This is page numbers 2705 - 2758 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 3rd 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 communities.

Topics

The House met at 1:35 p.m.

---Prayer

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. For the information of Members and our guests in the audience, we have interpreters this week. Channel two is Dogrib and channel three is North Slavey.

Also, before begin to the orders of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a special day for a couple of our Members here in the Chamber today. I would like to wish a happy birthday to the Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee…

---Applause

…and also to the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Robert McLeod.

---Applause

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, traditional knowledge is an essential component of program management within the Government of the Northwest Territories and we are committed to incorporating traditional knowledge into our programs and services.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for implementing the Traditional Knowledge Policy. As the lead department, ENR coordinated the interdepartmental working group which developed the GNWT Traditional Knowledge Policy Implementation Framework. The framework will guide the

government-wide implementation of traditional knowledge.

The GNWT recognizes the need to consider both traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge in our decision-making. The inclusion of traditional knowledge is vital for the development of sound natural resource management plans and programs. The Traditional Knowledge Policy was established by the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1997. The policy was meant to ensure that traditional knowledge played a significant role in government programs and services.

Mr. Speaker, the policy defines traditional knowledge as “knowledge and values which have been acquired through experience, observations from the land or from spiritual teachings, and handed down from one generation to another.”

We have been successful in incorporating traditional knowledge into a number of projects including construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, environmental monitoring and management of our wildlife and forest resources.

Additionally, we have conducted extensive consultation with traditional knowledge holders on exhibit development at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. The Department of Health and Social Services recently worked with the Dene Nation to incorporate into palliative care programs and services.

Although traditional knowledge is already being incorporated into a wide range of departmental initiatives, there is opportunity for further implementation.

The GNWT is dedicated to working with all Northerners to build a strong and independent North taking advantage of the unique experience and knowledge that partners bring to the table.

Mr. Speaker, our commitment to traditional knowledge is firm and we are eager to apply it in an appropriate and thoughtful manner to a wide range of government initiatives. The interdepartmental working group will coordinate and support departments in fulfilling the spirit, intent and obligations of the Traditional Knowledge Policy.

Due to differing mandates, some GNWT departments and agencies have a greater opportunity and obligation to incorporate traditional knowledge into their programs and services in the way in which they do business. As a result, the extent to which departments can implement the Traditional Knowledge Policy will vary. ENR has completed a departmental Traditional Knowledge Implementation Plan. It forms part of the overall GNWT Traditional Knowledge Policy Implementation Framework.

The implementation priorities of the ENR plan include improved coordination of traditional knowledge implementation as well as increased awareness, training, collaboration, promotion and support of traditional knowledge.

Mr. Speaker, we can all agree that traditional knowledge is best preserved through the continued use and application. Through the development of a formal implementation framework for our Traditional Knowledge Policy, I am confident traditional knowledge will remain an integral part of government-wide operations and services.

From determining the cumulative effects of human activity on our land, water and natural resources to guiding the development of community infrastructure, traditional knowledge will form an important part of the knowledge base of our government.

Later today, I will table both the GNWT Traditional Knowledge Policy Implementation Framework and the ENR Traditional Knowledge Implementation Plan. I look forward to updating Members on our government’s progress in formally implementing traditional knowledge into our programs and services.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, according to new Transport Canada regulations tourism operators and guides who use motorized boats in unsheltered waters are now required to attain certain levels of training and certification. While these new requirements are dependent on a number of factors, they will nevertheless have a significant impact on the men and women who make up parts of our tourism industry and who must now pay the cost to obtain this new certification.

I have been informed by representatives of our tourism industry and Aurora College that, in fact, the expense and logistics of accessing and receiving the required training will not be feasible without government assistance. For that reason, I would like to advise the Members of this House and the Northwest Territories tourism industry that the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, through training investments allocated under the Tourism 2010 plan, will fund opportunities in coming months. This funding will provide marine safety training courses for those licensed tourism operators in the Northwest Territories impacted by the Transport Canada decision. The first course of training will be delivered on May 25th to 29th in

Yellowknife, with other locations and times to be determined based on demand.

Wherever possible, this government is committed to investing in education and training that will enhance the opportunities and choices of Northwest Territories residents. I would encourage all individuals impacted by this decision to seek out and obtain the required training by contacting the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment office in their region. The department will be sending out notices to the tourism operators along with annual registration packages beginning next month.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Tlicho region and the Northwest Territories experienced an unfortunate loss recently with the passing of Phillip Rabesca of Behchoko, also known as Phillia. Phillia was a skilled and educated interpreter-translator with a high level of fluency and literacy in his language. His knowledge and understanding of the Tlicho language was respected across the Territory. He worked with everyone in the community, including schools, the church, government, and the RCMP, to help people understand each other. In his relatively short lifespan he amassed a collection of works translated into the Tlicho language that will help our people keep our language for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, his commitment to the land and culture was well known in the region. He was very well respected by people of all ages. He had a detailed understanding of Tlicho land and boundaries and spent as much time as he could out on the land.

