This is page numbers 2545 – 2580 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 expenditures.

Topics

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Premier

We haven’t worked that out yet. We’d have to talk to the two governments, at least.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In 2003 there was a fatal accident in the Chan Lake area. The experience was much the same as what happened here recently. As I understand, back in 2003 there was a response that the government led, so MACA initiated a new policy protocol called Highway Emergency Alerting Protocols. Could the Minister inform this House exactly what they are?

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Thank you. I’ll take the Member’s question as notice.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 8, written questions. Mr. Moses.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment regarding income assistance applications and payments for all Northwest Territories communities during the fiscal years 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.

1. Please provide the number of applications that

were approved for each community during the fiscal years identified.

2. Please provide the number of applications that

were declined for each community during the fiscal years identified.

3. Please provide the total amount of income

assistance payments per community for the fiscal years identified.

4. Please provide the total amount of appeals per

community for the fiscal years identified.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Item 9, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Bromley on February 19, 2013, to the honourable Michael Miltenberger, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, regarding flaring at petroleum exploration and production sites.

In his first question, Mr. Bromley asked what standards will be in place in the Northwest Territories to govern gas flaring at petroleum exploration and production sites of horizontal hydraulic fracturing operations.

While not the primary regulator in this area, the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to work with other authorities to ensure a robust system is in place in the NWT to address potential impacts on air quality. As outlined in the GNWT response to Committee Report 6-17(3), GNWT departments are developing a policy framework around the use of hydraulic fracturing technologies in the NWT. This policy framework will cover, amongst other items, air emissions from exploration sites. It is our expectation that this policy framework, once finalized, will guide the GNWT and other regulators in this area.

We anticipate this work will be completed in advance of the 2013 winter drilling season.

In his second question, Mr. Bromley asked about toxic emissions at flaring sites.

An outlined earlier, the GNWT is currently working on the development of a policy framework around the use of hydraulic fracturing technologies in the NWT. This work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2013 and will address, amongst other things, air emissions.

Mr. Bromley also asked about the proximity of developments in relation to human activity.

Mr. Speaker, the primary regulator in this area is the National Energy Board (NEB). That body determines the conditions under which flaring is permitted at upstream oil and gas operations in the NWT. Detailed and acceptable design requirements for flaring and acceptable proximity to human habitation or activity are subject to standards established or adopted by the NEB.

In his final question, Mr. Bromley asked about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from flaring sites.

Mr. Speaker, GHG emissions from exploratory flaring will be greatly influenced by the geology in the area as well as systems used by proponents.

It should be noted that NWT GHG emissions from government operations are down some 30 percent from 2007 levels. This success, along with the recent expansion of the GHG Strategy to cover government, industry and community activities, will help ensure the GNWT takes an informed approach to the monitoring and management of territorial GHG emissions.

Complementing these efforts and activities is work currently underway by Environment Canada on the establishment of GHG regulations for the upstream oil and gas industry. Environment and Natural resources is engaged in these consultations and is expecting to see draft regulations some time in 2013.

Tim Mercer Clerk Of The House

I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Bromley on February 20, 2013, to the honourable Michael Miltenberger, regarding the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on water use and water quality.

In his first question, Mr. Bromley asked about the comparative cost benefits of employing different methods of hydraulic fracturing.

Mr. Speaker, the cost of hydraulic fracturing treatment depends mainly on the choice of a fracturing fluid. Fracturing fluids are generally classified into three types: water-based, oil-based, and foam-based. Geological formation characteristics often play a key role in the selection of appropriate fracturing fluid.

In his second question, Mr. Bromley asked about the failure rate of hydraulic fracturing operations.

To date, there have been no horizontal fracturing operations undertaken in the Northwest Territories or records of failure. The Government of the Northwest Territories has highlighted drill casing integrity as an area for review as we move towards the establishment of a policy framework in this area. This framework is intended to help guide other regulators and is expected to be ready in advance of the 2013 drilling season.

Mr. Bromley also asked about the potential for contamination of drinking water from hydraulic fracturing.

As outlined in the response to Committee Report 6-17(3), the GNWT is working with other regulators on the development of a policy framework around hydraulic fracturing in the NWT, expected to be ready in advance of the 2013 drilling season. One of the main focuses of this work will be on the protection of surface and groundwater. In addition, the GNWT has strongly encouraged oil and gas operators to develop surface and groundwater monitoring programs prior to extensive fracturing operations. This data allows not only for the

establishment of comprehensive environmental baseline information, but allows for measurements of change over time. As demonstrated by recent drilling operations, operators such as Husky and MGM are moving forward with development of these programs as the GNWT has encouraged.

In his final question, Mr. Bromley asked about using large volumes of water for hydraulic fracturing operations.

As outlined earlier in this response, there are many different methods that can be employed when accessing unconventional reserves. Given the variety of options available as well as other variables such as local geology, it would be premature to assume that any single method will be favoured over others.

The GNWT will work to ensure that any policy framework developed in this area will address issues associated with removing large volumes of water from the surface water life-cycle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Item 10, replies to opening address. Mr. Bromley.

