This is page numbers 4891 – 4922 of the Hansard for the 17th Assembly, 5th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was health.

Topics

Monitoring Water Quality
Members’ Statements

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I got up this morning at 5:30 to make my coffee, I was pouring the water and was wondering: how safe is this water here in Yellowknife? I thought about that after the coffee was percolating, I drank it and was thinking: how safe is our water in the Sahtu?

Hearing about the fracking issue with oil and gas, who is monitoring our water? I know we have a Sahtu Land and Water Board, we have a Sahtu Land Use Plan, we have a constitutionally protected treaty, called the Sahtu Dene and Metis Land Claim Agreement, we have provisions in there, we have people from the region, from our communities who are on these boards who make these decisions, we have scientists, we have traditional knowledge people about the water. Actually, the water, Mr. Speaker, is very powerful. Powerful, powerful. It is a living entity to our people. It is alive and it is so powerful that it heals itself.

But you know what, Mr. Speaker? A lot of people are saying, how come the water is so low this summer. There were areas that, when we went caribou hunting or moose hunting this fall, there were low waters. Even a good old jet boat couldn’t go around some of the islands, and they only take about two inches of water, because I own one and have driven from Fort Simpson to Fort Good Hope with my son, and believe me, the Mackenzie River is powerful. God’s creation is powerful. So I want to know about who’s monitoring the water, who’s looking after it.

In Great Bear Lake in the early days of the mining, there was 720,000 tonnes of hazardous material dumped into that lake. If you look at Imperial Oil’s water licence for the next 10 years, they’re taking billions of litres out of the Mackenzie River that will run through its plant system. They’ll put billions of litres back into the Mackenzie and it will flow down to Good Hope and further down. Who’s monitoring the quality?

I want to ask the Minister, at the appropriate time, because water is life, there’s no doubt. Ask any of my people how precious it is. You can take a bath and you cook with it and you have your good, fresh coffee in the morning at 5:30. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monitoring Water Quality
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Bison Management Plan
Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Constituents of Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte and Lindberg Landing have had a summer of discontent with the Nahanni bison herd in that area. The bison have been ruining property, digging up gardens, ruining plants and trees and being a significant hazard to the residents. In fact, one resident was literally trapped in her car as a large single male rested against her car door, damaging it and also trapping her inside. She is elderly. Her family and friends fear that she may be injured if this happens again.

The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources committed to the development and implementation of a bison management plan in the spring of 2013. The strategy suggested two years to prepare a plan specifically for this Nahanni herd. In the short time, it states that the ENR will increase its efforts to keep bison out of the communities, including increasing public education materials. Residents are discontented that there appears to be little effort since then to help them.

Increasing the quota for harvesting is another measure that they were considering. I was advised by a resident of Fort Liard that to the south in northern BC, the Champaign and Aishihik First Nations had similar bison problems. Once again, harvesting the bison near and close to their communities, the bison are smart, and then they were shy to enter these communities and private property areas. So, Nahendeh residents would like the ENR department to seriously consider harvesting near their communities and private property areas, such as Lindburg Landing, for protection.

Nahendeh residents continue to expect more and continued action from the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources to help with this serious bison problem.

I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

Bison Management Plan
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.

Traditional Harvesting Voyage On The Peel River
Members’ Statements

October 21st, 2014

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak today about a boat trip that happened in Fort McPherson last month. On September 23rd a

total of 12 homemade boats, which we call scows, and 38 people, young and old – the youngest being three years of age and the oldest in their late 70s – travelled from Fort McPherson up the Peel River some 75 miles. All boats were back home on Sunday, September 28th .

Our people have always been nomadic. We travel where food is, or we follow where the food is, depending on the season. This huge group of 38 people were successful in harvesting moose, catching fish and, at the same time, taught the youth how to butcher the meat and how to preserve the meat for future use.

This trip was made in order for the younger travellers to see the great country of ours and to visit historic sites along the way.

The Peel River has many legends and many historic points to visit along the way. For example, The Lost Patrol of 1911. One of our greatest leaders from the Gwich’in Nation, Chief Julius Salu,

travelled extensively in the area. He hunted, trapped and fished in the Peel River and the Peel River Watershed. This great man has significant ties with each family in the Fort McPherson area, his traditional territory. During this trip the elders told stories, and a trip can’t be complete without laughter. Many jokes were told along the way.

The youth were engaged in the lessons from long ago. They were taught basic survival skills and they were there to assist the elders when they needed it.

Whether it be in the Mackenzie Delta or in any other riding, more of these trips need to take place. There is nothing that can compare to being out on the land away from the community. Peace and quiet and a place to collect your thoughts, but at the same time working from morning until night, setting up your camp, gathering wood, setting your nets, cooking meals, and the list goes on.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

These trips and future trips up the Peel River will have a lasting effect on anyone who travels there for the first time and witnesses how beautiful our land is. Let’s continue to support initiatives such as these and keep our culture alive.