Phillip was not an outspoken person, but many people came to him for his quiet perspective and advice.

Phillip had been sick for some time before he passed away, but he continued to transcribe stories, even from his hospital bed, and used every bit of time he had left to share with his family and friends. It had been our hope to honour him with a special language leader award for his lifetime of dedication and learning. I am sorry to have to recognize his work posthumously.

I pass my condolences to his partner, Leslie Saxon, and his friends and family in the Tlicho community and around the Northwest Territories. We have lost a great Northerner and a great man.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we celebrate National Social Work Week from March 2nd to 6th this year it is important to recognize

the exceptional work that social workers do for people in the communities.

This year’s theme is “Social Workers – Making a Difference in Seniors’ Lives”. Seniors and elders in all of our communities are our greatest source of strength. They bring value to our communities and provide a wisdom that social workers can learn from as they provide support to them.

Across the Northwest Territories social workers assist our seniors and elders in so many ways; by assisting with income related issues, discharge planning from hospitals, planning for care at home, and by helping our seniors cope with mental and physical health issues, including the issues related to elder abuse.

It is important to recognize that social work practice is rooted in the desire to provide a service to humanity. In the North we have over 140 diverse positions that employ social workers within the Department of Health and Social Services alone. Social work includes mental health and addictions, community social service workers, corrections and family counselling services, among other areas.

Social workers have unique training and education. This scope of practice prepares them to work in the non-profit and government sectors to advocate for important issues, such as social equality, eradicating poverty, and to support those who are more vulnerable; for example, children and elders. Social equality is always at the forefront.

Mr. Speaker, social workers are challenged with the delivery of day-to-day services for children, youth, adults, and elders. They have a very important role of ensuring that the health and well-being of persons in need are being addressed and achieved. I am aware of the skills and creativity used by social workers to problem solve, advocate, and provide effective services to the people of the North. I am also acutely aware of the challenges created by some of the limited resources available in communities.

Mr. Speaker, in my role as Minister of Health and Social Services I have come to appreciate the magnitude of the responsibilities of social workers and I am confident in the services that they provide. My experience has given me the opportunity to better understand the challenging roles and responsibilities of front-line social workers. I recognize that social workers need to maintain a delicate balance of services while adhering to legislation and combining this with best practice deliverables to our people.

Mr. Speaker, the contribution of the work that social workers provide to our people is invaluable and I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to all social workers during this National Social Work Week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I support some system to look at the right reviews that are taking place in regards to the power rates in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, this issue has been around for some time. I believe that the people in the Northwest Territories are asking for change. Mr. Speaker, the change we are looking at is in regards to the review of power rates and the high cost in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, we do have to have a review process for looking at 28 applications for diesel communities that the Power Corporation provides power to; five communities that depend on hydro and, more importantly, a review of the regulatory process that it follows. The PUB process that reviews these applications is based on a processed camp rate community by community. Mr. Speaker, this process costs some $3 million in which the ratepayers have to pay back.

Mr. Speaker, there are 33 communities in the Northwest Territories that have different types of rates. We have eight hydro communities, 23 diesel communities and two natural gas communities. Yet, Mr. Speaker, people have always said, why is it that the power rates are so high in our diesel communities compared to hydro communities? Mr. Speaker, in order for us to get to the bottom of this, we do have to have a review process in place. I, for one, support the initiatives of the government in looking at all these aspects and that one of the priorities of the 16th Assembly is to reduce the cost

of living in our communities. One of the highest costs for our communities is energy.

Mr. Speaker, I feel that we do have to continue on with these reviews and, more importantly, assist the people in the Northwest Territories to reduce the high cost of power and the power rates in our communities. Mr. Speaker, with that, I will be asking the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation questions on this matter later. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, as many know, in the lead-up to the Arctic Winter Games last year there was a lot of controversy surrounding team selection and representation as to who had jurisdiction: Sport North, regional sports councils, MACA. Also the Sport and Recreation Council decided that they could no longer support funding games from lottery money. In fact, it was not appropriate to do so.

As a consequence of these events, Municipal and Community Affairs decided to conduct a games review and they hired a consulting firm last fall. The report was to be timely and subsequent decisions would be based on recommendations included in the report. Normally there is a good debriefing by the sports community after each Arctic Winter Games but, in light of the review, this debriefing was delayed so any insights could be included in the community assessment. However, now in the long absence of the supposed timely review report, frustration has built up in the sport community involved with Arctic Winter Games. Unfortunately, because of the games review, there has not been a forum for debriefing with respect to the Arctic Winter Games themselves.

