly for my fourth term. I very much look forward to serving them to the best of my ability. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to begin with a quote from the Earth Charter, issued in 2000:

“We stand at a critical moment in the earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace.”

Mr. Speaker, I’m very concerned about climate change and some of our environmental challenges. But as brought out in this Earth Charter statement, I am also very excited about the possibilities and the promise that’s offered in the solutions to some of these things. It’s going to take some new thinking. It’s going to take some new ways of doing things. I heard on the radio the other day where it looks like we’re a government with no change. I’m hoping that’s not true because I see a real need to do some things differently. We have now entered the point where there is an irreversible degree of climate change. Even if we stopped our greenhouse gas emissions today we couldn’t stop climate change. But we’re not at the point of dangerous climate change, as they call it, where our losses really soar. So we have a window of opportunity here and I’m really looking forward to bringing some ideas of how we can work on solutions to that. In particular, I’ve heard the word balance between development and the environment; we need to restore balance. This is clearly happening because we are out of balance, and I’m looking forward to some creative ideas of how we restore balance.

I know this has been raised throughout many discussions already that we’ve had, both informally and formally, and there’s will on both sides of the House to get to work on this. I think we can do this by drawing on local resources and local skills in new ways to meet many of our needs and address many of the things Mrs. Groenewegen was mentioning here, her list. It’s just how we do things and we can do that in ways that benefit all our residents and our northern environment and the global environment. Mr. Speaker, thank you very much.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Recommendations To New Cabinet
Item 3: Members’ Statements

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 16th Assembly, we’re going into, I believe, the most

important four years in the history of the NWT, and all 19 of us in here play a big part in how the next four years shape up. We, as other colleagues have mentioned, have heard issues from a lot of constituents during the campaign, and we want to act on these issues. Now that we’re starting to get some order in the Assembly here, Cabinet’s been selected and -- they haven’t been

assigned portfolios yet but they have been selected -- you’re going to have to start listening to what people are telling you. We, on this side of the House, are going to tell you what people told us and want us to relay onto the government because you have an opportunity as the new Cabinet to make sure that the next four years run smoothly and things get done. If there’s deadwood within the system, get rid of it, because we have a fresh Cabinet now and it should be a fresh government, a fresh start, and start doing what people want us to do. I want Cabinet to go in there and say that I will be the dog that wags the tail; I’m not going to have the tail wag the dog. I think that would be a good attitude. You are the leaders of the department; you give them the direction based on what you hear from us and we give you that direction based on what we hear from the people.

We have to act on it, Mr. Speaker. We are in a very important four years. We have some projects coming up; we have decisions that have to be made; and we have to act on it. We can’t just go through the motions for another four years. We have to be, as one Member said the other day in his campaign speech for Cabinet, we have to be proactive to the needs of the people in the Northwest Territories and not react after the fact, which I think has been happening too much lately.

One thing I did forget to mention yesterday when I was doing my opening statement, I have to commend the people of the Northwest Territories that went out and voted, because they’ve exercised their democratic privilege and it is a privilege to be able to go out and vote. A lot of people don’t have that and sometimes we take it for granted. So I would like this new government, all 19 of us, to listen to what people are telling us, act on it and act in their bests interests…

Recommendations To New Cabinet
Item 3: Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Mr. McLeod, your time is up.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today, too, I would like to get straight to work and give government some of my thoughts that I received as I went on my campaign trail, Mr. Speaker, and one of them is the transfer of the housing subsidy to the Education, Culture and Employment department that occurred last term, Mr. Speaker. I believe that was a mistake to transfer this program. We had changed how we deliver housing to not delivering housing now, Mr. Speaker. Right now we have good, hard-working people who are now in arrears. Once it was affordable and bearable for them to make five or six hundred dollar a month payments, and they made it, Mr. Speaker; but now, where we are now assessing them through full market rates and we're charging them 15, 16 hundred dollars a month, Mr. Speaker, that might work for large centres, but it does not work for small communities like Jean Marie, grannie from Nahanni. It's just not working there. It doesn't make sense to have these absorbent prices for market rates.

As well as another significant change, Mr. Speaker, is that elders and our low income people are not eligible for houses anymore and that's wrong and that's a

fundamental shift from us, as a government, being able to help and benefit our people. I'd like this government to address that, and think about that and have some solution for this House for the next sitting in November, Mr. Speaker.

What the change has really done there, Mr. Speaker, is the changes have made our lives more cumbersome for our people, that we have created more of a bureaucracy in the Housing Corporation with difficult to interpret guidelines and procedures. People are really frustrated, Mr. Speaker, and people are really falling behind, and it's really having an impact on their lives, and the lives of their family and the lives of their communities because they are the backbone of our North and I believe we should stand behind them 100 percent, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, like my colleague from Inuvik Twin Lakes, would like to use my Member's statement today to speak about my expectations of the new Government of the Northwest Territories.

The people in our communities and us, on this side of the House, are waiting to see which portfolios will go to which Ministers. I'm watching closely, Mr. Speaker, on what happens over the next few days, because the questions, the concerns and the issues are accumulating and the session, for the public's knowledge, doesn't start again…The next sitting of this House doesn't start again until November 27th . That will be our first opportunity to

question the new government on our constituents' issues.

Mr. Speaker, as the House will sit again on November 27th , that's five and a half weeks from now and I and the

residents here in the Northwest Territories fully expect that Cabinet will be up to speed on issues in the various departments. We have a great deal of experience on that side of the House and I would expect that the quality of our discussions during the next sitting will be good. I expect the Cabinet will follow through on all the promises each of them made on Wednesday during the Territorial Leadership Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I have a copy of all the speeches that the Cabinet Ministers and the Premier made on Wednesday and I will be here each and every day holding each one of them accountable for what they said and for the actions that they take. I don't want to see another government that reacts by bouncing from issue to issue. I want to see a government that takes a proactive approach to governing our territory. That is a government that has a vision; that is a government that has a goal and a strategy for the future of our people. I don't want to see a government making decisions without consulting the Regular Members of this House. I don't want to see a government that will look after their friends first and people second. People should be their number one priority, Mr. Speaker.

An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

The Members of this House and the people in our communities will be watching closely to see how this all unfolds. The government has to listen to us, Mr. Speaker. We are the voice of the people here in the Northwest Territories.

The last government had some difficulty listening to the Members, the Regular Members of this House, Mr. Speaker. I want this government to pay attention to what the Regular Members of this House have to say, because we do listen to the people that live in our communities and we bring their concerns forward.

I know one thing is for certain: We won't go anywhere unless we work together. We need cooperation from the government; we need cooperation on the Regular Members' side to achieve some good things for the people here in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, and I certainly am looking forward to working with the new government to achieve some good results for every one of our citizens here in the Northwest Territories. Mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, while I was on my campaign trail in regards to my people in Nunavut, people in such as Paulatuk having to deal with black mould, elders dealing with not being able to open doors in their units in the winter months and that's a safety issue for myself. I'd like to see if we could make a change with making sure our elders are given two cheques a month instead of the one. Because of their shortfall every month, there's a week with having nothing in their fridge, in their cupboards.

Also, for my youth, making sure, us being the furthest in the territory to come down to Yellowknife and stuff, making sure our youth are able to travel and giving them the opportunities as well as the children from the south.

Another big thing was education. In our communities in Nunakput, I find there's a lot of social passing going on. That's got to stop. We've got to make sure we're giving the teachers the help they need to make sure that our children are getting a proper education instead of having to go through another year of Grade 12 when they're done.

Also with my access road 177 for Tuktoyaktuk.

---Applause

Some Hon. Members

Yay!

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

That's a big safety concern for my community.

Our community graveyard is full. My sewage lagoon is full and we have trouble decanting every year. My water source, we're later and later every year of getting water. My dumpsite is almost at capacity; and gravel for my roads in the community, which is level with the permafrost; and the shoreline erosion that we deal with every year. Mr. Speaker, thank you for your time.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

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

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize some of the government interns that are here with us today. These are graduates from universities and colleges; the best and the brightest that are coming to take over the rest of us. I'd like to start with Michaela Johnson, who happens to be my daughter and pride and joy; Debra Price, Blair Anderson, Margaret Bell, Crystal Coleman and Samantha Paulette. Welcome to the Legislature.

