This is page numbers 131 - 159 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 work.

Topics

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT has enjoyed the benefits of a pristine, natural, regulated environment as a sustained traditional lifestyle for centuries. A very large impact is about to make dramatic changes to the northern environment as we know it. This is climate change. The time frame for this change is very short.

Although the climate change issue has been in the public for some time, people are still unaware of the predicted consequences specifically for the NWT. Even if people worldwide were to stop pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere today, we face very serious changes in the North over the next 40 years. This is because greenhouse gases do not break down and remove themselves from the atmosphere for hundreds of years. Scientifically developed computer models indicate that by year 2050 Yellowknife would have a climate similar to Calgary. That means the plant and animal species now living here will not survive or will move to the far Arctic islands, including caribou.

A key concern is that the world has never, in a billion years of history, seen such a rapid pace of warming. The fast pace of change will not allow for movement of some species north, meaning that many species will become extinct. The climate here will be very dry in the summer with large amounts of precipitation in the winter, causing havoc to riverbeds and fish populations. The dry, hot summers will increase, the pressures from massive forest fires and invasive, destructive pests like the Pine Beetle, which has already crossed the Rocky Mountains into the Great Boreal Forest, and predictions for continued existings of our boreal forest is dire indeed.

We will be left with vast areas of barren rock and little vegetation to support wildlife. Even our parks and protected areas cannot survive the changes and will succumb to the destruction of fire and infestation. I want to emphasize that these are not Nostradamus-type dreams of some doomsayer. These are scientifically based predictions developed by many worlds predominance for science. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Territorial Agriculture Policy
Item 3: Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, agriculture is a renewable resource sector activity which needs this government’s attention. Since 1995, the Territorial Farmers' Association has been asking this government to develop and adopt a comprehensive agriculture policy. Many things affecting agriculture fall within the mandate of the territorial government. It’s fine to tell communities to take the initiative to develop their own policies, but the GNWT has the responsibility to create a policy as a framework within which municipal jurisdictions can operate.

Agriculture has met with relative indifference, lack of interest, and unapologetic ignorance for the most part. That’s been made clear by some of the most absurd comments of Ministers past, like the infamous statement defining his understanding of agriculture from a certain Minister who said, "What’s agriculture in the North? Some guy growing two potatoes in Fort Smith?"

The Territorial Farmers' Association has worked very hard to bring attention and awareness to the potential and challenges for agriculture in the North, but it seems like we still have a ways to go, as evidenced by a comment from one of my colleagues this morning when I shared the topic of my Member’s statement who said, "What’s that? Two farms in Hay River?" Interestingly, in fact, the membership of the TFA is from many communities, including as far away as Inuvik where they have a thriving greenhouse operation.

The benefits of producing agri-foods in the Northwest Territories are extensive. It creates economy in the renewable resource sector; it lends to our commitment to a diversified economy; it achieves a level import substitution and, consistent with environmental stewardship, reducing the cost of importing food as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with getting that food to us. Agriculture gives us control to ensure that we consume healthy food when we control its production. Agriculture is also a key component in our ability to be self-reliant and self-sustaining.

I look forward to working with our new Minister of ITI, who already has a considerable knowledge of this industry through his previous involvement as a deputy minister. I also feel encouraged to have Mr. Bromley as an ally in these efforts, who is such an advocate for measures which address responsible stewardship of our environment.

Three specific things that our government could do to support agriculture would be: developing a policy for farm

equipment to use our public highways without having to be licensed and insured under the Motor Vehicles Act; the revision of our Property Assessment and Taxation Act that would enable communities to tax properties which are used for agriculture and residential purposes at an affordable rate; and…Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Territorial Agriculture Policy
Item 3: Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Territorial Agriculture Policy
Item 3: Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. A third thing would be a program for a tax rebate for fuel purchased for agricultural pursuits. We have fertile tracts of land, long growing seasons, proponents willing to participate, and ready local markets for agricultural products. All we need now is the serious support of this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Territorial Agriculture Policy
Item 3: Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Building Canada Fund Priorities
Item 3: Members’ Statements

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to discuss an issue that I spoke of on Wednesday, November 28th , in which I was questioning the Minister of

Transportation on the Building Canada Fund. During the last federal budget, an announcement was made of a $33 billion infrastructure plan known as the Building Canada Fund. The Government of the Northwest Territories will certainly be able to subscribe to this fund over the coming years and will need to start identifying projects that qualify for this federal funding.

