Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the House. I would also like to welcome all of our visitors in the gallery today to listen to the budget address. Just for your information, we will be taking a short break immediately following the budget address to have a bit of a reception out in the Great Hall. You are welcome to join us there and welcome to come back and listen to Members' statements and oral questions as well after.

Orders of the day. Budget address. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Roland.

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Introduction

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my honour and privilege today to present the 2007-08 budget for the Government of the Northwest Territories. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Members of the Legislative Assembly who worked individually and collectively through the standing committee process to contribute to the formation of this budget.

This is the last budget of the 15th Assembly. That makes it an ideal time to look back briefly at what we have collectively accomplished over the past three years. But perhaps even more important, it is time to look ahead with optimism, with confidence and with a keen understanding that the next few years will be a critical turning point in our history.

As a Member of this Assembly and Minister of Finance, let me begin by saying I am proud of what this Assembly has achieved. We put sound fiscal policies in place, invested wisely in infrastructure and took important steps to improve health care services and make sure our young people get the education they need. We have worked hard to build our economy and support communities, families and individuals all across the territory.

Our economy has been growing at a faster pace than the rest of Canada. More and better jobs are translating into higher incomes for people in the Northwest Territories. The important decisions we have made will help build a better future for our residents. They will allow us to move forward in achieving our vision of self-reliant individuals and families sharing the rewards and responsibilities of healthy communities and a prosperous and unified Northwest Territories.

At the same time, make no mistake, the challenges ahead are substantial and the blunt reality is that our territory cannot address those challenges alone, nor can we achieve the lasting benefits new economic opportunities could bring unless and until we are able to sort out long-standing issues with the federal government.

Just this summer, our hopes were raised when Prime Minister Harper visited Yellowknife and echoed many of the sentiments we have been expressing for years. He called for an end to the paternalistic policies of the past. He vowed to champion our cause in Ottawa and across Canada. He acknowledged that, in the past, Ottawa has done as much to frustrate northern development as to facilitate it. He noted that when development occurred, Ottawa was first in line to scoop up most of the revenues. He committed to a new deal on resource revenue sharing as part of the negotiations on territorial formula financing, and agreed that if our territory is going to take on more responsibilities and more control over our destiny, we will obviously need more revenues.

We have heard these words of support and hope for many years, along with a promise of doing the right thing for the Northwest Territories. Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty plans to bring forward a proposal to the federal Cabinet to raise our borrowing limit. Minister Flaherty has indicated he will also bring forward solutions for strengthened principal-based territorial formula financing arrangements in the next federal budget. We will be watching closely to ensure that this time, promises turn to action.

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Because, Mr. Speaker, we have heard the encouraging words before. We share a common goal of seeing the Northwest Territories become a self-reliant, self-sufficient and contributing member of Canada's confederation. I firmly believe that is also what Canadians want, and yet we haven't seen real action on the very thing that will allow that to happen; and that is reaching the agreement on how we can share the revenues from developing our natural resources to build a strong and prosperous territory.

Like so many northerners, I am growing increasingly impatient with the lack of real and tangible progress on an issue so absolutely vital to the future of our territory. Frankly, time is running out. We know that the Northwest Territories is poised for enormous economic growth. A third diamond mine will be completed this year. Two more mines, one diamond and one gold, are set to proceed through regulatory review. We are confident that the necessary reviews of the Mackenzie gas project will be completed and the project will proceed. The result will be unprecedented economic growth in the territory, an opportunity for us to fulfill the promise of a self-reliant

people and realize our potential as equal partners in this country.

That promise and potential are within our grasp, but only if we are ready, only if we have the right tools in place, including the right agreements with the federal government, to allow us to capitalize on the opportunity and turn it into a lasting benefit for people, families and communities all across our territory and for the rest of Canada.

This fall, I had a chance to talk about these issues with a group of people in both Yellowknife and Inuvik. These two round table discussions required our commitment to develop a macroeconomic road map for the future of the Northwest Territories. The discussions brought to light a number of issues we need to address. But what struck me the most was a sense that we need to get ready; ready to anticipate and manage the impact of growth, ready with the skills and education our people need to take advantage of the full range of new jobs economic growth will provide, and ready to secure more lasting benefits so this doesn't become one more of the boom and bust cycles we have all seen before.