---Applause

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

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

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Miltenberger has stolen my thunder; I was going to recognize the interns, as well. I would like to welcome you -- if we want to carry on from yesterday -- from this side of the House; you've been recognized from the other side. I would like to specifically recognize my son who is an intern with Aboriginal Affairs. Welcome, Perry.

---Applause

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. 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

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Minister of Transportation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize an elder from the Sahtu: Andrew John Kenny.

---Applause

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

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

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a former constituent, Samantha Paulette. Thank you.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the House. It's always nice to have an audience in here. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement today I talked about the concern that many NGOs have, which is about funding. Mr. Speaker, I also highlighted one of the NGOs here in Yellowknife, the Alison McAteer House, that probably could best be described as probably on life support right

now when it comes to funding. Mr. Speaker, during the election of the Premier process, I mentioned I would push them hard on proper funding. So my question to the Premier here will be today, it is will he investigate this problem with NGO funding right away and will he take steps to ensure that the YWCA in Yellowknife, the Alison McAteer House, gets proper funding to make sure that they can keep those doors open for a women's shelter? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue of NGOs has been raised in a number of governments and as a number of Members have raised during this process and as we begin our work as the government of the 16th Legislative Assembly, we will,

indeed, take into consideration the manner and the way we work with NGOs. Ultimately -- and this is the beauty of our consensus system -- we'll need to work together to come up with the priorities we need to set as a government as we proceed forward. So NGOs will be a part of the mix in that effort to move forward. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Premier's answer about NGOs will be part of the mix, but the fact is this organization is on life support right now. Their funding is dwindling; they're threatened with the fact, the reality, Mr. Speaker, that the doors will be shut pretty quick. So would the Premier start this session off, this Assembly off, by answering the question directly, which is will he investigate the funding at the Alison McAteer House to make sure that they can keep their doors open for women? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the fact is, the GNWT, as we have contracts and contribution agreements with every organization out there, there's annual funding put in place. Nobody is stopping that flow of funding to happen with the agreements that we do have in place, so we're going to continue to meet that commitment that is put in place. But as we establish, as I go through this work of establishing the portfolios with the different Ministers, those tasks will be looked at and working with Members of this House to come up with the appropriate balance.

The problem is, I've found in the past, when governments react to one specific situation without taking the whole picture into consideration, that's where we run into problems and that's why I'm committing to work with Members of this Assembly to come up with a package, an

appropriate way to deal with NGOs across the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, we seem to avoid the…The question keeps getting asked and the answer keeps getting avoided. The fact is, the YWCA's Alison McAteer House -- I'll say it clearly -- has a real possibility of being shut down and it's not because the funding agreement is going to be pulled, the fact is the funding agreement is not set up in such a way to fund them properly. So what is this government going to do as of January to pick up the services offered by this closed women's shelter if something is doesn't immediately? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is making it sound like we're going to have to deal with a closure. We're going to work to ensure that the services are there for individuals who are in need across the Northwest Territories. We have an arrangement with a number of organizations. This one, as the Member has raised, is something we will continue to work with and look at. As we have portfolios assigned, Ministers will be looking at the issues that come to their table, and, believe me, they're already there. As one Member said, it's been a while and it will be a number of weeks before our next sitting. The issues continue to grow out there and they will be dealt with and we will try to do our best as we proceed forward. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I'll have to compliment the Premier. He did give us a little more there, which was work so that services are there. That's a little smidge of a step of a real answer, Mr. Speaker. So will the Premier ensure that under all possibilities, under any reasonable way, we will make sure that this facility does not have to shut their doors for women? Will he guarantee that? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we talk about accountability and transparency for the government, we're going to set high standards. But those high standards also have to be met with organizations that receive funding. When they know budgets are planned at the beginning of the year, they're going to have to work within that environment as well as we have to work within ours. I commit, as Premier of the Northwest Territories of the 16th Assembly, as your

Premier, I will work with you to make sure we come up

with the best possible solution to ensure that those most in need in the Northwest Territories are taken care of. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the previous government made a spending decision, a decision to spend an additional $2 million a year on the Deh Cho Bridge project; a decision that wasn't ratified by this House, the Regular Members on this side of the House. I wasn't going to ask questions, but today I'm going to ask the Premier what is the status of the Deh Cho Bridge project, Mr. Speaker? A lot of people would like to know. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

An Hon. Member

A lot.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the government of the 16th Assembly, we're

starting out on a path as we set priorities here for the Northwest Territories. I can't reference the work of the previous Assembly, as we are now in our time of government. What I can say is with the Deh Cho Bridge, we know where it's at in the sense of the agreements that were signed. There are a number of outstanding issues that this government has to look at when it comes to the final matters that are being worked on. The fact is, recently there was an advertisement put out on the navigable waters permit. That is one of the issues that are outstanding, so we're waiting to see the results of that and that lies in the federal government's hands at this time. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier referenced contracts being signed and I know we don't want to go back to work that was done by the last government, but specifically what contracts have been signed and what are the obligations of the Government of the Northwest Territories -- and I'm talking about his government -- what are the obligations his government is going to have going forward on the Deh Cho Bridge project, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Members are aware, the contracts that are being signed are not from the Government of the Northwest Territories; they are through the Deh Cho

Bridge Corporation group as well as potential constructors of the bridge. There has been, from the work that was done previously, we know that there's a commitment to start some of the early earthwork process. But ultimately, no contracts or, from our government side, no liability is being held until we know, for example, they get the permits from the federal government as well as get an agreement on the final price of the bridge. We know there's some work done in that area, but those are the two issues that are outstanding and we're proceeding on that basis. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for that, but I'm trying to understand how the process is going to work. I haven't seen one contract; I haven't seen anything that's been signed by the Government of the Northwest Territories. I'm wondering if this government is going to be any different than the last government. Are they going to share information with the Regular Members of this House on the role out of the Deh Cho Bridge project, or is all going to be done in secret like the last government was doing? That's the question I have for the Premier. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, we are going to be transparent in the work we do. Of course, much like our own work here in the Assembly, when we have areas of confidentiality, we're going to have to recognize those as well. I commit to inform Members as we progress on any number of projects that are out there; but as we establish where we are and the Ministers receive their assignments, they'll get up to speed in the specific areas and be ready to meet with Members when committees are structured. We will be ready to proceed at that time. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am just wondering in terms of costs. Is there a final cost on the Deh Cho Bridge project and the tolls that are going to be associated with this project? Where is the financing after this project, Mr. Speaker? That is the question I have. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is something we will need to, as we are just getting foothold here and proceeding, get up to date on where things are sitting right now. The fact is the information was shared with previous Members of the Assembly -- I believe it is public -- of where things were all based on the act that was put in place a number of years

ago when the Deh Cho Bridge project first became live and a potential reality in the Northwest Territories. There is a commitment on the Government of the Northwest Territories' side. When it comes to the concession agreement, that is where the GNWT becomes involved and the potential impact of that tonnage, the toll that would be charged as the bridge is constructed all based on that act that was put in place in I believe in 2004. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to just follow up on my Member’s statement, too, with regard to the government’s previous decision to turn the housing subsidy over to Education, Culture and Employment. I know that the government, in its infinite wisdom, thought that was one of the best ideas since sliced bread in the last Assembly to centralize services. But I know it is not working. I am sure they know it is not working. I have a friend back home who likes to play on words. They go from affordable and accessible to unaffordable and inaccessible programming in the NWT Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Premier to give me assurance, and my constituents, that this is a recognizable issue and that they will seek to address this issue or re-address it, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again, that is the beauty of our system of government. Only in consensus, when there are issues that come across the table, we will work with the committees in ensuring that we make the best necessary steps proceeding forward of concerns. We have heard those concerns. Is the program in need of revamping? Is it a total review? Is it a matter of adjustments or is it just a matter of ensuring that departments get their clear marching orders and told to get the job done? As I have committed to, I am prepared to work with Members and come up with a solution that would best impact the Northwest Territories' residents. Of course, we all have to live within the resources we have. That is going to be a challenge to all Members, to help in formulating the direction we go and what levels of programming we can set in place for our residents. I am prepared to work with Members, as well as the Cabinet Ministers, on coming up with the right solutions for residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Premier for that answer. I don’t think, in this case, it is an issue of throwing more money at the Housing Corporation. I think this is the case of correcting

a mistake that the government made. I think that government should look at this decision of centralizing income security programs, especially this when…

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Do you have a question, Mr. Menicoche?

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, I would like the Premier to state again his assurance that he will look at this issue.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am definitely getting my exercise today on this box.

