This is page numbers 3805 – 3850 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.

The House met at 10:00 a.m.

---Prayer

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Good morning, colleagues.

Speaker’s Ruling
Prayer

February 20th, 2014

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Colleagues, I will now give my ruling on the point of order raised by Mr. Hawkins on February 17, 2014, respecting comments made by Premier McLeod on February 13, 2014, in speaking to an earlier point of order.

Premier McLeod stated, on page 4 of the unedited Hansard for February 13th in reference to Mr.

Hawkins, “…the Member has acknowledged the breach and he’s now trying to use process to not withdraw his remarks.”

In speaking to his point of order, Mr. Hawkins, at page 1 of the unedited Hansard for February 17th ,

stated that he was “personally offended by the Premier’s comments were an attempt to put words into my mouth which I did not say.” He also stated his concern that the Premier violated Rule 23(i) by imputing false or hidden motives to him with respect to his use of procedural arguments in response to the point of order.

Colleagues, I am not going to make a determination of whether the Premier mischaracterized Mr. Hawkins’ comments on February 13th . Every day in

this House I hear Members on both sides paraphrasing and interpreting each other’s remarks during the course of debate. I am sure that the accuracy of those interpretations could often be called into question. If there was any doubt about Mr. Hawkins’ intended meaning after the February 13th exchange, Mr. Hawkins has since clarified his

comments on the record in raising his point of order.

Mr. Hawkins did make some procedural arguments in speaking to the point of order, as is his right. I do not find that the Premier violated Rule 23(i) by sharing his observations on comments made by Mr. Hawkins. I do not find that the Premier was imputing false or hidden motives to Mr. Hawkins.

There is no point of order.

I would, however, take this opportunity to make Members on both sides of the House aware that in considering points of order, I find it most helpful when your comments clearly outline your own views rather than critiquing those of others. I would ask you to keep that in mind as we conduct our affairs in this Chamber in a respectful fashion, on behalf of our constituents.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Colleagues, I will now also provide my ruling on the point of order raised by Mr. Miltenberger on Thursday, February 13, 2014, regarding comments made by Mr. Hawkins the previous day.

The question of whether a point of order has been raised at the earliest opportunity is decided on a case-by-case basis. In this instance, I find that it was reasonable for Minister Miltenberger to wait to consult the unedited Hansard prior to making his point of order, and that the point of order was, therefore, raised at the earliest opportunity. There are many precedents for this finding.

Minister Miltenberger’s point of order, at page 2 of the unedited Hansard for February 13th , is that in

his comments on February 12th Mr. Hawkins

“clearly accused deputy ministers of deliberate criminal behaviour.”

Freedom of speech in debates and proceedings is one of the cornerstones of parliamentary privilege. It is there to ensure that Members have the liberty to speak in this Chamber without, for example, the threat of being subject to legal proceedings under defamation laws. However, with that privilege comes a responsibility to govern ourselves in a way that befits the dignity of this House and respects the rights of others who do not have a direct voice in our proceedings.

This view is consistent with the rulings of Speaker Gargan and Speaker Delorey quoted by Mr. Miltenberger in speaking to his point of order. As stated in O’Brien and Bosc’s House of Commons Procedure and Practice at page 617: “Members have a responsibility to protect the innocent, not only from outright slander, but from any slur directly or indirectly implied.”

In speaking to the point of order, Mr. Hawkins quoted Beauchesne’s Parliamentary Rules and Forms at paragraph 75. I would draw your attention,

colleagues, to paragraph 77 of the same text, which states: “Freedom of speech does not mean that Members have an unlimited or unrestrained right to speak on every issue. The rules of the House impose limits on the participation of Members and it is the duty of the Speaker to restrain those who abuse the rules.”

Colleagues, parliamentary immunity was never intended to serve as a wall Members can hide behind to hurl insults and accusations at persons who are not Members of this House and cannot reply in their own defence. To use our freedom of speech in this way violates both common courtesy and the rules of this House.

In reference to deputy ministers, Mr. Hawkins stated, at page 18 of the unedited Hansard from February 12th , “My view is they are actually

breaking direction laid out by the Legislature. In essence, it’s tantamount, in my view, of breaking the law.” He later stated, “I’d like to ask what the Finance Minister is going to do if we know that deputy ministers are signing off human resources money that is designated, protected and passed in this Legislature by a duly elected body when they go behind the scenes and re-appropriate the money for their pet projects.”

