This is page numbers 6965 - 7000 of the Hansard for the 16th 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 assembly.

Topics

The House met at 1:36 p.m.

---Prayer

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Premier, Michael McLeod.

---Laughter

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to read this statement on behalf of the Premier who is currently attending a government business matter.

Mr. Speaker, later today the chair of Caucus will be tabling a results report for the 16th Legislative

Assembly. It highlights activities this government has taken to support strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.

I will not try to list all these activities, but rather would note that we all should take some pride in the achievements of this Assembly. There have been considerable investments and strategic actions that have been undertaken to support our goals of:

• healthy, educated people;

• sustainable, vibrant, safe communities;

• an environment that will sustain present and

future generations;

• a diversified economy that provides all

communities and regions with opportunities and choices;

• a strong and independent North built on

partnerships; and

• effective and efficient government.

We were able to make significant progress on these goals, while managing our way through a major global economic recession that significantly impacted our economy and the government’s fiscal capacity.

Mr. Speaker, the work of government is not always easy, and as Members we do not always agree on the best approach to move the Northwest Territories forward. However, I would like to thank all Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly for

their contributions over the past four years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this Legislative Assembly, Members clearly signalled energy policy and programming as priorities and directed this government to pursue initiatives that reduce the cost of living and, in particular, energy costs.

Our government responded by an unprecedented $60 million multi-year commitment towards energy programs and initiatives. This investment was geared toward reducing imported fossil fuels, mitigating the environmental impacts of our energy use, and reducing the cost of living in the Northwest Territories.

We reported on the results of this investment in the Northwest Territories Energy Report that I tabled during the May session of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, consider the following results of these investments:

• The Northwest Territories leads the country in

the installation of commercial-sized wood pellet boilers;

• The Arctic Energy Alliance now has more

resources than ever before and has established three regional offices;

• Energy use by the Government of the Northwest

Territories has declined considerably. We have met our target established in the 2007 Greenhouse Gas Strategy, a 10 percent reduction in emissions;

• There are many ongoing projects aimed at

using local sources of energy. These include wind, geothermal, hydrokinetic, biomass, and solar. For example, the Northwest Territories

Hydro Corporation has just issued a request for proposals for the installation of up to 70 kilowatts of solar panels in Fort Simpson. This will provide a source of renewable energy for the local grid for the next 30 years; and

• We have made more significant changes to our

electricity system than had been made in the past 20 years. Working together, this Legislative Assembly was able to bring about real change that benefitted families as well as local businesses. We cut electricity rates in many communities while increasing the level of support for affordable electricity for our residents.

This Legislative Assembly has provided a solid foundation for the future. There has been a tremendous amount of work accomplished and capacity established that will serve the people of the Northwest Territories well.

Where could the future take us? Ideally towards:

• a future where every community is using, to

some degree, local, renewable sources of energy;

• a future where our homes and businesses use

as little energy as possible, reducing costs as well as our environmental footprint;

• a future that includes the Mackenzie Gas

Project, which will provide our northern communities and industry with a secure source of clean and cost-effective energy. This project has the potential to reduce greenhouse gases by up to 30 percent in communities now consuming diesel fuel as their main source of energy. It can also supply southern markets with the natural gas that will be required in the transition to a low carbon economy; and

• a future where we have developed our

hydroelectric resources, in partnership with Aboriginal governments, for our own use as well as for export, contributing to the national effort on climate change.

In short, we envision a future that includes very little, if any, imported oil. That is the challenge for the future. I am confident that we have provided the foundation for the 17th Legislative Assembly to work

towards this goal for the benefit of our economy, our environment, and for future generations.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Lafferty.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Minister of Justice

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Later today I will table a draft Legal Aid Act and consultation paper. The Department of

Justice is developing a new Legal Aid Act and is seeking comments from the public.

The proposed new Legal Aid Act will provide greater clarity on governance and processes, and a more client-focused, service-oriented approach to our legal aid system.

Feedback from consultation will help to create legislation that strengthens service for all clients and ensures independence, accountability, and transparency in the delivery of legal aid services in the Northwest Territories.

The draft legislation and consultation paper are also available on the Department of Justice website.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The Honourable Bob McLeod on behalf of the honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to read this statement on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services who is currently attending to a personal matter.

This Assembly has heard repeatedly that the cost of delivering health and social services programs are rising and that sustainability and funding are a continued and growing issue for all jurisdictions.

We all know that the delivery of health and social services is complex. The system and the people that work within it must consistently respond appropriately to and balance the needs of individuals, families, communities and the overall population against the resources available.

Mr. Speaker, the people of the Northwest Territories receive excellent health and social services. We continue to provide a range of programs and services either close to home or through medical travel. However, we must strive for better services, greater efficiencies, and make appropriate use of new technologies to improve our services.

Our health and social services system is challenged by issues that other jurisdictions do not even contemplate. We have worked hard to meet these challenges and build on our successes to improve the quality of services to people, families, communities, and strengthen our health and social services system to achieve efficiencies. Some of the successes achieved over the past four years under the Foundation for Change include:

• adding telehealth sites across 29 communities.

The final seven telehealth units have been installed and will go live by this fall. Telehealth is one of our HealthNet solutions.

• the successful management of the first

pandemic flu outbreak in decades. Our joint GNWT response received a Premiers Award, as well as being the envy of other jurisdictions.

• reducing our reliance on agency nurses. We

have a float pool of NWT nurses and are hiring as many Northwest Territories nursing graduates as our system can absorb.

• moving to a team-based, client-focused

approach. This approach ensures people across the Northwest Territories will have better services and more equitable access. We’re also looking at finding ways to incorporate virtual teams to better support clients and staff in communities. This is consistent with our Integrated Service Delivery Model.

Mr. Speaker, in an effort to build on our work done to date, a renewed strategic plan has been developed. This plan clearly lays out the key goals, objectives and actions the health and social services system will follow to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of health and social services.

We have worked closely with the Joint Leadership Council and the CEOs from the Health and Social Services Authority, and we appreciate their valuable input into the design of a new 2011-2016 strategic plan for the health and social Services system.

Later today the Minister of Health and Social Services will table the 2011-2016 Strategic Plan: Building on Our Foundation.

This strategic plan builds on actions established under A Foundation for Change and our commitment to improve the health and well-being of all Northerners. Leadership and commitment to achieve the goals of the plan comes from the Minister and the Joint Leadership Council who are the stewards of the system.

Mr. Speaker, one of our top priorities will be to strengthen the primary community care system by ensuring community providers are making progress on managing chronic conditions in the community and also by integrating mental health and addiction services into existing community services and the larger health system.

Providing services to remote communities requires a medical travel system that provides people with access to appropriate services not available in their community and acts as an air ambulance in emergencies. This is a significant cost driver to the system and we all need to ensure it is used properly. This requires both system and user responsibility. The plan will identify ways to improve the system to ensure patients receive appropriate services in an efficient and effective manner.

Mr. Speaker, new technologies such as telehealth, digital imaging and picture archiving systems and

an on-line patient’s record system will also assist in strengthening our service delivery. All of these initiatives are intended to provide a higher quality service while reducing the overall system cost.

We have also been challenged to ensure we have the right staff in place to provide services. We now have trained northern nurses, social workers, home care workers, mental health workers and other allied health professionals. We must continue to train Northerners and encourage our youth to enter into health and social services careers. We face the ongoing challenge of provider shortages in a global market and all of us need to ensure a safe and desirable work place for health care and social services staff.

This strategic plan will be our roadmap for the next five years. It provides high-level actions that will be supported through the annual business plan and budget cycle, and includes actions, deliverables and targets that hold the Minister, the Joint Leadership Council, and every person in the health and social services system accountable to deliver.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that change cannot happen quickly. In some instances it will take years to see the effects of these changes. Government alone cannot improve health and social outcomes. We all have a role to play when it comes to our health and wellness. This includes accepting responsibility as individuals for maintaining our own good health through actions like proper diet and exercise or by stopping smoking and excessive use of alcohol.

The next few years are sure to bring significant challenges to the process of service delivery. We have every confidence that we can respond to these challenges and continue to provide quality health care and social services consistent with GNWT priorities and the needs of the population.

The health and social services system is also facing significant capital and operations needs that will continue to represent the largest part of the GNWT budget. Health care costs are continuing to increase and there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of health care systems across Canada, including the Northwest Territories.

The 17th Legislative Assembly will be faced with

significant real and immediate fiscal pressures for the NWT health and social services system. Some are non-controllable -- external price/volume pressures -- some are the result of policy decisions and public demand and expectations. Adding to those pressures, the lifespan of most of our health and social services facilities is running its course.

As a result, our current and future capital needs for hospitals and health centres will more than likely outstrip our capital resources and yet are a necessity.

However, planning in response to these fiscal challenges provides an opportunity for innovation and collaboration. Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Harper to extend the Territorial Health Systems Sustainability Initiative funding to Canada’s territories is a welcome first step.

The road ahead, as outlined in this strategic plan, Building on our Foundation, will require innovation, flexibility, adaption and continued support for change and for making the best use of our limited resources. This is our commitment and we invite all Northerners to join us in building healthy communities and a healthy Northwest Territories.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Mr. Robert McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s mission is to promote workplace safety and care for injured workers. This mission is more than a statement. It is the foundation for commission employees’ work; building on the belief that through prevention, we can eliminate workplace injuries.

To achieve its mission, the commission requires solid leadership. Earlier this summer the Governance Council of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission selected a new president and CEO. As of July 25, 2011, Mr. Dave Grundy accepted the position of WSCC president and CEO. Working with the commission for nine years, Mr. Grundy enhanced its focus on stakeholder service. His strong leadership skills and northern experience will assist the commission as it moves forward helping northern employers build strong safety cultures.

I extend my congratulations to Mr. Grundy on his new position and to the commission for its continued efforts to improve workplace safety for all Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Poverty In The Northwest Territories
Members’ Statements

August 24th, 2011

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We hear a lot about the riches of the Northwest Territories by way of our resources, but we are poor by way of the people that live in poverty in the Northwest Territories.

The social and economic standards of people throughout the Northwest Territories, regardless if it’s native people who live in the North with an average income of $18,000 or people in the North who are having health issues because of their diabetes or liver disease or ailments by way of poor health care or the lack of health care services in a lot of our communities. The challenges we have by mental health and addiction challenges all stem from poverty.

I believe that as a government we have to realize that poverty is a man-made element. It is man-made and can be prevented by man. Poverty in the Northwest Territories can be overcome by ensuring that the levels of services to people in the Northwest Territories who are in poverty by increasing the cost of living and increasing the services that’s being provided regardless if it’s health care or in the area of education, ensuring that the services that we are providing is getting them out of poverty and keeping them out of poverty and not continue to put them into a justice system that they continue with the revolving door scenario in which they get into jail, they get out of jail, they end up at Salvation Army or they end up on the streets or being homeless.

All I ask of the 17th Assembly is to make poverty

one of their top priorities and ensure the next Assembly really deals with the problem in northern Canada and get the potential that we have, who are the people. One of the most valuable assets we have as a society is people. Everyone has the right to housing, to food, and to dignity. Only then will we see the richness of the Northwest Territories by way of the richness in our people.

With that, I would like to leave by stating I would like to thank yourself, Mr. Speaker, and Mr. Roland. I look forward to seeing you on the golf course. More importantly, thanking the other Members for serving with you over the last number of years, and I wish you all the best in the future.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Politics were new to me and I want to offer some brief and random comments on the experience of the past four years.

People ask me, so, Bob, do you enjoy it? I always reply that I am not sure “enjoy” is the right word, but the job is fully engaging, it uses whatever you can bring to the table.

Another motivating aspect is that being at the table, your voice must be heard. People can choose to ignore your input or disagree with it or use it to modify their own thoughts, but fundamentally the

electorate has provided you with a voice and this must be fully valued.

First, as Stephanie Nolen, a Globe and Mail foreign correspondent speaking on CBC’s program “Ideas” last night said, you must show up. This is equally true in politics. You must be at the table to use the privilege the electorate has provided you.

With this in mind, I want to deeply thank the citizens of Weledeh who have given me this opportunity and this trust. It has been an unimagined honour to serve as MLA for Weledeh and all people of the Northwest Territories. I thank the constituency assistants who have worked so hard for me and you, starting with Mr. Craig Yeo, my longest serving CA. We are a team. I thank Lani Cook, Julian Morse, and briefly Jaya Bastedo served early in my term. Similarly, I have found the Legislative Assembly staff the most extraordinary workers I have ever seen.

The late leader of Canada’s official opposition, the Honourable Jack Layton, has been a mentor to many politicians. On the business of doing politics, his fine last words serve us all: “My friends,” he said, “love is better than anger; hope is better than fear; optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic and we’ll change the world.” I thank Mr. Layton for his service to the country and especially for his championship of those most in need. I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and comrades, and give thanks for his contribution to improving Canadian society.

Finally, with much love, I thank Marianne, to whom I owe so much, and all of my extended family for their support.

Mr. Speaker, to you and all my colleagues I say mahsi.

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. The Sport North Federation is a recognized leader in sport development in the Northwest Territories. It is dedicated to the development of sport at every level of participation throughout this territory. Today Sport North consists of 27 sports organizations, or TSOs, and regularly partners with a number of NWT sports organizations in the NWT for the benefit of youth and sports at a territorial level.

Sport North is accessible to all residents of the Northwest Territories and provides valuable support in most communities in the Northwest Territories through TSO development in sport, as well as by

offering coaching clinics in other sports-related activities.