---Laughter

Thank you. The matter of the issue is -- and I agree with the Member; it is not all about money -- it is about coordination and how we get that done and setting clear targets and results from those targets. I expect, as we proceed down this path, that we are going to work hard and make sure the targets we set are reasonable and can be achieved. We will measure ourselves against those targets. Ultimately, it is going to be a challenge. As I have committed, we are ready to sit down and work with Members in these areas of importance across the Northwest Territories. Again, I am prepared to sit down with Members as we all get our new assignments and work together in ensuring we can provide the best level of services we are able to in the environment we are in. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just returning to affordable and accessible housing, is the Premier aware that elders no longer have a housing program? Is he aware that people with low income are not eligible for housing programs? Where are they going to get this help, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear; the fact is that we have not shut down housing for seniors. We have not shut down housing for those with low income or are on income support. Those are still available to residents across the Northwest Territories. There has been a change in the programming level and that coordination between the Housing Corporation and ECE. We need to have a review to see, in fact, why we are having problems in communities.

As was said across the floor in statements earlier, the fact is we also hear from our constituents in the Northwest Territories. Along with you, we are working together to serve the interests of the people. We have heard about the line-ups or in fact those that were in housing who never had a problem with arrears before, now suddenly

have a problem with arrears. We are going to have to look and review how this is implemented and ensure it is done right. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I respectfully disagree with the Premier. I do have elders and low income people not accessing the programs. I have one final point, Mr. Speaker. Can this government consider looking at changing the Housing Corporation from a business entity into a housing department which can better serve the public of the NWT? Mahsi cho.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Again, that is the beauty of our system, consensus government. As we sit down and look at the priorities of the 16th Legislative Assembly, if it is agreeable by

Members of this Assembly that we take a serious look at how that is structured and how it may be restructured, that is something that we will work together on. I will commit to working with Members on looking at the effectiveness and efficiency of government across the board. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to speak to the matter in regards to the social housing reforms and the restructure of programs and services. Mr. Speaker, the department of the Housing Corporation gave $30 million to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment by way of income support. That $30 million was in place to subsidize housing in the Northwest Territories. We did not have a problem with arrears, the increased amount of rent in our communities, before this took place, but yet, Mr. Speaker, we have a crisis on our hands in all of our communities across the Northwest Territories in regards to the way this program has been delivered.

I think we should consider if something is broke, let’s fix it and if something is not broke, well, then, let’s use it. But in this case, we have an issue that is broken. We have to fix it. I suggest to the Premier that we consider going back and admit we made a mistake to the way things were where we didn’t have these problems. I would like to ask the Minister, can you commit to enforcing the Housing Program as it was prior to revising the programs where we gave $30 million to ECE which now it does not work?

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we know, we have a long history in the Northwest Territories, returning Members as well, and maybe some of us have short memories.

---Laughter

The fact is, even from the 13th Legislative Assembly, the

whole area of our package of supports we have out there for residents of the Northwest Territories has been looked at. I recall even back in the 13th Assembly as a Regular

Member on Social Programs, the topic of better coordination of our programs was critical because we had elders, those in low income housing, going to four or five different doors in a community to access support from the Government of the Northwest Territories. That itself was uncoordinated, not cost effective and was leading to some confusion for people who needed the service. Since that day, there was work done in trying to come up with a more coordinated fashion. I believe we need to look at how that coordination is happening. If we have to as we review, were those initial steps the right ones to take? The fact is, a lot of our programs we have out there, well over $100 million goes towards providing support for people in the Northwest Territories that are in need. We are going to have to continue with working on how do we best put that forward and how do we best utilize those limited dollars to ensure those most in need get the help they need. We also need people across the Northwest Territories to accept some of the responsibility and getting some of that programming that is available to them. We are willing to work with people across the Territories. We are willing to work with Members in building a better solution for the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to ask the Premier, as we know, the majority of people that are now paying rent in social housing are paying economic rent. The $30 million that was there was supposed to subsidize and offset that rent so the individuals will pay a certain amount towards shelter, not the total amount of rent. That is the problem that we have with this program. Would the Premier consider looking at and evaluating the number of people that are in arrears in all of our housing authorities throughout the Northwest Territories? Were they ever in arrears? Exactly why is it that there has been such a major increase in that number since this program was implemented?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don’t know if this is the first time in the history

of a new government that on the first day one person should have all the information.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I am willing to take on that challenge and so does the rest of Cabinet. I have committed already that we will re-evaluate how this is going, the implementation of that. As soon as we go through the assignments of portfolios to Ministers, they will be tasked with a number of items. Then one of the first things we will have to start doing is building that strategic plan that we will, together as 19 Members, put forward and the business plan, the budget that we will put in place for the first budget of this government and working with Members. We are going to have to identify what is working and what is not working and where we put our priorities. I have committed to work with Members on this specific issue. We will sit down with Members as soon as we can. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe this is a crisis situation. We don’t have time to come back to the Members, work through the business plan. This is a crisis situation that we are in in the Northwest Territories. As a new Cabinet and a new Premier, I suggest that this is the first step that you take in regards to finding a solution to this major problem we have in the Northwest Territories and report back to this House in our next sitting in November.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

I didn’t hear a question there. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I bet the Premier wishes he had assigned portfolios before this morning, but we are ready to go. We are ready to get into business here. I made a promise, Mr. Speaker, to a constituent during the campaign that at the first available opportunity I would stand up in this House and raise an issue with respect to housing and seniors' housing programs. Right now, if you are fortunate enough to live in social housing as a senior over 60, you pay no rent. It is not means tested. However, if I am a senior living in my own home and I need to access a repair program to make my house more affordable because I don’t have that, that program is means tested and to the point that if I need $15,000 or $20,000 for work done to my house as a senior, I have to agree to put a mortgage on my house in order to ensure the government’s investment in that house. The rationale is that I might get that $20,000 or $25,000 of work done to my house and I might sell it. But how do you reconcile that with the fact that the person that is getting free rent did sell their house and put the money in the bank? I would like to ask the Premier today, would he agree not to means test the free housing but, for heaven’s sakes, don’t means test the seniors' programs and penalize those who

are struggling in independent homes they own themselves. It has to be fair. This is highly discriminatory. Would you agree to make it fair across the board, no means test, no mortgage on those seniors' houses who own their own home who want to access seniors' programs? Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 5-16(1): Senior Housing Programs
Item 7: Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the fact is, that is another good question that we are going to have to look at as a new Government of the Northwest Territories. The challenge is how do we come up with the right balance? The Member is right in saying that anybody in public housing, a senior has no rent to pay but a senior who is in an old folks’ home, for example, pays rent, pays a significant amount of rent as well as anybody who is in a level of care that requires other supports from the Government of the Northwest Territories. So somebody who is in a long-term care home, for example, they have to pay rent. Somebody who is in an old folks’ home has to pay rent. Those in public housing, the Member is correct, don’t pay rent. So we do need to look at a balance. I do not believe we can afford to go on open slate because we do have to set some thresholds. There are individuals who have managed very well over their lives in the Northwest Territories and who can afford to make some of the renovations where we can help. All the Housing Corporation programs for housing assistance, repair, new homes, they are all attached to a timeline of having the Housing Corporation have first rights in a sense of potential payback if somebody decides to sell. So that is going to be a part of the programming we have to review. Thresholds will have to be reviewed as we look at the cost of living in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, why should the Housing Corporation have first rights to the proceeds of a sale of a senior’s home who accessed a repair program and yet they would have absolutely no issue with somebody selling their house, putting the money in the bank and getting free housing? I am not trying to take that away from the people who do get that. That was a program in place. People accessed it. Good for them. That is the parameters that we set out, but it is highly discriminatory. I will tell you another thing that is highly discriminatory with our housing is that the government comes into the community, they build units and duplexes.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Do you have a question, Mrs. Groenewegen?

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

How can you discriminate on the grounds of marital status? That is against the human rights code to do that. How can you tell a couple you can have a free seat here, and then leave somebody alone, a

widow or a widower by themselves trying to support an independent housing unit?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, obviously the Minister that I assign the Housing portfolio to will be busy from day one trying to get a grasp of the issue again for the Northwest Territories.