Mr. Bromley’s Reply
Replies to Opening Address

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to begin by just getting a bookkeeping item out of the way. In the opening address by the Commissioner and again yesterday, the Premier referred to the NWT as a hydroelectric superpower rivaling Quebec or James Bay, as the case may be. That’s just not so. Quebec’s current installed production is 35 megawatts. Quebec’s potential production exceeds 120 megawatts. The NWT Hydro Strategy estimates the potential NWT hydro at 11.5 megawatts. So Quebec is more than 10 times the NWT’s and its current production is more than three times of our total potential.

Why is this? Well, in a tour of the Manitoba Hydro that I did during the 16th Assembly with the Premier,

we learned the difference between Manitoba and Quebec and the Northwest Territories. The first factor there was gradient. We simply do not have the flow rate needed to generate the power that Quebec and James Bay enjoy. We simply don’t have the volume. Our precipitation in the Mackenzie Basin is not equal to the precipitation that they have, so we simply do not have the volume to generate that power. The loss of our glaciers as a result of climate change, obviously acting as a feedstock no longer, has not helped the situation.

But why am I making this point? What’s the significance? Well, when we repeatedly give false information and impressions, we are encouraging unrealistic expectations. We have lots of hydro

power for our needs in the Northwest Territories, but we are not an energy superpower when it comes to hydro. I’m just saying, when our leaders are talking, let’s get it right.

I’d like to turn to the main focus of my comments today, and I’d like to begin by acknowledging again Ms. Miranda Currie, who’s in the gallery today. Thanks for coming out, Miranda. I’d like to read a poem that Ms. Currie has written to describe her experiences in seeking disability income support, and it’s obviously germane because of the Auditor General’s focus, and I know the Minister is focusing on this situation right now as well. Once again, thanks to Miranda for graciously sharing her personal story through the art of this poetry.

But first, a little bit of background. Ms. Currie suffered a very serious head injury in an accident in November 2011. She later suffered multiple injuries again, head injuries, as a result of the ill effects of her original injury. To this day she is continuing to strive to regain her health. She’s a very spunky person and I know she will achieve that. However, she has been unable to carry on her daily life in a normal way. She has been in and out of hospitals and has received extensive neurological treatment since then, and she does suffer impairment of her speech and many motor skills. Miranda was self-employed before the accident, and she must now rely on public income support to meet her basic subsistence needs. She lives very modestly. Her ordeal with income security has hardly been a positive contribution in her effort to regain her health, and that’s the topic today.

Just a few of the difficulties that she has experienced in trying to access income assistance include:

• A case worker refusal to provide accommodation assistance based on the subjective judgment that she lives in substandard housing.

• Receipts to document her rental, electrical and

fuel costs were obtained with great physical difficulties and expense and visiting offices to obtain stamped and certified copies.

• Income assistance staff say they have lost the

receipts she has supplied to their offices. This has happened four times. Imagine if you were saddled with this situation.

• Despite severe mobility problems and risk of re-

injury, she has repeatedly been told she must come to the income assistance office for interviews, which could easily be conducted over the phone.

• She has been refused reimbursement of costs

for loans received from friends in the interim to pay her fuel, power and living costs, and given the explanation that those are considered gifts.

Nice of them to make that decision on behalf of her friends.

• Treatment that lacks compassion and sensitivity

to the realities of her situation, again, not a single instance, such as a caseworker hanging up on her after saying I’ll see you tomorrow when Ms. Currie has said she is physically unable to attend appointments due to the effects of her injuries.

• And, finally, a late payment of support have at

times left her huddled in her bed to stay warm, unable to pay oil bills and living in a home well below zero. We know what this winter has been like.

That’s enough background. Her words really do speak for themselves, and once again I want to express my appreciation to Miranda Currie for her willingness to share this very personal story.

The date on it is the 20th of February 2013. The

poem is entitled…

Income Outcome

January 2012

I came to the office to apply for… Income. Support.

I tried to make sense of the 22 pages of forms.

Name, date, age? Fill it out, next page…

Bank accounts, investments, medical assessments.

I wondered how I could be in this situation,

and tried to be thankful?

Embarrassed, I brought my papers to the “help”

desk.

I felt like I was handing in a poorly written test.

You spoke to me through a hole in the plexi-glass,

a pane that assumed you needed protection from

citizens of a lower class.

I felt like an animal, wounded, and asking for help,

“I used to be so independent, when I had my

health.”

Please hear my wavering voice, it is so hard for me

to ask

for help to accomplish even the simplest task.

I just need a little more patience, because

everything moves just a little more slow

And sometimes I’d like to tell you how you could

help, but I don’t even know.

I am trying my best… really

I am vulnerable and you have the power to help

me.

March 2012

Still no supportive income, and I wonder why…

I am sitting at your desk, with a tear in my eye

You look up from that folder of papers, you notice

and say, “Don’t you start to cry.

Crying won’t get you anywhere with me.”