That's why I believe these next few years will be a turning point and test for all of us. We have a window of opportunity to get ready for the economic boom that's on our doorstep. With the right tools and the right investments now, we can capitalize on the opportunities ahead. We can transform the Northwest Territories into a key economic driver not only for the North, but for all of Canada. Most important, we can make sure the benefits of economic growth flow first and foremost to the people of the North, not just for today, but for future generations, for your grandchildren and mine.

A Look Back

With that context in mind, let me take a few minutes to talk about some of the highlights of what Members of this Legislative Assembly have been able to achieve over the past three years.

In 2005, we implemented our fiscal responsibility policy, a policy that committed us to manage our fiscal resources in a sound and prudent manner and to invest wisely in addressing current and future needs. This policy continues to guide our actions today and one of the tangible outcomes of our responsible fiscal approach was a favourable Aa3 credit rating from Moody's Investors Service, which was recently upgraded to an even more favourable Aa1 rating.

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During the first three years of this government, we have increased funding for social programs by more than $94 million for education, health and social services, housing and justice. This allowed us to:

• • increase the number of doctors and nurses and improve health services;
• • strengthen school programs and support for students;
• • renew the mandate of the NWT Housing Corporation; and
• • launch a comprehensive review of income security programs.

We have also fundamentally reshaped the role of community governments through the development and implementation of the New Deal which puts responsibility for community decisions where it belongs: in communities and with people who are directly involved and accountable.

We've focused our efforts on achieving sustainable economic growth, on balancing support for large resource developments with a firm commitment to small business and traditional economic activities. Specifically:

• • we established the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to focus our efforts on achieving sustainable economic growth;
• • we consolidated our support for small business through a new Business Development and Investment Corporation;
• • we completed the necessary socio-economic agreements with the Mackenzie gas project and the DeBeers Snap Lake project to ensure northern employment and business opportunities; and
• • we've expanded support for tourism in arts and crafts and the traditional economy.

As well, we have ensured the protection of the environment continues to be a priority for our government. To that end:

• • we created the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide a focus for the government's role in environmental stewardship;
• • we implemented the Beverage Container Recovery Program; and
• • we have advanced the species at risk legislation, with a draft bill expected towards the end of the 15th Assembly.

Nearly $300 million has been invested in capital projects over the past three years, providing essential support for winter roads, bridges and paving projects, and new or renovated schools in nine communities.

Mr. Speaker, all Members of this Assembly should be proud of what we have achieved, the investments we've made, and the steps we've taken over the past three years have unquestionably benefited people and communities in all regions of our territory and I believe those benefits will only grow in the years ahead.

Budget 2007-08 Highlights

One of the biggest challenges of success is that we have to keep on being a success. That means there is no time to sit back, pat ourselves on the back and say our work here is done. In fact, we're only just beginning.

Our challenge is to take the successes we've achieved, build on that solid base, make the right strategic investments, and position the Northwest Territories for a more prosperous and successful future.

To that end, let me turn now to the highlights of this budget.

Based on currently available information, we are projecting an operating surplus of $46 million for the current fiscal year, 2006-2007.

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This reflects the responsible fiscal approach taken by this government and Legislative Assembly; an approach that allows us to meet our obligation to repay this fiscal year $290 million in corporate tax overpayments made to our government several years ago by the Government of Canada. Through prudent fiscal planning we have most of the necessary funds to repay this amount, with the requirement to borrow only $8 million at the end of this fiscal year to cover the balance.

For 2007-08, we estimate our total revenues to be $1.231 billion, an increase of over 4.3 percent over last year, although we will not know the final numbers for certain until the federal government's budget is tabled. The federal Minister of Finance has guaranteed that the territorial formula financing grant for 2007-08 will not be less than $764 million. As I mentioned earlier, we are expecting proposals in the next federal budget that will outline new territorial formula financing arrangements.

