This is page numbers 3619 – 3642 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 questions.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.

Speaking Out Against Drug Dealing And Bootlegging
Members’ Statements

February 12th, 2014

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It has been awhile since I’ve stood up in this House to address the continued concern that plagues most of our communities, and this concern is of those who continue to feed off our vulnerable residents and those who are battling with addictions: the drug dealers and the bootleggers.

I’m speaking here today because of concerns that I’ve heard from residents throughout the Northwest Territories recently, and talking about the issues

that still arise with the intimidation from families, from friends. We need to empower our residents of the Northwest Territories to speak up and speak out about these people who continue to live in these communities and continue to be the ones driving the nice skidoos and the fancy cars at the price and the health of the people who they grew up with.

We have campaigns such as the Not Us! campaign, we have Crime Stoppers, but that still doesn’t seem to be having a strong effect because we continue to see this problem, especially in the areas where we’re having some of our economic wealth and economic growth. We’ve seen it up in Inuvik when we were busy and in regions where we’re getting more work developed. I think this government needs to take more of a focus and put some of its resources in these areas in these communities, especially the ones that are accessible by road and by air that we start taking a bigger stance on this and addressing the issue with the drug dealers and the bootleggers.

This government needs to look at also creating better incentives through us or in partnership with the federal government to those who want to speak up, but we also have to provide support and safety for those who want to speak up in our communities. That way they know that this government supports them when they want to get an illness out of their community.

It’s not only us who need to work; the government can only do so much. We need residents of the Northwest Territories to speak up, to let us know and to let the RCMP know and the concerned members, the leadership in the community know who these drug dealers are, who these bootleggers are and get them out of the community and start building a more healthy community for the NWT.

I support these people who are trying to do this right now and I support their actions. Even though they might be feeling a little bit unsafe when they do speak up, I for one am a Member who supports these individuals who speak up for a healthier community. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yesterday I spoke briefly about the change in the advertising practice by the Department of Human Resources. I would like to further discuss our government’s recent decision to move all government job recruitment on-line.

As of October 1st , the Department of Human

Resources stopped putting individual job ads and job listings in print media publications, instead opting for a half-page ad promoting itself as an

employer and telling people to go on-line to look for openings.

As I said yesterday, I am concerned that this action will make it more difficult for NWT residents to apply for jobs. Many people in our smaller communities have no computer access or do not have reliable Internet or computer service.

The Minister has acknowledged there may be individuals in smaller communities without reliable access to the e-Recruit website and he’s indicated the department is taking action to ensure these residents are made aware of job opportunities through other means. But it’s not simply enough to provide printed job posters to local First Nations, hamlet and Metis offices and community stores. There must also be trained individuals who are prepared to sit down with NWT residents at government service offices and learning centres to assist them with access to on-line job postings.

The new e-Recruit system requires a level of computer literacy and computer access currently not available to many of our territory’s residents. This is a great opportunity for adult learning centres to offer training and computer literacy. It will employ one of the most successful principles of successful adult learning: learning for a purpose. The direct result of the students’ increased skills will be the ability to navigate the e-Recruit website.

Lastly, as it currently stands, you cannot apply for a job with the GNWT unless you have a valid e-mail address and that causes me additional concern. I’m not the only one concerned. In usual direct style, well-known Northern News Services Ltd. columnist and Sahtu woman warrior Cece McCauley recently asked, “What about the poor who can’t afford Internet or computers?” Not only must access to computers and the Internet be made available but the need for an e-mail address must be reconsidered and a way found around that requirement.

It’s been pointed out only 3 percent of applicants apply for a GNWT job in any way except on-line, so the move away from print advertising is probably justified.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

: Thank you. The move is probably justified, but I’m not in favour of spending for the sake of spending and if on-line advertising for jobs saves unnecessary expenditures, that’s a good thing, but my support is qualified. The GNWT, particularly the Department of Human Resources, must ensure that all residents can easily know of and apply for any NWT job. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Human Resources Funding
Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise again today to continue to raise the issue that Northerners want to apply on these mystery jobs. In some ways I view it more as they’re being denied the right to apply on jobs by their own government.