---Laughter

Through the years, programs have been set up, adjusted, tinkered with, amended and changed. I think this is a prime example of where we, as a government, need to look at. The programs we have in place, how were they developed? Are they meeting the needs that they were intended to? Some programs were put in place from almost the inception of the Government of the Northwest Territories or when a program is transferred from the federal government. So we have a challenge before us, as Members, to re-evaluate the programs we deliver to the people of the Northwest Territories. Are they meeting the needs they were designed for? Are they still needed in this environment? I think, with the cooperation of Members of this House, that is something we need to do, is have a serious look at the programming that we have in place and how efficient and effective it is. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The programming for seniors is a very good program in the Northwest Territories; however, it needs to be fixed. I am not suggesting we take anything away from it. However, I am saying we create a level play field. At a high level, in terms of principle, will the Premier agree that we, as a government, should not discriminate against people on the basis of their income nor on the basis of their marital status? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I must apologize to the seniors of the Northwest Territories. I use the term old folks and that is one I grew up with in the community of Inuvik, so I must apologize. Properly, it is seniors of the Northwest Territories. So with that, the question about the discrimination or the balance, I believe we do have to look at where we are. Ultimately, throughout the Northwest Territories and, in fact, it is quite a coincidental question because the alignment of income support and Housing Program was trying to make a level playing field for everybody who accessed the government programs. That is the thing we need to look at. Are we creating a level playing field? At some point, income is going to play a role in the decision-making or a cut-off for the Northwest

Territories. We just can’t afford to have an open plate for anybody who came to the door in the Northwest Territories for any specific program, whether it be housing or so on. But we do have to recognize the importance that seniors play in the Northwest Territories. I think we have tried over the years. I think, if we compared ourselves to the rest of the jurisdictions across Canada, we have one of the better programs in the Northwest Territories. We need to make sure we maintain an appropriate level of care and a fair, level playing field. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to get back to questions on the Deh Cho Bridge project. I wasn’t left with a really good feeling after hearing the Premier talk about how his government is going to operate differently than the last government on providing this House with assurances on how the project is moving along. I am talking about information and information sharing. How is his government going to be any different than the last one, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am looking at where we will go forward, not how we go backward. So I think as we put out there, I am one who will stand on the fact that we will be open and work with Members of this Assembly. It’s a two-way street here. We need to work together. If we provide information to Members that is confidential so that you can feel that we are doing the appropriate thing, then we need to be secure that we have that information to you in confidence. We are early days in this government. As a new Transportation Minister is assigned, one of their tasks will be to get up to speed with where the files are and be prepared to sit down with Members as they are ready to go, as well. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The only information we got during the life of the last government, we got high-level information on what was happening and really we were only consulted when the government wanted to go ahead and increase the loan guarantee. I certainly think we do need to work together. The information needs to come back and forth. The legislation the Premier in the last government and this government is relying on is only a vehicle to get a bridge built. It’s got no numbers in it. It’s very difficult for us when the government is making decisions, especially on spending, without coming back to Regular Members and asking our opinion. So again, I would like to ask the Premier how is his government going to operate differently? Are we going to be able to see the concession agreement? Are we

going to be able to see the contracts that have been signed? What has been signed? We don’t even know what has been signed yet. I would like to ask him that question, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. There were about two or three questions there. You can answer one or all three. Thank you. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the challenge will be -- and I fully expect we are going to be held accountable on the information we share with Members -- if it’s seen as only high level or it’s seen as a lot of information but really of no worth. So I am committing to work with Members and provide absolutely the best information we can. Of course, we have parameters around how we can operate. I am going to commit to you and Members of this Assembly to share the information that is necessary to make sure we make good decisions for residents of the Northwest Territories. The parameter, the act that was put in place, put parameters in place of what can be done and not be done. We have to live within those. Ultimately it is the will of the Assembly, the House, whether it changes a bill or not. Right now, that’s what we have to operate in and there are a number of factors that are still out there that need to come back for final consideration. That is the final costs, the financial arrangements, the agreement with the federal government on the permit that is necessary. Once a new Minister is put in place, he will have to come up to speed in that area and be prepared to meet with Members. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Short supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the commitment and the expenditure of public funds, I don’t think there is such a thing as confidential. Let’s be realistic about that. They are public funds. They are going to be expended in an area. I don’t believe that’s confidential, Mr. Speaker. Is the Government of the Northwest Territories past the point of no return on the Deh Cho Bridge? Are we proceeding with the Deh Cho Bridge when we don’t even know what it’s going to cost us? Are we past the point of no return, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are facts out there. I am not going into the previous work of the life of the 15th Assembly. We have to

move forward on what we have and the information we have. Let’s put the facts out there. The number that’s been talked about in the media, in the agreement and information, was $150 million. The Deh Cho Bridge Corporation is working on securing its final pieces of financing out there. The government’s responsibility will be what’s announced out there and been put out there for public record and that is the cost of operating the ferry today, plus approximately between $1.5 million and $2

million annually and then the rest of the cost. The reason they were getting this financing put in place is because it’s self-liquidating in the sense that the tolls that we establish will help pay for this bridge over a 35-year period. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Ramsay. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just following up on my previous questions, I would just like to ask the Premier for a commitment here today that he will come back to this House at the next sitting, which I believe is November, and seriously give us some options with regard to the problem with housing, the income reform program and also to make sure that the $30 million, clarify the $31 million that was transferred to ECE for 14 additional positions on top of the subsidy, is it being expended with regard to the way it was originally intended and why is it that there are so many people in arrears in housing now because of it?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. There’s a couple of questions there. Honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have committed that once the assignment of portfolios is done, the appropriate Ministers will get up to speed on the particulars within their departments and be prepared to sit down with Members to come up with where things are and answer those questions. When we come back for our next sitting, we will have that information available as to where things are today. More importantly, we need to sit down together as 19 Members to come up with where we think we should be as the 16th Legislative Assembly and that

work needs to be done, as well. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we’ve been sitting around for the last week talking about issues and priorities and I believe this is one of the top issues that has been on all our minds. As a Premier, I would suggest that one of the first things you do is clearly look at reforming this program back to the way it was when it was working. The subsidy was being implemented; every homeowner or income support person was able to access that program and we didn’t say sorry, you’re drinking, you’re late for your appointment, walk the streets for three months and…

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Do you have a question, Mr. Krutko?

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Premier that he does make this a priority, come back to the next sitting in this House and have some answers as to how he sees government making a difference in this program.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the commitment I made is we will get back to Members when we get back for our next sitting, or sooner if we can, when committees are set up in specific areas and dealing with specific departments. Ultimately, we need to sit down, as I stated earlier, and look at whether the program is working. There are enough Members here who recall the reason this initiative was taken is there were numerous complaints across the territory. The Housing Program, subsidy levels were not working. They needed to be changed, so we started that work in earnest to try to come up with a package that would work and creating a level playing field for people across the playing field. Clearly, there are issues in communities now as this has happened. So we will have to take a look at that. We will be prepared, with the time limit we are in, to come up with information as to where it is this day and be prepared to sit down and start working with Members. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Short supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with regard to the program itself, I would also like to have the Premier look at the 14 positions that were also handed over to ECE because they said they didn’t have the capacity. Because of that, it seems like the program has been a crisis ever since. I assume that because of that, we don’t have the capacity and we are not delivering it right. So I would like to ask the Premier to also look at that.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, I have committed that we are going to have a look at this and that will be part of the review.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Short supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I hope it’s more than just looking at it; I hope that he’s going to come back with something that’s solid, that gives us some options and we’re able to act, as a government and as 19 Members, to make a difference to the people of the Northwest Territories.

An Hon. Member

Right away!

