Welcome back to the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

Mr. Miltenberger is rising for a point of order. What is your point of order, Mr. Miltenberger?

Mr. Speaker, I want to cite our rules, under 23(k), “uses abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create a disorder” and (m), “introduces any matter in debate that offends the practices and precedents of this Assembly.”

Mr. Speaker, this is my first opportunity after the debate in the House yesterday to review Hansard, in specific, Mr. Hawkins’s Member’s statement and the subsequent question, the entire tone of which, I

believe, contravenes those two clauses that

I mentioned.

Specifically, on page 7 of unedited Hansard, Mr. Hawkins, in speaking about his concerns about the college programs in Fort Smith, says, and I quote: “How can we expect people to attend these courses and gain qualifications when they’re not welcome in this community?”

Mr. Speaker, the use of sweeping generalizations — inaccurate sweeping generalizations — I think, are contravening the intent of these two clauses. I’d further like to quote page 29 of unedited Hansard. Mr. Hawkins says: “I think that if students feel intimidated throughout the community, the community doesn’t want them.” He further goes on to say: “As I said earlier today — and I’ll reference again that people don’t want to go there….”

Mr. Speaker, the Member has specific concerns, which is fair enough, but to denigrate and condemn the whole community as a result of some isolated incidents when there have been thousands of graduates, I think, is contrary to what’s intended.

Finally, I’d like to reference the fact that he named a person in this House as the president of the college who is not here to defend himself, nor are the people of Fort Smith. So I rise to defend the practice of not naming people.

And he goes on, on page 28, to say: “I mean, why doesn’t he say to me that the president is reviewing the effectiveness of the campus in Fort Smith — by the way, where he lives and runs the program. Wow, I’m sure that will be independent.” This brings into question the integrity and ability of the president of the college, once again in a forum where he’s not here to defend himself.

So on those points, those are my points of order. I would look forward to your ruling.

Mr. Miltenberger has risen on a point of order under rule 23(k) and (m). To the point of order, I’ll allow some debate. To the point of order, Mr. Hawkins.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I’ll thank the Member from Thebacha for bringing forward the concern. If he felt there was an issue, I appreciate him bringing it and highlighting it as an issue.

Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I have to cite a book called Beauchesne’s, which this Assembly is very familiar with. It talks about tone and intent. I’m bringing forward the tone and intent and concerns of my constituents who sent family members to that community.

Mr. Speaker, on page 28 of yesterday’s Hansard I explicitly qualified my comments by stating that there was no mal-intention intended with respect to my remarks that called into question the independence of an internal conduct review. I was stating and simply seeking an independent examination.

Furthermore, I questioned that the independence of a review conducted internally by a senior member

embedded within an organization can hardly be called independent or showing objectivity. One with a vested interest in a program or review hardly seems fair.

Mr. Speaker, I did not specifically name that person — I named the position that they represent all along. This is something we witness time and time again when a Crown corporation and other departments are placed under scrutiny of independent lenses. This ensures confidence in the outcomes of public and elected officials to determine a course of action with an independent review.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I further comment that the Member’s point of view was not raised in a timely fashion — from my point of view, given his presence in this House — because he is a very capable Minister and a Member with long-standing presence. I would assert that, on page 97 of Beauchesne’s, attention must be directed to a breach of order at the proper moment — namely, the moment it occurred.

Mr.

Speaker, I will recognize officially that the

Member may have had some concern with the tone. It is a tone, and I will pass on an apology for the tone. However, I was bringing concerns directly brought forward by my constituents — a number of constituents, Mr. Speaker. I will close with that at this time.

Am I to take it from that that you’re withdrawing your remarks from yesterday?

I would like to see the ruling first, Mr. Speaker, if that’s in order in this particular case.

To the point of order. Seeing no more proponents on the point of order, I will take it under advisement and come back with a ruling at a later date.

Item 2, Ministers’ statements. Mr. Bob McLeod.

In March 2007 the 15th Legislative Assembly released the Northwest Territories Energy Plan and Greenhouse Gas Strategy, outlining a comprehensive approach to addressing the many and varying energy challenges that we face in our communities.

The Energy Plan introduced a wide range of tools and incentives to assist N.W.T. residents and communities in reducing their energy use. It specified investments to advance the use of alternative and renewable energy sources and to

find ways to apply emerging technologies in our harsh environment. Members of the 16th Assembly

have reiterated many of these goals and strategic priorities.

Mr. Speaker, in an effort to ensure that energy initiatives are coordinated and fully aligned with government priorities, cabinet has authorized the establishment of the Ministers’ energy coordinating committee.

