This is page numbers 4927 - 4952 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 5th 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 work.

Topics

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

On face value it sounds like something that could work. However, we’re two and a half years into the life of this 16th Legislative

Assembly and the silos continue to exist.

Do these committees continue to exist? What is the Premier doing to ensure that these committees are working? Is the Premier trying to find ways to break down government silos and ensure that the departments share information and work together? At the appropriate time I will be asking the Premier these and other questions.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is on the Mackenzie Valley Highway. Two years ago we embarked on the very important project of the construction of Access Road 177. This $12 million three-year project involves local contractors and local suppliers and employs 75 to 80 people. The majority of the locals are all Inuvialuit. The project is an excellent start to what will one day become the Mackenzie Valley Highway, but it is only the start.

Recently the Tuktoyaktuk to Inuvik road project required $975,000 towards the project description report and preliminary design. Currently the projects are being evaluated by the Environmental Impact Review Board. Once the project is finished this phase and gets the required funding, then hopefully we can get the shovels in the ground. All of these pieces are part of the Mackenzie Valley construction project.

This project would inject $1.2 billion to $2 billion of infrastructure of spending in the Northwest Territories, especially when the area is not currently benefitting by the large mining programs. These would push the Mackenzie Pipeline one step closer to reality. This would only generate huge employment in our region, would provide attractive infrastructure to industry.

This project is seriously to reduce the cost of living in the communities that I represent in Nunakput. This project would generate $35 million annually in the highway operations and maintenance contracts up and down the valley to create 181,000 person years of employment.

This government must lobby the federal government and must show the commitment. They must allocate multi-year funding. Even though this government is currently financially stretched, there are ways the parties could work together to get this going. Currently the Gwich’in and the Denendeh Development Corporation have majority shares of the Mackenzie Aboriginal Corporation who has initiated a P3 leaseback arrangement for the Mackenzie Highway Project. I know this government is well versed in P3 leasebacks. Currently there are many similar arrangements

across the Territory. The Inuvik-Tuk working groups.

Lastly, this project would generate $250 million.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Lastly, this project would generate $140 million to $250 million worth of construction activity in the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk portion alone. It would be a huge shot in our economic environment in the region and in our Territory. Only with the completion of the highway, the federal government and the territorial government must say that Canada is truly linked coast to coast to coast.

I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation and Industry, Tourism and Investment at the appropriate time.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last number of days I’ve received several phone calls and e-mails from local contractors in my riding who feel there is a total disadvantage regarding the contracting practices of this Government of the Northwest Territories. Especially the housing corporation when it comes to housing…(inaudible)…in local communities.

What I’m talking about are the advantages of large regional contractors to be able to supply, ship and erect contracts in the communities by way of having the purchase power, the means of moving the materials into the communities, and very little for local tender. Yet a local contractor has to make the local investment, have a local business, have a shop and also sustain his manpower.

Contractors such as plumbers in the communities have a disadvantage. Prior to these contracts being changed there used to be a local contracting process which allowed for labour-only contracts so that the contractors in the communities were able to take advantage, provide the labour responsibilities for those contracts, and find new initiatives for those contractors.

There has also been opportunities such as invitational tenders, allowing for tenders to be negotiated in those communities and bid on in those communities so the communities can take advantage of those construction opportunities which are very slim and very limited regarding the Inuvik region, especially in the communities where

they have seen the downturn in the oil and gas industry.

There is a negotiating contracting policy that this government has. I’ve submitted several letters to the Minister of Housing regarding negotiated contracts, with nothing being mentioned to me of the status of those contractors and when it is going to Cabinet.

The rebundling of contractors is something that has been suggested on this side of the House to the government so that local contractors can take advantage of those contract opportunities. Nothing has been done in that area.

I think it’s important that we ensure that we have sustainable communities so that they can put the people to work, give them job opportunities during the summer months, and not have outsiders -- the fly-by-nighters -- come in and take advantage of these opportunities and not allow the local communities to take advantage.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Again, in regard to the opportunities for communities to take advantage of these tendering processes but ensuring that the benefits are derived in the communities where these capital dollars are expended and the capital investment is being made.

Again, we have high pockets of unemployment in most of our smaller communities exceeding over 45 to 50 percent unemployment, not compared to 23 or 24 percent in the larger regional centres. I think this government has to seriously take a look at this issue, go back to the drawing board and take a look at your contracting policies and procedures and the practices that are being done on the ground and ensure that your people are not advantaging the people at the regional centres because they’re buddies and help people in the communities to find work for the people who are unemployed. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’re all too familiar with the devastating effects of oil spills and millions of dollars that are needed to clean them up. An oil spill does not have to be as big as the Gulf of Mexico or, certainly, the Exxon Valdez to have serious financial and long-lasting environmental implications. Mr. Speaker, similar small scale catastrophes happen in our own

backyard. Anyone who has experienced a fuel spill as a result of a leaky oil tank knows exactly what I’m talking about.

I’m aware of a recent resident who has paid over $200,000 to excavate contaminated soil in their very own backyard. In many cases, neighbouring properties are contaminated as well and this is such a case. Even with insurance, Mr. Speaker, they still pay only a pittance of the coverage of what that expense actually is.

Mr. Speaker, while we are making progress on alternative forms of energy, most people still heat their homes with oil stored in tanks on their properties. We pay a lot to heat our homes in the North and at least this government could do things such as assistance for fuel tank replacement.