As returning Members will know, I have stood up in this House numerous times over the past four years questioning why the Government of the Northwest Territories was not moving forward with partnering with the City of Yellowknife to construct a secondary access or bypass road from Highway No. 3. With the construction of a combined services building and an expansion of the Yellowknife Airport, the government has a role to play in partnering with the city on the construction of this road.

Mr. Speaker, every day that passes, public safety of my constituents and those here in the city of Yellowknife is being compromised. There is only one route into Kam Lake Industrial Park. Given the nature of businesses located there, the potential exists for a spill or an accident at the top of Kam Lake Road that would cut the industrial park off, and those who reside there off, from necessary emergency services. Mr. Speaker, an accident at the Yellowknife Airport, as was evidenced with the dropping of a missile from an F-18 and another F-18 sliding off the runway, cuts emergency access for people from Highway No. 3. If there was an accident on Highway No. 3, emergency vehicles would not be able to get there. So obviously a secondary access to the capital is urgently required.

I asked the Minister of Transportation on Wednesday whether or not the bypass road was on a list of projects to the federal government. The response was that there was

no list. I told the Minister on Wednesday in question period that I didn’t buy the fact that there wasn’t a list. The Minister said he’d be working with Members to formalize a final list.

Mr. Speaker, I have some questions about how the Minister proposes to do this when it would appear that Cabinet is already making decisions in isolation of input from Regular Members. Every Member of this House has the right to have input on competing infrastructure priorities in this territory, especially when our projects -- and Mr. Jacobson spoke earlier of one in his riding -- mean so much to the people we represent.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions today at the appropriate time for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs on the Building Canada Fund. Mahsi.

---Applause

Building Canada Fund Priorities
Item 3: Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to speak about a science fair that was held at our Bompass Elementary School in Fort Simpson. They had their science fair held on November 21st , 2007. They

invited all parents in the community to view their display of knowledge and, I would venture to say, Mr. Speaker, to show us why it’s hard to be smarter than a fifth grader.

---Laughter

I regret not being there and I was invited to judge, as I have had in the past, and this is an event that happens all across our great land. I have read, with great interest, the reports in the Deh Cho Drum and once again commend all participants and members of the community who attended and supported the efforts of our youth by showing up and speaking with the youth about their particular projects.

I can only give examples of a category and that is in Class 6. In first place was Alicia Norris, who researched quite extensively why we change our vehicle motor oil from summer to winter, and, second, Katrina Browning, who explored why plastering and drywalling needs reinforcement. They seem quite basic, but to young exploring minds, that is something that gives them a lot of learning for a lot of new things, Mr. Speaker. There were many categories and many winners. I congratulate them all and say, indeed, that all participants are winners in this event. I would also like to say a big thanks to teachers and educators for their interest in mentoring as well as their involvement in this initiative and continued encouragement of lifelong learning in our students. I would like to thank you, the parents, and keep up the good work. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mandate of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre is to expand its operations throughout the Northwest Territories. Annual core program funding from GNWT was established 25 years ago at $30,000 and it has not changed a whit as of today. Today’s board includes members from Inuvik and Hay River as it expands its programs.

We have an incredible body of artists in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker. They contribute much towards healthy communities, but with a modicum of investment such as our neighbour, the Yukon, is doing quite progressively, this contribution could be so much greater. In September, Mr. Speaker, the previous Minister of ECE committed to finding additional core funding to NACC, part of which is to be directed to outreach programs. I urge this government to consider this additional support and confirm it as it is long overdue.

Arts programs such as those provided by NACC help create and empower healthy communities. They build community capacity and community leadership. The arts provide important and imaginative feedback on how our people are doing, what their concerns, difficulties and joys are. They contribute to quality of life, a key factor for retaining northern residents and professionals despite our high cost of living. They celebrate and strengthen diversity of our many northern cultures. The arts are an effective tool to engage youth in healthy and innovative ways.