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

I didn’t hear a question there. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on the questions asked

by my colleague Mr. Ramsay with respect to the Deh Cho Bridge. There’s a verse in the Bible, that I know Mr. Roland will be familiar with, that says, “No man builds a house without first counting the cost.” This is an anomaly; this is a public/private partnership, but we are the public piece of that partnership and I still cannot seem to get into my head whether or not we, as a government, have had the opportunity to consider the cost. I’m not prepared to sign a blank cheque. I haven’t even been asked if I want to sign a blank cheque. You know, there is a piece of this that we are party to that we can’t get answers on, and it’s big. We started off with a $50 million bridge at a certain toll and a contribution of this government. Those are the three principles of the business plan that we started off with. The price has changed, the toll has changed and, certainly, I have no idea to what extent our contribution has changed. I don’t know and I want the Premier to be able to answer those questions here today. Indexed? What is it? One million? Two million? I heard one and a half to two million. We need to make those kinds of decisions. We never throw out, in any decisions we make, we never throw out the opportunity to have input and to assess those kinds of investments. Why on this case, and are we past the point of return? Tell me. I need to know that. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me tell Members right now, residents of the Northwest Territories, I am not prepared to sign a blank cheque either. I think that’s one of the challenges we’re going to be faced with, as we’ve heard about as Members have got together is one of the issues we have to deal with is the capital infrastructure in that area, the cost of it in the Northwest Territories. Can we meet that need? We’re going to have to ensure the deal that is signed, that we are involved with, is one that can be honoured and can be delivered on what is agreed to. The financing, the tonnage, it all has to fit within the act that was established. That’s what we have to live with right now because that’s in place. The other commitments that we made that are over and beyond that, I’m prepared to share that with Members once we get that information, and I’m prepared to sit down with Members to go through that in detail. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Short supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I understand it, the act is a vehicle by which this process can proceed; however, the detail of it is left open and that’s why we’re able to have discussions about, you know, can we still afford our contribution. It used to be just the cost of the ice road and the ferry and now we’re talking about perhaps another $2 million a year indexed over the next 35 years. We just need to see that. We need to know what that is, and we don’t know right now. It seems open ended. Is there a point at which our involvement in this will cause this government to say, no, stop? Is it too late for that? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s not too late. The 16th Assembly and its

mandate has not signed a deal on proceeding forward in the sense of the no-go or no-stop point. Like the Monopoly board, once you pass go, collect your $200 and go on; we’re not there yet. There are some key issues that are still left out there and one of those that was in the paper for public interest was that navigable waters permit. So that’s one of those things, and a final financing deal that comes down. So we’ll be prepared to sit down with that detail when we get it and inform Members of where we are. I’m not prepared to sign a blank cheque, as I stated earlier. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Then I have to ask this Premier, what was the purpose of the trip to Fort Providence, then, with the golden shovels, standing on the banks of the Mackenzie River on the very last day of this government before it dissolved? What was the purpose of that? Was there an actual contract signed in conjunction with that process, or was that just a, you know, a show of some kind of psychological commitment that we’re proceeding with the bridge? Where’s the legal document? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. I don’t know if the Premier wants to answer that, kind of leaning towards what the last government did, but I’ll allow the Minister to if he wants to answer. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I won’t go into the decisions of the past government, but where we are today, what’s in place was a limited agreement to proceed, and that is a minimal amount of work. There is some commitment that Members were aware of, and the government’s loan guarantee that we have on the books today, and that’s the limit that we are faced with today. We have to get the rest of the details to proceed with the actual work and ordering of steel and so on and so forth. Once we get that information, we get the details, I am prepared to sit down with Members. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final, short supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our Premier is being very helpful with this and I do appreciate this information and I’m sure the public does, as well. So right now, then, as I understand it, the only commitment that this government has is the extent of the loan guarantee, which I believe is around $5 million.

We are not liable at this point in time for anything further than the loan guarantee for around $5 million on the Deh Cho Bridge project? Is it nine? Oh, it was five last time I heard it. Ever grows. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the loan guarantee is what we would be liable for if things did not proceed at this point. That’s it. That’s the number there, but I believe it’s not $5 million, it’s a bit more than that, but that was shared with Members and I believe they’re aware of that. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the last government, devolution seemed to be the end all and be all of a focus that they have. I certainly think that we have many more issues before this Assembly to make devolution the only issue we talk about. I’d like to make sure we talk about housing and education and a whole lot of other things. But, Mr. Speaker, if a devolution deal is before us, there’s not a single Member on this side of the House who wants it to be at any cost. As we all know, it’s always about the numbers; and money certainly is a big issue. So my question to the Premier is, when we finally get a deal inked, if that ever happens in this Assembly’s lifetime, will the Premier bring the deal before the House for a vote by all Members to ensure we’re getting the best deal acceptable for the people of the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we get up to speed of where this is at, I’m prepared to sit down with Members on this and update them as to where we are. As for coming to a vote for this House, that is something that I will take under review. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask the Premier if he and his new Cabinet would consider cancelling the whole Deh Cho Bridge project, diverting the money to starting a road down the Mackenzie Valley that would benefit more people down the valley and Yellowknife? Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley highway is something that has been discussed as one of the lists we’ve raised with the federal government as the new roads and highways are still under their mandate and would look at that. Ultimately, I believe it is more a thing of, first and foremost, because there are some commitments out there made by government that, you know, we’re taking over and we have to honour, at least at this point until conditions are met or not met; the area of is it one versus the other? I think we have to sit down and highlight what are the key projects we want to see in the Northwest Territories and take that with us to Ottawa, and the Mackenzie Valley highway is one of those that we seriously have to consider. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I’d just like to highlight my Member’s statement with regard to my housing issues and I’d like a commitment from my Premier regarding the black mould issues in my riding, to making sure the local housing authorities will deal with the problem, and the safety of my elders in their units, as well.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know the Member will do well for his seniors and the people in his constituency. Those are normal business activities and we’ll ensure that the proper authorities that are in place are making sure that they meet the safety requirements of individuals in your communities. So we’ll get that message sent down and sent down quick. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a question for the Premier, and I think it’s important that the Regular Members and the public know, I’d just like to ask the Premier if he has a time estimate on when portfolio assignments will be given out to the new Cabinet? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve asked all Cabinet Ministers to provide me with a letter today on their priorities, where they think they would fit best. I will then review that, take into consideration the running of departments, where the fit would work, and hopefully I can make some decisions early next week. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last government, for all intents and purposes, really didn’t have an even distribution of workload and I’m wondering if the Premier can state today that he’s going to do everything in his power to ensure that there’s an even distribution of workload amongst Cabinet Ministers?

Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, all Members on this side of the House will have a large workload. I have to take into consideration the skill level, the interest in particular areas and how they can work together to ensure we are delivering it and doing it in an efficient way. So that’s going to be taken into the equation. As well, I will look at the seniority of Members, their experience and what they can bring to the table. But every Member on this side of the House will have some heavy lifting to do over the next four years. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m just wondering, is it the Premier’s prerogative to let Members of the House know the portfolio assignments before it’s actually released publicly? If there are concerns from the Regular Members, do we have any opportunity for input on those portfolio assignments, Mr. Speaker, before it goes public? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Ultimately, it is the Premier’s decision to assign those portfolios. Of course, one of the things I will take into consideration is Ministers say they’d like areas in order of importance or priority, they won’t get everything they want in that sense. As well, I intend to hear from Members if there are concerns out there but, at the same time, I have to look at the workload, how it’s distributed and working with Members. We need to work cooperatively in this

environment, but ultimately not everybody from either this side of the House or that side of the House may be happy on certain appointments, but we’re going to do the best we can in balancing the workload out. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow up a little bit on the Deh Cho Bridge, if I could. As everybody knows, climate change is going to affect our food, it’s going to affect our caribou, our fish; many of these are already declining or changing their patterns of behaviour. It’s going to affect our waterways, our water quality. It’s affecting our infrastructure and, of course, our budgets and so on. Transportation causes over half of our greenhouse gas emissions. What consideration -- and I don’t know whether this is legitimate to look at the past here or what -- has been given to climate change impacts in the design of the bridge, and has there been consideration or will you give consideration to making sure that there’s a train trestle as part of the design of the bridge as an important way of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in the Northwest Territories? Thank you very much.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. A couple of questions there. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in any design we move forward on, looking at the development of the Northwest Territories and environmental impact and footprint is considered as we proceed. Right now, the bridge design that’s been put in place does not have a train trestle as part of it. That would definitely increase the cost and bring back the question of affordability of the project. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Premier. I think one of the methodologies I would like to see this House adopt is full cost accounting. When we look at the cost of climate change and the cost of allowing our greenhouse gas emissions to continue to climb -- I think we’ve doubled, almost tripled them in the last decade -- we need to recognize the costs that go along with those. For example, the increasing cost of infrastructure, school roofs caving in and so. Will the Premier commit to full cost accounting in all government processes involving the expenditure of funds from now on? Thank you very much.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I guess I go back to the fact that it’s the beauty of the system we’re in, consensus government, the fact

that as we begin our business plan process review, how that’s structured, the number of years that that is reviewed under that, this is one of the considerations that can be put into place as we proceed. So I’d be happy to sit down with Members as we begin that process to see if that is one of the things that I can do and how it affects the business planning as is prepared now by the Government of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Premier for that response. I understand that I was straying a little bit, covering a couple of different topics and I want to apologize for that. That’s all I had wanted to say, to express my appreciation for that and I look forward to further discussion.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. No question there. Oral questions. Written questions. Returns to written questions. Replies to opening address. Petitions. Mr. Clerk.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. Speaker, I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of illegal activity in public housing in Hay River. Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 111 signatures of Hay River residents. Mr. Speaker, the petitioners request as follows: that the Government of the Northwest Territories do something about the lack of action on the part of the Hay River Housing Authority regarding illegal activity in public housing units. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Petitions.