In terms of spending, the budget for 2007-08 includes a net increase of $89 million in spending; an increase of over 8.3 percent over last year. This includes $55 million to increased social program costs, to meet higher fuel costs, and to maintain competitive wages for teachers, health care workers and other public sector employees, as well as $38 million in additional spending on key priorities identified by Ministers and legislative committees.

We also recognize there is considerable uncertainty in our fiscal picture. I have committed to Members that I will consult with them on the allocation of any additional revenues resulting from the federal budget and return to this Assembly in May with a revised expenditure plan if required.

The budget also includes an estimated $151 million for public infrastructure, including $30 million to fund school renovations and construction and $37 million for road transportation projects.

We expect to end the 2007-08 fiscal year with an operating surplus of $44 million. The government's direct debt at the end of the year is estimated to be $50 million, with a total debt subject to the $300 million debt limit estimated at $189 million.

Those are the key numbers. But what people listening to this budget today want to know is where will the money be spent?

This budget reflects our continuing commitment not only to responsible fiscal management, but also to ensuring every dollar we invest tackles the most pressing problems, addresses the right priorities, and helps position the territory for a better future.

Social Programs

This year's budget includes key investments in social programs, especially education, health care and social services.

As we heard at the round table sessions this past fall, investments in these key areas are critical to make sure people are ready to take advantage of the opportunities economic growth will bring. People said it's not just about money; it's about putting people first, making sure the economy works for people and that individual northerners, their families and their communities can benefit from all the opportunities economic growth can bring. That means focusing on education, making sure our children and young people get the education and skills they need to participate fully in the future of our economy, and it means building healthy families and healthy communities.

This budget reflects those messages directly. As part of this year's total budget for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment of $286 million, we will invest:

• • $962,000 to complete the implementation of full-day kindergarten;

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• • $1 million to enhance childcare subsidies;
• • $3 million to increase student support;
• • $3.9 million to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and provide physical education and trades programs in Northwest Territories schools;

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• • $301,000 to support the delivery of language and cultural instructor programs at Aurora College; and

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• • $175,000 to enhance literacy program and support.

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In addition, the budget allocates $320,000 to enable the Department of Transportation to hire apprentices to work with journeymen in that department.

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We will also continue our investment in schools with new construction in Tulita, Gameti, Ndilo, and Yellowknife, construction of an Aurora College leaning centre in Fort Simpson, as well as planning for a new school in Inuvik.

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Mr. Speaker, in terms of Health and Social Services, a total budget of $277 million includes:

• • $360,000 for an Aboriginal Wellness Program;
• • $137,000 to promote reduced use of tobacco;
• • $431,000 to support increasing costs for taking care of the elderly, people with disabilities, and services provided for long-term care;
• • $1.2 million to strengthen rehabilitation services;
• • $1.3 million for increased costs for physician and hospital services; and
• • $425,000 for non-government organizations to address increasing costs of providing critical services.

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Steps will also be taken to renovate parts of the Stanton Territorial Hospital and the Fort Smith Health Centre, and to consolidate the medical clinics in Yellowknife. The Department of Health and Social Services will also continue working with other provinces and territories to develop electronic medical records and expand the use of technology in the diagnosis of medical conditions.

Mr. Speaker, housing remains a key concern across the Northwest Territories. During the past year, programs offered by the NWT Housing Corporation have been restructured with a renewed focus on expanding the stock of housing in communities. In 2007-08, the Housing Corporation is allocating $16.25 million for its affordable housing initiative, which together with the additional matching funds available through the federal Northern Housing Trust, brings the total investment to $32.5 million.

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We expect this to result in the construction of an additional 168 housing units, some made available through the Homeownership Program of the Housing Corporation and others replacing older public housing units. Work will also continue during the year to streamline existing Housing Corporation programs.

This year, the Department of Justice will continue its work to strengthen community programs and services. This budget includes:

• • $428,000 to establish an RCMP detachment in Sachs Harbour;

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• • $688,000 to expand activities of community justice committees;
• • $233,000 to enhance legal aid; and
• • an additional $1.9 million to support RCMP activities across the Northwest Territories.

