This is page numbers 4365 - 4410 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 4th 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 chairman.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

I’m not sure if the Member is asking me about requiring people to have auto insurance. I’m thinking that he’s concentrating on the health insurance. No, we don’t have a system right now where a person goes into...unless they don’t have NWT health care, in which case we’d be interested in how they’re going to pay for it out of their health insurance coverage or their own pocket. As we have the system now, we do not ask people whether they have third-party insurance, because they have never really had to because the GNWT covers for all of their health care if they are eligible under specific conditions or if they’re seniors or if they’re indigent. In fact, we top up those who have third-party insurance for the percentage that they’re not covered with their insurance companies. We are looking to speak to the public about the necessity to consider having third-party coverage for those who can do it. For those who are not eligible because of their condition or because they can’t afford it, then, of course, government will always be there as the safety net to those who need it the most.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With all due respect, I don’t think the Minister sees what I’m trying to get at, which is the fact that I agree that the public system is there to top up, I agree that the public system is to back up the person as the backstop, and I definitely agree that the public system is the safety net provided to all our citizens. My fear is that we’re leaving potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars or even up to millions of dollars over the course of a number of years that we’re not tapping into the third-party insurance that is legally mandated. I’m not asking her to make sure that people who are driving cars have insurance. I’m telling you the cars that are supposed to be legally on the road are supposed to have insurance. That’s the issue. So there’s insurance covering them so if there’s an accident that person already has insurance for those health-related services. Why aren’t we tapping into that opportunity? That’s the issue. That’s what I’m trying to get at.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

I’ll have to find out if our facilities ask in cases where the persons coming in are injured as a result of an accident and whether there might be health care coverage that they should be accessing first. They might be doing that already. I don’t know exactly how it works on the ground. I will ask what questions the providers ask when people come in.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to ask some questions to the Minister of youth. Over the weekend I had the pleasure of watching the hand games. At the hand games they had a lot of youth that were involved in the tournament. I want to ask the Minister of Youth on the involvement of youth more into the hand games, if there is some type of avenue that the communities can take to involve the youth almost on more of a territorial level youth hand games tournament with his staff working with the different organizations in the Sahtu communities.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Robert McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Minister Responsible for Youth

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Involving the youth in the hand games tournament would be something that I think we would encourage the communities to do and a lot of the elders. There are many programs out there that if the funding meets the criteria, then we’d be able to assist them. Thank you.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

The funding in terms of accessing funding, there are various programs that Sport North and other organizations have that sometimes it becomes very difficult in terms of accessing funding for the youth. I wonder if the Minister then could possibly look at maybe one of the organizations from the Sahtu communities looking at the funding and how we can get a youth hand game tournament in the region. Again, we could have about 40 teams participating.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

There are many different areas of youth funding available across the Northwest Territories. We get applications from a lot of groups that are interested in hosting different activities. Again, if it meets the criteria, we have funded a lot of youth programs in the past and this is something that working with the regions and working with the folks in the regions is something we are looking at doing again. If it fits all the criteria, then normally they would get funding, but there are many different pots out there, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Krutko on February 1, 2010, regarding the

cost of physician and registered nurse visits to Tsiigehtchic.

There were eight physician visits to Tsiigehtchic between October 2008 and September 2009, typically 30 percent of these visits are made by specialists. Three visits by locum specialists cost $3,750, five visits by general practitioners cost $5,250, for an overall salary cost of $9,000 for physician visits to Tsiigehtchic for the period in question. The hourly cost for general practitioner is between $112 and $149 and the hourly cost for specialist ranges between $132 and $176.

A nurse-in-charge made 20 visits to Tsiigehtchic between October 2008 and September 2009. The total cost of nurse visits for that period is between $8,697 and $11,457, depending on the number of hours in each visit. The hourly rate for a nurse-in-charge is between $44.88 and $50.93.

In addition to the visitors, a nurse resides in Tsiigehtchic during freeze-up and breakup. For the time frame in question, a nurse was resident from October 17 to December 5, 2008, and April 20 to June 9, 2009. Salary cost for this time frame is $60,267.10. In addition to this, the nurse is provided with accommodations, which cost in total $7,000 --$4,000 for freeze-up and $3,000 for breakup. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on February 1, 2010, regarding caribou management measures.

Consultation is a duty that obligates the GNWT to discuss, consider and, where appropriate, accommodate the concerns of aboriginal peoples when the GNWT undertakes actions that might adversely affect established and asserted aboriginal and treaty rights. Consultation is a process with the objective of ensuring that aboriginal and treaty rights are protected and that any negative impacts are avoided, minimized or mitigated. Consultation also assists with reconciliation between aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples and their respective claims, interests and ambitions. The GNWT has developed departmental process guidelines to assist us in taking a consistent and coordinated approach when discharging the GNWT’s duty to consult. The following provides an overview of the process followed:

The duty is triggered whenever the GNWT

considers carrying out a government action that has the potential to affect an asserted or proven aboriginal or treaty right.

The scope and scale of the duty varies on a case-by-case basis and is directly tied to the strength of the asserted or proven aboriginal or

treaty right being affected as well as the potential impact of the government action on this right(s).

In other words, the duty to consult and

potentially accommodate lies on a spectrum, with the requirements of the duty becoming more stringent with the strength of the right(s) being affected and the potential impact of the government action on the right(s).

Consequently, the GNWT carries out the duty through subjective case-by-case analysis whenever its actions may infringe upon an asserted or proven aboriginal or treaty right.

The GNWT engages those aboriginal

governments and organizations that have the authority to represent particular groups of aboriginal peoples in order to satisfy its consultation and potential accommodation obligations.