Reports of standing and special committees. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Tabling of documents. Notices of motion. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Motion 5-16(1): Adoption Of Members’ Conduct Guidelines
Item 15: Notices Of Motion

October 18th, 2007

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Weledeh, that this Legislative Assembly formally adopts the "Members’ Conduct Guidelines," as appended and which forms part of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Notices of motion. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Weledeh, that the following Members be appointed to the Board of Management for this Assembly: the Hon. Paul Delorey, Member for Hay River North; Mr. Tom Beaulieu, Member for Tu Nedhe; Mr. Robert McLeod, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes; Mr. David Ramsay, Member for Kam Lake; the Hon. Norman Yakeleya, Member for Sahtu; and further, that the following Members be appointed to the Board of Management as alternate Members: Ms. Wendy Bisaro, Member for Frame Lake; Mr. Jackie Jacobson, Member for Nunakput; the Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Member for Monfwi. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate at this time that I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. Notices of motion. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by rescinding Rule 85 and substituting the following:

Standing and Special Committees 85 (1)

At its first sitting after a general election, the Assembly shall appoint a Striking Committee of five Members to report and recommend, with all convenient speed, Members to comprise the following standing committees of the Assembly:

on Economic Development and Infrastructure;

on Government Operations;

on Priorities and Planning;

on Rules and Procedures;

on Social Programs;

and any other standing and special committees as directed by the Assembly.

(2) The Standing Committee on Economic

Development and Infrastructure shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Environment and Natural Resources, Industry, Tourism and investment, Municipal and Community Affairs, Public Works and Services, Transportation and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:

(a) review multi-year business plans and

budgets, bills, boards and agencies, including the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories Power

Corporation, the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation and the Public Utilities Board;

(b)

review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and

(c) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

(3) The Standing Committee on Government

Operations shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of the Executive, Finance, Human Resources and the Financial Management Board Secretariat:

(a) review multi-year business plans and

budgets, bills, boards and agencies;

(b) review departmental performance and

official language issues, including that of boards sand agencies;

(c) review, as necessary or appropriate, the

annual and other reports of the statutory officers of the Legislative Assembly, including the Languages Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission;

(d) examine the reports on the annual financial

statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General

(i)

in the event that the Assembly is not in session, the Speaker may provide the Auditor General's report and the Minister of Finance may provide the public accounts to the committee for review, which may include public hearings, in advance of tabling; and

(e) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

(4) The Standing Committee on Priorities and

Planning shall:

(a) review issues which have government-

wide implications, including the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;

(b) review Government of the Northwest

Territories reports on financial and performance results and program and policy evaluations to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;

(c) coordinate

sessional business scheduling

and planning in cooperation with appropriate ministerial representatives;

(d) coordinate committee public consultation

efforts with respect to budget and fiscal matters;

(e) coordinate committee strategic planning

efforts;

(f)

monitor and evaluate ministerial performance issues;

(g) consider the budgets and financial

management of any boards and agencies that are outside the responsibility of any standing committee; and

(h) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

(5) The Standing Committee on Rules and

Procedures shall:

(a) review the reports of the Chief Electoral

Officer on the conduct of elections, plebiscites or votes conducted in the Northwest Territories in accordance with statute;

(b) review, as necessary or appropriate, the

annual and other reports of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner;

(c) review and make recommendations on the

implications and impacts that the implementation of self-government agreements will have on the powers, structures and procedures of the Legislative Assembly; and

(d) inquire into such matters as may be

referred to it by the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker or the Board of Management.

(6) The Standing Committee on Social Programs

shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment and Justice:

(a) review multi-year business plans and

budgets, bills, boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council and programs for seniors, youth and persons with disabilities;

(b)

review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and

(c) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

And further, that Rules 87(1) and 87(2) be amended by striking out "Accountability and Oversight" after "Standing Committee on" and substituting "Priorities and Planning".

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Notices of motion. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Robert C. McLeod, Mr. Menicoche and Mr. Ramsay be appointed to the Striking Committee for this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Notices of motion. Honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that the appointments of the following Members to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight be revoked and that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning: Mr. Glen Abernethy, Member for Great Slave; Mr. Tom Beaulieu, Member for Tu Nedhe; Ms. Wendy Bisaro, Member for Frame Lake; Mr. Bob Bromley, Member for Weledeh; Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, Member for Hay River South; Mr. Robert Hawkins, Member for Yellowknife Centre; Mr. Jackie Jacobson, Member for Nunakput; Mr. David Krutko, Member for Mackenzie Delta; Mr. Robert C. McLeod, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes; Mr. Kevin Menicoche, Member for Nahendeh; and Mr. David Ramsay, Member for Kam Lake. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Notices of motion. Honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. David Krutko, be appointed as Deputy Speaker. As well, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Notices of motion. Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that the honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Glen Abernethy, and the honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bob Bromley, be appointed as deputy chairpersons of Committee of the Whole. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Notices of motion. Honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 22, 2007, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that, notwithstanding Rule 4, when this House adjourns on October 19, 2007, it shall be adjourned until Tuesday, November 27, 2007; and further, any time prior to November 27, 2007, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, if the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Notices of motion. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Colleagues, before we go on to the next item on the agenda, the Chair is going to call a short break.

---SHORT RECESS

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Colleagues, let’s get back to orders of the day. Motions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion he gave notice of earlier today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.

WHEREAS the Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly

are mindful that it is an honour and a privilege to serve the people of the Northwest Territories as legislators;

AND WHEREAS the trust and confidence the people have placed in conferring this office upon us demands the highest standard of conduct, integrity and honour;

AND WHEREAS Members are resolved to do our utmost to hear the voices of all our people; preserve our traditions and bridge them with new ways to build our future; provide legislation, policies and services for the good of the people as individuals, families and communities; promote the equality of all our people; distribute resources fairly and justly; and respect and honour our land and all its inhabitants;

AND WHEREAS Members recognize that we owe to this Legislature respect as well as dedication to ensuring the integrity of our government and to earning the confidence of the people;

AND WHEREAS Members recognize that we owe to our constituents our best efforts at effective representation as well as accountability, honesty, fairness and courtesy;

AND WHEREAS Members recognize that we owe to the public a responsibility to work for the well-being of all residents of the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS Members recognize that we owe to our colleagues fairness and respect for differences, and the duty to work together with goodwill for the common good;

AND WHEREAS Members are resolved not to act, nor condone others to act, in ways that exploit, slander or discriminate against others;

AND WHEREAS Members acknowledge a vision and a responsibility to improve the lives of our people and to act in creative ways to overcome the hardships which destroy life and hope and the human frailties which fall upon us;

AND WHEREAS Members are resolved not to act, nor condone others to act, in ways which are dishonest or which exploit positions of privilege for personal gain;

AND WHEREAS paragraph 75 (a) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that each Member shall perform his or her duties of office and arrange his or her private affairs in such a manner as to maintain public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of the Member;

AND WHEREAS past Assemblies have seen fit to adopt principles to guide Members’ conduct;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Weledeh, that this Legislative Assembly formally adopts the “Members’ Conduct Guidelines” as appended and which forms part of this resolution.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. The Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will be very brief because the motion that I read basically says it all. There were a couple of points I did want to make. I brought this motion forward willingly because I truly believe that, as elected representatives, we have to follow the guidelines. This is just putting it on paper and putting the motion together, but we have to follow it because we should believe in it. We have to be able to come to work every morning, treat our colleagues with

respect, treat them with integrity and some may wonder about that sometimes with some of the stuff that goes on in this Assembly, but we need to be able to go home in the evening, look ourselves in the mirror and have no problem with that reflection looking back at us because we’ve done what we set out to do. I believe in this motion. I try to abide by it. It’s not just the motion that I try to abide by it, it’s the honestly and the integrity. I think that’s something we need to bring to this Assembly. I think it’s something, in my couple of weeks here getting to know everybody, I think everybody here will agree to the same thing. We have to go about our work with integrity. We have to be honest. We’ve had issues in the past, but that’s where they should be left. They should be left in the past and we should go forward from here.