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In addition, social programs Ministers are working together on a number of important initiatives. The income security reform work will continue throughout 2007-08 and will build on the policy framework that is currently in place. As the detailed work proceeds, this Assembly may be asked to consider enhancing some key programs. At the same time, the 2007-08 budget provides:

• • $695,000 to address homelessness;

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• • $262,000 to support a pan-territorial sports strategy; and
• • $180,000 to support the healthy choices framework.

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It is worth noting that many of the initiatives described above will be done in partnership with community-based non-government organizations. These organizations are an important part of our network of social supports.

Governance

Turning to communities, as I mentioned earlier, the New Deal is a significant achievement of this Legislative Assembly. Through the work of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the NWT Association of Communities, and contributions of many elected municipal representatives and staff from across the Northwest Territories, we have reshaped the role and authorities of community governments.

Beginning in 2007-08 fiscal year, the government will flow $22.5 million in formula funding directly to community governments...

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...to allow them to make critical investments in community infrastructure to meet local priorities. Community governments will receive $90 million in direct funding, an increase of 10 percent over 2006-07. In addition to community infrastructure funding, this budget includes:

• • $4.1 million to increase contributions under the municipal funding formula;
• • $3 million to increase funding for water/sewer services;
• • $800,000 for the Municipal Insurance Program; and
• • $150,000 to support the development of community energy plans.

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Protecting Our Environment

Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility to ensure that the environment we enjoy today will be here for our children and our grandchildren. This budget includes:

• • $500,000 in additional funds to complete biophysical studies that will ensure we have the necessary data to monitor, assess, and mitigate the effect of proposed resource developments in the western Northwest Territories;
• • $500,000 in additional funds for the NWT Barren-Ground Caribou Management Strategy to further our efforts to protect this important declining resource.

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Over the coming year, we will also invest in improving the efficiency of our regulatory approval process by building capacity within the Northwest Territories.

Supporting Economic Growth

Mr. Speaker, all of the investments I've just highlighted are critical for communities and for individual northerners and they will help create stronger communities and build the capacity of our people to live independent, productive and positive lives.

However, our future will not be secure simply by expanding government services and government spending. We need to build the kind of sustainable, balanced, and vibrant economy that will sustain communities and our territory, and create opportunities and hope for future generations.

Today, we look at the Northwest Territories economy and we see many positive signs. While much of our attention is focused on resource development projects, our goal is to see growth and development in all sectors of the economy. That was one of the clear messages from participants in the two macroeconomic round tables last fall. People want to see an economy that is balanced, sustainable, not just focused on resources, but including large and small businesses, tourism, and traditional sectors of our economy. That is critical to ensure there are long-term benefits and those benefits flow directly to Northerners.

This fall, we expect the third Northwest Territories diamond mine to come into production. This will provide additional opportunities for northern businesses and employment.

With respect to the Mackenzie gas project, our position is clear: we support the project, we want to see it proceed. But we must be assured that:

• • construction and operation of the project will be undertaken in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner;

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• • over time, the benefits of northern development will accrue to Northwest Territories residents;
• • the project will be taken in a way that encourages exploration and development on as broad a basis as possible.

This year, we will spend an estimated $1.7 million to support planning for the Mackenzie gas project to ensure that our people, communities, and businesses are adequately prepared to meet the demands and maximize the benefits that this project will bring to our territory.

This government is maintaining its commitment to tourism though the Tourism 2010 Strategy that was tabled in the Assembly last year. By renewing its investment of $1 million, this investment will support marketing research, tourism training, infrastructure and product development, and will encourage the continued expansion and development of this important contributor to the Northwest Territories economy.

The hunting and trapping industry is important to many of our communities. The fur industry is experiencing a resurgence. In support of this growth, the budget for the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Price Program has been increased by $200,000. Also, as part of this budget, an additional $120,000 is being provided to the Community Harvesters Assistance Program; $247,000 to the Fort Smith Metis Council Western Harvesters Assistance Fund; and $211,000 to the Salt River First Nation Harvester Assistance Fund.

We know that developing our economy requires investments in infrastructure that will connect our communities, provide access to our resources, and lower the cost of living and doing business in the Northwest Territories. An efficient and effective transportation system is essential to achieving this and we are doing our part. This budget includes more than $47 million to fund improvements to existing highways and winter roads, to replace bridges and to undertake airport improvements.

