The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy Minister of Health and Social Services

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak on the topic of child and family services. The 16th Legislative Assembly’s Standing

Committee on Social Programs undertook a comprehensive review of the Child and Family Services Act, highlighting the importance of this area and the need for fundamental change in how we do business.

While there will always be room for improvement in child and family services, I am pleased to be able to report to this Assembly some significant progress arising from the standing committee recommendations. But first I want to pay tribute to the social workers who provide child and family services. Theirs is undoubtedly one of the most demanding jobs in the public service. As the dean of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work said recently, “There are lots of reasons why children need protection, such as physical and sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, addictions issues, poverty and homelessness. The social worker has to make sense out of all these pieces, and that’s incredibly complicated, sensitive and difficult to do.”

The sad fact is that there are children out there who are in need of protection. We all have a shared responsibility to ensure that this happens, government, communities and families. But it is the dedicated women and men who deliver on that responsibility who make extraordinarily difficult decisions on a daily basis, and they desperately need and deserve the support of the communities in which they live and work.

Mr. Speaker, our efforts to protect children from harm begin with promotion and prevention. In its report on the review of the Child and Family Services Act, the 16th Legislative Assembly’s

Standing Committee on Social Programs flagged some key recommendations, which formed the foundation for all subsequent recommendations. In addition to highlighting the importance of prevention and promotion, these focused on setting up child and family services committees, making sure that alcohol and drug addictions treatment is readily available, and developing a comprehensive Anti-Poverty Strategy.

One of the cornerstones of prevention and promotion is the Healthy Family Program, which by the end of this fiscal year will have expanded to all regions and will be available in 15 of our communities. The Healthy Family Program is designed to support parents and children from birth to age five and promotes nurturing parent-child relationships. The program is a key component of the renewed Early Childhood Development Framework and is a foundational program for child and family services. The 2014-2015 Main Estimates include $700,000 to stabilize and enhance this program.

But that’s not the only way we reach out to children and their families. Social workers can offer children and families in need a variety of preventative supports such as counseling, in-home services, respite care, parenting programs, assistance in addressing financial situations, access to alcohol and drug treatment, and so on. Parents and families can and do access these services on an entirely voluntary basis.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the annual report, tabled last week, demonstrates an increase in the percentage of children who are now receiving these services in their home communities.

A number of the recommendations made by the 16th Assembly Standing Committee on Social

Programs dealt with the policies and procedures guiding child protection interventions. I am pleased to report that the Child and Family Services Standards and Procedures Manual is undergoing a major revision. The new manual, which will be completed next year, will reflect contemporary best practices, and will incorporate the recommendations of the previous standing

committee. The 2014-2015 Capital Estimates include funding for a new Child and Family Information System, which will greatly enhance our ability to do file audits and track individual cases.

Parents also need help understanding how the system operates, and toward that end the Department of Health and Social Services has produced a series of plain-language pamphlets explaining how to access services, what their rights are, what happens in court and what plans of care are all about.

The recommendations of the previous standing committee have also been taken into account in revisions to the department’s training program for child protection workers. Training programs for the supervisors and managers of child protection workers have been enhanced and continue to be expanded. Training in child protection work has even been extended to the administrative level; for the first time ever, some chief executive officers and senior administrators from regional health and social services authorities received training on the Child and Family Services Act in December of last year. These training initiatives will continue on an ongoing basis.

Mr. Speaker, the chair of the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social Programs, Mr. Moses, has commented that addictions and poverty are not only issues in and of themselves but they are often the root causes of child protection concerns. For that reason, I believe that this government’s support for the Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness will, over time, lead to further improvements, not just for those struggling with addictions but more broadly in the lives of children, parents, families and communities. The same can be said for this government’s initiative to reduce poverty. It too will help prevent children from becoming in need of protection.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, some real progress has been made in child and family services, but we still have a long way to go. Later this session I will be speaking to the matter of next steps after the auditor’s report has been tabled in this Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu Minister of Public Works and Services

Mr. Speaker, our government is in the final stages of entering into a memorandum of agreement with our federal counterparts that will see Northerners servicing RCMP assets in the Northwest Territories.

In the past, the federal government’s southern contractor arranged services for the operations, maintenance and minor renovation of RCMP houses, detachments and other assets. There are 112 RCMP facilities in 24 communities. With the contract due for renewal, we saw the opportunity for a more economical alternative.

Over the last eight months, the departments of Justice and Public Works and Services have worked collaboratively with our federal counterparts to determine the best way to deliver these important services.

The Department of Public Works and Services has an established, decentralized northern workforce with years of experience in the operations and maintenance of government infrastructure. We have strong working relationships with local resources who support the delivery of these services in our 33 communities. Our northern workforce is in the best position to maintain northern RCMP facilities.

The benefits of having these services provided by those most familiar with our communities, and often challenging northern conditions, cannot be underestimated. We expect to see improved responsiveness and maintenance to the RCMP through the expanded use of local and northern resources in our remote communities. Drawing from GNWT resources and contractors located in our communities and regional centres will improve the maintenance program’s efficiency.

There will be improved contracting and employment opportunities for local and northern businesses as our maintenance and minor project needs expand.

We expect to see improved energy management with opportunities to invest in initiatives such as biomass and other renewable energy and conservation options.

Adding 112 RCMP assets to the portfolio of buildings and facilities PWS already operates and maintains is an opportunity to create jobs in our small communities, a priority for our government. Five new positions are being created through the agreement to help meet these new responsibilities, including jobs in Tuktoyaktuk, Fort McPherson, Norman Wells, Hay River and Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, this shared initiative with the Department of Justice will better support the delivery of RCMP programs and services in our communities while responsibly managing our expenditure growth. We will enhance contracting opportunities for small businesses and create employment in our regions and smaller communities where they are needed the most.

We look forward to seeing this initiative in action starting in April, and will continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with other public agencies to improve the quality and efficiency of

government programs in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Minister of Justice, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay Minister of Justice

Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, addiction to drugs or alcohol is the number one issue facing many northern inmates. The Department of Justice is taking steps to enhance addictions programs through the corrections service.

Recently this Assembly supported the South Slave Mackenzie Correctional Centre through the hiring of three new staff to develop and deliver an intensive addictions program for inmates. Inmates wishing to participate are accepted into the program based on several factors, including their readiness for change. The first intake for this new program was on October 24, 2013. I am pleased to report that, to date, 17 people have now completed this program.

Mr. Speaker, not only do we recognize the need for addictions treatment, we also understand the importance that culture and traditions have in the healing process. This new program has a strong cultural component. Inmates participate in on-the-land activities, learn traditional skills, and take part in smudges and feeding the fire ceremonies. They receive one-on-one addictions counseling and work with corrections staff to develop goals, build communication skills, and improve their ability to resolve conflict. A small ceremony is held for those inmates who complete the program to acknowledge this achievement.

Over 28 days, corrections staff work with these inmates to build a therapeutic environment focused on substance abuse treatment. Mr. Speaker, as with all programs, it’s important to make sure the method we are taking is effective. That is why we are using a comprehensive approach when it comes to our evaluations.

In addition to initial acceptance evaluations, facilitators complete final reports for each inmate, outlining their progress and potential for reintegration into the community. As well, all inmates provide program evaluations in order to garner valuable feedback on their experience. Counsellors use this and other information for program improvement.

The approach of the new drug and alcohol treatment program at the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre is consistent with the philosophy and goals of the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, and reflects our commitment to the Assembly’s vision of strong individuals, families and communities. The program

makes the important link between traditional and western therapeutic and wellness approaches. As well, it provides mental health and addictions services that are relevant to the needs of the inmates participating in the program.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice will be offering this program three times a year, allowing inmates the flexibility to identify when they are ready to make a significant change in their life. I am hopeful that this addictions program provides the assistance these inmates need to make a new start for themselves and their families and, ultimately, makes our communities safer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu Minister of Human Resources

Mr. Speaker, culture and language support our identity and help strengthen the common goals of NWT communities. I am pleased to announce that, through the work of the Department of Human Resources, the Government of the Northwest Territories is now able to offer certificates of recognition to our employees in each of the 11 official languages of the Northwest Territories. Certificates of recognition are presented to employees who have shown dedication and commitment to the public service and include both long service and retirement.