This is a motion that I truly believe in. It’s a motion that I willingly brought forward and I wanted to be the mover of this motion. I believe in all the principles that it says in this motion. It’s a very broad motion. It shouldn’t be just a play on words. We shouldn’t just throw these words around loosely; accountability, integrity, honesty. These are words that we should believe in and we should bring them to this institution. I believe in this institution. We should bring them here and this is something we have to believe in, otherwise, if you don’t believe in all these principles, we may as well just stay home because we won’t be serving anybody any good if we come down here and we have the wrong attitude and we don’t believe in the principles of integrity and honour.

So it’s an honour, Mr. Speaker, for me to bring this motion forward because it’s something that I truly believe in and it’s just not a play on words for myself. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. To the motion. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to support the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Inuvik. I would like to fully support this motion. He’d mentioned some words and I would also like to underline some that I read, trust and confidence, something we’ve spoken about amongst ourselves. That’s highly important. We need to hear the voices of all our people, respect and honour our land. The word “respect” is something I have heard many times from our elders. I think the biggest thing for me, Mr. Speaker, is the power of example. We are real leaders of the Northwest Territories. People are looking to the House for leadership. The power of example is huge in all we do and I think that’s the thing that really brings home my support to this.

Honour and privilege, dishonour can lead to a revocation of privilege. That’s something we should be keeping in mind.

Finally, working for the common good. To me, I really appreciate the work that’s gone into putting the Members’ Conduct Guidelines together and fundamentally I think it’s to ensure that we do focus on working for the common good. Thank you very much.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. To the motion. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to give…Oh sorry.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

To the motion. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very gratified to this motion coming before the House. I fully support this motion. As I look at the Members’ Conduct Guidelines, similar to the previous several Speakers, there are a number of words that jump out at me. Within our guidelines, it talks about fair, just, respect, honour, courtesy, duty, integrity and responsibility, just to name a few of them. I think it behoves all of us to take these conduct guidelines, that we must accept them. I agree that we need to lead by example and I think as well as agreeing to the letter of this particular set of guidelines, we have to live them and we have to honour the law within these particular guidelines.

It is our responsibility to respect, honour each other, this House, this institution, the people that we serve. I think that I get a sense that every Member in this House is likely to support this motion and I would strongly urge you to do so, if you aren’t already considering that. Thank you very much.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. To the motion. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I fully support the motion in terms of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines and support what my colleagues have said here today. I think it was mentioned earlier this week that we want to, as a group of 19 MLAs, we want to end up four years from now with the same 19 Members that are assembled here today. I think that’s a goal that we should all try to get to.

There are some things being Members of the Legislative Assembly, we come here and on the floor of the House there are certain rules that are in place that protect Members. You can speak on behalf of your constituents. You don’t have to worry about repercussions or people saying things. You can deal with rules that are here on the floor of the House. For me, it’s how you carry yourself not only here on the floor of the House, but how you conduct yourselves outside of here in your personal life and in the hallways upstairs or in your communities. You have to lead by example. You have to have trust, you have to have honour and you need integrity. Mr. Speaker, these are virtues that I hold true to myself. I try to do everything I do with a degree of integrity. I believe government needs to operate under those same virtues and with those same principles in mind. Certainly, I believe we need to take a look at the direct appointment process. I think we have to put an end to nepotism in this government. We really need to have a look at that process and how friends reward friends and how families reward families. We are here to represent the people of the Northwest Territories, not our friends, not our families. We need to take a look at that, Mr. Speaker.

Again, I fully support the conduct guidelines that are before us today and look forward to living under the rule of those guidelines for the next four years, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. To the motion. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am happy to also support this motion. I will make a very short comment to say we all know that we can have all the rules and we already have the laws in the books, outside and inside of here. We can all be on very good behaviour without rules. No rules in the world can govern the best behaviour if it’s not the person who is making the decisions acting to the best standard of integrity. I want to just say that I think, with or without these guidelines, I think a lot of Members are honourable; most Members are. We all work here very hard and everybody has worked really hard in the last Assembly and I am sure we will do that as well. We know of some circumstances where we need to recheck the rules and I am glad at the very beginning of this Assembly that we are able to have this discussion and approve that. It’s the minimum standard and I would just like to add my voice to thank the Members for bringing this forward and I will be voting in favour of this motion. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee. To the motion. Honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as well, I would like to thank the Members for bringing this forward. I believe it’s something we all have to live by and as we heard already, it’s not only saying the words, but it’s going to be living the words in the example we set to those who watch us and have given us the privilege of serving them in this institution. So I want to say I support this and I expect that as Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly, we are going to be showing people and walking the talk, so to speak, that we are going to live by what we said and that means there are times when we will come to a disagreement in this forum, but we are going to respect each other in our positions and work with each other to ensure we serve the people of the Northwest Territories to the best degree possible. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. To the motion. Honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also support this motion. I believe, as a Member of this House, we are expected to act on a higher standard as to how we are seen in the eyes of the public. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, with that power, we should not be seen to be exploiting others or other individuals who have lesser standards in our society, people with less standards of living or poorer conditions. If anything, we are the voice of the people. We have to be seen to be acting for the well-being of all our residents regardless of what their stature is.

Mr. Speaker, I have been here for four terms and it is sad to say that every Legislature I have been in, we have had a situation where we were all tarred with the same brush and it’s sad to say that’s all that the people can remember of a certain Legislature is how we conducted ourselves in a bad manner, which leaves us all with a sour taste in our mouth.

Again, to uphold the rules, we do have to set a higher standard to the people of the Northwest Territories, our

constituents and the common good of all our people. We must do what we must do best. Never lose sight that you are under a microphone. You are being looked at of setting a higher standard than every one of our residents, because we are 19 Members who will be establishing the laws of this land and also expected to enforce those laws and we are not above the law.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. To the motion. Honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise in support of this motion. I’m very happy that we can come up with guidelines that get straight to the point, that tells the public that we’re here, we’re here to represent you fairly, we’re here to work with our colleagues fairly, and I believe that’s all the public asks of us to give us their confidence, their trust, their honour, and the privilege to serve on their behalf. Like many of my other colleagues that are speaking here today, they ask one thing, is that we do not shame them. I believe the guideline like this will help us as a reminder as we do our duties here as the Members of the Legislative Assembly. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. To the motion. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, support the Members' Conduct Guidelines. We've all come from the various communities, many of us from small communities, and with the limited resources the government has important that the words in here, hearing the voices of all our people, equality to all our people, resources fairly and justly distributed, and also best efforts to represent as accountable, honest, fair and courtesy, and to strive to be honest in the role with the people and will not act dishonestly. I’d like all of those things from the Member from Tu Nedhe. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. To the motion. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to stand to speak in support of the principles and standards that are laid out in the Members' Conduct Guidelines. It’s been said in this government before and we can always remember that we need to lead by example and that we are the role models. We are under the scrutiny of all of the people we serve, the people of the Northwest Territories. We do have our private lives, but our private lives aren’t very private in the sense that people do look to us for that leadership. I’ll say I’ll coin that phrase again that we must set a high standard and lead by example. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. To the motion. I will go to the mover of the motion for closing remarks. Mr. McLeod. I’ll go to the Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to commend the movers of this motion. As a new Member of the Legislative Assembly, the Members' Conduct Guidelines that have been put forward lays out all the attributes that I would aspire to in serving in this Legislative Assembly. So I will be supporting the motion. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. To the motion. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I’m in full support of the Members' Conduct Guidelines and, like my previous colleagues in front of me stated, for myself it’s an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Nunakput in the Northwest Territories.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. To the motion. I’ll go to the mover of the motion for closing remarks. Mr. Robert McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank all my colleagues for their comments and their belief in the motion that we just put forward. It was mentioned a couple of times, you know, the sad truth is it doesn’t matter how much good work an Assembly does -- and the 15th Assembly I believe did some good work -- but some Assemblies are remembered for the wrong reasons. The report I seen on past Assemblies, they seem to focus on all the negative stuff. I believe with this group that we have here, and my colleague from the Mackenzie Delta made another interesting comment saying that, you know, I’m trusting in all of you because anything that any one of us do in here, as David said, we all kind of get painted with the same brush. I will watch my conduct because I don’t want anybody painting you all with the same brush because of my conduct, especially if it’s negative conduct. I expect the same from everybody.