Mr. Speaker, though apparently submitted to the Minister months ago, the games review report has still not been released to the public. With the Summer Games fast approaching and still no funds allocated within the MACA budget for games, Sport North is caught between a rock and a hard place.

Before we know it, we will be into the thick of preparing for the March 2010 Arctic Winter Games, certainly within the coming fiscal year of the 2009-10 budget. My understanding is that we will be frantically seeking $90,000 for the Summer Games and $450,000 for the Arctic Winter Games. Once again, Mr. Speaker, we have a recipe for disaster. Where is the clarity that was promised during the last kerfuffle? Where is the timely report on the lessons learned and solutions proposed and consultation with the sports community?

Our sport groups need the budgets to do their jobs up front and predictable so they don’t constantly deal with panic situations. Where are the games dollars, Mr. Speaker? Are we going to waste time again on a fully predictable supplementary appropriation and leave our public hanging until that gets done belatedly through backdoor financing once again? I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs during question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to follow up on some discussions held here in the House yesterday on the different power-related reviews currently underway. During this sitting, there has been a significant amount of discussion on highly controversial changes being put forth by Cabinet, specifically the changes to supplementary health benefits and the direction taken on board reform. One of the most obvious problems with both of these initiatives is the lack of public consultation and research obtained in order to make informed decisions.

The Regular Members’ frustration with this type of direction peaked during the debate to revoke Cabinet appointments on February 6th . Although the

motion was defeated, I believe the Cabinet heard what many of the Regular Members were saying. I would even say that improvements in communication between Cabinet and Regular Members is already happening. An area that I feel demonstrates this is the direction Cabinet has taken with respect to the three separate but related power reviews.

It is clear, power rates are too high. They are negatively affecting residents throughout the NWT and something must be done. The reviews of the NWT Power Corporation and the separate electricity rate review will go a long way to encouraging public input and allowing government

to get real, concrete information and public opinion on where problems lie and what some possible solutions might be. To their credit, Cabinet has met with committee on several occasions to outline the process. Further, again yesterday, the Premier committed to getting terms of reference for the reviews to help put them into context.

In the absence of the information that these reviews will provide, I believe that we will be limited in our ability to make informed decisions on the future of power supply and rates in the NWT. So I support Cabinet’s direction on these reviews.

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the ATCO proposal, I believe it would be irresponsible not to conduct a thorough review of this submission. We must know our options. We should leave no stone unturned. Currently I do oppose the sale of this critical asset. However, in the absence of information and analysis which this review and the other two reviews will gather, it is a little premature to say that we know absolutely what is in the best interest of Northerners for both today and into the future. We need the information. So I support the reviews to the ATCO proposal as well.

As a note, I was very happy yesterday to hear the Premier state very clearly that Cabinet has not made a decision to sell the NWT Power Corporation to ATCO. Unless the review clearly demonstrates the sale to ATCO is in the best interest of all residents today and into the future and will reduce power costs, there is no reason to sell it. Why sell our long-term future for short-term gain?

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

On issues of this magnitude, we need to work together to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of all people of the Northwest Territories. The findings of these reviews will be a valuable tool as we move forward. I look forward to further discussion and debate on these topics as we move forward. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will have questions for the Premier. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, will join my colleagues in talking about the review of the NWT electricity system. Mr. Speaker, as

someone who has long advocated for the most affordable power rates to our residents, I welcome the reviews of the Northwest Territories electricity system that are currently underway. These reviews will provide residents, business owners, community leaders and other stakeholders with an opportunity to give voice to their concerns and bring forward their ideas for improvements to our current system.

Mr. Speaker, these reviews are long overdue. During the last session I spoke about the high energy costs and impact this is having in our communities and on our residents. I spoke about the frustration community government leaders have with the cost of electricity and the management of the NWT Power Corporation. This frustration had led to the large non-hydro communities, like Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Inuvik, to consider a number of options including finding alternate energy suppliers. If these three communities withdraw from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, this could have a serious impact on the remaining NTPC customer base and overall operations of the NTPC.

These community leaders have put two options forward. One would be to treat every resident of the Territory the same and bring in the one-rate zone. The second option, Mr. Speaker, would be to enter into an agreement with another energy supplier with the capacity to develop some of the vast hydro potential in our Territory.