Mr. Speaker, generally it costs anywhere between $1,800 and $3,600 to replace an oil tank here in Yellowknife. I can only imagine what it would cost in a community. Mr. Speaker, you also have to pay additional fees to return your tank to the dump because there is a disposal fee. Mr. Speaker, if you’re a low income family, replacing a fuel tank is certainly probably a low priority or a non-existent priority when you compare that issue with food, rent or perhaps child care.

Mr. Speaker, we already provide rebates for things such as retrofit of old appliances such as fridges, pellet stoves and low-flow toilets, to name a few. A simple rebate program for double walled or fibreglass oil tanks could help people go a long way to make sure that they’re taking the responsible choices of updating their tanks.

Mr. Speaker, I don’t have to tell you, if you’re selling your home today, one of the first things the person looks at is when was the last time that oil tank was changed.

Mr. Speaker, this is a serious problem out there in industry and should be a serious problem recognized by this government. Mr. Speaker, a rebate program could go a long way to helping people. Mr. Speaker, with the quality problems of steel tanks and, of course, things like the low sulphur, these oil tanks have problems surviving.

So, Mr. Speaker, we need a program to help our average person here in the Northwest Territories, to show that the government does care about the programs. If anyone thinks a replacement of an oil tank is cheap, they’ve got that wrong. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Robert McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as one of four Members in here from the Beaufort-Delta, we’re very fortunate up there that we have a whole wealth of knowledge that we can draw on to help as we represent the people of the Beaufort-Delta. One of the people that I do talk to quite a bit, Mr. Speaker, is with us here in the gallery. Mr. Fred Carmichael has been involved in politics in the Delta for a long time. He’s a recent recipient of the Order of Canada and also just recently celebrated his 75th birthday.

---Applause

So we were very fortunate up there, as all people are across the Northwest Territories, that they have a lot of veterans that we can count on and they can pass their knowledge along to us and let us know if we’re doing our job properly and let us know how we can improve doing our job. That’s something they’re always willing to share with us.

Fred is actually here today with Miki who was today inducted into the Education Hall of Fame, and I think I speak for the residents of Inuvik when I say that you’re really not supposed to leave Aurora College. We should pass legislation that prevents you from doing so.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, it’s my pleasure today to really acknowledge two hall of famers, in my book. Of all the acknowledgements and the recognitions and the milestones that Fred has received, I think the one that I want the most is to be able to celebrate my 75th birthday and still look as young as he does.

Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Colleagues, it gives me great pleasure and it’s not too often that I get to recognize a few constituents of Hay River North in the gallery here, but I’d like to recognize Ms. Sylvia Boyer and Ms. Irma Miron for joining us here today. They’re both recipients of the Education Hall of Fame. I want to congratulate them on that and welcome them to the Legislative Assembly.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to recognize some of the people who are in the gallery who are inducted into the Hall of Fame and also people who are accepting on behalf of posthumous

inductees, as well, and their supporters: Sylvia Boyer, Brent Kaulback, Irma Miron, Miki O’Kane, Chuck Tolley, and also Audrey Enge, who’s here with us, and Marc Miltenberger, Debbie Reid, Vicky Ruben, Ashley Ruben, Fred Carmichael, of course, and Marilyn Kaulback and Jeri Miltenberger. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize Marilyn Carroll in the visitor’s gallery. She’s here today to receive a reward on behalf of her late husband, John Carroll. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Carroll is also a very noted educator in Hay River in her own right, as well. I’d like to recognize her today. Also, I’d like to recognize Shirley Hancock, who was kind enough today to travel with our inductees and come over from Hay River with them. I’d like to recognize Shirley. I’d also like to recognize another constituent, Marc Miltenberger. I might be beating his brother to the punch here, but Marc is here today receiving the recognition for his father, John Miltenberger, a man who I never had the privilege of meeting but I know from the way his sons speak of him he must have been a very, very fine person and a fine educator. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, as well, would like to take this opportunity to first recognize and thank all the inductees for all the work they’ve done, those that are with us and those that are not, and all the people that are here with them. But specifically, I’d like to acknowledge and recognize my wife, Jeri; Vicky Ruben, the wife of Jerry Ruben who was just inducted into the Hall of Fame today; his lovely daughter Ashley Ruben; my baby brother Jean-Marc; and Brent Kaulback and his wife, Marilyn, from Fort Smith. Thank you for coming.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Miki O’Kane and also congratulate her. I agree with Mr. Robert C. McLeod that we should keep her with Aurora College. I want to congratulate her on being an inductee, and also Mr. Fred Carmichael for his endless…(inaudible)…of working with the Gwich’in people. I also want to recognize an inductee, in memory of Mr. Cliff King, one of my best high school teachers. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know there are lots of people in the gallery but I’d

just like to make a special mention of the Enge family, Audrey Enge, Arnie Enge and Charlie White, who are here to receive an award on behalf of Anne Enge who left us recently. I think everyone here knows not only Anne Enge, the first aboriginal woman to receive Grade 12, but she was also the first aboriginal woman to receive a four-year degree, and she did that as an adult student taking all of her children to Calgary and putting herself through school. And all of her children are university educated so she lived the importance of education. I would like to recognize the family and Anne Enge. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.