This committee, which I chair, includes my colleagues Minister Miltenberger and Minister Yakeleya. It will provide an important forum for dialogue and an avenue through which we can be responsive and accountable to both the Members of the 16th Assembly and the people we represent.

One of the first priorities of this committee will be to consider the regulatory and administrative systems related to the provision of electricity in the Northwest Territories. The N.W.T. Energy Plan is built on the principle that reliable and affordable energy should be available in all N.W.T. communities.

In the coming months we will be engaging Members of this Assembly, N.W.T. residents and businesses in a review of electricity rates, regulations and subsidy programs in the Northwest Territories to ensure that our electricity system supports this principle.

Mr. Speaker, we have a tremendous supply of energy resources, yet the cost of energy in our communities remains expensive and a significant contributor to our high cost of living. We need to make long-term investments that will result in sustainable energy solutions. This includes a greater use of clean and renewable energy, focused efforts in energy conservation and efficiency, and an electricity system that supports our priorities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the city of Yellowknife and the N.W.T. prepare for the more than 1,800 athletes, coaches and visitors who will be coming to Yellowknife for the Arctic Winter Games, more than 200 health care professionals are being organized to staff the Arctic Winter Games Clinic.

Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, doctors, massage therapists and physiotherapists will provide their services at the clinic each day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The clinic will be located at the Multiplex in Yellowknife. Each sport’s venue will have a radio dispatcher who will be in contact with a central dispatcher. They will be able to communicate with each other about an injury and dispatch an ambulance, if necessary.

I would like to thank the team leader, Dr. Ewan Affleck, at the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority for volunteering to organize the clinic. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank in advance all the health care professionals who will take time out from their busy schedules to make sure that these important services are made available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 3, Members’ statements, Mr. Beaulieu.

Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to talk about one of the many jewels of the Northwest Territories, the East Arm of the Great Slave Lake and, more specifically, the proposal to make this amazing area Canada’s newest national park.

In 1970, under the legacy of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, an area of almost 7,500 square kilometres of the East Arm was set aside for national park purposes. Unfortunately, over the course of the next few decades, the lack of progress in settling aboriginal land claims; resources and governance issues; and periodic government cutbacks stalled the drive for establishing an East Arm national park.

Mr.

Speaker, with the prospect of hydroelectric

impacts, diamond mining, and uranium exploration, the proposal for protecting the East Arm as a national park was once again put back on track, along with other Territorial conservation projects.

Mr.

Speaker, in 2005 the Lutselk'e Dene First

Nation outlined what they called Thaidene Nene

, a

portion of their traditional territory they wanted to see protected. This prompted Parks Canada to reassess the original 1970 boundaries. As a result, Parks Canada has now identified a total surface area of almost 34,000 square kilometres for the national park objectives.

In October 2006 a memorandum of understanding was signed by Lutselk’e Dene First Nation and the federal Environment Minister, providing a framework for a feasibility study for this new expanded area.

In November of last year the federal government officially announced an interim land withdrawal to protect more than 26,000 square kilometres around the East Arm.

Mr. Speaker, the East Arm area is an amazing geological wonder. In Christie Bay you can find the deepest spot in North America — over 2,000 feet deep. You can place the world’s highest tower in

Christie Bay, and it’d still be underwater by 200 feet. The spectacular Red Cliffe Island has sheer cliffs that are over 1,000 feet straight up into the deep water that is the home of a world-class lake trout habitat. There are stories of a trout over 100 pounds caught in the nets in the Great Slave Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to finish my statement.

Unanimous consent granted.

Mr.

Speaker, today I wish to

acknowledge the efforts of the Lutselk’e Dene band and the Akaitcho Territory government in their steadfast commitment to the protection of this important traditional land, as well as Parks Canada for recognizing the need to protect this spectacular area.

As mentioned yesterday, this is Education Week. We have over 800 teachers in our 33 communities, capably represented by the NWTTA, the N.W.T. Teachers’ Association.

But in all of our communities, teachers and their boards face obstacles. Public education should be fair and equitable for all students, yet our schools are not fully funded and must use school fees, fundraising efforts and corporate donations to finance some of their programs. Somehow we must find the dollars to completely fund all of our school programs and ensure equal opportunities for students, no matter where they live or their financial situation. It is imperative that education programs retain their current funding levels in the face of impending budget reductions.

Housing for teachers in our communities is an ongoing issue. To quote the NWTTA, it must be “available, adequate and affordable.” Yet teachers consistently face housing shortages, unsafe living conditions and exorbitant rents. We want to attract and retain quality teachers to N.W.T. schools. How can that happen if housing conditions are deplorable?

