This is page numbers 2063 – 2092 of the Hansard for the 17th Assembly, 4th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was health.

Topics

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Bouchard.

Robert Bouchard

Robert Bouchard Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning the Minister of Health, Tom Beaulieu, started his statement, “It is a priority of this government that children get the best possible start in life so that they can reach their full potential.” I’d like to recognize some of those people that help that.

We all know that many youth throughout the winter travel throughout the North to compete in many different sports: hockey, soccer, swimming, basketball, figure skating, hand games, and many others, including skiing. I’d like to recognize all those parents, grandparents and coaches that have been on the road for most of the winter taking these youth to different tournaments and events. Without that, these events would not take place and these youth would not have more potential to become successful in life.

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to be in the arenas watching a lot of senior men’s hockey, and I’m glad the Huskies are doing pretty good. In my opportunity to speak in the arenas, I’ve seen lots of people from different communities in Hay River as well as when I was in Yellowknife. There were lots of people travelling in. I’d ask them what they’re doing in Yellowknife: we’re here for basketball; we’re here for hockey.

I think, in the process of raising these children in the North, we need to thank those people that get involved in their development. I was speaking with one of my friends. Out of the last six weeks, he’s been home for only one week of those six. They’ve been on the road for five weeks. As I’ve indicated, I’d like to acknowledge those hardworking parents, and coaches, and grandparents who help these youth in the Northwest Territories.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

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

Passing Of Stephen Rowan
Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to recognize the passing of Mr. Stephen Rowan, a long-time resident of Fort Simpson.

Stephen Hamilton Rowan was born in England and was educated in the United States, serving as a volunteer ambulance driver during World War II. He arrived in the Canadian North in 1963, after training as a teacher. Mr. Rowan also worked in Iqaluit, northern Quebec, Sanikiluaq, and Gameti, where he became a citizen of Canada in 1980. He also worked in Trout Lake, Behchoko and, finally, Fort Simpson. He retired in Fort Simpson, from the position of superintendent of schools in 1987.

Stephen Rowan lived simply, without a microwave or satellite TV, and burned wood to heat his home, known as The Yellow House. He was a strong member of his community, who showed quiet leadership by example. As a retired educator, he provided library services and guest speakers at the John Tetso Memorial Library. He offered ski lessons and led Jackrabbit skiing for children over 15 years.

His real passion was the history and heritage of Fort Simpson. Mr. Rowan was a founding member of the Fort Simpson Historical Society. He advocated for the preservation of Fort Simpson’s heritage buildings, which are some of the oldest buildings in the Northwest Territories. Stephen Rowan developed an annotated inventory of these buildings, gave public lectures, and led walking tours for both local residents and visitors. He loved spending time with archaeologists and other researchers, and was always ready to help.

Stephen Rowan was a generous man, a wise elder, and beloved friend to all. He will be sorely missed.

Passing Of Stephen Rowan
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

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

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Fifteen years ago a study said that it was time to build a new courthouse in the NWT because the needs of the population had certainly increased. It would be cheaper, the study said, and more effective for the people who need the services, rather than continue to sink money into the existing building. The needs have not kept pace with modern times. Even Nunavut and Yukon have independent courthouses. When is it time that the Northwest Territories get its own independent courthouse?

If you don’t believe me, believe our Public Works. Two feasibility studies were led by our own Public Works, and they identified that our needs cannot be accommodated within the existing courthouse we have today.

Let’s go back a bit of time. Thirty-six years ago, that’s 1977, our courthouse was designed for three Territorial Court judges and one Supreme Court judge. What has changed? Security has changed, functionality has changed, victims' and accused’s' rights have changed and improved, working space has changed. We don’t have four judges like back in 1977. We’ve increased to eight judges in total, not even talking about the increase in the court circuit of appeal that has to show up every once in a while.

In 2003 this Legislature gave $3.6 million. In 2006-2007 we spent another $4.166 million on planning for the new courthouse. The functionality, size and requirements are inadequate for these modern times. Nunavut has a new courthouse. Yukon has a courthouse. When is it time that the Northwest Territories has its own independent courthouse?