On Monday night I attended an information session put on by Sport North where they outlined some concerns and problems they’ve been experiencing this year with regard to funding that they have been allocated by the Sports and Recreation Council, or the SRC. The SRC is a body assigned by the government to allocate lottery funding to the different sports organizations throughout the Northwest Territories. The problem seems to stem from the application process utilized by the SRC. According to many, for the 2011-2012 fiscal year the SRC application packages were distributed to interested parties prior to the conclusion of the SRC’s own strategic planning process. However, the SRC assessed the applications based on the strategic plan that was issued after the applications were submitted.

Sport North applied for funding in 12 different areas. They were approved for six of these areas, at a total of $1.683 million. As a result of the confusion with the process and lack of clarity as to why certain aspects of their proposals and important program areas were declined, they felt that they had no choice but to appeal the process. They’ve been waiting for over four months for the appeal to be heard and to date have had no response on their appeal from the SRC.

The problem here is that while waiting for the results of their appeal, they’ve been uncomfortable signing their contribution agreement for the six other areas they were approved for by the SRC. They fear that if they sign, they will lose their right to appeal and forfeit their appeal and will lose all ability to obtain additional funding for things like their coaching programs, their Canadian Sport for Life program, and their community support opportunity programs. The loss of these programs will have dramatic effects on sport in the Northwest Territories.

While waiting for the appeal process to run its course, they have been using cash on hand plus a transitional payment made by MACA of $149,000 to cover costs including payroll and contributions to the TSOs.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

In 30 days Sport North will be out of cash and unable to meet their payroll. This could be the end of Sport North. As a result of the long and confusing appeal process, the life of this important organization is on the line. This is unacceptable. Sport North has an important role in sport within the Northwest Territories and a solution must be found.

Later this afternoon I will be asking the Minister of MACA some important questions on this file.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Over the last eight years I have spoken often and determinedly on many issues, but today I will speak on the very reason I am here: the people of Nahendeh.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my constituents and I thank them for the confidence they have shown in returning me for a second term. I believe I have carried out my duties to them with energy, commitment, and dedication, and that I have worked hard to bring their issues to the attention of Ministers and this House, and that I have responded promptly to their inquiries and requests for assistance.

This October I will be asking the voters of Nahendeh for a third mandate, and should I be re-elected, I want to assure them that I will continue to be reliable, approachable, and to work hard on their behalf using my experience that I have gained as MLA for the last eight years.

We have won many improvements to our community services and infrastructure, but there’s still a long way to go. We need schools in Trout Lake and Nahanni Butte. Our highways, with their bathtub-sized potholes, need attention. Better housing with an appeal system. Better delivery of our health care. I hope to be back here this October to continue these battles on behalf of the Nahendeh people.

I wish Mr. Premier, Floyd Roland; and Mr. Speaker, Paul Delorey; and MLA David Krutko their best in retirement from public life. They have done well to serve their constituents and the people of the NWT. It was indeed an honour to serve with them in this Legislature.

I would also like to thank my children, Candace, Diedra, and Keone, for their love and support to me as a father and understanding the work as an MLA has sacrifices for a personal life.

I would also like to thank my constituency assistant, Pearl Norwegian, whose support I am very grateful for.

Also to all my family and friends, mahsi cho.

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. As this is the last day we will all be together in this House, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank some people.

First of all, thank you to the constituents of Kam Lake who four years ago returned me to the role of representing them, their families, and businesses here in the Legislature as the MLA for Kam Lake. It continues to be an honour and a privilege to serve you.

To my colleagues -- and I will start with those I know have decided to pursue other ventures -- Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure working with you over the past eight years. I have enjoyed our time together on the Board of Management, and your dedication and devotion to this House and the role of Speaker is to be commended. I wish you the very best, Mr. Speaker.

To our Premier, Mr. Floyd Roland, whom I firmly believe got into politics for all the right reasons: to serve the people of his riding of Inuvik Boot Lake and eventually all the residents of this territory.

Most recently, that role as Premier -- the “Big Job,” as he called it the other day -- even though we were at odds on some decisions over the years, I want to say to him that I admire his ability to stand up for what he believes is right. He’s been at this for 16 years and I want to thank him very much for the service not only to his constituents but to the people of the Northwest Territories, and wish him well in all his future endeavours.

To my colleague Mr. Krutko, who has served this House in many capacities over his 16 years of service, I want to say that committee meetings will not be the same without you there, sir.

---Laughter

---Applause

Mr. Krutko is a devoted champion for his riding of Mackenzie Delta, to his constituents, and in fact the small communities across the Northwest Territories. He’s going to be sorely missed.

To my other colleagues in this House, I thank you for all you have done to help improve this great territory of ours. Shortly we will all be out on the campaign trail in our respective ridings and I want to wish you all the best.

None of us would be able to do what we do here in the House without the help and advice of our staff, and I want to thank, first of all, Mr. Tim Mercer, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, for the professional team he has assembled here in the Clerk’s office, corporate services, research, and library services. I also want to thank the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Brian Thagard; our security staff; and the staff in our cafeteria.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

In closing I must thank my constituency assistant, Ms. Lynda Comerford. Lynda has been with me since the day I was elected in 2003. I believe she’s the second-longest serving CA in the building. She puts in a great deal of work for me, my office, and the constituents in Kam Lake. I want to thank her very much for her eight years of service to my office.

Once again to everybody, it has been a pleasure and an honour.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I took the opportunity to thank my colleagues on the Cabinet side of the House and I have a few more people I’d like to thank today.

I’d like to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the 12 years that you have served and contributed to this Assembly and the people of Hay River and the Northwest Territories. They say you don’t get to choose your relatives, you don’t get to choose who your other partner’s going to be from the community you serve from if there are two, but I am pleased to say that we have become friends and you have done an amazing service to this Assembly over the years. I thank you for that.

Also, I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Krutko, one of the four in this Assembly who have now served 16 years, for his unwavering commitment and giving a voice to Northerners in this House. I had the privilege of serving as Deputy Speaker when Mr. Krutko was the Speaker. We travelled a little bit together. It was a little bit confusing to people, because everybody thought I was his wife. They didn’t understand that he was the Speaker, I was the Deputy Speaker, and we tried to get them on the straight and narrow on that.

Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues on this side of the House, it was a privilege. I thank you for allowing me to serve as the chair of the Priorities and Planning committee. We laughed this morning about that. We said there were a couple of times when they wanted to throw me out, but we persevered together and I do thank them for that very, very much.

Also, to the staff, Mr. Ramsay has articulated the staff under Mr. Mercer’s guidance. I would like to especially thank the Deputy Clerk, Mr. Schauerte, who was a smiling face when I entered this building 16 years ago, and has served as the clerk to the

committee that I chaired of Priorities and Planning. Mr. Schauerte has not seemingly aged a day, in spite of all the stress we’ve put him through, which is remarkable in and of itself.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank my constituency assistant Wendy Morgan. We have been a team for over 12 and a half years, and she has been such a support to me. They say that a constituency assistant is someone who helps the Member in the performance of their duties, and Wendy has gone way above and beyond the call of duty in supporting me in my role as the Member for Hay River South, and I thank her very much for that, as I know do the constituents of Hay River South for her generosity and concern. When I have not been around, she has listened to their issues and helped me to convey them on their behalf.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my family. My husband, Rick, is in the visitors’ gallery today. Last weekend we celebrated 34 years of marriage. When you do the math, 16 of those I’ve been here, and some people would say that’s the success of the whole thing, right?

---Laughter

That’s nearly half of my 34 years of marriage I’ve been doing this, but he has been my biggest supporter and I do thank him very, very much for that.

To my constituents of Hay River South, I’d like to thank them for the honour of representing them in this House. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ve got a few more things to do and I will be offering my 16 years of service back to the people of Hay River South again in the upcoming election on October 3rd . Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will be addressing the elders of Tu Nedhe in my language.

[English translation not provided.]

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

[English translation not provided.]

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to use my final Member’s statement to thank a lot of people over the last four years.

Firstly, as I entered this building I thanked the citizens of Yellowknife Centre, and I’d like to begin the same way by finishing this term by thanking the constituents of Yellowknife Centre, the many friends and the seniors who constantly provide advice and support through the years. As we all know, we deal with challenging issues and sometimes very emotional and stressful issues, and many of my constituents have provided much needed advice and support through those and have been the guiding light and certainly the compass rose to many of the issues that I’ve had to seek advice, to get direction and make sure I’m responding appropriately.

Mr. Speaker, it’s very important to me to thank my best friend in the world. That would be my wife, Susan. She’s always been there through and through. She is the ear I bend at the end of the day, sometimes explaining what happened at work, and I ask, like, what the heck is going on. And she says the same type of response, but she’s been the pillar of the whole reason why I’ve been here. Without her on the team, I mean, it’s tough to do this job as it is.

To my two children, who I was able to get in their seats sitting attentively today, that would be McKinley and Hudson. You know, being an MLA is a difficult challenge as it is, but I think it goes unspoken many times about how challenging it is on the families and the children. Sometimes we don’t spend enough time together, but I do try to spend as much time as I can with them and I try to be as good a dad as exceptionally possible. It doesn’t mean I can’t spend more time, but I do promise that we do try as much as we can.

Mr. Speaker, some of the most memorable days this term I would say all started here working with some of the people in this Assembly. Ironically, some of the most stressful days have been working with the same people around this room in this Assembly. But to that, I won’t spend a lot of time thanking everyone individually, but I would just say that it’s been challenging; but I would also say, in some respects, it’s also been rewarding working with everyone.

Mr. Speaker, just highlighting a couple things: It’s been a privilege to see what we’ve been able to do on supplementary health benefits, the dementia centre, e-petitions, the downtown clinic, and even

distracted driving, to name a few. But it’s been great that we’ve been able to move so many initiatives forward.

Mr. Speaker, the work needs to continue. There’s a fair bit of work left on the agenda to do, even though our days are short, so I just want to say and end with this, Mr. Speaker, as I see my time coming up, I just want to say thank you to the citizens of Yellowknife Centre and I look forward to seeing you on the doorsteps very shortly, and I appreciate every bit of advice, support and direction you’ve given me to date and in the future.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my last Member’s statement is what we need for Nunakput.

---Laughter

Well, I’ve got my list here. Three pages.

Mr. Speaker, projects are the Darnley Bay diamond mine exploration project and an all-season road to Tuktoyaktuk must be jeopardized or injured due to the election. These economic projects are important for the NWT and the region. The executive needs to ensure that progress continues to the next team, the necessities to get the job done.

Mr. Speaker, we need the jobs in the Beaufort-Delta.

Building the infrastructure of the roads is critical to growing capacity and the building of northern regions such as Nunakput. Without continuous investment, more opportunities will just merely pass us by. Companies will go and invest their resources in other countries such as our friends to the west, Alaska.

Mr. Speaker, like I said, the future is in the North. The Mackenzie Gas Project could provide so many jobs to my home community of Tuk and the surrounding Nunakput, and in Inuvik with the offshore drilling programs if they were to go forward.

We have to tell the oil companies that we are open for business and we need to get people working and not rely on ECE so much for handouts.

Mr. Speaker, the all-weather road to Tuk, I hope to get something going this year so we can have jobs in the communities of Inuvik, Tuk, Aklavik and other communities because we need the work. There is nothing going on. There are no diamond mines. Let’s get something started. A few million dollars, I think, would go a long way for that to happen.

I hope to include in the community of Tuk a deep sea port. The LNG plant could create so many jobs

for all of Nunakput and the people. When we come back, when we have jobs, the health care and so many other nurses and doctors at the camps are able to help people in the communities like they did before. We won’t run into people being evicted because of the housing programs, because people have jobs to pay their rent.

Mr. Speaker, we need the jobs. ECE programs, we’ll revisit them when we come back, Mr. Speaker. We have to promote the NWT that we’re open for business to the oil and gas companies so we can get something started for all the people of the Beaufort-Delta and the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have spoken many times about setting up an office of the ombudsman in the NWT to help our residents with their complaints about government and government services.

In almost all jurisdictions across Canada, the ombudsman actually helps solve problems and prevent them from winding up in court battles that our residents definitely can’t afford. But there’s been very little interest in this service from the current executive of our government. So I feel this Assembly has missed a great opportunity.

Elsewhere in Canada the ombudsman mission, as defined by law, is an impartial investigator of residents’ complaints. An NWT ombudsman act would require government officials and staff to cooperate and provide information to the ombudsman. She or he would be able to deal with almost any matter relating to government. That’s particularly important in situations where other legislation does not provide for an appeal mechanism. There are many instances where no appeal mechanism exists, and our MLAs here are aware of many of those. Some of them are health issues, residential tenancy problems, helping seniors, student financial assistance issues. The list goes on.

Part of the ombudsman’s job is to maintain a high profile so that people know they have someone to go to when they don’t know what else to do, when they feel they’ve exhausted all their options for a solution for their problem. Considering how spread out our territory is and the limited assistance available in our smaller communities, an ombudsman would be a great help to a number of our residents.

Across the country, ombudsmen have an excellent record of having their decisions and reports

accepted by their government. That, to me, is a very good measure of their effectiveness.

I’ve urged the Justice Minister to look into this issue several times. There are lots of working models across Canada which have led the way for us. We should draw on their experience.

Today, by way of this statement, I am asking the Minister of Justice to recommend to his successor that the next government get the job done for the people of the NWT and establish an office of an ombudsman. There could be a bonus in it, Mr. Speaker. It might work out so well that it actually saves our government money. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From time immemorial our elders were taught by their elders, just as I was taught by my elders. Mr. Speaker, the basics to me that was taught by the elders is that our land is alive, powerful and even holy.