Developing our energy potential and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is also critical. The 2007 Energy Plan will provide both a framework to guide future government decisions with respect to energy development, supply and use in the Northwest Territories, and an action plan to respond to the concerns raised by our residents. The planned NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy will complement the 2007 Energy Plan by calling for emission reductions to protect the environment. To support both of these important initiatives, we continue to pursue, through the NWT Power Corporation, opportunities to develop the Northwest Territories' enormous hydro potential, including the proposed expansion of the Taltson River facility.

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Mr. Speaker, those are the spending highlights of the budget for 2007-08.

Revenue Initiatives

There is one more piece of good news for everyone in the Northwest Territories. This budget includes no tax increases.

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Frankly, we want to keep taxes as low as possible, particularly because the cost of living, working and doing business in the North continues to be significantly higher than the rest of Canada. As a government, we intend to maintain a fair and competitive tax structure, one that will generate the revenues we need to fund important programs and services, but which also encourages people to live here and businesses to invest in growing our economy.

Since last February's budget, we made two changes to the income tax system. Effective July 1, 2006, the NWT corporate tax rate for large businesses was reduced from 14 per cent to 11.5 per cent. In November we increased the dividend tax credit for Northwest Territories residents investing in Canadian corporations. Both measures will help make the Northwest Territories a more competitive tax jurisdiction. Our small business tax rate is still one of the lowest in the country.

One of the important steps we will pursue this year is an increase in the existing federal northern residents deduction. That deduction is designed to help residents of all three territories and northern regions of the provinces address our high northern cost of living. But the amount of the deduction has not been changed significantly since it was introduced in 1988. Meanwhile, the cost of living in the Northwest Territories has increased by an estimated 44 per cent. I have written to my provincial and territorial colleagues asking for their support to have the deduction increased to reflect current realities. Mr. Speaker, that's just one of the issues we'll take forward to the federal government in the coming months.

Challenges Ahead

I can't stress enough how important and how urgent it is to address and resolve outstanding issues with the federal government. We have been patient. We have made a strong and consistent case. We've seen two national reports on territorial formula financing, both of which supported our case and recommended changes we would welcome.

But in spite of that, we have no guarantees that key issues will be resolved quickly or to the benefit of Northerners.

While the federal government reaps the benefits of resource developments in our territory, we must make the necessary investments to build and sustain our economy, protect our environment and prepare our people, without many of the tools required to do so effectively. The result is that instead of allowing us to use our own resources to become less dependent on the federal government, they keep us firmly tied to their purse strings.

The facts speak for themselves. In 2005-06, the federal government received $244 million in oil and gas and diamond royalties from our territory alone. We get no share of those royalties. This just doesn't add up.

A recent article by Russell Banta concluded that over the past five years, the federal government has taken $923 million in resource revenues from the North, in addition to federal taxes; significantly more than the estimated $700 million cost of the much needed Mackenzie Highway. Speaking of highways, the federal government is responsible for building new highways in our territory, and since 1987, not a single kilometre of new highway has been built in the Northwest Territories...

...despite our vast mineral and oil and gas potential and the revenues Canada reaps from our territory.

The federal government often talks about how much they spend in the North. And yes, in per capita terms it sounds like a lot of money. We appreciate their contribution and we depend on it far too much. But the reality is that while we received over $18,000 per person in federal transfers in 2004, the federal government raised almost $16,000 per person in revenues in the Northwest Territories. That's the part they rarely mention.

So, Mr. Speaker, I want to close with two commitments to the people of the Northwest Territories.

First, I will do everything in my power to fight for resolution of three outstanding issues with the federal government: a better and more sustainable arrangement for territorial formula financing, an appropriate revenue sharing agreement to allow northerners to benefit from the development of our resources, and an increased borrowing limit so we can invest in meeting our critical capital infrastructure needs.

We've waited long enough. It's time for the rest of Canada to recognize the potential of the North, to understand that we can become a leading driver in Canada's economy and a thriving contributor to the rest of Canada, but only if we have the tools to chart the right course, make the necessary investments, and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.