So I thank all the Members here and I look forward to the next four years. I think we have a good group. I think there’s going to be some good work done. I want the 16th Assembly to be remembered for the good work it did and nothing else. Mr. Speaker, I would also ask for a recorded vote. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The Member is seeking a recorded vote. Will all those in favour of the motion please stand?

Recorded Vote
Item 17: Motions

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. McLeod, Inuvik Twin Lakes; Mr. Ramsay; Mr. Krutko; Mr. Menicoche; Mr. Jacobson; Mr. Beaulieu; Mr. Bromley; Mr. Hawkins; Mr. Lafferty; Ms. Lee; Mr. Miltenberger; Mr. Roland; Mr. McLeod, Deh Cho; Mr. Yakeleya; Mr. McLeod, Yellowknife South; Ms. Bisaro; Mr. Abernethy; Mrs. Groenewegen.

Recorded Vote
Item 17: Motions

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Will all those opposing the motion please rise. All those abstaining from the motion please rise. The results of the motion at the vote: 18 for, none against, none abstaining. The motion is carried unanimously.

---Carried

---Applause

Motions. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Recorded Vote
Item 17: Motions

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice to earlier today.

Recorded Vote
Item 17: Motions

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion he gave notice of earlier today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS this Legislative Assembly is required to appoint Members to the Board of Management in accordance with subsection 36(3) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act;

AND WHEREAS appointments to the Board of Management are required to be made during the First Session of each Legislature;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Weledeh, that the following Members be appointed to the Board of Management of this Assembly:

Hon. Paul Delorey, Member for Hay River North

Mr. Tom Beaulieu, Member for Tu Nedhe

Mr. Robert McLeod, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. David Ramsay, Member for Kam Lake, and

Hon. Norman Yakeleya, Member for Sahtu.

AND FURTHER, that the following Members be appointed to the Board of Management as alternate Members:

Ms. Wendy Bisaro, Member for Frame Lake,

Mr. Jackie Jacobson, Member for Nunakput, and

Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Member for Monfwi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

---Carried

Motions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion he gave notice of earlier

today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS section 44 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act states that the "Legislative Assembly may establish such standing and special committees to aid and advise it as it considers necessary";

AND WHEREAS the standing and special committees of the Legislative Assembly are established in the Rules of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly has chosen to make revisions to the standing committees;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by rescinding Rule 85 and substituting the following:

Standing and Special Committees 85 (1)

At its first sitting after a general election, the Assembly shall appoint a Striking Committee of five Members to report and recommend, with all convenient speed, Members to comprise the following standing committees of the Assembly:

on Economic Development and Infrastructure;

on Government Operations;

on Priorities and Planning;

on Rules and Procedures;

on Social Programs;

and any other standing and special committees as directed by the Assembly.

(2) The Standing Committee on Economic

Development and Infrastructure shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Environment and Natural Resources, Industry, Tourism and investment, Municipal and Community Affairs, Public Works and Services, Transportation and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:

(a) review multi-year business plans and

budgets, bills, boards and agencies, including the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation and the Public Utilities Board;

(b)

review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and

(c) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

(3) The Standing Committee on Government

Operations shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of the Executive, Finance, Human Resources and the Financial Management Board Secretariat:

(a) review multi-year business plans and

budgets, bills, boards and agencies;

(b) review departmental performance and

official language issues, including that of boards sand agencies;

(c) review, as necessary or appropriate, the

annual and other reports of the statutory officers of the Legislative Assembly, including the Languages Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission;

(d) examine the reports on the annual financial

statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General

(i)

in the event that the Assembly is not in session, the Speaker may provide the Auditor General's report and the Minister of Finance may provide the public accounts to the committee for review, which may include public hearings, in advance of tabling; and

(e) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

(4) The Standing Committee on Priorities and

Planning shall:

(a) review issues which have government-

wide implications, including the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;

(b) review Government of the Northwest

Territories reports on financial and performance results and program and policy evaluations to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;

(c) coordinate

sessional business scheduling

and planning in cooperation with appropriate ministerial representatives;

(d) coordinate committee public consultation

efforts with respect to budget and fiscal matters;

(e) coordinate committee strategic planning

efforts;

(f)

monitor and evaluate ministerial performance issues;

(g) consider the budgets and financial

management of any boards and agencies that are outside the responsibility of any standing committee; and

(h) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

(5) The Standing Committee on Rules and

Procedures shall:

(a) review the reports of the Chief Electoral

Officer on the conduct of elections, plebiscites or votes conducted in the Northwest Territories in accordance with statute;

(b) review, as necessary or appropriate, the

annual and other reports of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner;

(c) review and make recommendations on the

implications and impacts that the implementation of self-government agreements will have on the powers, structures and procedures of the Legislative Assembly; and

(d) inquire into such matters as may be

referred to it by the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker or the Board of Management.

(6) The Standing Committee on Social Programs

shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment and Justice:

(a) review multi-year business plans and

budgets, bills, boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council and programs for seniors, youth and persons with disabilities;

(b)

review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and

(c) consider any other matter referred by the

House.

AND FURTHER, that Rules 87(1) and 87(2) be amended by striking out "Accountability and Oversight" after "Standing Committee on" and substituting "Priorities and Planning".

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

---Carried

Motions. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion he gave notice of earlier

today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS it is required by Rule 85 that the Legislative Assembly shall appoint a Striking Committee of five Members to report and recommend, with all convenient speed, Members to comprise the standing committees;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Robert C. McLeod, Mr. Menicoche, and Mr. Ramsay be appointed to the Striking Committee of this Assembly.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

---Carried

Motions. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion she gave notice of earlier today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Rule 85 has been amended to establish the 16th Legislative Assembly standing committee structure;

AND WHEREAS the new structure incorporates revisions to committee terms of reference and committee names;

AND WHEREAS the former Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is now known as the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that the appointments of the following Members to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight be revoked and that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning;

Mr. Glen Abernethy, Member for Great Slave;

Mr. Tom Beaulieu, Member for Tu Nedhe;

Ms. Wendy Bisaro, Member for Frame Lake;

Mr. Bob Bromley, Member for Weledeh;

Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, Member for Hay River South;

Mr. Robert Hawkins, Member for Yellowknife Centre;

Mr. Jackie Jacobson, Member for Nunakput;

Mr. David Krutko, Member for Mackenzie Delta;

Mr. Robert C. McLeod, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes;

Mr. Kevin Menicoche, Member for Nahendeh; and

Mr. David Ramsay, Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

---Carried

Motions. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion she gave notice of earlier today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you again, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Section 46(1) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act requires that the Legislative Assembly shall elect a Deputy Speaker;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly wishes to appoint a Deputy Speaker;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. David Krutko, be appointed as Deputy Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. Sorry. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

---Carried

Motions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion he gave notice of earlier today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS there is a requirement for the naming of two Members to hold the positions of deputy chairpersons of Committee of the Whole;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable to appoint two Members;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that the honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Glen Abernethy, and the honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bob Bromley, be appointed as deputy chairpersons of Committee of the Whole.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

---Carried

Motions. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion he gave notice of earlier today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with your motion, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that, notwithstanding Rule 4, when this House adjourns on October 19, 2007, it shall be adjourned until Tuesday, November 27, 2007;

AND FURTHER, any time prior to November 27, 2007, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, if the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

---Carried

Motions. First reading of bills. Second reading of bills. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters. Report of Committee of the Whole. Third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Item 23: Orders Of The Day
Item 23: Orders Of The Day

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. Speaker, orders of the day for Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 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. Acknowledgements

7. Oral

Questions

8. Written

Questions

9.

Returns to Written Questions

10. Replies to Opening Address

11. Petitions

12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

13. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

14. Tabling of Documents

15. Notices of Motion

16. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills

17. Motions

18. First Reading of Bills

19. Second Reading of Bills

20. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and

Other Matters

21. Report of Committee of the Whole

22. Third Reading of Bills

23. Orders of the Day

Item 23: Orders Of The Day
Item 23: Orders Of The Day

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Accordingly, this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 12:52 p.m.