Mr. Speaker, part of our understanding is about the value of our land, which also means the water; they are both the same. We understand the importance of clean water, the source of all life. Without it, surely we will all perish.

That’s why I am very concerned about the future of the Northwest Territories water quality. Two weeks ago the federal government suspended operations of 21 of the Northwest Territories 23 water quality monitoring stations. It also stopped activities in all 10 of Nunavut’s stations, two of them on Northwest Territories/Nunavut transboundary rivers.

It gets worse, Mr. Speaker. There is no funding to support the 18 water quality monitoring stations related to the Mackenzie Gas Project. Reduction of water quality monitoring is taking place right across Canada. Canada has suspended water quality monitoring stations in national parks. It will suspend the operation of water quality monitoring stations until Environment Canada completes a risk-based assessment to decide which stations will continue to operate on a reduced budget.

Mr. Speaker, this risk-based approach to water quality monitoring is too quick to take clean water for granted. We have reached a point where all water is at risk. Fish are showing signs of contamination.

In 2010 the Auditor General of Canada stated in a report that Northwest Territories water quality monitoring is not adequate. The Government of the Northwest Territories has made some real

commitments to water quality. The Water Stewardship Strategy is their attempt to protect our most precious resource. The water stewardship is a shared responsibility. Our efforts are being depleted by our own federal government.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Mr. Yakeleya, your time for your Member’s statement has expired.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. The federal government signed a Water Stewardship Strategy that includes action items to include water quality monitoring in the Northwest Territories. The federal government signed land claims agreements that committed to sustainable, unaltered water quality. The federal government signed a Devolution Agreement-in-Principle that was based on 23 active water quality stations in the Northwest Territories.

This is sad conduct on the government’s commitment to clean, abundant water. It’s an insult to the people of the Northwest Territories and all Canada. I am pleased that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will fight these changes. I urge all Canadians and Northerners to report the efforts to protect our water systems. This was highly talked about at the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated AGM in Colville Lake earlier this month. Water is not worth a few more barrels of oil, national defence or economic growth. Water is our most precious resource. Water is life.

Mr. Speaker, when will, or better yet, what will it take to tell our governments if we turn a blind eye from what has been done to our water, our life, we stop listening to our people, who will save our lives, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all I’d like to recognize the Members who will not be seeking re-election. I’d like to recognize yourself, Mr. Speaker, for your work and leadership as Speaker and to say we all recognize the hard work you’ve been doing on behalf of your constituents in your role as Speaker.

I also want to recognize cousin David Krutko.

---Laughter

I think David has the world record for asking questions in the Legislative Assembly and Committee of the Whole. I was going to say I was going to miss his questions. On second thought, I

don’t think I’ll say that. I’ll say I’ll miss his accompanying me on several business trips annually.

---Laughter

Also I want to recognize Premier Roland, his leadership. We played hockey together on many occasions. I also wish to recognize his willingness to make tough decisions when called upon and when required. I wish all three of you the very best.

Also I want to take this opportunity to announce that I will be seeking re-election as the MLA for Yellowknife South in the 17th Legislative Assembly.

It’s been a well kept secret, although I’ve tried to announce it four or five times in different venues.

---Laughter

So hopefully this time it will stick.

Listening to my colleagues today, it comes to mind why we all ran in the first place. In my case, I ran because I felt I could make a difference for the people in Yellowknife and people in the Northwest Territories. I tried to think why do we run again, and I think we all run again because we want to help people, and we can help people, and we all realize that there’s a big job left to be done and we want to be part of it.

I want to thank my family, friends, supporters, constituents of Yellowknife South for the honour of serving them as MLA. I want to recognize the work of my office staff: Katherine Robinson, Hilda Camirand, and my CA, Darlene Mandeville.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They say time flies when you’re having fun. They also say time flies when you pass 40. I’m not sure which of the two applies here but I can’t believe how quickly the last four years have gone.

It’s been an interesting four years and, as we’ve heard, we’ve had a few Members... Mr. Speaker is not returning. We appreciate the work you’ve done. Mr. Krutko and Mr. Roland, as somebody referred to the two old bulls, they’re not coming back. I wish you all well.

To my colleagues, I wish you all well. Those that are seeking re-election I look forward to the opportunity, with the blessing of the residents of Inuvik Twin Lakes, to serving with you again.

I have to thank my staff, Robert and Heather, and Leah up in Inuvik. They do a lot of work on your behalf and it’s their job to make you look smart. Sometimes they have to work really hard at it.

I really have to thank the residents of Inuvik Twin Lakes. I’m very grateful and humbled by the opportunity they’ve given me, and the support and encouragement I’ve gotten from folks back home. It’s not always what you want to hear, but sometimes they tell you the truth and it’s a good thing.

We all realize as politicians that we’re in this arena a lot and we spend a lot of time away from home. Our families are the ones that have to go without us for long periods of time. We’ve heard a couple of Members touch on it. I have to thank my family. They’ve been a big support. When I started this I had no grandchildren. I have three now and one on the way. If there’s any consolation for them, when Grandpa comes home from being in Yellowknife or on trips, it’s almost like Christmastime. They don’t mind that too much. But we have to thank them. They’re the ones, especially during the campaigns, there’s a lot of stuff that goes on that we’re just used to. We’ve grown fairly thick skin and they have to put up with it, and sometimes that bothers them. They show a lot of strength and we have to thank them.

I have to thank my wife, Judy, my biggest supporter and probably one of my biggest critics too. Anything helps. With all the feedback we get from everyone, I think it’s much appreciated.

With that, Mr. Speaker, good luck to you and Mr. Krutko and Mr. Roland, and to my colleagues, the best of luck to you all and I look forward to possibly seeing most of you here again.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s good to see you were saving the best for last.

I considered making a response to the opening address yesterday and I crafted a long list. Then I looked at it and it was all about me. Since I don’t like to brag about myself, I’ll just keep it short.

I did want to say farewell to a number of people who are leaving us today, and best of luck. First of all to yourself, Mr. Speaker. I think we’re the only two left from the people who were elected in the 14th Assembly. I thank you for your time here and

working with you. I want to wish you the best of luck.

Of course our Premier, who has decided not to run again. It’s been a real long eight years that we’ve worked together, especially in our time on Cabinet. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but we’ve managed to resolve issues and move forward.

I also wanted to wish David the best of luck. I think David is one of the few people that can still wear his moosehide jacket after all these years. The rest of us no longer fit them.

Most of us will be travelling home to start our campaigns, to start connecting with our constituents, and get our teams together, and start putting our platforms together if we haven’t already done so.

I wanted to say thank you to my staff over the years. I’ve had a number of constituency assistants. Lately Cynthia’s been working with me and she’s done a very good job and I’ve been very happy with her work. I also have to thank Doug Pon, who’s been with me for the whole term that I was a Minister of the last eight years. He’s always been very loyal and helped me steer out of trouble. Also Rachel, who has been with me in the last while and is doing a very good job; I’m very happy with her work.

I also have to say a special thank you to my family, who has stuck with me for these many years. It was interesting to hear my daughter at a federal candidates forum in Fort Providence who was there representing the youth and asked questions to the candidates. She did an interview with CBC later on and they asked her, they made the point of indicating to her that she seemed fairly familiar with territorial issues and wanted to know when she developed an interest in politics. She answered by saying that she was born into it. I think she was a young baby when I got involved in politics, and today she left for college. I’m very proud of her.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Your time for your Member’s statement has expired.

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

I want to quickly thank my constituents for the support they’ve shown, to all my friends in the communities of the Deh Cho. I will be seeking support for running another term. I will be back in the community starting Friday and be gearing up for the election.

I want to say in closing, best of luck to all my colleagues who are running again and best of luck to all the candidates who are planning to put their names forward.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure is pleased to provide its report on transition matters and commends it to the House.

Introduction

As the 16th Legislative Assembly draws to a close,

the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure continues to monitor several ongoing issues and initiatives with long-term implications. The intent of this report is to make the public and Members of the 17th Assembly aware of

work in progress and highlight areas we believe will require the continued attention of our successor committee in the 17th Assembly.

Background

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure includes five Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly. The committee’s role is to consider the following matters with respect to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations; Environment and Natural Resources; Industry, Tourism and Investment; Municipal and Community Affairs; Public Works and Services; Transportation; and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:

1. review multi-year business plans and budgets,

bills, boards and agencies, including the Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation, and the Public Utilities Board;

2. review departmental performance, including that

of boards and agencies; and

3. consider any other matter referred by the

House.

Transition Issues

Legislation and Regulations

A new NWT Wildlife Act was a major 16th Assembly

initiative. After extensive public consultation and deliberation, committee reported the bill as not ready for consideration in the Committee of the Whole. Reasons for this decision are outlined in the committee’s report. Members encourage the 17th Assembly to build upon the work that was done in developing this legislation to bring forward a new Wildlife Act that has the support of the majority of Northerners.

August 2011 amendments to the Territorial Parks Act contain significant regulation-making authority. The committee’s view is that the public consultation and input from Regular Members would be valuable in developing these regulations.

The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission renewed its safety regulations in 2009-10. There was public concern with the short consultation period, given the extent of the new regulations and their implications for northern workplaces.

During public consultations on amendments to the Dog Act, the public expressed the need for broader animal welfare protection legislation. The committee encourages the 17th Legislative

Assembly to consider this initiative.

The federal government has proposed extensive amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. Members encourage the successor committee to discuss this issue with representatives of the northern review boards forum at its earliest convenience.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to pass the reading of the report now on to the deputy chair of the committee, the MLA for Nunakput, Mr. Jackie Jacobson.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Industry, Tourism and Investment

Arctic Offshore Drilling Review

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources represent the Government of the Northwest Territories as participants in the National Energy Board’s Arctic Offshore Drilling Review. The NEB has scheduled a roundtable meeting in Inuvik for mid-September 2011. It anticipates that phase three of its review, the public report, will be completed by the end of December 2011.

Northern Workforce MOU

ITI has worked extensively to ensure three diamond mines to increase the number of NWT residents working at the mines and develop capacity among local workers. The committee encourages expanding these initiatives to other industrial developments.

Mackenzie Gas Project

In December 2010 the National Energy Board issued a certificate of public necessity and convenience for the Mackenzie Gas Project. In July

2011, Shell announced the sale of its shares in the project. Members have expressed concern about the pipeline readiness and additional costs to the GNWT should the proponents announce a decision to construct in 2013.

Diamond Policy

Industry, Tourism and Investment released its finalized Diamond Policy in 2010. Implementation is a challenge. The committee strongly encourages the reinstatement of the diamond division within Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Exploration and Mining Development

Members suggest that the successor committee monitor the following mining developments:

• Avalon Rare Metals,

• Fortune

Minerals,

• Tamerlane,

• Selwyn

Chihong,

• Prairie

Creek,

• Gah Cho Kue.

The committee received briefings on these developments either from the Minister of ITI or the company itself.

In June 2011 over $500 million in work bids were awarded to oil companies to develop land in the Tulita district. Members suggest that the successor committee monitor these developments:

Prairie Creek

Canadian Zinc Corporation is reaching its final stages of negotiating a socio-economic agreement for its Prairie Creek mine. The SEA is similar to one they negotiated with De Beers and Snap Lake project. ITI has identified the agreement as a transition issue and Members have asked that a briefing be provided to the successor committee.

Energy Priority Investments

The 16th Legislative Assembly has made a $60

million in investment in a range of projects in the areas of energy policy, development, plan and supply, conservation and efficiency, alternative energy, and emerging technologies. This funding expires in 2012-13. Many issues and opportunities remain in this area and the committee strongly recommends the funding be reinstated in the 17th Assembly.

Hydro Strategy

The GNWT has released a draft Hydro Strategy in 2008 that has yet to be finalized. A discussion paper has been distributed to stakeholder groups. The committee believes that many elements of the Hydro Strategy still need development, such as setting realistic targets and creating a vision that includes new projects.

Bluefish Dam Construction

Construction costs for a new dam at Bluefish Lake hydro plant are expected to reach over $37 million with a direct rate of impact at 2.42 cents for customers in the Snare/Yellowknife system. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation provided information on the cost to the committee in the summer of 2011.

Municipal and Community Affairs

Dust Control

Throughout the 16th Legislative Assembly the

committee urged MACA to work with the Department of Transportation and community governments on dust control and main street paving initiatives in small communities. The committee hopes a new program to address this issue will be developed in the 17th Assembly.

Recreational Leasing Policy Framework

This policy framework is a MACA initiative to address problems with squatters in the Yellowknife River watershed and the Inuvik Airport Lake areas. MACA has completed the technical research required for the policy. Recreational leasing is frozen in both areas. The committee’s main concerns with the policy are the need for meaningful consultation with Aboriginal organizations and the delays in the schedule.

Sport and Recreation Funding

Concerns with funding to Sport North and its relationship with the Sport and Recreation Council were brought to the committee’s attention shortly before the dissolution of the 16th Assembly.

Members see an organizational shift taking place, and suggest that MACA undertake a review of the SRC and consider ways to reduce duplication in the programming.

I’d like to hand this back to the chair of the committee of Economic Development, Mr. Ramsay. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Environment and Natural Resources

Water Strategy

Over the life of the 16th Assembly ENR invested

heavily in the development of the Northwest Territories Water Strategy. The federal government is not upholding commitments to water stewardship, and suspended water quality monitoring at stations across Canada in August 2011. Transboundary negotiations, water quality monitoring, and cumulative impact monitoring programs remain serious concerns for the committee.