The category of “deputy ministers” refers to a small, easily identifiable group of individuals. Mr. Hawkins clearly called the personal integrity of these individuals into question by suggesting they have broken the law and re-appropriated money for “pet projects.” Mr. Hawkins’ use of the phrase “in my view” may make his allegations slightly less direct, but does not lessen their impact or significance.

There is a point of order. I will now ask Mr. Hawkins to withdraw his remarks and apologize to the House. Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I cannot compromise and I must hold fast to my principles based on my passion and belief. I am…

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

I’m asking you to apologize to the House. I’m not going to be listening to what you have in your hand. Apologize and withdraw your remarks. Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

I’m fighting for the fair and honest opportunities for Northerners, Mr. Speaker, and because of the real situation of the scandal is my perspective…

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Mr. Hawkins, I draw your attention to Rule 25(3) of this Assembly, which states, ”A Member be named by the Speaker for disregarding the authority of the Chair…” and Rule 25(4), which states, “A Member named under Rule 25(2) or (3) shall be suspended from the Assembly for the remainder of the sitting day. A motion without notice may be moved to increase the length of suspension of the named Member and shall be decided without amendment or debate.”

Mr. Hawkins, do you understand the consequences by not withdrawing your remarks as instructed? I will ask you again; do you wish to withdraw your remarks? Yes or no.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I feel that this is a distraction and, as such, I cannot withdraw my remarks to my earlier comments because I felt they were made with honest intention.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

In that case, Mr. Hawkins, in accordance to Rule 25(4), I must suspend you from this Assembly for the remainder of the sitting day and I ask you to leave the House.

Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, concluding land, resources and self-government agreements is an essential element of the political evolution of the Northwest Territories and the foundation for our future economic and political stability.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is an active party to these negotiations as we support the settlement of all outstanding Aboriginal rights in the Northwest Territories. We know, from experience, that those who have settled agreements have the necessary tools to fully participate in the Northwest Territories and Canadian economies, to strengthen their communities and to create new business, investment and job opportunities. Strong relationships with Aboriginal governments are a priority for the 17th Assembly and a key part of

building a strong, sustainable future for our territory.

Thirty years ago this June, the Inuvialuit Final Agreement became the first comprehensive land claim agreement settled in the Northwest Territories. This milestone was followed by the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, the Tlicho Agreement and the Salt River First Nation Treaty Settlement Agreement. Collectively, these agreements have resulted in almost 200,000 square kilometres of land under direct Aboriginal ownership and financial settlements from Canada in excess of $650 million.

Today Aboriginal rights negotiations, including self-government, are underway in all regions of the Northwest Territories as we continue along the journey of shaping the framework for land and resource management and the future governance structure of communities and regions for decades to come. With several sets of negotiations nearing critical milestones, we are seeing firsthand how

partners working together can achieve significant results.

This includes the conclusion of a draft Deline Final Self-Government Agreement that was initialed by the parties this past December. The final agreement contains a wide range of powers that will give the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Deline more control over the decisions that affect their day-to-day lives, including how programs and services will be delivered. The Deline ratification vote is planned for March 10 to 12, 2014, in Deline and Yellowknife. When ratified, the Deline Self-Government Agreement would become the first self-government agreement to be negotiated in the Northwest Territories on a community basis.

Last week I had the pleasure of adding my signature to the Acho Dene Koe First Nation Agreement-in-Principle on a land and resources agreement on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. When signed by all parties, negotiations will continue toward a final agreement that, once complete, will become the first community-based land and resources agreement in the Northwest Territories.

Our negotiators have also recently concluded a draft agreement-in-principle on self-government with the Inuvialuit and are close to finalizing an agreement-in-principle on land and resources with the Northwest Territory Metis Nation. Consultations with potentially affected Aboriginal governments are being conducted on both draft agreements. Once consultations are complete and the agreements are finalized by the parties, final agreement negotiations will begin.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to these significant milestones, I am pleased to report that we are continuing to see progress at all other Aboriginal rights negotiations throughout our territory.

I believe that partnership and mutual respect is the key to success. This is how we do things in the North and this is how we will continue to do things. This territory is built on partnerships and collaboration, and the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to work effectively with its federal and Aboriginal partners to finalize and implement land, resources and self-government agreements in all regions of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment

is working with our Aboriginal government partners on a new approach to strengthen Aboriginal languages.

