This is page numbers 303 - 340 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 6th 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 health.

Topics

Further Return To Question 127-15(6): Development And Management Of Canol Heritage Territorial Park
Question 127-15(6): Development And Management Of Canol Heritage Territorial Park
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 324

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought the Minister was going to run the clock out. My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Mr. Speaker, I have written to the Minister and the deputy minister. I do thank the Minister that he took the time to attend in Hay River to look at some of the transportation infrastructure. As everyone knows, Hay River is the transportation hub of the North, and so our transportation infrastructure is very important to us, as it is to any community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister what the plans are with respect to the deficiencies that have been identified at the Hay River Airport runway. We have, over the years, had our air services take on various schedules and various aircraft. At this point, we don't have regular service from a 737. However, we do need our runway to be maintained and kept in good order to ensure air transportation in and out of our community. I would like to ask the Minister what are his department's plans with respect to the deficiencies on the Hay River runway? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Menicoche.

Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 324

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In April of this year, the departmental staff and air carriers were aware of a portion of the Hay River runway. Approximately 650 feet of runway had some serious depressions in there that were deep enough to impact jet planes. So we did look at that. We did initiate some remediation of that section, Mr. Speaker. As well, we just closed a contract to completely resurface and reconstruct that section that has that depression, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Supplementary To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

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Groewegen

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A contract has already been awarded. I am understanding that's what the Minister is saying. A contract has already been awarded for the resurfacing of that 650 feet of runway surface. I would like to ask the Minister if he could, for the benefit of people who live in Hay River, let us know when that work...What would be the scope and what would be the intended timelines for that particular work? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Menicoche.

Further Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The contract to repair the Hay River runway has been awarded and the construction schedule is for the first week of September to complete the work. There has been notification to air carriers and anybody using the airport that this work will be taking place and hopefully it won't interfere with the regular scheduled aircraft that run into Hay River. Mahsi.

Further Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Time for question period has expired; however, we will allow a supplementary question. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That was going to be one of my next questions, whether or not the work that would be done, which I understand is much needed, would interrupt any of the air traffic that is currently scheduled in and out of Hay River. The Minister has indicated that the work on the runway will not interfere with that schedule. I would like to know from the Minister, Mr. Speaker, if Hay River would still be designated today, Mr. Speaker, as an alternate site for planes, 737s and larger aircraft that could not land in Yellowknife because of weather. Is Hay River still the alternate destination? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Menicoche.

Further Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

As far as I am aware, it's still an alternate destination for Yellowknife, but, once again, the notice has been given to all air carriers that the depression on the runway will be remediated soon. However, it is still a secondary location for emergency purposes. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport
Item 7: Oral Questions

Page 325

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Time for oral questions has expired. Written questions. Returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Hawkins on May 10, 2007, regarding consumer protection on gas prices.

Neither the GNWT nor the federal government regulate the price of fuel.

The GNWT relies on the active market created by buyers and sellers to set prices for goods and services in the NWT. Reviewing the price differential between Yellowknife and Edmonton since June 2001 shows a trend where the price differential is diminishing, going from about 26 cents per litre in 2001 to a recent 18 cents per litre.

Some jurisdictions have attempted to place controls on the price of fuel. When market differences such as taxes and transportation costs are removed, the price of fuel in jurisdictions with controls is not significantly different from other jurisdictions.

Price fixing and other anti-competitive activities are illegal under the federal Competition Act.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency responsible for the administration of the Competition Act, which includes provisions against price fixing, price maintenance and abusive behaviour by a dominant firm resulting in a lessening of competition. All of its provisions apply to gasoline and other markets for petroleum products. The bureau's role is to protect competition in the marketplace so that Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality service. Each year, the bureau receives numerous complaints about gasoline prices. Complaints are examined to determine whether the provisions of the Competition Act have been violated.

The fact that retailers may charge similar prices, or that prices change, does not constitute an offence under the Competition Act. There must be evidence that competitors have made an illegal agreement to set those prices.

Franchise retailers who sell gas on consignment often change their prices on instructions from their head offices. This is not illegal under the Competition Act.

The Information Centre of the Competition Bureau will receive any evidence of improper communications, illegal agreements among competitors, or evidence of the impact of the alleged anti-competitive conduct.

The GNWT, through its Consumer Protection Act, provides the framework for which buyers and sellers transact business in the NWT. The GNWT responds to all complaints under the act received from consumers. A review of complaints filed under the act failed to uncover any complaints relating to fuel price gouging.

In communities where an active market does not exist, the GNWT, through its petroleum products division, sells fuel at a formula derived price. Where an active market exists, the GNWT refrains from distorting the market price through government intervention.

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on May 10, 2007, regarding supports for secondary school students.

  1. Can the Minister provide to me as to how the funding formula for small high schools ensures that core courses that our students can take and will get them into universities and/or colleges?