This same problem often exists for other professionals in our communities. The government must consider building a fourplex housing unit in communities where housing is scarce and use it to provide accommodations for all the community’s professionals.

As well, teachers daily face violence in the classrooms and schools. No one should have to deal with violence in their workplace. We must find a solution for this situation.

There have been some inroads in some schools. The restitution program at École J.H. Sissons School is an excellent example of the successful changing of students’ behaviours.

Not surprisingly, there’s a high turnover rate amongst N.W.T. teachers. The number of qualified applicants for Northern teaching posts gets smaller every year. It’s been proven that students perform better with consistent, strong teaching over a number of years. The retention of teachers improves students’ success.

Lastly, teachers and schools lack sufficient student support resources. We need to provide access to educational psychologists, speech therapists, audiologists, counsellors, nurses and RCMP for all students — and that certainly does not exist in all of our communities.

So, this week, hug a teacher or find some other way to let them know how much you appreciate their work. And to all teachers I say, “Thank you for making a difference.”

Mr.

Speaker, it gives me great

pleasure to announce here in the House that I have some 32 athletes who will be taking part in the Arctic Winter Games, 12 of whom are coming from Iqaluit and 20 from Fort McPherson. Who says small communities can’t compete in the Arctic Winter Games?

Applause.

In the area of youth, there have been Jennifer Greenland and Bobbi Rose Koe participating in the Youth Ambassador program. Liz Wright will be coaching the male snowshoe team, Joanne Tetlichi will be coaching the female snowshoe team, and Wayne Greenland will be chaperoning the snowshoers. The snowshoe team consists of Aryn Charlie, David Kaye, Ashtyn McLeod, Janelle Wilson, Jeanetta Prodromid, Merle Robert and Rick Charlie.

Also, Mr. Speaker, Fort McPherson has its own family cross-country ski team, with Lynn Hanthorn and her children Sarah, Joel, Ruth and Anna, which makes up the Fort McPherson cross-country ski team. P.J. Roberts of Fort McPherson is in the Dene Games, along with Shayla Snowshoe of Fort McPherson. Stephanie Ross of Fort McPherson made the N.W.T. female hockey team again, which was an achievement in itself. Lorna Storr will be taking part in the Dene Games along with Crystal Koe, Karlyn McLeod and Joel Gordon.

Also, Iqaluit drummers will be taking part in the cultural event: Jordan McLeod, Alex Gordon,

Johnny Semple, Shayla Arey, Katelyn Storr, Julie Elanik, Mary Ruth Meyook and also Manny Arey.

So, Mr. Speaker, again, it gives me great pride to have the opportunity to announce these names in this House. “Go, team, go!” at the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you.

Yesterday the Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes raised concerns in a Member’s statement about the Affirmative Action Program and the inability of local people to get jobs with the G.N.W.T. — jobs which, with minimal training, they would be able to do regardless of the perceived educational requirements that they as individuals may not meet.

Currently, the G.N.W.T. spends a lot of money flying highly educated southerners into communities. Most of these individuals have little to no experience in small communities. Often they only stay for a year or two before returning south. It’s a revolving door. This is expensive.

Is this the best use of our limited funds? Would it not be more effective and better use of our funds to invest in the people of the North? Would it not be better to train people from the community to do the work required in those communities?

Prior to the major cost cuts and job cuts of 1996, the G.N.W.T. delivered a program called the Public Service Career Training Program. It was a competency-based, on-the-job training program focused on training indigenous aboriginal people to help them obtain managerial and officer-level jobs. It gave these individuals an opportunity to train for positions which they had skills to do but lacked either the education or the experience to get through the normal competition process.

This program had an 84 per cent success rate and graduated between 25 and 30 indigenous aboriginal people into meaningful officer and managerial level positions per year. Upon completion of their training, they had the required knowledge, skills and abilities to completely and confidently perform the duties of the jobs they were trained to take on.

It was a very successful program, and as the G.N.W.T., we should have been proud of it. Instead, as part of the reduction exercises in 1996, the G.N.W.T. cut the budget in half, eliminated all the support positions related to the program, and devolved the responsibility for the delivery to the regions without providing the positions required to support the program. As a result, it became completely ineffective and died. Today it does not exist in any capacity.

Now we have no comprehensive training programs to assist indigenous aboriginal people in obtaining meaningful employment through comprehensive training on the job. This is a shame.

Over the last couple of weeks we have heard about budget cuts and reinvestments. We have heard about maximizing Northern employment. At the appropriate time I'll be asking the Minister Responsible for Human Resources questions concerning these reinvestments in training for people of the North.

Mr.

Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to

conclude my statement.

Unanimous consent granted.