As you know, this government has sponsored two Aboriginal languages symposia. We meet regularly with Aboriginal leaders and their delegates. We have excellent ongoing relationships with language coordinators and elders. We have heard from all of them that Aboriginal governments and their language communities are best placed to deliver programs aimed at revitalizing their languages.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of this, I am pleased to announce that beginning in April, this government will be providing a total of almost $3.5 million dollars to regional Aboriginal governments, based on their individual five-year language plans and budgets they have submitted to us. This will enable each of them to fund their regional plans they have drafted for their language communities. Further, Mr. Speaker, this will be three-year block funding, something Aboriginal governments have been requesting for some time.

As well, being mindful of the public purse and without jeopardizing full accountability requirements, we are cutting the red tape around reporting. We will ask for reporting annually, not quarterly, and a staff member will work personally with Aboriginal governments to assist with their reporting as required.

Mr. Speaker, the work Aboriginal governments are planning to carry out over the next five years is impressive. It includes a range of well-thought-out, practical activities to strengthen Aboriginal languages and create more language speakers over the coming years. Plans include both traditional learning and the adoption of new technology; they include emphasis on the overlapping nature of culture and language; and, Mr. Speaker, they provide job opportunities for local people through the hiring of regional language coordinators.

Mr. Speaker, Aboriginal governments have indicated they are very pleased with this approach and welcome this new partnership with the GNWT. We believe it is only by working closely and cooperatively with our Aboriginal government partners that our territory will blossom and grow. I look forward to reporting on the success of this approach in the future.

As March is nearly upon us, I wish everyone a happy Aboriginal Languages Month. Please take this special chance to use, learn or share your language. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli.

February Heart Health Month
Members’ Statements

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to remind everyone again this year that February is Heart Month, an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the risk of heart disease and stroke and for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation to raise funds for life-giving research.

Heart disease describes many heart conditions. Coronary artery disease is the most common of these and occurs when blood vessels in your heart become blocked, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching your heart. It can cause chest pains or even a heart attack.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can cause weakness, loss of speech and paralysis which can be permanent. Heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of hospitalization and two of the three leading causes of death in Canada.

The good news is, with the right lifestyle changes, up to 80 percent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Since nine out of 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for these serious illnesses, this means that almost all of us have a good reason to make a positive change in our lives.

Things that each of us can do include eating a healthy diet, follow the recommendations from Canada’s Food Guide, be physically active. Thirty minutes most days of the week is all it takes. Quit smoking, not only will you feel better, you’ll save money. Manage stress, identify what causes your stress. Talk to friends and family and take time for yourself. Limit alcohol consumption. Better yet, cut out alcohol altogether and lead a traditional lifestyle. The lifestyle of a Dene elder is a very healthy one and we can learn a lot from people who live that way. Stay active by hunting, cutting wood and being out on the land and eating more traditional foods and less pre-packaged junk food.

There are some health issues that we cannot control. When it comes to heart disease and stroke, however, we can make small changes that will keep us healthier and living longer.

I wish all my constituents and people across the NWT success with whatever changes they make to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and a healthy Heart Month. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

February Heart Health Month
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

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

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The deeper I delve into the 2014-15 budget, the more confused I become. Regular Members have been given huge amounts of information in the last two weeks and instead of clarity, it has only served to confuse. It didn’t have to be this way. The Finance Minister and Cabinet could have chosen to be fulsome, clear and concise in their meetings with Regular Members, but they have been anything but.

We’ve had briefings on the government’s fiscal strategy, on the budget before us, on the status of employee positions and each briefing obfuscates the financial picture a little further. Some of the numbers we have been given refer to the 2014-15 budget that we are now reviewing, some to the next budget, 2015-16. Sometimes we hear revenues are up. Sometimes we hear revenues are down. The Finance Minister, whether by accident or by design, has made communication from himself to Regular Members incomplete and vague. Again, it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Minister of Finance is a seasoned veteran of this legislative arena. He knows full well what information Regular Members want to hear, what we want to consider to fully understand the government financial position or situation. He knows full well how to present that information so it’s easily understood, yet he seems to choose to force us to draw it out of him one small piece at a time. The latest example was yesterday when Minister Miltenberger took my question as notice, effectively putting a lid on information that Members and the public should hear.

Mrs. Groenewegen spoke yesterday about what she considers to be our inefficient process. Any blame for that has to be laid at the feet of both Cabinet and Regular Members if it’s laid anywhere. A comprehensive and frank information sharing process would go a long way to creating efficiency. A little cooperation goes a long way.