Greenhouse Gas Strategy

Two members of the current committee monitored climate change initiatives as Members of the 16th Assembly’s Joint Committee on Climate Change. A significant portion of the renewed NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy is tied to energy priority investments. The Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning has identified carbon pricing as a transition issue for the 17th Assembly.

NWT Housing Corporation

The 2008 Auditor General’s report of the NWT Housing Corporation led to significant restructuring within the corporation. In 2010 the public housing rental subsidy was transferred from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment back to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. Many clients fell into arrears during the period that the subsidy was calculated separately through the Income Support Program. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has initiated debt repayment plans. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is currently undertaking the Shelter Policy review which includes evaluations of its housing choices program and public housing rent scale. The 17th Assembly will be asked to

make decisions on the outcome of these evaluations.

Annual Reporting

Both the Business Development and Investment Corporation and the NWT Housing Corporation have fallen behind in their statutory review and reporting requirements.

Conclusion

This concludes the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure Report on Transition Matters. Members respectfully suggest that our successor committee consider requesting updates on the above matters from committee staff and government, and wish them the utmost success in fulfilling their mandate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its report on transition matters and commends it to the House.

Introduction

Over the course of the 16th Assembly the Standing

Committee on Government Operations has conducted a number of reviews and made a

number of recommendations to government. In many instances the government has agreed with our recommendations and made commitments for which it has not yet fulfilled. The committee is also anticipating government responses to our most recent reports during the August 2011 sitting, which will be the final time that the Assembly meets before dissolution. The intent of this report on transition matters is to make the public, Members of the 17th Assembly, and our successor committee

aware of work in progress.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations’ mandate includes:

• consideration of the multi-year business plans

and budgets, bills, boards, and agencies, and departmental performance of the departments of Executive, Finance, Human Resources, and the Financial Management Board Secretariat;

• to review the official language issues;

• reviewing the reports of the statutory officers of

the Legislative Assembly, including the Languages Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner, and the Human Rights Commission;

• examination of the reports on the annual

financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and reports of the Auditor General; and

• consideration of any matter referred by the

House.

Review of the Official Languages Act

On May 28, 2009, the committee provided its Final Report on the Review of the Official Languages Act 2008-2009, entitled Reality Check: Securing a Future for the Official Languages in the Northwest Territories. The report, which was the result of extensive research and public consultation, included 48 recommendations. The government has since provided a response to the committee’s report and released the NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan: A Shared Responsibility, in October 2010. As the plan is intended to unfold over 10 years, many of the actions are in progress and have not yet begun. Further, the committees Reality Check report recommends changes to legislation which the government has not yet brought forward.

I turn continued reading of the report over to my deputy chair, Mr. Robert Hawkins.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Menicoche.

Reviews of Reports of the Auditor General

The committee reviewed the following reports of the Auditor General:

• Report on the NWT Housing Corporation: Public

Housing and Ownership Program - 2008;

• Report on Contracting for Goods and Services

in the NWT - 2009;

• Report on Education of the Northwest

Territories - 2010;

• Report on the Northwest Territories Deh Cho

Bridge Project - 2011;

• Report on Northwest Territories Health

Programs and Services - 2011.

The committee continues to monitor the issues identified in the Report on Contracting for Goods and Services. Progress on the issues identified in the Public Housing and Ownership Programs report is being monitored by the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure and progress issues identified in the education report is being monitored by the Standing Committee on Social Programs. All those committees’ respective mandates include oversight of the NWT Housing Corporation and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The committee anticipates that the government’s responses to its reports on the 2011 reports of the Auditor General will be tabled during the August 2011 sitting.

Reviews of Reports of Statutory Officers

Over the course of the 16th Assembly the

committee made a number of recommendations following its review of the annual reports of the Languages Commissioner, Human Rights Commissioner, and Information and Privacy Commissioner, and continues to monitor the progress on the issues identified.

In May 2011 the committee reported to the Legislative Assembly on the 2009-2010 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission, and in both cases provided recommendations to the government. The committee anticipates that the government’s response to its report will be tabled in the August 2011 sitting. In addition to its report, the committee supported a formal motion of the House recommending that the government undertake a comprehensive review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It also expects a response to this motion during the August sitting.

I’d like to pass the final part of the report and its presentation to Mr. Abernethy, MLA for Great Slave.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Hawkins.

Departmental Issues

The committee conducted annual reviews of the business plans and the budget of the departments of Executive, Finance, and Human Resources, and received updates on the initiatives throughout the year. The following were programs and issues that the committee followed especially closely:

Aboriginal Employment Initiatives

The committee is concerned that the numbers of indigenous Aboriginal persons in management positions has not increased over the past decade. The Department of Human Resources is currently in the process of undertaking Aboriginal employment initiatives that we hope will move us beyond this plateau, but there will need to monitor the implantation and success of these initiatives in the future.

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)

The committee is pleased that the government has made some steps toward reducing the administration burden attached to funding for NGOs. However, there are still significant changes needed, in particular, legislative amendments that will facilitate multi-year funding, and better interdepartmental cooperation and collaboration to simplify the process of dealing with government for NGOs.

Timelines of Public Accounts

The committee has been concerned with the late tabling of the public accounts and has asked the Minister of Finance to address this problem.

Recruitment and Retention

The committee is concerned with delays and difficulties with filling some vacant public service positions and has urged the Department of Human Resources to focus on staff recruitment issues and reduce recruitment times.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is a critical component of our northern infrastructure and service delivery systems, given the high cost of transportation and remoteness of many of our communities. The committee has urged the Department of Finance to expedite access and more bandwidth in any way possible, and is pleased that the government is proceeding with the Mackenzie Valley fibre optics link feasibility study.

Conclusion

Mr. Speaker, this concludes the Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on Transition Matters. Members respectfully suggest that our successor committee consider requesting updates on the above matters with some committee

staff and government, and wish them the utmost success in fulfilling their mandate.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Social Programs would like to report on transition matters.

Introduction

As the 16th Legislative Assembly draws to a close,

the Standing Committee on Social Programs continues to monitor a variety of important issues and initiatives. Through this transition report the committee wishes to highlight areas Members believe will require continued attention in the 17th Assembly.

Background

The Standing Committee on Social Programs is comprised of five Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly. The committee’s role is to consider the following with respect to the departments of Health and Social Services; Justice; and Education, Culture and Employment.

1. review multi-year business plans and budgets,

bills, boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council and programs for seniors, youth and persons with disabilities;

2. review departmental performance, including that

of boards and agencies;

3. consider all others referred to by the House.

I’d now like to continue the reading to deputy chair, Mr. Abernethy. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Beaulieu.

Transition Issues

Anti-Poverty Strategy

In the spring of 2010 following a formal formation in the House, the government agreed to begin working on an Anti-Poverty Strategy. A workshop entitled No Place for Poverty was hosted by Alternatives North and the YWCA in 2010. A discussion paper was due in spring 2011, with actions to be considered by the 17th Assembly, but

it is not available to the committee and it is now due in September for inclusion in transition materials. A summary of public input on the issue, “what we

heard from Northerners about poverty,“ was provided to the Standing Committee on Social Programs during the August sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Housing must be an important component of the Anti-Poverty Strategy. The NWT Housing Corporation Shelter Policy review is due to be completed and ready for review on the arrival of Members of the 17th Assembly.

Legislation

Various legislation that would be referred to the Standing Committee on Social Programs has been discussed or proposed to the 16th Assembly. Most

notable are the inclusion of naturopaths and massage therapists in the Health Professions Act and amendments to the Legal Aid Act.

Community-based Programs and Services

The committee is concerned that many programs and services are difficult to assess in the smaller communities. The reason for this is often the lack of presence on the ground. For example, no local police officer, social worker, nurse, mental health worker, addictions counsellor, et cetera. This represents a very serious challenge to the effectiveness of many departmental programs. The one-window approach to accessing government services has been piloted by the Executive department in several communities. An update on the results may be useful to committee members early in the first months of the 17th Assembly.

Family Violence

A great deal of work has been done in recent years by both the GNWT and non-government organizations to reduce family violence in the Northwest Territories. Within government the departments of Health and Social Services; Education, Culture and Employment; Justice; and the NWT Housing Corporation have all had a role in phase II of the NWT Family Violence Action Plan, which comes to an end on March 31, 2012. The NWT Coalition Against Family Violence has completed its final report, which makes 19 recommendations for work to be done in phase III of the action plan. These recommendations warrant the committee’s attention in the 17th Assembly.

I’ll now pass over continued reading to my colleague Ms. Bisaro. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Department of Health and Social Services

Child and Family Services Act Recommendations

A full review of the act resulted in 71 practical recommendations for improving the system. Most were accepted, or accepted in principle, and await funding allocations to complete. Some initial steps

were taken in the 2011-2012 budget, notably to establish child and family service committees in at least five more communities, and to expand the Healthy Families Program.

A number of other recommendations are advanced in the department’s strategic plan 2011-2015. The committee held public meetings in 10 communities. Expectations are high that changes will take place over several years, along with regular reviews of the act.

Auditor General’s Recommendations on Health Programs and Services

The Auditor General of Canada reviewed health services in 2010 and reported to the Standing Committee on Government Operations in March 2011. The report included seven major recommendations for the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Human Resources. The Standing Committee on Government Operation’s report was tabled in May 2011, and included the recommendations that the Department of Health and Social Services update the Standing Committee on Social Programs on the progress of implementing the Auditor General’s recommendations. This update has not occurred, and no implementation plan has been presented to either standing committee. The government’s response to the Standing Committee on Government Operation’s recommendations was tabled on August 19, 2011. The 17th Assembly may

wish to review the progress of the department.

A Foundation for Change

The Department of Health and Social Services has agreed to provide quarterly updates on the challenging task of modernizing and streamlining the Northwest Territories health system, but reminders are often required. The most recent update was provided on August 19, 2011. The Foundation for Change and the draft 2011-2015 Strategic Plan was provided on the same day, and therefore, only a quick review was possible. The strategic plan outlines the principle actions to be taken to modernize and streamline the health system over the next five years, and should be reviewed more carefully by the next committee. With significant changes in the department’s leadership in recent months, a timely update early in the 17th Assembly’s mandate may be

appropriate. Governance of health authorities and their deficits, as well as the Territorial Addictions Treatment Strategy will likely be of particular interest.

Midwifery

The Midwifery Program has never been fully implemented. Service has been temporarily cut back in Yellowknife, but the Department of Health and Social Services continues to be committed to midwifery services in as many communities as is

practical. A model to accomplish this across the Northwest Territories is being developed, to be completed in 2011-2012 for potential inclusion in the 2013-2014 business plan. It is the committee’s view that there should be midwifery services in every community.

Respite Care

In response to pressure from the Assembly, the Department of Health and Social Services is developing a Territorial Respite Care Program for inclusion in the 2012-2013 business plan. The new program will include existing services operating in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Aklavik, and Deline.

I would like to hand off the reading of the report to my colleague Mr. Bromley, MLA for Weledeh.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Extended Health Benefits

The government’s attempts to modify and expand supplementary health benefits resulted in only minor policy changes, but the Supplementary Health Benefits Policy was rescinded, with program delivery falling back under Extended Health Benefits and Metis Health Benefits. The government deferred including residents who lacked coverage through their employer or other programs. A plan for accomplishing this has not yet been presented.

The Department of Health and Social Services is also developing a Pharmaceutical Strategy to include generic drugs, drug pricing and efficiencies, and cost containment of pharmaceuticals, procurement, distribution, and access. These changes were to be made during the 16th Assembly; a progress update is overdue.

Addiction Services

The need for addiction services figured prominently in the committee’s recommendations in its review of the Child and Family Services Act. Recommendations in this area were conditionally accepted by the government, subject to the availability of resources. There have also been motions in the House supporting on-the-land treatment programs, and discussion of a territorial assessment and treatment facility. It is the committee’s view that there is a wide, general public recognition of the need for improved addiction services. More work is required to determine the best way to deliver these services. There should be a multi-departmental approach to supporting and promoting them. As resources will be required, advancing this work will likely be a critical issue for the 17th Assembly early in its

mandate.

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Early Childhood Development Review

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is reviewing its early childhood development programs, and plans to incorporate the results into the Aboriginal Achievement Initiative. This is due to be set out in the 2012-2013 business plan. The Early Childhood Development Framework for Action is due in September 2011 and should be presented to committee early in the 17th Assembly.

Auditor General’s Recommendations on Education

The Office of the Auditor General reviewed the Department of Education in 2009, making nine significant recommendations for improvements in a report presented to the Standing Committee on Government Operations in 2010. It was agreed between the standing committees on Government Operations and Social Programs that the latter would monitor the department’s progress in acting on the Auditor General’s advice. The Minister of Education provided the first seven-page update in August 2011.

Student Financial Assistance Review

The Assembly has passed several motions on student financial assistance, calling for expansion of the program, and increases in allowances unaltered since 2000. The Minister has stated that the program is under review, which is expected to continue throughout 2011-2012. Any proposed changes are to be implemented in 2012-2013.

I’d like now to pass the feather to committee chair, Mr. Beaulieu, to complete the report.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Department of Justice

Mental Health Diversion

The committee has done preliminary research on special courts across North America where accused persons with mental health issues are diverted from mainstream courts and corrections systems. The goal is for program participants to take responsibility for their actions, and receive treatment and support to deal with their conditions. The results are encouraging, including lowering rates of reoffending among diversion participants. The committee’s research has been forwarded to the Ministers of Justice and Health and Social Services for consideration and further work.

Legal Aid

Along with proposed changes to the Legal Aid Act, there is tremendous need for improvement of legal

services, particularly in the smaller communities and in child protection cases.