I’d also like to thank all of the departments that contributed to this on-the-land program. Thank you, mahsi cho.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake. 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 a number of people in the gallery today. First I’d like to recognize some second-year contemporary social welfare policy class from Aurora College and they are Phuong Bui, Alyssa Carpenter, Kyla Cherwaty, Noel Hernandez, Gerri Hunter, Alanna Menard, Lauren Moir, Stephanie Rabesca, Kassandra Spoelder, Jordon Moffitt and Rhea Kaye, and I apologize if I got any of those names wrong.

I’d also like to recognize a number of fourth-year nursing students. Allison Andrews, Alyssa Bird, Michael Bishop, Caro Cheiner, Jessica Harrison, Samantha Hicks, Simone Julien, Stephanie Kranci, Sabine Kruse, Caterina Marrai, Julie Purcell, Chelsea Thior, Marteen Silverson, Joanne Spencer, Sari Valensky and Ginny Wainwright. Once again, I apologize if I pronounced any of those names wrong.

Thank you and 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. Abernethy. Mr. Beaulieu.

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I made another statement on the students in the gallery today for Students Against Impaired and Distracted Driving. In the gallery today we have Colton Rieger-Steed, Mitchell Rankin, Ryan Kendall, Dylan Pye, Denika Anderson, Shania Tymchatyn. Thank you.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. Bouchard.

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

Robert Bouchard

Robert Bouchard Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a constituent, a strong proponent for agriculture in the Northwest Territories and also the proponent for Polar Eggs, Mr. Kevin Wallington, and I also recognize Wendy Morgan, former Hay River resident and my adopted constituency assistant. I know she’s Jane’s, but she helps me out lots here too. Thank you.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. 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 too wish to recognize the SADD group. I’ll recognize them as a whole and I’ll thank the Minister of Transportation for highlighting them in his Minister’s statement today. They do great work.

I’d also like to recognize one of our distinguished Table Officers, and I’m sorry to say, my favourite Table Officer – sorry, to the present company – yes, it’s you, Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford. It’s always great to see you. Although you’re not my constituent, what I’d say is you’re a constituent of every MLA in the North. We all truly dearly love you, sir. Good to see you.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. 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 like to welcome the SADD group who were here earlier and left. I think the work that they do is much appreciated and it’s extremely valuable.

I’d like to welcome all the students from Aurora College and particularly mention Ginny Wainwright, who is a resident constituent from Frame Lake; and Geraldine Hunter, who is the student representative on the Aurora College Board of Governors. So, welcome to all.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

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 former resident of Inuvik, Ms. Alyssa Carpenter, whose family made a big contribution to the community of Inuvik before they moved and resided here in Yellowknife. I just want to wish her best of luck in her studies and welcome her to the House and welcome everybody here to today’s proceedings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Mr. Yakeleya.

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

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize the Aurora College students. We had a meeting some months ago and it was very informative, and I’d like to say how much I appreciate listening to them.

I’d also like to recognize Kevin and Wendy, Mr. Bouchard’s constituent and constituency assistant, in the gallery.

More importantly, I’d like to recognize the special guest we have sitting in front of us, Mr. Whitford. From time to time there are certain words that people tell you that continue to grow on you, and thank you, Tony, for those kind words that you gave me a long, long time ago.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Ramsay.

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

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too wanted to recognize the Students Against Impaired and Distracted Driving that were with us earlier today as well as all the students from Aurora College. It’s great to see you here. Good luck with your studies.

I also wanted to recognize my constituency assistant, Ms. Morgan. I didn’t realize she was moonlighting for my colleague Mr. Bouchard.

---Laughter

But I’m happy to see her here and I’m happy to share her services. I want to recognize the services that Ms. Morgan provides my office with. She does a great job, so thanks to Wendy.

I also wanted to recognize Mr. Kevin Wallington for helping bring agriculture where it is here in the Northwest Territories and for bringing Polar Eggs to the store shelves across the territory. Thank you very much. I know you are exporting them, too, so good luck and best wishes with everything. Thanks.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. I’d like to welcome Ms. Morgan, too, because she moonlights for me too. …(inaudible)… Anyway, thank you for coming today, Wendy. Ms. Carpenter, I’d like to welcome you to the House. I watched her grow up as a kid in Inuvik, because her Dad and I grew up together and went to high school. It’s always good to see you here and I’m real proud of you guys and all the nursing staff, social work, going into a field that we really need across our great territory. So, thank you.

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 a member of the Weledeh community who we all know as Tony. I think he’s been well-recognized in the House today. You know, it’s great to hear all the words of renown for this gentleman. Welcome, Tony, to the House.

I’d also like to recognize SADD and the students and their supporters and the very important work that they do.

Finally, the incredible amount of time that Ms. Morgan contributes to Weledeh, and with the assistance and stuff that she does, it’s also great.

---Laughter

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mrs. Groenewegen.