This is something that you would hear of in a Third World country, something maybe in a dictatorship or who knows what; I can’t describe it. But these are circumstances where people are telling me how they feel and certainly I say that I agree that how they feel is right.

In the crux of the problem we keep digging deeper, or as I said the other day, the further you peel this onion back, the stinkier it gets. We try to track down where this human resource money goes. The Cabinet sits over there and laughs at the questions I pose to the government. Now, that’s okay if they want to laugh at my questions, but what it does is continue to reaffirm the cavalier attitude towards accountability that they have to Members like me and certainly questions that come to me by the public. So they’re not just laughing at me, they’re laughing at all 11 Members on this side of the House and certainly they’re laughing at the public at large. This is just not right.

I would say it’s not just one Minister, it’s all seven and they all had bellyfuls of laughs yesterday when I tried to ask about where the money is, but yet they show no interest. As a committee, the other day we received a briefing and it was an in camera briefing, and for the public that means we can’t talk about it because it’s private. However, I will draw the attention of the Assembly, not specifically, but will say that I have an audio recording and, furthermore, a page from the briefing that would help clear this whole matter up. All we need is Cabinet’s approval to table this before the House. This would bring clarity to the whole issue about helping us track down the money.

This is so important. What has happened to accountability? Have we brokered it away for a few trinkets? I don’t know. I can tell you right now the broad perspective out there is accountability is lost and yet it becomes more and more stressful, but I can assure you, Madam Speaker, and I can certainly assure the public these things would help turn those bread crumbs into solid facts, concerns I will continue to raise. But I assure you these facts would turn them into crystal clear principles that people would be asking, saying what’s happening over there.

So when I ask the questions, continue to laugh. Laugh as hard as you want, but do not forget you are laughing not at me but the public. Thank you.

Human Resources Funding
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. I’m not sure if that recording Mr. Hawkins referred to

would be considered a prop in the Assembly, but let’s remember that we’re not allowed to bring props into the Chamber to use them for the effectiveness of our statements and such. Thank you. The Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli.

Deh Cho Constituency Issues
Members’ Statements

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good afternoon. We’re well into the second half of the 17th Legislative Assembly. I’d like to highlight some

of the significant accomplishments in my beautiful Deh Cho riding and the important work that remains to be done.

Progress has been made on the new Fort Providence Health Centre. The foundation is ready and the construction will resume in April. Community members and especially front-line workers look forward to the completion of the new facility.

I would like to congratulate Mr. John Leskiw, the new mayor-elect of Enterprise, on winning the recent election. Strong municipal governments are important to all the communities. Along with the constituents, I look forward to the leadership that he will bring.

The K’atlodeeche Reserve continues to advance its fibre optic project and plans to extend the line further. The community continues to express concerns surrounding income support and, like all other communities in the Deh Cho, is concerned about current unemployment rates and the lack of job opportunities, especially for local youth and people who are not available to work in the mining sector.

Kakisa wants to build a new community hall and revitalize its fish plant. I’m pleased to see the commitment to a commercial fishery in this year’s budget and hope that Kakisa will benefit from this investment.

The biomass industry holds great potential for the Deh Cho communities. My constituents want to see projects and advance wood pellet manufacturing and similar initiatives. Forest management agreements have been signed or are being negotiated with a number of communities and we hope that leads to the development of a viable industry. The hope that during the remainder of this government that important groundwork is laid for renewed forest management legislation that will assist the Northwest Territories in diversifying its economy through forest resources.

The Deh Cho is the first community visitors see when they come to the NWT, and their first impressions are important. There is huge opportunity for the development of tourist attractions. Initiatives such as a bison interpretative centre, promotion of the Deh Cho Bridge and the

Deh Cho Connection could help this spectacular part of the NWT reach its tourism potential and bring welcome activity to our communities.

In the final year of the 17th Assembly, I encourage

the community members, leadership and governments to work together to reach the goals of healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities in the Deh Cho. Mahsi.

Deh Cho Constituency Issues
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. Item 5, returns to oral questions. Item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Minister McLeod.