Mr. Speaker, these three reviews that the government is currently engaged in -- electricity rates and regulations, the structure and efficiency of the NTPC and the review of the ATCO proposal -- is the kind of action so many people have been calling for. They also provide a venue to discuss alternatives like the ones proposed by community government leaders. The information gathered through the community and stakeholder consultations will hopefully provide the government with a roadmap for redesigning our electricity system that will result in real change. By that, I mean affordable power rates for all Northerners and an efficient electricity system that will provide benefits to the NWT well into the future. Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak today to the issue of animal neglect, cruelty and abuse. Along with many Northerners, I was shocked and in disbelief yesterday when I heard that charges were stayed against a Behchoko man who was charged last September after the local government in Behchoko called in a veterinarian to

examine his sled dogs because of concerns about their health and living conditions. The veterinarian determined that 34 of the sled dogs were so malnourished they had to be euthanized.

Mr. Speaker, the Crown stayed the charges of animal neglect in this case because they felt it was unlikely of getting a conviction. To me this is a very, very sad commentary on our current animal protection laws here in the Northwest Territories and an indication that we must take action. The current Dog Act is woefully insufficient, ineffective and, as the name clearly states, does not even begin to address any other pets or animals.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories desperately needs an animal rights act. We have seen and heard far too many stories of animal neglect and abuse, and are getting a bad name both nationally and internationally for not protecting animals. I believe we can come up with a piece of legislation that will protect animals here in the Northwest Territories. We need to look at much tougher fines, incarceration for more serious offences and, at the same time, this new legislation should respect lawful and traditional pursuits such as hunting, fishing and livestock.

Mr. Speaker, without adequate and proper legislation in place it makes it almost impossible to get a conviction in the Northwest Territories. Our neighbours to the west in the Yukon have come up with an action plan to address the animal rights issue. They were prompted to act when a man shot 56 dogs on his property in Dawson City and there was nothing the authorities could do about it.

Mr. Speaker, we have had this latest incident in Behchoko coupled with the freezing death of many more sled dogs in Tuktoyaktuk recently and the picture begins to get much clearer. We need to move to protect animals from abuse and neglect and we must be able to pursue those who commit these heinous acts so that they face real consequences like time behind bars.

Mr. Speaker, as a legislator I would support this government taking some clear and urgent action to address our archaic animal rights legislation here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned yesterday, it is the time of the year for the deadlines for all applications

for NWT Housing Corporation homeownership programs. More specifically, Mr. Speaker, I spoke about the need for the corporation to deliver a more aggressive communications strategy and develop a more client-friendly orientation program. Mr. Speaker, many clients are left frustrated and confused when dealing with the NWT Housing Corporation applications and programs. When it comes to these all-important deadlines, Mr. Speaker, many are left scrambling at the last minute in order to complete their applications. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, many just don’t bother and they don’t apply.

Mr. Speaker, in my riding, with respect to homeownership houses, there are approximately 50 homeownership units in Lutselk’e and approximately 100 homeownership units in Fort Resolution. Mr. Speaker, if we break that down even further you see what it would take for the NWT Housing Corporation staff to go door to door. The core needs in these communities are approximately 40 percent. That leaves about 60 households in Tu Nedhe to visit.

Mr. Speaker, another important exercise that could go a long way to improving client/corporation relations is the regular delivery of various housing and homeownership workshops in the community for the people. In general, Mr. Speaker, I’m asking the Housing Corporation to reach out to the people in need and make the extra effort to obtain applications from everyone that needs help. Later today I will have questions for the Minister of the Housing Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Merci, Monsieur President. Mr. Speaker, buying a home is likely the largest purchase many of us will ever make. It’s important that buyers do everything that they can do to ensure that their decision to purchase a home is well-informed. It is also important that there are consumer protection measures in place to ensure that the seller of the home discloses all reasonable information about the condition of that home and property that they are selling.

Mr. Speaker, proper disclosure statements have been introduced by real estate associations in many provinces. They are detailed forms that ask a property seller to disclose any defects to prospective buyers. They typically ask questions about any known structural defects, flooding problems, plumbing and mechanical problems and

even include questions about possible environment liabilities. At this moment, there are no legal requirements for completing these statements. They provide prospective buyers with information which might not be readily seen through a casual inspection or a walk-through. Misrepresentation regarding the physical conditions or defects of a property are common reasons why people go to court. If defects are disclosed, the disclosure statement can equally protect the seller if any litigation occurs because the buyer has bought a property knowing about the defects. In the end, this ensures that the purchaser is fully informed and is able to make an informed decision.

Mr. Speaker, while the disclosure statement is not a legally binding warranty of the property and the condition, it does provide some protection to both the buyer and the seller in these real estate transactions. However, it not only covers what the owner knows but it doesn’t replace the fact that a good home inspection is still necessary.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the Minister responsible for consumer protection to work with the NWT realtors and our home inspection industry to implement the use of a property disclosure statement. This will help create strong protection for all consumers, particularly when they are making one of the biggest purchases in their life, which is a home for their family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.