My second commitment is to put in place a new economic road map for the Northwest Territories. I intend to build on the excellent discussion that occurred at the round tables in Yellowknife and Inuvik. Later today, I will table a report outlining what we have heard so far. After the budget, the next step is to bring people together again to discuss key issues and help us chart the course for our economic future. By the end of this summer, we will have developed a policy framework to guide our decisions and help us make the right investments and the best choices in the months and years ahead.

Conclusion

Mr. Speaker, we have our work cut out for us.

The next two to three years will be a critical time for our territory. It will be a time during which we will chart a clear economic course; a time when major economic developments proceed and open up our territory to a host of new opportunities; a time when we establish a more productive relationship with the federal government and the rest of Canada begins to understand the importance of the North to the future of our country.

And most important, a time when we begin to see the future as we've always hoped and dreamed it would be: a future where our proud traditions and strong cultures, respect for our environment, and hopes for our children come together to create a proud and prosperous territory.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to meeting these challenges head on and to working with all of you to achieve the future we want for ourselves, our families, our communities and our territory. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Roland. The chair would like to recognize a couple of former Members of this House in the gallery. Mr. Leon Lafferty and Ms. Lena Pedersen are with us today.

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The chair will now call a short break so we can have a reception out in the Great Hall. You are all welcome to join us in the Great Hall. Thank you.

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I will call the House back to order. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Item 4, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I previously shared in this House how pleased we are that there is now an office in Hay River for persons with disabilities. Although this is a first step, there are many other things that need to be accomplished to truly make a positive impact on our citizens who have physical or intellectual disabilities. We have issues related to

transportation. We have needs with regard to respite for the caregivers of persons with disabilities. Without support, these caregivers can despair and the alternative to offering support becomes a much more costly solution for this government.

We also have quite a number of people in Hay River who, because of disabilities, cannot function in a regular workplace environment holding down a full-time job. However, they are quite capable of performing certain functions with limited hours, limited expectations or some additional support from a designated co-worker if they have questions or concerns.

Mr. Speaker, how many of our government or private sector offices could find duties that could be performed by a person with a disability if we turned our minds to creating that opportunity for them? Often there are tasks, many tasks, that don't require the skills of the highest paid person in the office. Here in Yellowknife, we often see the adults who participate in the Association for Community Living Program and are out and about in our community contributing through contracts that they secure to provide different types of services while employing their skills. On a government-wide basis I think there is a lot more opportunity for this type of accommodation of persons with disabilities if we choose to create it.

Later today, I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for Human Resources about what is in place now and what could be put in place to ensure our best efforts to fully integrate persons with disabilities in our workplaces and in our society in a meaningful way.

Mr. Speaker, I will also be asking the Minister questions on the September 2004 NWT action plan for persons with disabilities, which contains many excellent recommendations, but most of which, I'm sorry to say, have not been acted on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is reflecting the budget address that we've just heard. Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to be part of the Assembly's work on this, especially on the advances and the decisions that have been made on spending in the social envelope. From talking with some of the leaders in the non-government sector who were here just a few minutes ago on the break, people from the education field, from the homelessness and disabled, I think we have shown that we have a responsible piece of work in front of us.

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Mr. Speaker, on the side where we can't deliver yet is that this really is a management budget though. I'd like to think it's a good management budget. But we can't, Mr. Speaker, really start to extend our reach and be a visionary Assembly. We cannot be an Assembly that can push the envelope of development and opportunity and potential that we have, Mr. Speaker, until we see a devolution deal and a resource revenue sharing deal and a formula financing deal, as the Minister I think has so clearly pointed out in his budget. Those are the things that are holding us back. But in the meantime we have a budget that is demonstrating that we are doing, I think, a reasonably good job and effective job of managing.

Mr. Speaker, I would reflect, and I haven't quite had time to do all the math here yet, but I do reflect on the budget that this Assembly first passed back for the fiscal year 2003-2004 was just over the billion dollar neighbourhood. We are now in the $1.25 billion neighbourhood, Mr. Speaker, an increase of 25 percent in expenditures. That is quite a step for this Northwest Territories to be taking in such a short period of time. Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mr. Braden. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Villeneuve.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I just want to use my Member's statement to send my congratulations to the newly elected chief of the Deninu K'ue First Nations, Mr. Bill Norn. He was elected yesterday...