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

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Madam Speaker, I would like to use this opportunity to recognize my wife of almost 35 years. It will be 35 years in July. I would like to recognize my wife, Judy. Welcome to the gallery.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Since Minister McLeod has recognized his significant other in the gallery today, may I also take this opportunity to send our collective best wishes to our significant others, partners, spouses on the eve of Valentine’s Day today. Minister Lafferty.

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

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. I’d like to recognize all the Pages that are here with us today, all this week, for all the hard work that they’re doing, but more specifically from the Monfwi riding. I’d like to recognize Shaylynn Mantla that’s here with us, and also Noelene Nitsiza that’s here with us. They both came from Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Behchoko. I’d just like to say thank you for your hard work. Mahsi.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Minister Lafferty. Minister Ramsay.

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

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just wanted to recognize one Page that’s a resident of Kam Lake, Mr. Chris Yurris that’s with us in the House this week. I also want to recognize all the other Pages that put in the hard work here for us during this session. Thank you.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Item 7, acknowledgements. Item 8, oral questions. The Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.

Daryl Dolynny

Daryl Dolynny Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As a follow-up to my Member’s statement earlier today, I question the current effectiveness of the secretive program review office that now reports to the office of the executive. Many have questioned as to what this office has been up to for the past couple of

years and many think it’s time that we take a real critical look at its structure, mandate and accountability for the Members of this House and for the residents it services. My questions today are for the Premier.

It has been over one year since Regular Members have heard back from the Premier’s office as to the workings of the program review office. Can the Premier indicate to the House what this office has been doing, and especially what has this office done with the list of priorities it received by Regular Members?

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I’m very pleased that the Member has raised the matter of the program review office. They have been very busy working on the priorities that were developed and the projects that were developed in conjunction with committee. Also, I’m very pleased that their recommendations have and will result in this government saving hundreds of millions of dollars. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Daryl Dolynny

Daryl Dolynny Range Lake

: It’s shocking to hear about all this money that we’ve saved, because again, we’ve had no report. Not everyone would agree that we’ve got proper communication, and of course, transparency is the key to accountability. So, if one was to go on-line, there is only one public document found, which is a 2009-10 annual business plan and under key activity two of the executive operations, it states under program review, “Results of the ongoing monitoring and reporting process will be updated and made available to the public by on-line publication.”

Can the Premier indicate to the House where can one find this on-line publication? Thank you.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

I’ll check with our website designers to see where you can find it. We’ve done better than that. We’ve written committee and updated committee on a regular basis and we’ve even had responses from committee commending us on the work and asking us for more detail on why we are moving the program review office from the Department of Executive to the Department of Finance. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Daryl Dolynny

Daryl Dolynny Range Lake

Of course, the Premier is aware that he’s quoting some of the backroom programs, correspondences that I didn’t want to bring here to the House. Clearly, this program review office is working in a shroud of secrecy. Members have seen very little in the last year and it’s definitely not available to the public as was conceived by the previous Assembly and the current House.

Will the Premier commit that it’s time for this program review office to be reviewed, to find better structured input from Regular Members, a clearer mandate of delivery and, more importantly, a better

and transparent platform to broadcast its results? Thank you.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

This government is always interested in improving all of our programs and services, so we’d be very pleased to undertake a review. But just to make sure that everybody understands some of the work that they have done: the results of the K to 12 school programs and pupil-teacher ratio and inclusive schooling; the general office space evaluation; the health programs and services evaluation; the adult and education training programs evaluation; rationalizing phones, faxes and printers; harvesters’ support program review; single-window service centres and I should also indicate that we are prepared to look at the structure. The structure is not the problem, as I see it. The program review office makes recommendations and it’s very hard to get agreement or even get a decision on the recommendations that they make. If that’s what you are interested in looking at to find a better way to deal with the results and the recommendations, we are all for it, Madam Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary, Mr. Dolynny.

Daryl Dolynny

Daryl Dolynny Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Some of the recommendations that we’ve heard from the Premier today is news to many of us here, as you can see the shock and awe on our faces here.

When will the Premier be able to table these fine results and recommendations for Regular Members to see? Thank you.