Facilities

The Arctic Tern facility in Inuvik was closed on March 31, 2011, but the future of the building remains uncertain, as it required repairs before being put to another use. The Public Works Minister was asked to report to committee on the scope of work to be done and the schedule for new occupancy. The committee may wish to request this update early in the its mandate.

As a result of the closure of Arctic Tern, a planning study was done for a female offenders unit at the Fort Smith Correctional Centre. A final design was approved in January 2011, and the project has been flagged as a priority project in the capital plan, however, no funding was approved to proceed in 2012-2013.

Conclusion

This concludes the Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on Transition Matters. Members extend their best wishes to the next committee when it convenes early in the new year.

I have a motion.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

That concludes the Report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on Transition Matters. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 10-16(6) be received and adopted.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Question is being called.

---Carried

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Report of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure on Transition Matters has been concluded. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Weledeh, that Committee Report 8-16(6) be received and adopted.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Question is being called.

---Carried

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That concludes the Report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on Transition Matters. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 9-16(6) be received and adopted.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Question has been called.

---Carried

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last but not least, report on transition matters.

Introduction

As the 16th Legislative Assembly draws to a close

the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning continues to monitor several ongoing issues and initiatives with government-wide implications. The committee wishes to take the opportunity through this transition report to highlight areas that we believe will require the continued attention of our successor committee in the 17th Assembly.

Background

The Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning includes all 11 Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly. The committee’s role is to:

1. review issues which have government-wide

implications, including the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;

2. review government and Northwest Territories

reports on financial and performance results, and program and policy evaluations to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;

3. coordinate sessional business scheduling and

planning in cooperation with appropriate Ministerial representatives;

4. coordinate committee public consultation efforts

with respect to budget and fiscal matters;

5. coordinate committee strategic planning efforts;

6. monitor and evaluate Ministerial performance

issues;

7. consider the budgets and financial management

of any boards and agencies that are outside of the responsibility of any standing committee; and

8. consider any other matter referred by the

House.

Transition Issues

Housing

The sheer number of formal motions initiated by committee members recommending changes to the public housing programs speaks to the crises that is ongoing in many NWT communities and that we hear about daily from our constituents. It is well known that housing issues have far-reaching impacts across government in areas such as health, education, justice, and economic development and housing, therefore, needs to be a top priority for government.

In our efforts to find fair solutions to the difficulties our constituents face, committee members advanced several proposals including:

• a number of possible changes to the rent scale;

• an income exemption for newly employed public

housing tenants for their first six months of employment, and immediate efforts to encourage pursuit of homeownership;

• reduction of the maximum rental rate to 25

percent of assessed gross income;

• changes to program guidelines to provide

responsible and meaningful flexibility, and to allow for transition periods such as gradual rent increases;

• regional analysis and policy changes to

establish a significantly lower maximum rent schedule;

• reintroduction of a home maintenance and

repair program for seniors; and

• the establishment of specific maximum rents for

communities with no real private market as follows: $600 per month for a one-bedroom unit, $800 per month for a two-bedroom unit, $1,000 per month for a three-bedroom unit, and $1,200 per month for four- or five-bedroom units.

While the government did not implement any of these recommendations, it is indicated that rent scales will be considered within the Shelter Policy review scheduled for completion in 2012. We urge the incoming government to bring forward changes early in the life of the 17th Assembly.

Devolution

The Devolution Agreement-in-Principle signed in January 2011 has created divisions among the people of the Northwest Territories that we hope can be repaired during the term of the next Assembly. We urge the incoming government to work quickly to establish a process for negotiating devolution that is fully inclusive of all Aboriginal groups.

Decentralization

While there have long been concerns about the centralization of public service positions in the capital, this issue is becoming more pressing with the signing of the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle and the possible transfer of hundreds more positions to the GNWT. The committee believes that the government should incorporate opportunities to decentralize its operations into its future human resource planning. Decentralization not only has the benefit of moving jobs and associated economic growth to communities which badly need them, but in some cases will also allow the government and its employees to benefit from lower office space and housing costs.

Regulations

Most proposed bills undergo public review by standing committee, with the possibility of extensive hearings where public interest warrants. However, many important matters of concern to the public are addressed in regulations, which typically are approved by the Minister or the Cabinet without the involvement of Regular Members. The Act to Amend the Territorial Parks Act and the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act are examples of bills which leave substantial matters to regulations. The 17th Assembly may wish to consider instituting

processes for standing committee review of such regulations.

Program Review Office

In the early days of the 16th Assembly a program

review office was established within the Department of Executive. This substantial investment has not lived up to the committee’s expectations, and we would encourage our successor committee to request an update on the office’s activities early in the life of the new Assembly.

Other Formal Motions Making Recommendations to Government

In addition to the former motions making recommendations to government referenced above, committee members initiated several more, which the government has not acted upon to our satisfaction. Although some of these matters fall under the mandate of other standing committees, we list the recommendations here for convenience.

Education Recommendations

• reinstatement of

student financial assistance

scholarships;

• provide students doing upgrading with access to

student financial assistance;

• reinstate and fund a veterinary student

placement at the University of Saskatchewan with a return of service agreement attached to the funding;

• provide funding to small high schools for a

minimum of three teachers;

• develop a certification program for elders to

teach in schools in time for the start of the 2011-2012 school year;

• reinstate sunsetting funding for school healthy

eating and nutrition programs;

• increase student financial assistance living

allowances by 20 percent, and link future increases to the consumer price index

Environment, Lands and Resources Recommendations

• eliminate handling fees for the collection of milk

containers under the NWT Beverage Container Program;

• implementation of a tiered vehicle registration

system that bases fees on the fuel economy rating of vehicles;

• consideration of a low carbon fuel standard that

decreases or eliminates GNWT reliance on unconventional higher carbon oil by the end of the 16th Assembly, and establishment of

guidelines for the use of lifecycle analysis that evaluates greenhouse gas emissions from productions of fuels imported by the GNWT;

• immediate commencement of a public

consultation process in partnership with the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning on the shape of a northern management regime for lands and resources, with proposed implementation of the regime to be included in the transition documents and planning for the 17th Assembly.

Health and Social Services Recommendations

• establishment of a milk subsidy program for all

children aged one to 12 in any NWT community where milk costs are 10 percent or higher than those in Yellowknife;

• establishment of a multidisciplinary team to

provide assessment and diagnosis services for adults who may have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and enhancement of programs and supports for individuals and families living with FASD;

• identification of various options for establishing

a mobile alcohol and drug treatment program

that can be delivered on the land, and a report back to the 17th Assembly on this initiative within

the first six months of the term.

Other Recommendations

• initiate a public process to discuss board reform;

• development of a measuring tool to verify the

percentage of the GNWT workforce with a disability, and ensure that percentage is maintained or increased to 5 percent within five years;

• comprehensive review of the Access to

Information and Protection of Privacy Act with introduction of a bill within the first two years of the 17th Assembly term.

In addition to the above recommendations to the Government of the Northwest Territories, committee members initiated motions with recommendations directed at the federal government for the following matters, which have not yet been resolved: removal of the GST for certain goods and services north of 60; the reinstatement of federal funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation; and a successor strategy for the sunsetting Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program.

Conclusion

This concludes the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning Report on Transition Matters. We wish the Members and committees of the 17th Assembly the utmost success in their

service to the people of the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning Report on Transition Matters. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Committee Report 11-16(6) be received and adopted.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The motion is on the floor. The motion is in order.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Question has been called.

---Carried

Item 5, returns to oral questions. Item 6, 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, I’d like to acknowledge the fact that my wonderful wife of 39 years is in the gallery today. Welcome Davida. Accompanying her is my executive assistant, Sue Tkachuk. Welcome to the gallery.

The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bob McLeod.

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

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize two Pages from Yellowknife South: Emily Thagard and Scott Stirling. Thank you for serving in the House, and also to all the Pages in the Legislative Assembly.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

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

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Doug Rentmeister, the executive director of Sport North. I would also like to recognize some family members: Anne and Trevor Roberts from Courtney, B.C., as well as my mother and father, Dick and Loretta Abernethy. I’d like to thank them for all their support over the years.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

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

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize some of our representatives that have been working on behalf of the Status of Women Council: Lorraine Phaneuf, Annemieke Mulders, and Samantha Dechief.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

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

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize the representatives from the Status of Women Council behind me. Lorraine Phaneuf is the executive director of the Status Council, Annemieke Mulders is the programs and research manager, and Samantha Dechief is the community development coordinator. I would also like to recognize a constituent of mine. I presume he’s still up there. Mr. Doug Rentmeister is the executive director of Sport North and a constituent of Frame Lake. Last but not least, I’d like to recognize Ms. Amber O’Reilly, who has been my constituency assistant filling in as a summer student. She’ll be heading off to school tomorrow. Best of luck, Amber, and thanks for your service.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. 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. It gives me great pleasure to recognize my parents, Maurice and Dora Marie Lafferty are here with us today. They’re big supporters of mine. And also my auntie Therese Jeremick’a that’s here with us, my uncle Freddie Lafferty, my uncle Jimmy

Mantla, and also my sister-in-law Missy Mantla. I’d also like to recognize a Page as well: Shania Clark, aka Clarkie, and that she’s Lucy Rabesca’s daughter, originally from Behchoko. I’d just like to say mahsi for all the services that they provide. Mahsi.

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 Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

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

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to welcome my two daughters here, Kirstin and Mikayla, that are with me here in Yellowknife.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

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

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize my wife and my best friend, Judy. Welcome to the gallery.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. 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. It’s my pleasure today to recognize in the gallery, as I mentioned in my Member’s statement, my very long-serving constituency assistant Wendy Morgan, who is no longer a resident of Hay River South, I am sad to say. Hay River’s loss was Yellowknife’s gain, but she still is my assistant and I appreciate her very much. She is more than an assistant, she is my very good friend. I’d also like to recognize my husband, Rick, in the gallery tonight, who doesn’t often make it up here. We’ll be heading home tomorrow, honey. Get the campaign signs ready.

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 Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

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

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to recognize residents of Weledeh, Loretta and Dick Abernethy. I’d also like to recognize Johanna Stewart, one of our Pages today, a resident of Weledeh, and really express my appreciation to all the Pages we’ve had throughout our four years.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize, once again, the two Pages from Yellowknife Centre. We have Emma Ouellette and Edward Esau. I certainly hope they’ve enjoyed their time here paging at the Assembly. I know many of us have appreciated their help and the services they provide. As well, we appreciate all the Pages and the work that they do, so I want to thank them personally.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. If we’ve missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber. I hope you’re enjoying the proceedings. It’s always nice to have an audience in here.

Item 7, acknowledgements. Item 8, oral questions. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are addressed to the Premier, the Minister responsible for the Executive. They are relative to the final report of the Coalition Against Family Violence, which was published on March 31st of this year. It was a result of about eight years of work.

The coalition was begun in 2003 and has been doing great work on behalf of our residents since then. They’re a group of 21 bodies, both NGOs and government.

There have been two action plans to date with regard to family violence, and the second phase will end in March of 2012. Phase three, a continuation of the Family Violence Acton Plan, is absolutely required. I’d like to ask the Premier, the Minister for the Executive, what action the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking to ensure that a phase three action plan will be planned for and funded following the end of the March 2012 period. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we will be reaching the date of dissolution of the 16th Assembly, our work is going to be part of the

transition process so that the Members of the 17th Assembly can review the recommendations that have been put forward in the most recent report.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

I didn’t hear the Minister say anything in the past tense. It sounded like it was all in the future. I’d like to ask the Minister, since that report was published on March 31, 2011, has there been any action on the part of the government to start dealing with the 19 recommendations which are included in that report. Thank you.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

The departments of Justice and Health and Social Services have been reviewing that work and are trying to make things happen through our Building Our Future Strategic Initiative Committee. But again, the next process and business plan cycle will have to go through the 17th Assembly.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister. He leads me right into my next question. Thank you for that.

It’s hard to believe, but I’m sure that staff are soon going to be developing the 2013 operations budget, and I mentioned there are 19 recommendations in

this report. I’d like to know, specific to three recommendations in the report which ask for core funding from the government, will these be considered by GNWT staff as the budget is developed, these three recommendations which ask for core funding.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

As I have stated, the recommendations, 19 of them in all, will be reviewed by the 17th Assembly and they will have to

decide what they prioritize and would direct to actually be included in that business plan.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Your final supplementary, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From my perspective as a Member, if I’m not presented with options to fund these three specific recommendations with core funding, then I can’t vote on them. So I would ask the Minister to seriously consider adding core funding for those programs in the business plan.

Part of the report states the coalition has made great strides to shift attitudes and enhance services to reduce family violence and abuse, and I think it’s been an extremely valuable program. I’d like to know if the Minister can advise, at this point -- and I suspect I’ll get an answer that it’s up to the next Assembly -- but I’d like to know whether or not the Minister feels that the government is committed to following up on the good work that’s been done and making sure that there is a phase three to continue this good work after March of 2012. Thank you.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. As we’re talking about 2012 and beyond in the 17th Assembly after it actually goes through

the phase of becoming familiar with what’s on the deck and looking at the initial plans of departments and making recommendations, the work that has been done, we’re going to ensure that the recommendations and the work we’ve done jointly -- because government staff have been involved and part of the team -- will carry forward those recommendations to see what could be adopted. That’s the best I can do at this late stage of our government. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are directed to the Premier. It’s in regard to my Member’s statement and the importance of dealing with poverty in the North, but more importantly, getting the government to move on an Anti-Poverty Strategy and implementing the strategy and not just look at doing another study.