Aboriginal governments and organizations also have a reciprocal duty to engage in consultation efforts and cannot frustrate the consultation process by refusing to participate or by imposing unreasonable conditions. This duty does not provide an aboriginal government or organization with a veto over the proposed GNWT government action. Instead, the duty provides an opportunity for an aboriginal government or organization to express its concern(s) with a proposed GNWT government action, and provide the GNWT with an opportunity to reconcile the proposed GNWT government action with the expressed concern(s).

While the GNWT does not have a general, all-inclusive definition for consultation, there is a specific definition of consultation in each of the settled lands, resources and self-government agreements in the Northwest Territories. These definitions were developed at the negotiating table and represent the agreement of all parties to those agreements. Whenever the GNWT wishes to carry out a government action in settled areas, GNWT departments refer to these agreements and the specific instances in which they identify the need for consultation.

The GNWT commenced engagement and consultation on the implementation of recovery action for the Bathurst caribou herd shortly after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ June 2009 photographic survey showed that the herd was in rapid decline. These surveys were conducted with observers from affected aboriginal governments and organizations. Official counts were released on September 24, 2009, through a press release. At that time, the GNWT indicated that recovery actions would be required. A workshop in early October 2009 was held with

various groups to discuss options for herd recovery. The Tlicho Government and the GNWT used information from the workshops to complete a joint management proposal for submission to the Wekeezhii Renewable Resources Board (WRRB). The joint proposal was submitted to the WRRB in early November 2009. A subsequent press release by the WRRB indicated that these recovery options were significant enough to warrant a public hearing, which was initially scheduled for January 2010, although it has now been scheduled for late March 2010.

The following factors influenced the need for interim emergency measures:

The rapid rate of decline from over 100,000 to 32,000 in three years.

Model projections that at current harvest levels of 5,000 to 7,000 caribou the herd may no longer exist within five years.

The majority of the harvest occurs in winter. The Bathurst caribou herd has the lowest proportion of bulls in the NWT, and at this low population level it is also critical to conserve cows.

Receiving recommendations from the WRRB and implementing a decision would not occur until after this winter’s harvest.

The interim emergency measures were developed to conserve the Bathurst herd and address hardships. The WRRB, Tlicho Government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation were all informed at meetings in November and December 2009 about the proposed measures. ENR has been working with the Tlicho Government to implement the interim emergency measures. ENR continues to work with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to address concerns.

With respect to the dates of caribou calving, it has been documented that annual variation in peak calving times can occur within herds. Late calving can occur in herds subject to poor environmental conditions, including situations in which females in poor condition conceive on later estrus cycles or go through an extended period of gestation. In 2009, the Bathurst caribou herd’s peak calving period was between June 6th and 9th , suggesting that the

Bathurst caribou herd’s peak calving period is actually shifting back to earlier calving peaks. For instance, peak calving in 2005 was between June 14th and June 20th . Peak calving in 2003-2004 was

between June 8th and 14th and peak calving in 1996

was between June 4th and 10th . Thank you, Mr

Speaker.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Bromley on February 2, 2010, regarding details on contracts awarded to former Ministers.

I can confirm the contractors were hired to provide advice regarding GNWT intergovernmental relations at the political level. Of prime concern was our relationship with the federal government. Early and good relations with Ottawa were deemed critical to our efforts on key NWT priorities with the federal government.

Outside contractors bring their own individual experiences and perspectives on these relations and their own unique advice to establish and improve them. It is standard practice for provincial and territorial governments to contract for assistance in this area.

The success of the contractor’s efforts during their work period is evidenced by the good working relationships Ministers and their staff have with federal Ministers offices’ and their staff. This has led to successful funding arrangements for major infrastructure investment in the NWT, and ongoing efforts to promote and advance our key priorities.

The work of the contractors was reported in regular meetings with the Premier and his staff. Details of the work performed by the contractors was outlined and the work was completed per the terms of the contracts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Item 10, replies to opening address. Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of standing and special committees. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Bill 10: Exemptions Act
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Social Programs has reviewed Bill 10, Exemptions Act, and the committee wishes to report that Bill 10 is now ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 10: Exemptions Act
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Commissioner’s Land Act
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr .Speaker. I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure has reviewed Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Commissioner’s Land Act. The committee wishes to report that Bill 5 is now ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole as amended and reprinted. Thank you.

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Commissioner’s Land Act
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Item 14, tabling of documents. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled GNWT Response to Committee Report 2-16(4), Report of the Auditor General on Contracting for Goods and Services in the NWT. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration of Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 2, Forgiveness of Debts Act, 2009-2010; Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act; Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Summary Conviction Procedures Act; Tabled Document 62-16(4), NWT Main Estimates, 2010-2011; Tabled Document 78-16(4), Supplementary Appropriation (Operations Expenditures) No. 3, 2009-2010; Tabled Document 80-16(4), Supplementary Appropriation (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 4, 2009-2010; Minister’s Statement 47-16(4), Transfer of the Public Housing Rental Subsidy; Committee Report 5-16(4), Report on the Review of the 2008-2009 Human Rights Commission Annual Report, with Mr. Bromley in the chair. By the authority given me as Speaker by Motion 12-16(4), I hereby authorize the House to sit beyond the daily hour of adjournment to consider the business before the House. Members, pursuant to our rules, I hereby appoint the Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay, to act as chair of Committee of the Whole for today as required.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair David Ramsay

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole to order. We have before us, committee, consideration of Bills 2, 4 and 7, Tabled Documents 62-16(4), 78-16(4), 80-16(4), Minister’s Statement 47-16(4) and Committee Report 5-16(4). What is the wish of committee? Mrs. Groenewegen.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today the committee would like to consider the operations and maintenance budgets of these departments in this order, please: Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, the Department of Executive, the Legislative Assembly and, time permitting, the Department of Finance. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.