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...by residents of Deninu K'ue.

Many here may know Bill Norn. He has been active in community politics over the past 10 or 15 years, and I look forward to working with Bill on many community issues of importance and developing better working relationships with some potential partners in industry on economic development projects that are currently being negotiated in the Fort Res area so that communities, specifically the First Nations and Deninu K'ue, can become primary beneficiaries of employment and economic opportunities as they arise.

Mr. Speaker, I will continue to provide my full support for any initiatives that the Deninu K'ue First Nations wish to pursue, be it First Nations governance, economic development or capacity building, so that the community can realize some tangible benefits over the near future. I'm confident that this new leadership can be more positive and proactive in all these areas.

I'd also like to welcome a new face to the DKFN council, Mr. Philip Beaulieu; Peppy, as we all know him. He's also been elected as a new councilman. I look forward to working with him also.

Two other seats were filled by the incumbent, Raymond Simon, and our ex-chief Robert Sayine also took up the vacant counsellor's seat. His many years of service as chief of the Deninu K'ue First Nations will not soon be forgotten. Robert, you know, we were all very appreciative of your commitment to improving the lives of our First Nations people in Deninu K'ue and in Akaitcho and the NWT, specifically in the community as a whole while you were a chief. On behalf of all my constituents in Fort Resolution, I want to say mahsi cho, Robert, and enjoy the

not-so-hot seat on council as counsellor today. Thank you, mahsi.

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Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As MLAs, we often hear from constituents with concerns regarding their treatment by government administrators. A person denied access to a social program might suspect the decision was based on false information or the decision-maker was biased against them in some way. MLAs have limited resources to investigate theses concerns. We can approach Ministers on these issues; however, admin programs are designed to remain free from political interference. I'm here to make sure frameworks are in place so people will be treated fairly, although this probably isn't much comfort to a constituent who's caught up in a system, because we all know that no policy is perfect and no law can completely guarantee fairness.

There are only two other jurisdictions in Canada without an established ombudsman office to deal with these kinds of complaints. The Northwest Territories is fortunate to be serviced by ombudsmen-like offices in the areas of access to information, protection of privacy, language rights, and equal pay. However, there are many concerns about administrative fairness that fall outside the scope of these offices.

Ombudsmen offices promote fairness, openness, accountability. They can independently investigate complaints and can help the parties to resolve their differences and come to a better understanding. In some provinces, their mandate includes community governments and a wide variety of public agencies by providing independent scrutiny of administrative practices. They increase public confidence and trust in the workings of government.

NWT citizens are subject to a wide variety of government decisions that affect many areas of their lives. They need access to an independent body that can look into and help resolve complaints about fairness.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it's time we catch up to the rest of Canada and establish an ombudsman office in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Premier later today. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, we are now one and a half into implementation of Tlicho Agreement, but most of the North Slave regional office did not go into Behchoko as the Monfwi centre. I realize that the Department of Executive may be working on plans transferring the North Slave regional staff located in Yellowknife to the Tlicho region. We need to know how many North Slave positions work on Tlicho files, work for the Tlicho region and make decisions on Tlicho issues and business. We need to know about the government plans to transfer them into our region. We need to ensure that the Department of Executive consult with Behchoko Community Government to Tlicho Community Services Agency and Behchoko Development Corporation before finalizing its plan.

The government needs to reveal its plan on office and accommodation needs on its consideration for a new office complex that could truly function as Monfwi regional centre, centralizing all GNWT service for Tlicho region building to government. (Translation ends)

...as of yet. I realize the Department of Executive may be working on plans on transferring the North Slave regional office located in Yellowknife to the Tlicho region. We need to know how many North Slave positions work on Tlicho files, work for the Tlicho region, and make decisions on behalf of Tlicho issues and businesses. We need to know the government's plans to transfer them into our region. We need to ensure the Department of Executive consults with the Behchoko Community Government, Tlicho Community Services Agency, and Behchoko Development Corporation before finalizing its plans, Mr. Speaker.