I’d like to ask the Premier, as the transitional process takes fold, where in the list of items being transferred to the new government and part of the transitional document is the poverty situation in the Northwest Territories. I think it has to be on top of the list. So I’d like to ask the Premier where is the government on the Anti-Poverty Strategy.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr Krutko. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Anti-Poverty Strategy, the work that’s done and reported to standing committee will be included in that transition process. Thank you.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you. I think it’s more important to find a way to implement our strategy than simply doing strategies, and I think it’s important that we do emphasise the importance of this work, and more importantly, implement it, put it into action and find ways to pull people out of poverty and turn the Northwest Territories economy around. So I’d like to ask the Premier are there any types of investments that are also going to be suggested on where we can find resources to either implement or give the new government an idea of things that they can do to implement this strategy.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you. Again, the work that’s been done to date is forwarded to committee for a response and carry on, and carried forward to the 17th Assembly. We’re not in a

position to direct the next government to what areas they should be investing in, what areas of priority.

I know many times we, as a government and the many departments that were involved in this work, continue to do this work through existing programs. But for the strategy itself, the work that’s been done and tabled with Members, hopefully early in the life of the 17th Assembly they’ll be able to review those

and decide what they can carry forward. Thank you.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you. Again, I’d like to thank the Premier for that. I know that we can’t sort of impose on the new government, but I think we can strongly suggest or recommend that they seriously consider this as being one of their priorities. So I’d like to ask the Premier, is that something that the government can suggest that they seriously consider this as a top priority of this government to the next government.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you. Part of our transition planning and work will incorporate quite a number of initiatives that we have started and we’ll be handing off. As the Member is very familiar with, we’ve been through this cycle four times prior, that the new Members will look at their initiatives, their priorities, and I’m sure there will be a number of Members returning and will carry forward with the work that’s been done to date and raise that level of importance at that stage. But it will be a part of the

package. It will have to be up to the 17th Assembly

to decide what their priorities will be. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Premier today, and I’m just wondering if the Premier was able to get word out to the Dene chiefs and Aboriginal leaders across the Northwest Territories about the Prime Minister’s visit this morning and the opportunity for them to attend. Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the communications team, both from the federal government and from our side, we weren’t aware of a list of invites and so on, but we were able to get the news and the invites out, I believe it was late yesterday. Thank you.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you. I appreciate that information and I’ll pass that along to my constituents who are interested. I guess, following up on the Prime Minister’s visit, is there anything the Premier can report back to us on the discussions? I realize his visit was very short this morning, but I wonder if the Premier had an opportunity to visit and whether we might hear what we should be hearing about. Thank you.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you. The meeting was short. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to have a one-on-one with the Prime Minister, but the three Premiers from the territories did have a meeting with the Prime Minister and we laid out a number of pan-territorial issues; housing, for example, as well as infrastructure.

I raised with Minister Aglukkaq the issue that was raised in the House here the other day around the Green Fund initiatives and our support for the city’s application.

Also, I had a chance to discuss where the pipeline initiative may be sitting and I expected the answer I got, that it’s in the proponent’s hands to make a decision on that, and talked about, for example, fibre optics is one of those avenues we could be looking at here in the Northwest Territories through support.

The Prime Minister asked me about this government’s move on the Inuvik-Tuk road, if we’ve met our side of the equation, and at that point raised that as our departments are getting together, they need to work out the actual arrangements and figure out this 75/25 percent share arrangement and what that would all incorporate. So there were those things that we were able to touch on.

Of course, with other Premiers there, they were bringing up their issues from their constituencies as well.

So I had a quick opportunity to raise some of those areas going forward. One of those things that we discussed was this continuation of the THSSI program and the fact that now we’re on the same page as all the other jurisdictions across Canada when it comes to the accord, Canada Health Accord. The Prime Minister at that point said we will need to get together as a country and really look at our ability to deliver a sustainable program, and I know that will be the challenge for the next governments as they prepare to deal with that accord. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I very much appreciate all that information. It’s very good to get that out. It sounds like a lot of subjects were covered in a very short period of time, and I’m sure there was strong commonality amongst our Premiers.

I’m wondering, just following up on the discussions we had yesterday and the day before, I know the water monitoring stations are being shut down across the North, both transboundary and 21 out of 23 in the Northwest Territories, completely devastating our Water Quality Monitoring Program. Did the Premier have a chance to raise that with the Prime Minister? Mahsi.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you. I did have an opportunity to talk about devolution and the impacts of some of the decisions being made would have on a final package that we would look specifically on the water station, the monitoring issue. I did raise that with Minister Duncan as he was a part of the meeting on that scenario. Although it’s not in his shop specifically, it does affect the overall deal we’re talking about when it comes to the environment and the agreement-in-principle and just how that work needs to be done in honouring the commitment we had on paper, at least, I see through the agreement-in-principle. He’s taken that information. I was hoping to have another side discussion with the Prime Minister but, unfortunately, the time ran out and I wasn’t able to connect directly on that subject.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of MACA. As indicated in my Member’s statement, Sport North is in an incredibly difficult situation due to the

confusion and apparent inconsistencies in the application process. Specifically, some organizations are getting multi-year funding while others aren’t, and programs like Sport for Life and coaching and the CSOP were declined with no or limited resources or alternatives being provided by the SRC. Sport North had no choice but to appeal this SRC decision. They have been waiting for months and have gone through their cash reserves. In 30 days they’ll be out of money and unable to meet payroll.

Could the Minister please tell us, by signing their contribution agreement which would allow the approved $1.683 million minus the $149,000, which they’ve already received, to flow to them, which will allow them to meet their payroll and provide continued support to the territorial sports organizations, would Sport North in fact be forfeiting or undermining their appeal which is currently underway? Specifically, will it stop the appeal process?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Robert McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sport North is actually encouraged to sign the contribution agreement for the $1.6 million. This is more money than they received last year. By signing this particular agreement, they’re not going to be giving up their right to obtain any additional funding related to other projects that might be available. It also would not affect the appeal process that they have submitted.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

That is good news. Six areas in the Sport North application were denied funding. Three of these areas are critical programs; specifically, the coaching programs, the Canadian Sport for Life, and the Community Support Opportunity Program. Sport North are concerned that these programs were never completely assessed through the application process and don’t feel that they were provided comprehensive information on why they were rejected or what changes were needed to help the applications meet the SRC’s application criteria. Could the Minister please direct the SRC to provide detailed explanations to Sport North on why these different programs failed to receive funding, and what items or changes would be required so that these programs could in fact receive funding in the future?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

The Sport and Recreation Council’s general manager met with all the partner executive directors between June 16th and 24th to provide verbal and written feedback on

each of their applications. Then the general manager also met with the Sport North executive director and finance manager on June 16th . We can

ask the SRC to review the unfunded applications one more time.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

I’m sure that Sport North would appreciate that opportunity. I believe that there is still some money in the SRC budget, approximately $400, from what I understand. I also understand that the SRC puts some money aside for areas such as the Canadian Sport for Life, recognizing the importance of this program. Can Sport North resubmit applications for these programs to the SRC for funding, or is there no further opportunity for submissions during the 2011-2012 fiscal year?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

The SRC did withhold some funding for applications that were not approved, and they’ve also had the opportunity to clarify most of these applications and will be providing information to all the partners on the funding process for them by the end of this week.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the Minister for that response. I mentioned the appeal process in my Member’s statement. Appeals, regardless of the organization or structure, are usually heard by independent bodies, not by a group or body that the appeal is actually being filed against. This is not consistent with the appeal process utilized by the SRC. In this appeal process the appeal is heard and ruled on by the SRC itself. Further, the SRC has indicated that appeals can only be based on errors in process, not whether the process was fair or equitable to all parties.

In the case of this appeal, the SRC will be reviewing the Sport North appeal and will be making binding ruling but will not be considering whether parties were treated equitably. Some got multi-year funding while others didn’t. This is an odd process and doesn’t really sound like an open, transparent, or fair process. Sport North wants the right to be heard in a fair process. They would like an oral hearing with an independent person hearing their concerns. Would the Minister commit to working with the SRC to have them appoint a fair and independent person to hear and make recommendations on this current appeal?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Sport North will be advised by the SRC on the results of their appeal by the end of the week. The appeal won’t be heard by an outside person or panel. The appeal process is stated in the SRC investment guidelines that were available to all applicants during the application process and, granted, through this exercise that we’ve gone through, we realize that the appeal process can be approved and we’re looking at doing a review of the appeal process for the 2012-2013 funding cycle.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of ENR. We heard through the grapevine and have been notified that the federal government, through Environment Canada, has suspended 21 of the 23 water quality monitoring stations in the Northwest Territories. I want to ask the Minister what his assessment is of how long Environment Canada would be suspending these operations, and does the federal government acknowledge their signed commitments under the Water Strategy agreements with our government.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government is aware of its responsibilities under the Water Strategy. We’ve had recent correspondence from Minister Duncan to that effect. This move by Environment Canada to put all these monitoring stations on hold while they do a review is, I believe, a part of the Deficit Reduction Program that the federal government is undergoing right now. The assumption is that once they’re closed, that they won’t reopen, however, there’s still the faint hope that once the assessment’s over, that some of them will be implemented or started up again. The fact of the matter is, we don’t have enough monitoring right now with everything going flat out. This will be a detriment to the overall work that we’re trying to do through the Water Strategy.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

I guess the question here is how serious is our federal government in Ottawa closing down these 21 monitoring stations at this time saying that they’re committed to environment and water. What is it costing them through this reduction of the funding? Hundreds? Millions? Tens of millions of dollars? They’re only keeping two, one in the South Slave and one in Hay River. I want to ask the Minister here what other things we can do to convince this government that they need to pay attention to the water and put more balance to the funding, and not to allow industry to spoil our land here.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

We know that the federal government’s taking somewhere in the neighbourhood of $4.3 billion a year additional money out of the federal civil service programs across the land. What those specific budget targets are, or deficit reduction targets are, I don’t know. We do know that we are engaged in transboundary water negotiations. We do know we’re involved in

negotiations on devolution through the AIP, which includes water. We also know that we’re engaged with the Alberta and federal governments in setting up a monitoring system that was supposed to be world class, according to Mr. Baird who was Environment Minister at the time, to deal with some of the significant concerns about the downstream effects of the oil sands. We have those areas, plus we’ve been in correspondence with the government raising our strong concerns about what these cuts are doing to our ability and their ability to do their jobs where the federal government still has fiduciary and legal responsibility.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

The Government of the Northwest Territories is actively engaged in negotiations with the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle. In there it states 23 monitoring stations. Right now we’re reduced to two. What is it going to cost us? Even in the list here, there are parks in the Northwest Territories that are not going to have any type of monitoring station there. What is it going to cost our government if we want to continue with all these 23 that the federal government is only going to fund two stations? The federal government totally disrespects the people of the North and the land claims agreements, because certainly it’s not abiding by what they signed. Can the Minister tell me how we hold the government’s feet to their commitments, to the fire, that they signed in these agreements with the Northwest Territories and the Aboriginal governments?

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Of course, the best security we have is to negotiate the agreement-in-principle so that we get the resources and we control the decision-making and the processes, and from here on in if there are any changes, it will be done by people in the Northwest Territories.

At this point in time we’re still subject to the broader planning of the federal government where they issue out broad targets to departments, $4.3 billion to the government, and they’re going to find the money from everywhere. We’re caught in that process. There are layoffs across the land from the federal government side; layoffs in other jurisdictions as they all fight deficit reduction. The best way is for us to conclude, as fast as we can, a good solid deal that will ensure that we have that security and protection.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to ask the Minister, does the Water Stewardship Strategy or any transboundary agreement include the provision that can be done if a responsible authority like the federal government does not uphold their commitments to protect water for the people of the Northwest Territories.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Currently the federal government does have that responsibility. What we are negotiating now is an arrangement with Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, mainly to, in fact, have a legally binding agreement that will address the quality and quantity issues as they pertain to water flowing to us as a downstream jurisdiction. We are, in fact, negotiating with the federal government to take over that responsibility within the Northwest Territories. But in the meantime they do still have the legal and fiduciary responsibility when it comes to water, when it comes to honouring, and they will continue to have, with relation to land claims and treaties, that responsibility to Aboriginal people.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Listening to my colleague Mr. Bromley bring it up before, and in my Member’s statement regarding the news that we had from the Prime Minister today, my questions are asked to the Department of Transportation. What are the chances of seeing if we could get extra funding this year to start from the Tuk side to kilometre 22 on extra funding to bring it up to 90 kilometre standards to get work in the community of Tuk and to bring outside people in the riding from Inuvik, such as Sachs Harbour and Paulatuk, to get jobs in the community? What are the chances of that?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of things that we would like to continue doing and working on. Source 77 road is, of course, always on our agenda. We also want to do more work on the Environmental Impact Review Board submission. We’ve earmarked some dollars internally to address that and we want to continue those discussions. We also need to start our discussions with the Inuvialuit on some of the gravel sources that we’re going to need, and use of the land, and purchase of the land. There are a lot of things we’d like to do. We want to keep the momentum going on this project. Of course, the final decision will be resting with the 17th Legislative Assembly to decide

whether this all-season road goes ahead or not. Thank you.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

The federal government gave us $150 million for this project to open up the highway system sea to sea to sea. I think the question that I’m asking is pretty straightforward. Do we have money in the government transportation to see if we could keep the roadwork

able to start this winter for 90 kilometres standards between 177 in Tuk? The review board and that is doing the rest of the highway, but do we have funding in place that we could start?