These employees have reached significant milestones in their careers and it is important for the GNWT, as the employer, to recognize these worthy achievements. Being able to celebrate these achievements through their language and culture offers employees an opportunity to connect with their heritage and be proud of what they have accomplished.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the translators at the Francophone Affairs Secretariat and the Aboriginal language translators contracted for this work. The Aboriginal language translators are well known throughout the NWT for their translation expertise. Many of the translators worked closely with elders to ensure consistency in the finished material. Having the opportunity to work with these translators and seeing the passion for their culture and the pride taken in appropriate use of their language has been a very positive experience for the department staff.

Preserving, promoting and celebrating our official languages in our daily work helps keep our unique culture and heritage alive for future generations. The dedication to official languages is a direct

tribute to the hardworking and diverse cultures and peoples we have here in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, whether an employee has a language connection through family history, or they are celebrating a culture they have grown close to through their time in the North, use of the official languages in our work environment like certificates of recognition allows employees to be connected and proud of the diverse values and cultures of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week I spoke about the timeline for replacing Moose Kerr School in Aklavik. Today I’m continuing this theme.

Moose Kerr was constructed in 1969, exactly the same time Samuel Hearne High School was built in Inuvik. Samuel Hearne was demolished and replaced a couple of years ago. My constituents would like to know why Moose Kerr School is still standing. At 45 years old, it’s overdue for replacement.

The Minister of Education stated in the House last week that Moose Kerr School is slated for replacement or major renovations in 2019. That’s five years from now.

I’m concerned about potential safety hazards at the school, specifically whether asbestos poses a risk to children’s health. Asbestos was routinely used in building products until the 1970s and 1980s, so a building like Moose Kerr School, constructed in 1969, very likely contains asbestos. Indeed, Samuel Hearne was built at precisely at the same time and in the same region of the Northwest Territories and it contained asbestos. It can be supplied by inference that Moose Kerr School contains asbestos as well.

There is scientific consensus about the harmful effects of asbestos. Whenever a material containing asbestos gets disturbed, the tiny microscopic fibres are released into the air. When they are breathed in, they can become trapped in the lungs and stay there for many years. Over time, the fibres can cause serious health problems such as lung disease and cancer.

Over a decade ago, the Department of Public Works released an Asbestos Management Plan. Surveys and site investigations were performed to determine which Public Works’ buildings contained asbestos. The intent, then and now, is to manage

asbestos-containing materials, or ACMs as they are called. Until such time as removal becomes practical or necessary, a detailed inventory of ACMs was prepared for each building and is apparently maintained through periodic inspection reports.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Information is also kept about the condition of the asbestos and the need for repairs, abatement or maintenance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister of Public Works later today.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake. Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to speak about something which does not directly affect my constituency, but I have listened to the questions and the statements of Members from small communities for far too long, and today I’m going to jump in on the issue of nurses and RCMP in small communities.

Hay River has the good fortune of a well-staffed RCMP detachment and a well-staffed health authority, so we don’t face the challenges of small communities, but I understand the concerns that exist when you do not have these services in the community.

When we look at other jurisdictions in Canada like Ontario and Quebec, they have provincial police forces. The RCMP is not under contract to everyone. I don’t know why we cannot get creative here in the Northwest Territories, why we cannot pick respected people out of communities and train them, maybe through some kind of a partnership agreement with the RCMP, send them to Depot, deputize them as special constables or community constables and have them there. Yes, when the RCMP do go to visit in the community, they could work with them.

But I know that in British Columbia, for example, there is a First Nations police training institute, so obviously there are First Nations, as well, that have reserves and so on that have some form of policing there that is not part of the RCMP.

I just think we need to get more creative. When we say we can’t have a nurse in the community because there’s no RCMP presence there, we have school teachers in the communities and there’s no RCMP presence there. I mean, what’s the difference? Furthermore, if you want to take it a step further, we can’t have a nurse in the

community because there’s no RCMP but we have everybody else who lives in the community without an RCMP presence. I mean, what is that? Some kind of a double standard that we have here?

I think that this government could get a lot more serious about having some kind of a policing presence, whether it is a police force or something that our government creates. We have Canadian Rangers from almost all of the communities. That’s an organization that’s well trained, well equipped. That’s volunteers, in that instance, but there’s another organization that possesses some of the skills already that RCMP needs when it comes to search and rescue and the ability to be on the land.

So, I’m sorry, I no longer buy this theory. I understand that because of RCMP rules we may not be able to have detachments in every community, but we can have a police presence of some kind and we need to get way more creative about figuring that out.