Community identity and pride are enhanced by the arts and contribute to a collective northern voice. As an appreciator of the environment, I frequently see artists reuse waste materials and turn them back into useful and even stunning creations. Through all of these means and by capturing additional support from businesses and other entities, they contribute significantly to our local and territorial economies.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, I have watched as NACC and its many dedicated volunteers have provided inspiration, support and entertainment for all parts of our society. I have watched youth, elders and women bloom through NACC’s programs, often going on to contribute to the North and even nationally in many ways.

Mr. Speaker, we know what has happened to operational costs over the last few years, let alone the last two or three decades. Let’s give support where it is clearly due. Let’s support the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, its Outreach Program and the amazing services it provides to our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today is in regard to, from my understanding, an agreement that is in place between this

government and the Gwich’in Tribal Council and a similar agreement in the Sahtu. Mr. Speaker, there was a meeting over a week and a half ago in regard to the review of the MOU between this government and the Gwich’in Tribal Council’s community leaders and business community. But yet, Mr. Speaker, there was very poor attendance by Ministers on the opposite side, deputy ministers and, more importantly, sending no senior staff to partake in those discussions.

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General of Canada reported in the assessment of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim a number of years ago which clearly identified the objectives of the land claims were not being met, the lives of the Gwich’in people were not being improved and the social conditions in regards to making self-sustainable people a reality. Mr. Speaker, within four months, this agreement will be up for renewal. Mr. Speaker, it is important that this government does an assessment, but also take into account the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, there is an evaluation of the MOU which has to be concluded by April of this year and which includes the MOU. We will look at the objectives of the agreement, looking at the targets that were set and try to meet those targets and look at what we have done to fill Gwich’in business capacity, providing benefits to Gwich’in beneficiaries and, more importantly, meeting with stakeholders to express their concerns and issues. Again, Mr. Speaker, like I stated, there was a meeting scheduled, but yet this government did not have any Ministers present.

I think it is riding on this government to ensure that we do have a system that government-to-government relationships continue to be explored, especially with the Gwich’in agreements, agreements we have with aboriginal groups, land claims and, more importantly, what are we, as government, doing to improve the lives of people in those land claim areas by way of these agreements.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that we, as government, not only live up to the obligations, but do whatever we can to improve our agreements to make them workable. So, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions to the Minister of ITI in regards to the Gwich’in MOU and the evaluation that this government is undertaking. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members’ statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my brother Harris and my niece Jolene Russell in the gallery today.

---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. Beaulieu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

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

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize in the gallery today a constituent, a friend, a board member for Sport North, Mr. Shannon Cumming.

---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 the 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 would like to recognize one of our fine staff members from the Department of Transportation, Mr. Harris Beaulieu.

---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. Welcome everyone in the gallery today. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. Oral questions. The honourable 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 need for residential treatment programs here in the Northwest Territories that focus in on youth and family. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health and Social Services was on this side of the House last term, so she is well aware that a motion that went forward that supported the treatment centre built in Yellowknife and in Inuvik and, of course, underlying all of that, not only being the Minister now, she had the experience of being the chair of the Social Programs so she understands the need of these treatment centres. Can the Minister tell this House how many people this government is sending south for treatment, specifically to youth, families, etcetera? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that I listened to the statement very carefully, and I could not agree more with the Member on the things that he would like to work on as a Member and he would like the government to do. I would love to see all that he has mentioned there. I am hoping that he will be the champion for this cause on the other side of the floor to get this done, Mr. Speaker. As the House is aware, we are in the process of doing the strategic planning. I think the need to do some comprehensive strategy and more focussed resource and attention on this matter is very important. I look forward to working through that process and getting the help from the Member to achieve that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, I wish the Minister would be the champion of this program as opposed to the Member having to be the champion of this program. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me how much money are we spending each year, every year, for the last several years sending people down south for treatment? I want to make sure we could maybe put this investment in the Territories. Thank you.