I would like to ask who is speaking on behalf of the judges on this particular file. Who is fighting for the rights of those victims and accused who have to cross paths and share rooms with each other before a trial? That is not fair. Who is speaking for the bottom line when the 2003-2004 court case of Giant Mine was going on here in Yellowknife? They had to rent YK Centre space at $353,000, not even talking about the stress when the Franco-TeNOise challenged the NWT government and the Government of Canada about their rights.

The bottom line is that things have changed, except for the courthouse. Demands have increased, and it’s time that we addressed these needs with an independent study.

I will be asking the Premier about the program review office later today.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

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

Passing Of Amanda Dei
Members’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize a friend and constituent, Amanda Dei. Amanda passed away last week after battling ovarian cancer for well over a year. She was a loving mother, daughter and friend. Amanda will be greatly missed by her daughter, Madilynn; her sister, Kim Lambrecht; brothers Robert Langlands, Trevor Lambrecht and Joel Dei; nephew, Alex Lambrecht; and father, Norman Dei, who is with us in the gallery today.

In addition to her loving family, Amanda had a huge circle of friends, often referred to as the No-Pants Army in recognition of Amanda’s distaste for pants. Amanda was a passionate musician and one of the founding members of one of Yellowknife’s more popular bands, The Break-Up. She wrote songs that came from the heart and struck a chord with everyone who had an opportunity to see her and her band perform.

In addition to being a musician herself, Amanda was a champion of women in music. She was a regular participant in the T’seko Celebration of Women in Music and was also one of the event organizers.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Amanda took on a dual battle. She not only fought her own battle with cancer but took on the challenge to raise money toward supporting cancer research, in hopes of eliminating cancer altogether. In Amanda’s honour, the No-Pants Army will continue to support cancer research. I understand that the No-Pants Army is already registered for the 2013 relay.

Amanda was an amazing person who will be missed by everyone that she knew and everyone that loved her. She will not be forgotten. Her music, distaste for pants, and desire to support the fight for cancer and raise money for research will continue through her family and friends. There will be a celebration of life for Amanda this Saturday, February 23rd, starting at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph School.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to Mandy No-Pants for contributing a verse to our lives.

Passing Of Amanda Dei
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. 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 two people in the gallery. First I’d like to recognize Norman Dei, who is the father of Amanda. He is a long-time northern resident and long-time Yellowknife resident. He is a quantity surveyor for the Department of Public Works and Services. With him today is Sherry Otis. I’d also like to recognize Sherry Otis.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Mr. Ramsay.

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

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Seeing as it’s Education Week, I’d like to welcome back to the Northwest Territories a long-term Yellowknifer and teacher here in the Northwest Territories, Ms. Myrna Strain. With Myrna are Ms. Tai Blake and Ms. Sam Pearce. Welcome to the House.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. McLeod.

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

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize my wife of 34 years and the most patient woman in the world. Judy, welcome to the gallery.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Beaulieu.

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two Pages from the Deninoo School in Fort Resolution: Rayleen McKay and Tianna Simon.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. Menicoche.

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

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to commend your Page Program for the small communities, because this week we had two young students from the Echo Dene School out of Fort Liard: Ms. Kali Norn and Michael Bertrand-Sassie. I would also like to recognize the hard work of their chaperone, Ms. Sylvia Bertrand. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly, and I hope you had a great week. Hopefully we’ll see you back here one day, maybe in this chair.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Moses.

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

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a constituent of Inuvik Boot Lake. Welcome, Ms. Judy McLeod, to the Assembly.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. 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 use this occasion to recognize Kain Bezha, who is a St. Pat student and a Yellowknife Centre constituent. I would like to let him know, as well as everyone else who is a Page here, that I am greatly appreciative of their services, as Mr. Menicoche was saying. He is quite right. Several of us MLAs got our start as Pages in this Assembly. You never know where you can go next.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. I’d like to welcome all visitors here in the public gallery. Thank you for taking the time to attend our proceedings here today.

Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services and in follow-up to my Member’s statement today. Question number one: How far behind are we on issuing new health care cards to residents who have applied for them? How many applications are in limbo at this time?

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu.