This is page numbers 275 - 296 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 2nd 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 work.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Blake, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, Hon. Alfred Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Nakimayak, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

---Prayer

Prayer
Prayer

Page 275

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi, colleagues. It is my pleasure, colleagues, to welcome you back to the Chamber to resume our second session of the 18th Legislative Assembly. I know that your spring has been taken up with business plan reviews, numerous constituency tours, and also visiting and ongoing work of this government, but I hope that you have had an opportunity to connect on the land as well. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in the North, and I trust that you are energized and prepared for the work ahead of us. Members, on a sadder note, I join many other Northerners and offer the condolences of this House to the family of the late James Arvaluk. Mr. Arvaluk was a former Member of the Northwest Territories 12th Assembly, and following division, a Member of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly. Our sincere sympathy is extended to his family, and also his friends and communities.

I would also like to acknowledge the Pages that we will have with us throughout this session. We have students from various communities throughout the North: Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells; P.W. Kaeser School in Fort Smith; East Three Secondary School in Inuvik; Kakisa Secondary School in Kakisa; Moose Kerr School in Aklavik; Ecole Boreale in Hay River; and Ecole William McDonald School in Yellowknife. Welcome to all of you and thank you for your contribution. It's always a pleasure to share this Chamber with the youth of our territory.

I know that you are eager to turn your attention to the work at hand, colleagues, and I will close with the following request: I ask that you follow the rules and procedures that you have established to guide the proceedings. I ask that you work together to conduct your proceedings with dignity and also with respect for each other, for the institution we serve, and for our constituents. As your Speaker, I commit to assisting you in any way that I can to make your work as productive as possible.

Now I wish to advise the House that I received the following message from the Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads:

Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Northwest Territories the passage of

  • Interim Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2016-2017; and
  • Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2015-2016

during the second session of the 18th Assembly.

Yours truly, Gerald W. Kisoun, Deputy Commissioner.

I would like to say masi, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to welcome Members back to the Legislative Assembly for our spring sitting. Our first months as an Assembly were spent working together to define our priorities and agree on a mandate for the government. Our work was guided by a new process convention on priority setting that all Members agreed to. New features of that process included the first ever public debate on priorities, in which all Members were able to speak publicly about what they wanted to see the Government of the Northwest Territories focusing on, informed by discussions with constituents during the election, and our meetings with Aboriginal government leaders and women's groups after the election. Another new feature of the process was the development and approval of a detailed mandate for the Government of the Northwest Territories that also was debated here in public. That mandate, the first one ever for the Government of the Northwest Territories, is our plan and our commitment to the people of the Northwest Territories that we will be held accountable for. It is a foundational piece that will both guide our work and be the standard our achievements will be measured against, and it was strengthened by the participation and input of all Members, Mr. Speaker.

We learned a few things together while working on that plan. We learned that there are many issues and many opportunities facing the people of the Northwest Territories today. We learned that there are many opinions and views about how the government should approach those issues and opportunities. We learned that one of the hardest things we will have to do as an Assembly is choose among the many priorities and options in front of us. Most importantly, we learned how to work together to serve and advance the best interests of the people we represent. Mr. Speaker, we will need to apply those lessons in the coming weeks as we review and debate the 2016-2017 budget. The budget is where aspirations meet reality, where the Assembly weighs the relative merits of the many things government does and makes practical decisions about what we can do now and what we need to leave for later. During this sitting, we will have to decide what we can afford to spend and what we should spend it on. We will have to consider the current fiscal situation and the future prospects for economic growth when our revenue sources are limited, and our economy is still in poorer shape than it was before the 2008 global recession. While this is serious, it is not cause for alarm. It is the kind of situation governments face all the time and simply requires us to make prudent, responsible decisions. Like every government before us, we have to take a hard look at what we are spending to make sure our programs are aligned with the priorities we have agreed on, that they are as efficient as possible and that they are still needed. This is not austerity, Mr. Speaker, this is simply what responsible governments do to make sure they can continue to afford the programs and services the public needs by trimming and redirecting spending to keep it in line with revenues. Every family knows that buying their groceries on credit or borrowing to pay their bills is not sustainable. It is even worse when that family is trying to save up a little money for a down payment on a home. The government is not planning to buy a home, Mr. Speaker, at least not for itself, but we are investing in public housing, in schools, in health centres and long-term care facilities that support the programs and services residents depend on. We are investing in more efficient and alternative energy infrastructure that will help lower the cost of living and in improved internet access, road, air, and marine transportation links to help connect communities. Like everybody, the Government of the Northwest Territories wants to make sure it can afford the major purchases it needs by making sure that we spend less than what we bring in, and that we are able to put some money aside for our future.

Mr. Speaker, we need to make sure that our decisions are realistic and sustainable, and that we have a plan for investing in the Northwest Territories and its people, and delivering on our commitments for advancing the Assembly's priorities. Not only am I confident that we can bring forward that kind of plan, I am pleased to report that we are already making progress on commitments in each area of our mandate. Mr. Speaker, to advance our economy, environment, and climate change commitments, we have already taken action to invest in the art and film sectors and are building partnerships to expand resources available for community-based traditional economy programs, including culturally based tourism and the conservation economy. As part of our commitment to improve coordination and effectiveness in resource management systems, the Government of the Northwest Territories will soon respond to the first Northwest Territories environmental audit completed since devolution, outlining publicly our plans for continuing to uphold our environmental responsibilities. To advance education, training, and youth development, we are supporting quality early childhood development by continuing to implement Right From the Start, including improving access to rehabilitation services and outcomes of early intervention services for children under five. We are working with Aboriginal governments to develop an action plan to improve the inclusion of traditional knowledge and program development, implementation, and decision-making while continuing to implement the Traditional Knowledge Policy and framework as part of our commitment to increase cultural programming and education, revitalize Aboriginal languages, and promote use of official languages. We support opportunities for youth through effective programming, such as the youth corps, youth contributors, youth ambassador programs, youth centres, and youth tours. To address costs of living, we are increasing the availability of safe, affordable housing by implementing community-based housing property management services in rural and remote communities, and supporting land requirements for new housing investment. We are encouraging residents, businesses, condominiums, cooperatives and communities to invest in energy-efficient products, energy conservation and efficiency and renewable energies, and improving the energy efficiency of public housing.

Mr. Speaker, our efforts to promote federal investment in reducing the cost of living for Northerners showed early results when the Government of Canada announced in its recent budget that it would increase the northern residents deduction by 33 per cent, putting almost $7 million back into the pockets of northern taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, we are continuing to leverage available funding for investments in housing, transportation, and community public infrastructure through the programs identified in the federal budget for public transit, green infrastructure, and social infrastructure, including the almost $52 million for Northwest Territories communities, through the newly established Clean Water and Waste Water Fund. We are also working in collaboration with the federal government to fast-track the funding identified under the previous government's infrastructure programs to help bolster our local communities. To advance community wellness and safety, we are looking at innovative ways to address crime, such as integrated case management, wellness courts, domestic violence treatment options courts, and culturally appropriate correctional programs as part of our commitment to focus on mental health and addictions. Mr. Speaker, we are looking at policy and financial needs for long-term care and dementia beds, developing updated capital projections and building more seniors' independent housing, as a part of our commitment to take actions so seniors can age in place. We are fostering healthy families by focusing on wellness, prevention, and improved nutrition by continuing to implement the Building Stronger Families Action Plan to transform child and family services. We have introduced new risk assessment tools for workers and are ensuring services for children focus not just on safety, but also on stability and also on child development. Mr. Speaker, we are reducing the burden of chronic disease by promoting healthy eating through several programs, hosting healthy living fairs in communities, and giving health care providers tools and training to support patients and families in the management of chronic disease.

Health system transformation is moving forward this summer, creating the integrated health system we need to ensure our people get the improved care they need. We are supporting community wellness initiatives with early childhood development funding, continue to work with partners and stakeholders to reduce poverty and promote volunteerism to help strengthen the social fabric of our communities. We continue to take action on family and community violence by funding shelters in five communities and developing protocols and response teams in other communities. We are supporting the RCMP and communities to develop policing action plans for each community, and continue to participate in planning for a national inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Mr. Speaker, to advance our governance commitments, we are consulting with Aboriginal governments to complete the next phase of regulation making under the Wildlife Act, continue to support the Intergovernmental Council, and provide funding to Aboriginal governments and work with communities to develop wellness plans as part of our commitment to collaborate and foster government-to-government relationships. We are implementing a new Financial Administration Act to improve government-wide planning and accountability and overall fiscal responsibility as part of our commitment to increase transparency and accountability and strengthen consensus government. We are working with communities to monitor drinking water quality, continuing to pursue federal funding for community infrastructure, working with stakeholders to develop and propose amendments to the Civil Emergency Measures Act, and working on a strategy to close the gap in funding levels to meet municipal core needs as part of our commitment to build stronger relationships with community governments and stakeholders. These are just some of the commitments that the Government of the Northwest Territories is implementing or fulfilling. Responsibility to oversee, coordinate, track, and report our progress on each one of the 136 mandate commitments has assigned to the seven committees of Cabinet, which will ensure work continues to advance work in all areas.

Other achievements during the past several months include meetings with Aboriginal leadership to discuss outstanding claims. Resolving claims to create certainty around Aboriginal rights, land use, and resources is critical for the future of our territory, and a priority for me that I know Members share. To take advantage of that interest, we have recently completed draft terms of reference for a joint Cabinet and Regular Member advisory committee on Aboriginal relations that I hope can be finalized and established shortly. We have also been working on proposed new approaches for a number of negotiating tables in the hope that we can resolve outstanding issues that have slowed our progress. These will be announced once they have been discussed with our negotiating partners, and shared with MLAs.

Our efforts to identify new approaches has benefitted from our discussions with the Government of Canada and the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. Engagement with Canada has been an important focus for us in in the early days of this government. Myself and all Ministers have been active participants in the renewed national discussions on matters of importance to the Northwest Territories, including climate change, Aboriginal relations, infrastructure investment, economic development, and health care.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to take steps to make the Northwest Territories a more attractive place to work and live as part of our efforts to grow the population. Minister McLeod will have more to say on this in his budget speech tomorrow. As part of our efforts to make government more accessible to Northerners and improve openness and accountability, Cabinet held open houses in Norman Wells and Inuvik last month. These events were an opportunity for people in these communities to meet all Ministers, and tell us about their priorities, interests, and concerns. We are currently identifying dates for additional open houses in Hay River, Fort Simpson, and Yellowknife.

This is just the beginning of our work, Mr. Speaker. This Assembly and the people of the Northwest Territories expect to see sustained progress on the government's commitments. We have worked with Members in committee over the past weeks to develop and refine our plan for achieving that progress and I thank Members for their input and support. I look forward to our continued discussions over the next month as we debate and finalize the plan for the current fiscal year. I hope that we can continue to rely on their support as we work to advance our shared priorities and mandate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the budget address on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Item 4, Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'm going to talk about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Mr. Speaker, on May 10th, just three short weeks ago, the Government of Canada announced that it would be removing its objections to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a decision applauded by Aboriginal leaders across Canada. The declaration was first adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, recognizing the basic human rights of Indigenous peoples around the world, as well as rights to language, land, equality, and self-determination, among others. More than 140 nations passed the declaration but Canada, which had a hand in drafting the declaration initially, voted against it, with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The Conservative government of the day expressed their concerns of the declaration's wording and provisions addressing the land and resources, saying it was overly broad and could lead to a re-opening of previously settled land claims. Mr. Speaker, as well, a provision calling the countries to obtain the informed consent of Indigenous peoples prior to passing new laws was also viewed as contentious. Nonetheless, in a 2010 speech from the throne, the Conservative government said it wanted to take steps to endorse this aspirational document in a manner fully consistent to Canada's Constitution and laws. On May 10th of this year, the current Liberal government, represented by Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett, announced that Canada is now a full supporter of the declaration, without qualification. This news, for which Minister Bennett received a standing ovation, was largely greeted as a positive development by Canadian Aboriginal leaders. However, the Minister went on to add, “We intend nothing less than to adopt the implementation of the declaration, in accordance with the Canadian Constitution,” thereby breathing life into Section 35. This means, in the Minister's own words, that our constitutional obligations serve to fulfill all of the principles of the declaration, including free, prior, and informed consent. Mr. Speaker, this raises a number of questions in my mind, including exactly how Canada interprets Section 35, and whether or not Canada intends to consider constitutional amendments to give immediate effect to the declaration. I also wonder what Canada's endorsement means for processes such as implementing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and for incorporating free and prior, informed consent into the federal environmental assessment process. Mr. Speaker, for us to remain who we are, we must continue to do what we do, maintain our culture, speak our language, and be recognized at the regional, territorial, national, and international level to maintain our identity as Indigenous people.