I’m so frustrated with this latest budget information process that I am almost ready to give up my attempt at bringing some accountability to the budget review and to give in to Cabinet’s budget without a fight. If that’s the goal of the Finance Minister, then that goal has been achieved. The battle has been won, but the war is far from over. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.

Daryl Dolynny

Daryl Dolynny Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week I had the pleasure of accompanying and introducing a very special guest to the students of William MacDonald School, Mildred Hall School, Range Lake School, Sir John Franklin High School and St. Patrick High School. We also had the opportunity to present there on the business community at a luncheon held at the Explorer Hotel. It is important that I thank the sponsors of all that – Advanced Medical Solutions, Unico Contracting, Northern Safety Association and First Air – for making this all possible.

This special guest was a good old girl from Alberta, born and raised. She is a fitness model, a motivational speaker, a real estate agent and an accomplished athlete. She was here to tell her story and to share her journey, a journey that started in 2011 when our guest lost her right leg in a near death motorcycle accident. She shared her story of tragedy; a story of horror, but from all this she was able to share a story of opportunity and inspiration. Our guest was none other than the recently announced only female snowboard cross athlete to represent Canada at the upcoming 2014 Paralympic Games at Sochi, Russia, and her name is Michelle Salt.

Michelle was able to provide a heartfelt display of courage and determination while speaking in our city as she inspired all of us with a message of never giving up on your dream no matter what.

It’s rare to find those individuals who defy the odds and who master great things, so it was truly an honour to be part of this community event. I know Michelle truly enjoyed her brief tour in our capital city and, like Brendan, Jesse and Michael who are finishing up in Sochi, we now have the opportunity to cheer on and follow with support this incredible athletic ambassador from Canada in the upcoming Paralympic Games. I would ask you to please join me in congratulating Michelle Salt on her miraculous journey to the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

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

NWT Smoking Statistics
Members’ Statements

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Health and Social Services tabled a document a few days ago entitled, “Health and Social Services Service System Annual Report, 2012-2013.” The title was “Measuring Success and Focusing on Results.” I believe in that. I encourage that and I promote that. I appreciate the

information. There are a lot of good stats and results that were in there; however, if I can refer people that might look at the report to priority two, the prevalence of smoking in 15-year-olds and older.

In 2002 our smoking rates in the NWT were 46 percent, which is about half the population of the Northwest Territories. You can only imagine what the costs were for care and treatment and hospital visits and the health care costs associated with that. The report outlines that in 2012-13 those results are 34 percent. A great success, and I applaud the government and I applaud all the NGOs and workers who took this on as an initiative. However, even with the great success, it is still double the national average, which is 16 percent, and there is still some work to do.

Another thing that I wanted to report that was an even greater success was that the percentage of daily smokers who reported being counselled to quit smoking by their primary care provider, by doctors, 54 percent, and by nurses, 39 percent. I just want to congratulate our health professionals for taking that extra step to help people try to quit smoking. That’s a great success in itself.

What this report doesn’t show is the stats of the prevalence of those that are under the age of 15. However, I have great confidence with programs such as My Voice, My Choice, the Not Us! campaign, the tobacco curriculum that’s in the schools, Smoke Screening. They used to have a Blast conference, but the big one is the Don’t Be A Butthead campaign. I want to recognize all those, and I know those rates, if they haven’t risen, continue to decrease.

With the last little bit of time that I have left in my Member’s statement, I would like to encourage those who are trying to quit to continue, and if you can’t quit, try to cut down. I congratulate all those who have shown such great results in this report that have made that decision to quit. Great job.

Throughout the years there have been a lot of great advocates doing this job, and too many to thank at this time. But if there was one person I’d like to thank, it is Miriam Wideman, who was probably one of the strongest advocates and one of the greatest mentors I had the opportunity to work with.

NWT Smoking Statistics
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. The Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.

Moose Kerr School
Members’ Statements

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Shortly after the fall session I was asked by a constituent to bring forward questions to the Minister and this government about Moose Kerr School. Moose Kerr School is now 45 years old this year. Moose Kerr School was built around the same time as Samuel

Hearne Secondary School and also SAM School, and as we all know, those schools have been taken down and replaced. It also makes you ask the question about asbestos. That is very harmful to the health of our students, and I believe a 45-year-old school has had its purpose and it’s time to replace that piece of infrastructure. I will have questions for the Minister later today.

Moose Kerr School
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake. The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.