The government needs to reveal its plans on office accommodation needs on its consideration for a new office complex that could truly function as Monfwi regional centre. Centralizing all GNWT services for Tlicho region into one building would make the government more accessible and services user-friendly, Mr. Speaker. At the same time, such a move would open an opportunity to bring offices and services of the Tlicho Community Services Agency under one roof as tenants of Nishi-Khon complex. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi cho.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, as I said before, it is time for this Government of the Northwest Territories to acknowledge the importance of Behchoko as the capital of Tlicho Government. Basically such recognition will mean the Tlicho becomes a stand-alone region with appropriate headquarters. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier. Mahsi.

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Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my friend and colleague Minister Roland for his final budget that he presented to this House for this 15th Assembly. Particularly well done, I think, in the main estimates will be the budgets for Health and Social Services and the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. I would also like to note how capable the Minister has been at steering the fiscal ship of state through the tricky waters that we have to navigate, keeping us from the mythic debt wall that he's talked about at great length, as has his predecessors.

When he was on this side of the House, he would ask very pointed questions about why is it that all these estimates and latest projections change, sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly, sometimes even hourly? Why is it that Cabinet always gets these bags of money that drop out of the air onto their tables, out of the blue for no apparent reason? There has got to be something going on here.

Now, for the last three years, he has become very capable of responding to those particular issues, explaining, in fact, why their projections can change monthly, weekly, or even hourly, and why it is that this bag of money or that bag of money dropped out of the air onto his desk, usually through some kind of long-term planning and good budgeting and planning on the part of the Minister. I would like to commend him for all the work that he has done. He has had the job on both sides of this House, one as an informal critic, one as the Minister.

Clearly, we have a stay-the-course budget. The key piece, as he noted in his budget, that we all have to pay very close attention to is going to be what happens when the federal government tables their budget. We will see what they mean when they talk about the fiscal imbalance, what they're going to do with the formula. Are they going to have any specific mention about resource revenue sharing and devolution? We've done the job we have to do and the Minister is to be commended, as I say, but clearly our job is going to be to see what the federal government says and whether, in fact, we can gather here in May/June to see if we have to adjust how we are going to do our budgeting for the rest of our time. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to speak today about an issue that I have raised in this House on numerous occasions over the past three and a half years. That issue, Mr. Speaker, is the construction of a city bypass road from Highway No. 3 to the Kam Lake Industrial Park. Mr. Speaker, some of the excuses that I have heard over the year as to why it has not been concluded is there have been concerns over land access, rights-of-way, the alignment, cost, the servicing of the new road. Mr. Speaker, what we need to do as a government is work out a mutually beneficial agreement with the City of Yellowknife to see that this road is constructed as soon as possible.

The Government of the Northwest Territories benefits because this road will open up access to the west side of the Yellowknife Airport property. The city needs land to develop and, from a public safety standpoint, the residents of this city should have an alternate route into and out of the city. I have spoken previously about the possibility of a major incident or an accident at the Yellowknife Airport and the fact that it would essentially cut the city off from road access. Add to that the possibility of an accident or an incident on the top of Kam Lake Road near the North Slave Correctional Centre, and the residents and businesses in my riding in Kam Lake Industrial Park would essentially be cut off from access.

The construction of this bypass road is long overdue, Mr. Speaker. It will be an integral piece of public infrastructure and, as a government, we have a perfect opportunity in front of us to partner with the City of Yellowknife to construct this road.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to know where the negotiations are at. I would also like to know why this project is not getting the level of attention that it deserves and it requires. I have been a member of the Governance and Economic Development committee since I arrived here at the Legislature in 2003 and I know this subject was brought up numerous times by myself at the committee level. Recommendations go forward to the government, and for whatever reason they fail to act on those recommendations. It is a surprise to me that again in this year's budget there is no inclusion of any money to partner with the City of Yellowknife on this much needed piece of public infrastructure. You can look around the city, you see the trucks, you can see them driving around. It is ice road season. We need a bypass road in the city of Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker. I will certainly have questions for the Minister of Transportation at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

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