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

First of all, the money identified in the federal government’s announcement is to start next year. The decision whether construction can start will be done and made by the 17th Assembly. We as a department

and all our officials along with other departments are working towards doing all the legwork that’s required, all the discussions that need to happen prior to the election, and during the election the work will continue. We want to have the information available for the Members as they return or the Members that are part of the 17th Assembly.

I’ve also asked Minister Aglukkaq to have a meeting. We don’t have a whole lot of time, but I’d still like to have the opportunity to sit down face to face, whether it’s in the territories or in Ottawa, to discuss the terms of the funding. That hasn’t been sorted out completely. Our officials are having those discussions, but we would really like to have a better handle on how the money is going to be flowed, to who and how much. There are lots of things that have to happen and they all have to be paid for from internal sources within our departments. Whether I can commit to the Member that the work will happen this year on the request he’s just made is difficult. We are trying to fund a number of initiatives on this project with a very limited source of funding.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, with the project, all of the regulatory processes are in place for 177. With the money starting, I mean, with the 17th Legislative Assembly over a four-year term, I won’t say the numbers, but it’s doable, and I hope to be here to push it through. At the end of the day, from 177 to Tuk, we have no work in the community this winter. All we’re going to have is the ice road. The ice road work that is yearly, $600,000 a year. The government has to try to stimulate the economy up north.

All I’m asking for is if we’re sure of the federal government’s commitment for the $150 million, would the Minister commit monies to go forward this winter to start work in the 177.

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

I hear the Member loud and clear. The reality is there are a number of initiatives that we have to embark on to get the information that is required to help the 17th Assembly make the decision on a going-forward basis. We want to ensure that they have the best information in front of them as possible. If I was to commit to finishing some of the work on source 177, then in all probability we wouldn’t have the money to do the environmental impact report, which is close to a million dollars.

I can commit to the Member that we’ll look very closely. The money that’s required will have to come from internal sources, and at this point we don’t know if it will be available for contingent work in that area.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Your final, short supplementary, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Moving on to the meeting with the federal government, will the mayors of Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik be invited, and the parties that are involved with this project be invited to the meeting?

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, we have been pushing for a meeting since the announcement of these dollars was made, and up to now it’s been challenging to get all the schedules to coordinate. We’ve indicated we would like to have the mayors from Tuk and from Inuvik join us, and we again today reinforced that we still would like to have a meeting, and we’re hoping to have positive feedback on that.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to ask the Minister further questions on the issue I just spoke about. Mr. Speaker, I live on the Mackenzie River. A lot of my people also live on the river and live in areas where water is their source of life. The Auditor General report from 2010 states that water quality monitoring in the North is not adequate. The federal government signed a Water Stewardship Strategy with the GNWT that talks about improving the water quality monitoring in the Northwest Territories. In closing, Mr. Speaker, the federal government signed a land claim agreement within the Northwest Territories that includes provisions related to substantially unaltered water quality.

I want to ask the Minister, in light of what the federal government has done today to suspend water quality monitoring stations on the Mackenzie, what is this government going to do to see if this agreement here that the feds have signed and we have also signed, that we know that our water isn’t altered in any way of the quality that we are receiving. Who’s looking out for the water?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Who’s looking out for the water, Mr. Speaker? We are. We, this Legislative Assembly, we, the working group, the Aboriginal Steering Committee that drafted and brought together the Water Strategy. I have on my

desk a draft letter, that I have to get signed off before I leave tomorrow, to the Ministers, expressing our strong concern about what has happened and the cutback to those resources and cutbacks that are happening in general, and their inability to come to the table to participate fully through Indian Affairs with the water transboundary agreements. We have some significant issues that we’re going to have to deal with the federal government and we are taking the steps necessary to do that.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

I look forward to that letter being sent to the Members for their follow up.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie River three stations that were under the suspension are Strong Point, Norman Wells and Arctic Red River. The Mackenzie River has been identified as one of the only few critical river systems at risk in Canada by the World Wildlife Fund that’s not being monitored currently. The Mackenzie River should be considered international transboundary water because it flows into the Arctic Ocean, or a heritage river given its significance to Canada and the world.

I want to ask the Minister who today is doing the water quality monitoring on the Mackenzie. Is it industry reporting and being their own watchdog? Who is doing it right now?

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

We know, clearly, what has been closed. I don’t have the specific list of the other monitoring that is being undertaken, but industry would have responsibilities as well. In terms of broad overall monitoring of the aquatic ecosystems tied to the Mackenzie River basin, the federal government has the primary responsibility and they are scaling back those resources.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Shame on this federal government for scaling back on such an essential part of our life: the water.

I want to ask the Minister, the water quality monitoring in our national parks has been suspended, leaving our parks really vulnerable. I want to ask the Minister, in his Water Strategy with the federal government, now, I’m not too sure how good that document is, but I believe the Minister is working very hard and it’s a fine document. What will it take the federal government to know that these responsibilities, the core of our people, and leaving national parks in as vulnerable a position as this, when mining is so actively involved in our area and in parks that are going to be established, and the ones that have already been established? What is the Minister doing?

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

This gets us back to the issue of devolution and taking over authority for land, water and resource development in the Northwest Territories. Right now we are at the mercy of the federal government. They will

consult with us, but really they have the whip hand as it were. So if we get a devolution deal, as the Premier has been saying, Northerners will finally make decisions in the North, about the North, for the North, by Northerners. Right now we’re having this discussion about decisions that remain 4,000 or 5,000 miles away. We weren’t consulted. We just got the notification that we shared with the Members. So if there was ever impetus and a good reason why Northerners should say let’s come together and take this over and move forward to become the decision-makers in our own land, this has to be it. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Your final, short supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister makes a good point. Maybe it’s about time that we get our act together, as they’ve been saying, and work on this, because the federal government sure ain’t taking care of us in the North, and it shows right now, it’s black and white with red all over that they are going to do things for us that are not good. I think what I want to ask the Minister in regard to devolution is why are we going to talk about only two monitoring stations that are right now in the federal government’s responsibility when we want all 21 more. The federal government is killing us, really, Mr. Speaker. So I want to ask the Minister is it still good to go ahead with devolution.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you. This is the time for devolution. We’ve been waiting forty-some years since 1967. The Member has stood here in the most impassioned way decrying what’s happening to us, decisions being made by a far-away government that we have no control over, money being taken away, fiduciary obligations not looked after, legal obligations and land claims brought into question.

Mr. Speaker, I would think if the Member would stand up and say yes, this is time for devolution, that we can do this as Northerners to take over those authorities to protect the interests today and for tomorrow, because right now it’s not happening.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 9, written questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

1. How many lots owned by the NWT

Housing Corporation were previously owned by community members?

2. How many grievances were filed with the

NWTHC regarding lots previously owned by community members?

Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

1. How does the Premier explain the lack of Dene

participation in the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle with the federal government?

2. What is the Premier doing to advance talks on

devolution with the Gwich’in and other Dene organizations that are currently outside the process?

3. In what areas is the government willing to push

for an improved devolution package that would satisfy the concerns of Dene governments?

4. What will the Premier do to ensure that the

Government of the Northwest Territories meets its obligations as set out in land claim agreements and ongoing negotiations on the devolution package?

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. I’m not sure if this falls under the qualification for a written question. I don’t think anything in there the Premier could answer at the present time. We will have a look at it, but thank you, Mr. Krutko.

---Ruled Out of Order

Item 10, returns to written questions. Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Lafferty.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Minister of Justice

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following two documents entitled proposed Legal Aid Act and the new Legal Aid Act Consultation Paper, August 2011. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Minister of Finance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled the Status Report, Department of Finance Summary of Strategic Initiatives, Actions, Activities, Deliverables and Timelines. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for Public Works and Services, Mr. Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled Public Works and Services Energy Conservation Projects Annual Report, 2010. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled Caribou Forever: Our Heritage, Our Responsibility - A Barren-ground Caribou Management Strategy for the Northwest Territories, 2011-2015. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Mr. Roland.

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to table the following two documents entitled Status of Women Council 2009-2010 Annual Report, and the Status of Women Council 2010-2011 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Caucus chair I’m very pleased to table a key results and accomplishments report for the 16th Legislative

Assembly. Mr. Speaker, one of the unique features of consensus government is the way in which all Members are able to participate in and execute the strategic plan for an Assembly. I mentioned yesterday how much I enjoyed taking part in this exercise at the commencement of this Assembly. This report provides a succinct record of the many good things that were achieved by both the executive and legislative branches in the last four years and by all 19 Members working together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I table a document of the land rovers that drove on the proposed CANOL Heritage Trail and the damage they have done by the use of their vehicle. Shame.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

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

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to table the famous wildlife ordinance of 1978, better known as the Wildlife Act.

---Laughter

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Building on Our Foundation 2011-2016, A Strategic Plan for the NWT Health and Social Services System. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Pursuant to Section 5 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table a summary of Members’ absences for the period October 18, 2007, to August 25, 2011.

Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for the first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. The honourable Member from Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr, Speaker, I’d like to move, seconded by the Member for Frame Lake, a motion.

WHEREAS rates of mental illness in the Northwest Territories are disproportionately high in comparison with other Canadian jurisdictions;

AND WHEREAS a high proportion of persons involved in police incidents suffer from mental illnesses;

AND WHEREAS national research indicates that securing mental health services without resorting to the usual criminal justice system can greatly reduce the likelihood of further offences by helping individuals receive appropriate treatment;

AND WHEREAS introduction in other Canadian jurisdictions of mental health courts as diversion programs from the criminal justice system are proving successful in improving illness treatment success rates and providing cost benefits to the policing, court, and corrections services;

AND WHEREAS there are examples of provincial mental health courts developed through partnerships between existing programs and without the introduction of additional resources;

AND WHEREAS mental health court diversion programs have been designed to ensure that the rights of the accused and the public, and the integrity of the criminal justice system, are protected according to the principles of the Criminal Code;

AND WHEREAS mental health court diversions hold offenders accountable for their behaviour while promoting their access to effective treatment;

AND WHEREAS the highly successful model of mental health court diversion programs is adaptable to the NWT policing and criminal justice system;

AND WHEREAS the Department of Health and Social Services is in the process of reorganizing its mental health services based upon the Framework for Action for Mental Health and Addiction Services;

AND WHEREAS the recommendations of the Phase III Report of the Coalition Against Family Violence emphasize the need for diversion of offenders into treatment programs;

AND WHEREAS the Department of Justice has pioneered its Community Justice Program, providing progressive alternatives for rehabilitating offenders who accept responsibility for their actions, community input in solving problems, and reducing the need for incarceration in appropriate cases;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that the Government of the Northwest Territories begin research to examine options and potential benefits for introduction of a mental health court diversion program as an adjunct to the NWT court system;

AND FURTHER, that this government make note of this initiative as a recommendation included in the transition advice being offered to the 17th Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Very briefly, the Minister of Justice and the department have shown very progressive leadership on diversion programs that support early intervention and prevention of correctional court and health costs. Secondly, the current review and reorganization of the mental health services underway is extending into the next Assembly. This coincidental and overlapping initiative is a good time to bring a mental health court forward.

I want to point out that in the experience to date in Canadian jurisdictions they have enjoyed very healthy savings. In fact, they found that 90 percent of the people diverted into the program completed the program and of that 90 percent, 85 percent did not re-offend again. This is a huge opportunity and I’d be very happy to see this government initiate the research, and claim the credit that can go along with doing that, and putting this before the 17th Assembly for their consideration.

I’d like to ask for a recorded vote.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. To the motion. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say that I fully support this motion and I am very happy to second it on behalf of the MLA for Weledeh.

I think that anything we can do to keep our residents out of jail is a good thing.

We’ve had some recent court changes. The Family Violence Court is starting to prove, it’s fairly new, but it’s starting to prove extremely successful. We are far better off if we can keep people out of jail rather than putting them in, releasing them, and we find that once we release them, the recidivism rate is extremely high. Anyone that goes to jail once is quite likely to go back there again.

This motion really only asks the government to get things going. We’re asking that the government start looking at this program, to investigate it a bit, find out how valuable it’s been in other parts of the country, and make sure that we can afford it, that it is going to be positive for us.

I want to also say that it is specifically referring to people that are dealing with mental health issues. I think it’s probably pretty well known that we don’t make people better, we don’t make them healthier by putting them in jail. All people do not get better if we incarcerate them.

Apart from that, I really don’t have anything else to add. I would urge all Members to vote to support this motion. It’s going to only do good things for our residents.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Question has been called. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please stand.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. Bromley, Mr. Abernethy, Mr. Menicoche, Mr. Ramsay, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Jacobson, Ms. Bisaro, Mr. Krutko.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

All those opposed to the motion, please stand. All those abstaining from the motion, please stand.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

Mr. Lafferty; Mr. Miltenberger; Mr. Roland; Mr. McLeod, Deh Cho; Mr. McLeod, Inuvik Twin Lakes; Mr. McLeod, Yellowknife South.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The results of the recorded vote: in favour, 10; opposed, zero; abstaining, six. The motion is carried.

---Carried

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a motion on the appointment of two members to the Human Rights Adjudication Panel.

WHEREAS Section 48(1) of the Human Rights Act provides for the establishment of an adjudication panel composed of at least three persons appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS Section 48(5) of the Human Rights Act provides that the members of the panel hold office, during good behaviour, for a term of four years, with the exception of the first members appointed;

AND WHEREAS the appointments of two of the adjudication panel members will expire on November 30, 2011;

AND WHEREAS the Board of Management is tasked with recommending individuals to the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Assembly is prepared to make a recommendation to the Commissioner;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that the following persons be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for re-appointment as members of the Human Rights Adjudication Panel effective on December 1, 2011, for a term of four years: Ms. Joan Mercredi of Fort Smith and Mr. Adrian Wright of Yellowknife.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Question has been called.