This voice reminds me of Grade 3

and scratchy chalkboards and teachers angry with

me

But I am 32, probably about the same age as you,

give or take a year. or a few…

I am overwhelmed by the situation,

I am tearing up in utter frustration

I came asking you to help with this crappy hand I’ve

been dealt…

And you berate me…

And I say… I… I… I’m sorry.

The way I have been taught to do when speaking

with someone in authority

Because if they say it, it must be valid…right?

NO…NOT VALID! NOT Right!

I don’t deserve to be treated like this, but this

doesn’t occur to me

until two o’clock that night

because I am so angry

I can’t sleep!

You had the power to help me.

October 2012

I get a phone call.

A case worker says, “You are missing paperwork.

You didn’t submit it all.”

This blows my mind,

because this is the FOURTH time,

that my monthly paperwork has been “lost”

In that time, I have learned, to photocopy…

everything.

Bank statements, power and fuel bills, receipts for

rent,

I’ve kept track of every dollar I’ve spent.

So I go to my folder, and take the September pages

out,

I pay for a taxi, so I can get this sorted out

I don’t want the payment to arrive in my bank

account late

They make it seem like my fault, that’s the part I

really hate.

“Hi, is … available?” I calmly say

“No, sorry she is not available today.”

“Well… I am feeling a little frustrated that my

paperwork has been lost,

my social worker and I brought it in last week.”

“Oh yes, I remember stamping it, and putting it in

her box.”

From the office space behind, ... Walks in…

Through that plexi-glass hole I say,

“I am sorry we have to meet this way,

I’m feeling really frustrated at having to resubmit my

papers for this month

and was hoping to speak to you about heating fuel

for my house.”

She looks at me, like she couldn’t give a …

and says, “I don’t have time for you,

you’ll need to book an appointment later this week.”

She turns around, walks away,

I have been dismissed.

I am overwhelmed by the situation,

I am tearing up in utter frustration

I came asking you to help with this crappy hand I’ve

been dealt…

And you dismiss me…

The receptionist looks down, and I look around,

in disbelief.

Did that seriously just happen?

“I am doing my part,” I cry.

Then I slam my hand on the “help” desk

and yell, “There is NO DIGNITY IN THIS!”

Barely able to open the door,

I amble out of there with my cane beside me

with the words failure, failure, failure, echoing

inside me.

I am exercising my personal responsibility. I’m

trying my best… really…

But I am vulnerable and you have the power to help

me.

February 2013

I am lying in my bed, migraine in my head,

under the weight of multiple blankets

trying to stay warm.

It is minus 17 degrees Celsius in the house.

It has been 16 days since I first called income

support to remind them I need fuel.

It has been 15 days since I used my rent money to

pay for fuel.

It has been 3 days since that fuel run out.

It has been 2 days of sub-zero temperatures in the

house.

No heat, no fuel, no rent, it’s cruel.

I have left numerous messages explaining the

situation,

My social worker has experienced the same

frustrations

No one answers or returns my calls

It is like I don’t exist at all.

My eyes are tear-frosted

I am totally exhausted

From fighting for basic needs.

You have the power to help me.

But maybe you are tired too,

exhausted from dealing with people who never say

thank you

who shove their entitlement under that glass

when you really want to tell them to shove it...

Maybe you are tired of people who take too much,

and give too little

even though you entered this profession to help

people.

I know it must be difficult not to get jaded,

your passion, dimmed by the system, and faded

But YOU CAN effect the change that the world

needs to see

YOU DO have the power to be the one person who

treats a vulnerable person kindly.

I am vulnerable and you have the power to help

me.

Thank you very much, Miranda, again, for sharing this.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I’m going to leave it at that, but I don’t want to say any more because I think that the power of Ms. Currie’s words clearly resonate with a lot of us. I know the Minister is going to get to work and straighten this situation out with our support. Mahsi.

Mr. Bromley’s Reply
Replies to Opening Address

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of standing and special committees. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 14, tabling of documents. Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document, entitled Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2013-2014. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Minister of Transportation, I wish to table the following two documents, entitled Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project Risk Matrix as of March 11, 2013, and GNWT Response to Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project Review Panel Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled 2012 Annual Report on the Public Utilities Board of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. I wish to table the Report of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner dated March 5, 2013, pursuant to Section 102(4) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, respecting a complaint by Robert Hawkins alleging a breach of the act by the Honourable David Ramsay.

Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table a document from the Minister of Finance addressed to me. The date is February 6, 2013. It’s regarding a potential breach of the FAM 3307, Aircraft Chartering. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Item 15, notices of motion. Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, March 14, 2013, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that, notwithstanding Rule 4, when the House adjourns on March 14, 2013, it shall be adjourned until Wednesday, May 29, 2013;

And further, that any time prior to May 29, 2013, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at a time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Nadli.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, March 14, 2013, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Range Lake, that the Government of the Northwest Territories enhance its work in the area of ground ambulance and highway rescue by emphasizing training and preparation for emergencies outside of municipal boundaries;

And further, that the government bring forward legislation within the next 12 months to update the Fire Prevention Act and to make any amendments required to make provisions for ground ambulance and highway rescue services;

And furthermore, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days.

Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Mr. Bromley.