I'd like to see a commitment from this government to invest in Northerners in a meaningful way. I'd like to see the reinstatement of the Public Service Career Training Program, based on its original design.

I would like to see people with skills and abilities from the communities offered an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to do the jobs which, with minimal training, they would be able to do.

I would like to stop the revolving door of highly educated southerners coming to communities for short periods of time.

I would like to build a strong public service with dedicated Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, three years ago the 15th Legislative Assembly consolidated Human

Resources into a centralized delivery model.

As Members know, there were, and still are, a great deal of growing pains as the government shifts its Human Resources processes to this model. Former employees, when trying to retire, were waiting months and sometimes more than a year to receive their documentation from HR. There were, and continue to be, problems with PeopleSoft, and a well-known breach happened last year. As well, there is an inherited backlog that still exists in the department today.

The department spent over $500,000 on the Hackett Report, which was to address business processes inside the department. Here we are, almost two years later, and I’m still left wondering what difference that report has made.

I’m still receiving calls from individuals who feel this department is not functioning the way it should. I have spoken to a wide array of individuals, from clerks to senior staff, and they all seem to be saying the same thing — that the department is being run with a management style of fear and intimidation.

I've become aware that staff must give their computer passwords to management, and over the weekend, their offices are searched for files. The searchers catalogue which files are in which offices, and on Monday the employees are questioned about what files they have in their offices.

To me, this seems to be a very excessive and heavy-handed approach. Staff should not live in constant fear of losing their jobs.

This is our Human Resources department, the department which should be setting the standard for how to treat employees and should not be a dictatorship where staff are always fearing reprisal for speaking out.

Mr. Speaker, many outstanding employees have left Human Resources over the past 18 months because of the management style that exists there. The last Premier and Minister of Human Resources did not seem to want to address the issues that the staff were raising within the Department of Human Resources.

Now we have a new Premier, a new Minister, but the same issues are still there. What will it take for someone over there to do something? We can’t continue to ignore what is happening. The staff that are there need and deserve our help.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Unanimous consent granted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It would seem absurd to ask Human Resources to conduct a human resources review of its own department, but that is the reality, and that’s what I’ll be asking for today.

Mr. Speaker, in 2010 the eyes of the world will be on Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, and I see this as an excellent opportunity to share with the world what the N.W.T. has to offer. The N.W.T. has much to offer. They can come and see our land and meet our people. We have a lot of visitors coming now to see the aurora borealis, the northern lights, and this can add to that. They can drive our highways, including the beautiful drive on the Dempster. Hopefully, they’ll still have nice things to say after their trip. They can come and

meet our people and share their stories and share in our culture. This would benefit, I think, the tourism industry and residents up and down the valley.

We had a presence at the Canada Winter Games held in Whitehorse, and we had the ads on TV. My understanding was that they had a positive impact on visitors to the Northwest Territories. I see this as an opportunity to be in Vancouver to promote what the N.W.T. has to offer, because we do have a lot to offer the world. I’m not talking about big, fancy pavilions and millions of dollars spent but a good practical investment, a good practical presence in Vancouver. If that draws more people to the Northwest Territories to come see what we have to offer, then I would consider that money well spent, Mr. Speaker.

At the appropriate time I will have questions for the Minister of ITI. Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr.

Speaker. [English

translation not provided.]

Last week the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, issued an unprecedented apology to the aboriginal people of his country. He apologized for the century of laws and policies that removed aboriginal children from their families and forced them into institutions far from their homes. These policies caused incredible suffering to thousands of aboriginal people, and they welcomed the apology as an important step in that nation’s history.

Mr. Speaker, aboriginal Canadians were victims of the same type of discriminatory assimilation policies. While Canada has moved forward in important ways with compensation payments to aboriginal Canadians, money alone cannot undo the pain and suffering our people have felt through the residential schools experience. For some of my constituents the payments have reawakened painful memories and act as a cruel reminder of that time.

Mr. Speaker, what aboriginal people in this country are looking for is a sincere and full apology by the Government of Canada for the abuse that so many people experienced in these residential schools. While compensation is important, an apology begins the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. An apology is the foundation to healing. It acknowledges full responsibility for harm done. It shows understanding of the impact of that harm on those who have been hurt. It also makes a commitment to never let it happen again.

Prime Minister Harper has launched a truth and reconciliation commission into the residential

schools. This process will provide an opportunity for all Canadians to learn from this sad chapter in Canadian history. This chapter of our history is not widely known, and the legacy it has left is not fully understood. We need to ensure that the stories and experiences of residential school survivors remain in the conscious memory of all Canadians and are fully documented in our history books. If we as a country understand this history, then we can learn from it and build….