---Carried

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 9, Wildlife Act; Committee Report 7-16(6), Report on the Review of Bill 9, Wildlife Act; with Mr. Krutko in the chair.

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 Krutko

I call Committee of the Whole to order. We have Bill 9, Wildlife Act, and Committee Report 7-16(6), Report on the Review of Bill 9, Wildlife Act. What is the wish of the 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. I move that we report progress.

---Carried

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 Krutko

I will now rise and report progress.

Before I do that I would just like to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Deputy Speaker for the last four years. It’s been an honour and privilege, and I wish you all the best in wherever life takes you. Thanks again.

---Applause

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

May I have the report of Committee of the Whole, please, Mr. Krutko.

Report of Committee of the Whole
Report of Committee of the Whole

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 9, Wildlife Act, and Committee Report 7-16(6), Report on the Review of Bill 9, Wildlife Act, and would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Report of Committee of the Whole
Report of Committee of the Whole

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The motion is on the floor. Do we have a seconder? The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

---Applause

---Carried

Speaker’s Closing Comments
Speaker’s Closing Comments

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Colleagues, before we proceed with prorogation, I would like to make a few comments. First of all, I’m sorry to inform Mr. Michael McLeod that I have saved the best for the last right now.

---Laughter

Also, a couple of changes that I want to highlight. First of all, the suit that I’m wearing today is the suit that I wore the very first day in the Assembly 12 years ago.

---Applause

But there is a difference. When I wore it 12 years ago I had it buttoned up and now I wear it open.

---Laughter

Also, when I checked in the mirror this morning, I noticed that I have almost as much hair as I had 12 years ago, but the color has changed considerably.

Colleagues, I am sure that you are all acutely aware that this is the last time we will meet formally as the 16th Legislative Assembly. As we leave the

Chamber today, we go in many different directions. The Members of the Executive Council will continue to guide the Government of the Northwest Territories, many of you will begin campaigning for a fall election, and some of us have taken this as an opportunity to begin another chapter in our lives.

I would like to take this occasion, colleagues, to thank you all for the privilege of serving as your Speaker during the 16th Legislative Assembly.

---Applause

I realize that I have had the honour of sitting in this chair for the last seven years and the time seems to have flown by, as some Members have mentioned already today. However, if I dwell on certain question periods, I can make time move an awful lot slower.

It has been both a great honour and a great privilege to guide this House over the last seven years. I have taken very seriously the duties and obligations of Speaker, to protect the privileges of the House collectively and of each individual Member. I have always attempted to preside over this House in a manner which ensures that the rights and privileges of all Members are upheld, while respecting the rules and procedures which this House has adopted. My goal has been to allow and assist each of you to carry out your duties to the very best of your ability, and to collectively serve the people of the Northwest Territories.

I have often thought that we were very fortunate to have such a unique perspective in our Assembly. We maintain a delicate balance between traditional parliamentary processes, and adapting to the ever-changing political landscape that is unique to the Northwest Territories.

I would like to highlight just a few of my greatest pleasures. Firstly, representing the Legislative Assembly and visiting as many communities as possible with the Speaker’s Outreach Program has been an extremely rewarding experience. Visiting both large and small communities, we were greeted with the legendary northern hospitality and warmth everywhere we travelled.

My participation in both the Youth and Elders parliaments have been equally rewarding. Working with the youth of our territory gives me a great hope for our future. I think that we may see some of our young youth parliamentarians back in this House someday.

Our Elders Parliament was also a resounding success. Elders generously shared their wisdom, humour, and fine insight. These events have provided opportunities to inform and educate all Northerners about the structure, role, and function of our government, and to encourage the participation by youth and old alike in our democratic processes.

As some of you are aware, I have been a great supporter of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and through this organization I have taken every opportunity to inform, share, and promote both our unique system of government and this wonderful territory we call home. I have done this with great pride at provincial, national, and

international levels. I have also worked very closely with all the Speakers from across this great country. Over the last seven years we have become like family, with many great and lasting friendships.

I would like at this time to acknowledge the Speakers from across Canada who, as I, have chosen to end their political careers this year: Peter Milliken, House of Commons; Bill Barrisoff, British Columbia; Roger Fitzgerald, Newfoundland and Labrador; Ted Staffen, Yukon; George Hicks, Manitoba; and Steve Peters, Ontario. I want to thank them for their support and guidance, and wish them well in their future endeavours.

As Speaker, my duties also include chairing the Board of Management, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the board that I have had the pleasure of working with over the last seven years. Being a member of the Board of Management is often an unenviable position for members. They are regularly called upon to make tough decisions, always keeping in mind the principles of fairness and equity while acting in the best interests of the institution. The board members of the 16th Assembly -- Mr. Yakeleya, Mr. Robert C.

McLeod, Mr. Lafferty, Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Beaulieu and Mr. Jacobson -- have worked diligently and with the utmost integrity, and I would like to thank each of them for their valuable contribution.

---Applause

To the Clerk and his staff that serve us here at the Assembly, Tim Mercer, I don’t know how any of us would do our jobs without your guidance and counsel. Your ability to walk a tightrope as you deal with the many issues that come before you each and every day is amazing. Many of the decisions you make when dealing with Members’ issues are oftentimes met with frustration and questions from Members. I know firsthand that some situations have led to accusations that in my view were unfounded. Working very closely with you over the last seven years, seven and a half years, have given me great appreciation for the job that you do and a great admiration for the way you carry out your duties on behalf of all Members.

To the staff of the Legislative Assembly, the important contribution each of you make on a daily basis. When it comes to the staff, I am mindful of the old rule that if you can’t name every person you wish to thank, don’t name any.

Each and every employee of the Legislative Assembly serves an important and vital function. Some work more closely with the Members than others, but I can tell you that they are dedicated to the mission of this institution and to your success as Members. To each of you I express my thanks and gratitude. You can be proud of the work you do.

---Applause

So, Tim, to you and your staff, thank you. You are truly a group of professional individuals, and it has been a pleasure working with you.

To my executive assistant, Sue Tkachuk, I am extremely grateful to her commitment and dedication to the Office of the Speaker. She has been with me for my entire term as Speaker and I truly appreciate the work she had done, not only for me but for all Members of this Assembly.

---Applause

Her ability to separate issues concerning my role as Speaker and as MLA was amazing. Keeping track of her in the building was another matter. I know if the steps on the main staircase ever wear out, Sue will be to blame for that. I don’t think there is anyone in the building that makes as many trips up and down that staircase as Sue.

I would like to make special mention of the Pages who were here to assist us during each sitting of the 16th Legislative Assembly. I can’t say often

enough how important it is for all of us to share this Chamber with the future of the Northwest Territories. Thank you to all the Pages of the 16th Assembly for your services.

---Applause

To the contract staff, PIDO Productions, SecureCheck, Hansard, Thien Huynh Janitorial, and the Ledge Cafe, thank you for your excellent services and your dedication. Your work is appreciated and valued, and allows us as Members to do our job much more efficiently.

---Applause

Members, I leave the largest debt we owe for last: to our families and friends who support us while we do our work in the Assembly, who look after our homes and families while we travel, and who encourage and support us by their very presence. We cannot thank them enough for their love and support.

I wish you all good health and good fortune wherever your lives lead you. My hope is that as you leave this Assembly, you leave proud of what you have accomplished and confident that you have left the Northwest Territories a little better than when you began.

Colleagues, I have very seldom, if ever, spoken from this chair as the MLA for Hay River North, either for or directly to the residents of Hay River North. However, today, with your indulgence or not, I am going to break with tradition and pass on a few personal remarks and thank yous.

First of all I want to thank the residents of Hay River North who have put their confidence and support in me to represent them in this Legislature as their MLA for the past 12 years. It has been an extreme pleasure and honour for me to work on their behalf, and I can say, without hesitation, that the past 12

years have been the most rewarding years of my working life.

To my supporters, nominators, campaign managers, official agents and workers, I want to say thank you for being there for me and for your resounding support and guidance. I know that it is not always easy to openly support someone running for public office, so I want to truly acknowledge your confidence in me.

To my constituency assistants, Deb Mageean, Stephanie Fisher, Diana Yeager -- now Diana Smith -- and Danielle Gillespie, thank you for your hard work and your dedication to the office and to the residents of Hay River North.

---Applause

To Premier Roland all the Cabinet Ministers, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your understanding of this unique position I have been in as Speaker. Your open-door policy and timely responses to my requests and concerns on the many issues I have had to deal with on behalf of my constituents has made my job possible.

I can honestly say that I have never felt that my ability to represent the residents of Hay River North was hampered in any way by my position as Speaker. You are a big reason for that and I thank all of you for it.

To my colleague from Hay River South, Jane Groenewegen, thank you for all the work you have done in helping me do my job. It has been a great 12 years and I leave with the knowledge and confidence that the residents of Hay River collectively have been well represented with government departments, both inside and outside of this Chamber.

To the outgoing Members, I am sure you have been struggling with the same questions as I have over the last few months, but I hope that you are now as comfortable with your decision as I am. It has been a great honour to serve with each one of you, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Finally, colleagues, I could not leave here without acknowledging my wonderful wife, Davida. Boy, I didn’t think this was going to happen. To my wonderful wife, Davida, who is with us here today, and our four children, Michelle, Monique, D’arcy and Katrina, for their love, inspiration, support and understanding. They have joined me in celebrating the highs of this job, and they have been there for me at the low point when I sometimes questioned, though not often, my ability to give 100 percent at the cost of missing some important family functions and events. Every one of them was there to do whatever it took to help me accomplish the things I have.

To my daughter Monique, I credit you to a great extent for having won the election of December

1999 when I faced stiff competition from six other candidates. Monique composed and recorded a song entitled “The Election Train.” This song was heard many times during the last week of the campaign. It was so popular that kids were singing it at school, and there were even requests for it on the Request Line after the election was over.

I wish I could tell you that my family had a lot to do with my decision not to run, but the best I could get out of any of them is that they would respect whatever decision I made and that they would continue to be there for me.

So, Davida, to you, Michelle, Monique, D’arcy and Katrina, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and I look forward to spending more time with you.

To our 10 grandchildren, you are definitely a big reason for my decision, but only in a good way. I look forward to playing a bigger role in your lives, and although I reluctantly give up the title of Honourable Paul Delorey, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, I am fully prepared to respond to my much simpler title of Papa Paul.

Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain whether the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable George L. Tuccaro is prepared to enter the Chamber to assent to bills and prorogue the Sixth Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

Prorogation
Prorogation

George Tuccaro Commissioner Of The Northwest Territories

Good afternoon, everyone. It is once again a pleasure and honour for me to be in your presence and to prorogue this session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

Using this time for a few personal comments before I begin my formal duties, I would like to acknowledge and offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues who have been impacted by the tragic air crash in Nunavut last weekend.

We have also lost a great Canadian this week. I had the pleasure of meeting Jack Layton in July 2010 during Her Majesty’s royal tour in Canada.

Mr. Layton and I were waiting together in a receiving line to greet Her Majesty on the lawns at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. I introduced myself to him, and we talked about the North and his visits to the Northwest Territories.

I found Mr. Layton -- or Jack, as he was known -- to be very cordial and friendly. He struck me as a person who reached out and who was not afraid to share his dream with people, with everyone.

Mr. Layton was always interested in hearing from people about their thoughts and hopes for their future, and for a better country.

What I will remember most about Mr. Layton is that he portrayed positive change for Canada in everything he did. He will be missed greatly by countless Canadians.

Now to the business at hand, I want to say what a pleasure it has been to watch the important work of this government coming together through your diligence, passion, and hard work.

As Members of this Legislative Assembly, each of you has become an instrument of change and you have acted on the wishes of the people of our vast territory during your elected term. For that, we owe each of you a great deal.

Being in politics is a difficult task not just for the Members, but for their families as well, as your Speaker so eloquently spoke about just a few minutes ago. Without the support of your families, your jobs here would be even more difficult, if not impossible.

To your families we owe a great deal and I extend my admiration and gratitude to them, on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories.

I know now that some of you have already announced your intention to seek re-election. I want to wish you every success in your campaigns.

Some of you have also announced your intention to step down, to pursue other challenges instead. I want to extend our appreciation for your service to your constituents and all people of the Northwest Territories, and I would like also to wish each and every one of you success in your future endeavours. It has been an honour to have served and worked with you.

To conclude my personal comments to the Members, I also want to let you know that I have had the pleasure of visiting most of your ridings during my first 15 months as Commissioner. I always say time really flies when you don’t know what you’re doing.

---Laughter

I look forward to visiting all 33 communities during my tenure, as well, in the next few years.

It has been a pleasure to be in your service during this 16th Assembly and I look forward to working with Members of the 17th Assembly, after the territorial election in October.

George Tuccaro Commissioner Of The Northwest Territories

Now, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to assent to the following bills:

• Bill 7, Community Planning and Development Act;

• Bill 10, Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act;

• Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Deh Cho Bridge Act;

• Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act;

• Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Territorial Parks Act;

• Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act;

• Bill 19, Cost of Credit Disclosure Act;

• Bill 20, Vital Statistics Act;

• Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Employment Standards Act;

• Bill 22, An Act to Amend the Territorial Court Act;

• Bill 23, Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act;

• Bill 24, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2011-2012;

• Bill 25, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2011-2012.

I hereby prorogue the Sixth Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

Thank you, merci beaucoup, quanami, mahsi cho.

---PROROGATION

The House prorogued at 4:52 p.m.