The per student funding that a school receives is greater for small high schools than it is for large ones. For instance, the average per student amount in the Sahtu is approximately $18,700, whereas the average per student amount in Fort Smith is approximately $13,200. Some of this difference is due to location factors, but some is due to the size of schools as well.

In the case of very small high schools, such as Colville Lake with approximately seven students, a special formula for senior secondary small schools applies. In the case of Colville Lake, the school receives approximately $30,000 per student.

In regard to student access to courses needed for university and college entrance, providing diversity of courses is difficult in a small high school. Indeed, the courses offered might be limited to those that are suitable for the majority of students in the school.

If students need a particular course that is not offered at their school, such as chemistry or physics, in order to meet the entrance requirements for the postsecondary program they wish to pursue, they may have to take that course either on line or through other distance education options available to them. A parent may also choose to discuss alternative options with the school and the local district education authority.

  1. Can the Minister explain to me how students in these small high schools, who want to take courses such as biology, chemistry or grades in their community?

Providing diversity of courses is difficult in a small high school and the courses offered might be limited to those that are suitable for the majority of students in the school. If students need a particular course that is not offered at their school, such as chemistry or physics, in order to meet the entrance requirements for the postsecondary program they wish to pursue, they may have to take that course either on-line or through other distance education options available to them. A parent may also choose to discuss alternative options with the school and the local district education authority.

  1. Who is responsible for paying the cost of sending students to other high schools to take courses that are not offered in our small high schools?

Where a DEA makes an agreement with another school in order to allow a student to attend classes there, the student's home DEA would pay an amount to the receiving school's DEA, to compensate them for educating the student for the year. Generally, the per student amount allocated by the department to the home DEA in accordance with the funding formula is sufficient to cover the costs of educating a student in the other district. The home DEA may, in some cases, be able to assist with funds to home board the student during the school year.

Return To Written Question 6-15(6): Aurora College Nursing Students
Item 9: Returns To Written Questions

August 14th, 2007

Page 325

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Bill Braden on May 11, 2007, regarding Aurora College nursing students.

  1. There were 21 nursing graduates from Aurora College in 2006-2007. Of these, 20 applied for placement through the Graduate Nurse Placement Program.
  2. All 20 Aurora College graduates seeking employment through the Graduate Nurse Placement Program were made offers of employment through the program.
  3. Of the 20 Aurora College graduates, two declined their offers. The remaining 18 were placed in RN positions through the program as follows:
  • • One went to Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority
  • • One went to Hay River Health and Social Services Authority
  • • One went to Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority
  • • 15 went to Stanton Territorial Health Authority.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Hawkins on May 15, 2007, regarding the impact of the Deh Cho Bridge on public service allowances.

  1. How will the Deh Cho Bridge specifically impact the northern allowances paid to the Government of the Northwest Territories public service?

The northern allowance methodology has two components:

  • • cost of return transportation to Edmonton, including accessibility factor
  • • cost of living differential between Yellowknife and Northwest Territories communities.

Based on the current methodology used to calculate the northern allowance, a bridge should not have a negative impact on the northern allowance.

The accessibility factor is based on the amount of time that a community has road access. Communities are based on two levels: 50 percent or more of the time with road access or 50 percent of the time without road access. As Yellowknife, Behchoko and Fort Providence fall under the former, a bridge would not change this factor.

If the negotiated methodology remains the same when the bridge is built and the bridge results in lower costs for

goods in Yellowknife, Behchoko and Fort Providence, the Yellowknife rate will not change unless the parties specifically negotiate a reduction to it as Yellowknife forms the base rate. If the relativity in cost reductions between Yellowknife, Behchoko and Fort Providence remain the same, there will be no change to Behchoko and Fort Providence.

If the bridge does not result in lower costs for communities not accessed by the bridge, the current methodology may provide for even higher northern allowances in the communities as compared to Yellowknife.

  1. What specific impact will the Deh Cho Bridge have on isolated post allowances and other benefits paid to Government of Canada employees in the Northwest Territories?

The allowances provided to employees of the Government of Canada are developed in partnership by employer and bargaining agent representatives at the National Joint Council. Its provisions form part of the collective agreements of the participating parties under the bylaws of the National Joint Council. The provisions also apply to persons not covered by collective agreements, as indicated in the directive or by employer policy.

As this is not a program of the GNWT, it is not known what the impact will be on Government of Canada employees; however, the following components may be affected:

Environment allowance is composed of the following factors: population, climate, barrens/taiga, and access. Assuming Fort Providence, Behchoko and Yellowknife are classified as posts with all-weather road access and assuming the three communities currently receive zero points for the access factor, as they are "less than 402 km from a population centre of 15,000," the bridge would have no impact on the environment allowance.

Living cost differential allowance is provided if the community LCD is above the 115 index level, compared to Edmonton. Yellowknife's 2005 LCD indicates 117.5 with Fort Providence and Behchoko at 132.5 and 122.5 respectively. If the bridge results in lower LCDs, these communities would receive lower allowances.

If, in the case of Yellowknife, the bridge results in an LCD lower than 115, Yellowknife would no longer be eligible for this allowance.

Fuel and utilities differential. The differential paid is based on the differential between the national composite billing cost for fuel and utilities plus 15 percent, and the calculated fuel and utilities cost at the isolated post. It is possible the bridge could have an impact on the costs of fuel and utilities in the three communities resulting in a lower allowance.

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Robert McLeod on May 15, 2007, regarding Beaufort-Delta clients attending school and drug treatment centres.

During 2006-2007, five clients from the Beaufort-Delta region attended southern alcohol and drug treatment centres. Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre reports that 19 clients from the Beaufort-Delta region participated in 442 treatment days. Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment Centre is funded by the Department of Health and Social Services.

The cost of treatment for Beaufort-Delta clients attending these programs was approximately $396,000.

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on May 15, 2007, regarding Norman Wells natural gas supply.

Representatives of the Government of the Northwest Territories have held several meetings with community leaders in Norman Wells to deal with this issue.

On April 27, 2007, His Worship Mayor Peter Guther of the Town of Norman Wells wrote to the Honourable Michael McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, to request a meeting to discuss this issue.

On May 16, 2007, the Premier, Minister, deputy minister and assistant deputy minister of MACA met with the mayor and deputy mayor of the Town of Norman Wells. At that meeting, the mayor outlined the current situation, the steps taken by the town to address the issue, and the areas where the town may seek the support from the GNWT. The honourable Premier Handley and Minister McLeod noted that the GNWT would like to work in collaboration with the Town of Norman Wells in finding the best way forward.

On May 18, 2007, the Premier convened a meeting of Ministers and deputy ministers to discuss how best to coordinate GNWT activities on this issue. More specifically, Ministers agreed that MACA would take the lead as liaison with the Town of Norman Wells, Public Works and Services would take the lead on technical analysis, and that Industry, Tourism and Investment would take the lead on any discussions that may be required with Imperial Oil.

On May 23, 2007, the Honourable David Krutko, Minister of Public Works and Services, and Mr. Yakeleya, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Sahtu, both met with representatives of Imperial Oil in Calgary, at which time the GNWT's concerns about this issue were raised.

On May 28, 2007, the deputy ministers of MACA and PWS travelled to Norman Wells for a follow-up discussion with the deputy mayor, members of town council and town staff. As a result of that meeting, a joint working group has been established to identify the best solution to an alternative energy source for the town.

The GNWT has agreed with the Town of Norman Wells that further discussions between government officials and Imperial Oil will take place in the event that the town requests government support in advocating for specific issues or positions with Imperial Oil.

It would be premature to speculate whether residents of Norman Wells will incur costs for conversion of household appliances until the optimum solution for future energy supply has been identified and further technical analysis

has been done. The GNWT continues to work with the town on these details and the town has flagged this as one issue that may require attention.

With regard to the potential feasibility of wind and solar power conversions, the Arctic Energy Alliance has been working with the town on development of a longer-term community energy plan, and the issue of alternative energy sources is likely to be considered as part of that process. However, alternative energy sources are not expected to provide a short-term solution for residents and may not prove feasible in the longer term.

The Deputy Ministers' Energy Coordinating Committee has been tasked with reviewing the 1944 Norman Wells Proven Area Agreement and identifying any possible implications for this issue. Further information will be forwarded to the Member when this analysis is complete.

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Villeneuve on May 15, 2007, regarding Income Security Program treatment of impact benefit compensation.

  1. Can the Minister provide a copy of the legal opinion on income benefit agreement payments that stipulates IBA payments should be considered as earned income for income security clients?

A copy of the legal opinion on income benefit agreement payments cannot be provided because legal opinions prepared for the department are protected by solicitor-client privilege. The department does not release legal opinions to third parties, as doing so would breach that solicitor-client privilege.

  1. Was this an independent legal opinion or an opinion provided by GNWT legal counsel?

The department received its legal advice on this issue from the legal division, Department of Justice.

  1. How do IBA distribution payments differ from Inuvialuit regional agreement distribution payments?

Income benefit agreement payments are pursuant to a contractual relationship between a band and a private company, and are not made pursuant to the terms of a treaty or land claims agreement with the Government of Canada. Distributions made to Inuvialuit beneficiaries under the Inuvialuit Final Land Claims Agreement are made pursuant to the terms of a land claims agreement with the Government of Canada.

  1. Why is the IBA distribution payment not considered an integral part of the land claims process by income security?

Income benefit agreement payments constitute a contractual arrangement between a band and a company, which is considered a private contract. IBA payments are, therefore, not treated as compensation payments as is the case with land claims or treaty payments.

Return To Written Question 11-15(6): Highway No. 3 Access Roads
Item 9: Returns To Written Questions

Page 325

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a written question asked by Mr. Lafferty on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, regarding Highway No. 3 access roads.

1.Can I request a detailed costs to repair and service the Highway No. 3 access roads, specifically to the Charlo's camp on a monthly basis?

The department's mandate includes the operation and maintenance of public transportation infrastructure in the NWT. This mandate does not extend to privately owned infrastructure.

When Highway No. 3 was reconstructed, the department constructed and/or reconstructed private access roads to reconnect properties where people were living, back to the reconstructed Highway No. 3 alignment. These are private access roads and the responsibility for maintenance and repair of these roads rests with the property owner.

As such, the department does not have any monthly maintenance or repair costs relating to private access roads.

2.Can I also request for copies of meeting minutes or documentations on the previous contractual discussion? Specifically, the community/local private contractor complaints.

The question is very general and could refer to a number of files. However, if what the Member is referring to is related to private access roads on Highway No, 3, the department does not have any contractual arrangements with local or private contractors to maintain these roads. As such, we do not hold the records or documentation regarding private maintenance contracts for these roads.

Return To Written Question 12-15(6): Protected Areas Strategy
Item 9: Returns To Written Questions

Page 325

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Schauerte

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question 12-15(6) asked by Mr. Yakeleya on May 17, 2007, regarding the Protected Areas Strategy.

In response to your written questions in the Legislative Assembly on May 17, 2007, regarding the Protected Areas Strategy, I am happy to provide you with an update on the actions taken by the Government of the Northwest Territories to encourage the federal government to approve the extension of the Edehzhie interim land withdrawal and to approve the interim land withdrawal for Ts'ude niline Tu'eyeta -- Ramparts River and wetlands -- that the Canadian Wildlife Service applied for in July 2006.

On June 26, 2007, the federal government extended the interim land withdrawal for Edehzhie to October 31, 2008. As you are aware, interim land withdrawals are a temporary means to hold the land while decisions are made through other processes such as PAS and land use plans.

The GNWT has and continues to take actions to promote the implementation of the Mackenzie Valley five-year action plan for the PAS. Some actions to promote implementation of the plan and regarding the two candidate areas you highlighted are as follows:

  • • In March 2006, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources wrote to the president of the Yamoga Land Corporation, recognizing the significant regional support for the Ts'ude niline Tu'eyeta protected area and supporting an interim land withdrawal for this site.
  • • In February 2007, I met with the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada on a number of issues. At this meeting, I discussed our shared responsibility for implementing the PAS with partners. I emphasized that completing a network of protected areas is a critical component to moving forward with the proposed multi-billion dollar Mackenzie gas project and that several candidate areas require action by INAC to move one step ahead. I encouraged the Minister to approve the interim land withdrawal extension for the Edehzhie protected area and the interim land withdrawal request for the Ts'ude niline Tu'eyeta protected area.
  • • In late March 2007, I met with the Minister of Environment Canada when he came to Yellowknife to announce funding for Sahoyue-Ehdacho. I indicated that we fully expect INAC to take the necessary actions to get interim withdrawal requests done quickly.

Recently, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources wrote to the federal Ministers of Environment and INAC again asking that the outstanding interim land withdrawal request for Ts'ude niline Tu'eyeta be completed. The focus of these letters was Canada's budget announcement of $10 million to create or expand protected areas in the Northwest Territories. GNWT priorities for how the funding should be allocated were identified: establishing protected areas; biodiversity and ecological representation; and managing protected areas. There is an expectation that some of this funding will flow to the GNWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Written Question 12-15(6): Protected Areas Strategy
Item 9: Returns To Written Questions

Page 329

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Returns to written questions. Replies to opening address. Petitions. Reports of standing and special committees. Reports of committees on the review of bills. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Social Programs has reviewed Bill 12, Public Health Act, and Bill 13, Change of Name Act, and wishes to report that Bill 12 and 13 are now ready for Committee of the Whole.

The committee has already completed its review of Bill 14, Employment Standards Act, and wishes to report that Bill 14 is now ready for Committee of the Whole, as amended and reprinted.

Mr. Speaker, the committee has already reviewed Bill 7, Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, and wishes to report the bill to Committee of the Whole. The committee wishes to recommend that Bill 7 not be further proceeded with in its current form.

Motion To Move Bills 12, 13 And 14 Into Committee Of The Whole, Carried
Item 13: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

Page 329

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Further, Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that Bills 12, 13 and 14 be moved in Committee of the Whole for today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.