Mr. Speaker, I recently travelled to Nairobi, Kenya to attend UNEA-2 to ensure Canada's commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Later today I will have questions for the Premier regarding the GNWT's response to Canada's endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as has become customary for me, I would like to read some eulogies that people have passed away in Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh between the last sitting and today. I would like to send my condolences to the Abel family, if it's okay, for the late Herman Abel who passed away on March 31, 2016 at age 40. Herman was born in Lutselk'e August 23, 1975, the youngest of Alizette and Louis Abel's children. Herman loved his family very much, enjoyed playing guitar, singing, and always made people laugh, was great at fixing things. Herman is survived by his children, Melanie, Tristan, Madison, his stepdaughter Meghan, his grandchildren, sisters Berna, Verna, Lucy; brothers Mervin and Floyd. Herman will be sadly missed by his family.

Mr. Speaker, on April 17, 2016, at the age of 23, Helena Balsillie, daughter of Don and Karen Balsillie and sister to Lisa, and sisters Lisa, Vanessa, Chantelle, brothers Bruce and Garret, passed away in Edmonton. Helena was a very loving young lady that will be sadly missed by her community. There are many people, young people that were at the funeral. The church was packed with her friends, and you could tell how popular Lena was in the community of Fort Resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to send further condolences on to the King family for the passing of the late Pete King, who passed away May 2, 2016. He was 88. Pete was born in Rocher River, and was very active at attending Metis meetings, did all of his own work in the home as a former maintenance man from Housing. Pete was a very humourous person, has a sense of humour that everybody adored in the community, and everybody knew Mr. King. My favourite story of Mr. King, at one time discussing whether or not he had good eyesight, indicated that he has got excellent eyesight. He said that one time he watched a jet take off and he watched it for two hours. Mr. Speaker, Pete is survived by his children, Margaret, Charlie, Bob, Emily, Sonny, Doris, Raymond, Trudy and Kara, siblings Freddie, Denise, Joan, Narcisse, Frank, and Agnes, plus many grandchildren. Pete was predeceased by his wife Christine and some brothers and sisters, also.

Mr. Speaker, also I would like to pass my condolences on to the Fatt family of Lutselk'e. Pierre Fatt passed away on May 10, 2016 at age 86. He was born on --

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, your time for Members' statements has expired.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to read the last two eulogies that I have. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, Pierre was born at Taltheilei Narrows, September 8, 1929, to Alexis and Josephine Fatt. He lived a traditional lifestyle, hunting, fishing, trapping, went to various jobs. He met his wife Mary Adele Nitah in Lutselk'e and they raised seven children. Pete is survived by his children Larry, Ron, Maggie, Irene, Susie, and siblings Jim, Maryrose and Emily. Pierre was predeceased by his wife Mary. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to finally pass my condolences on to the Beck family of Fort Resolution for the passing of the late Doris Beck. She will be sadly missed. She passed away on May 12, 2016 at age 76. Doris was born in Rocher River, January 15, 1940 and was the third of the children of Pierre and Marie Smith. Throughout her life, Doris lived in Taltson River and she and her late husband, Ray Beck, who is well known in the Northwest Territories, a lot of children out on the land, taught a lot of traditional learning to the people. She is survived by her stepchildren Barbara, Stanley, Freddie, and her children Arthur, Verda, Roger and Della. She will be sadly missed by the community. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to take you, this House, on a journey. Just imagine you dream of purchasing a brand new truck. You get yourself a job, start saving money, enough money to make a down payment on the vehicle of your dreams. After a few months, you have saved enough money to make the down payment, pay the registration and insurance. You are excited. You head off to the dealership and work out a deal that includes monthly lease payments for the next 60 months, and you have to make a final lump payment at the end of the 60 months. Then this vehicle is yours. You are happy and sign the agreement. On the years as the months go on, you enhance this vehicle, adding new tires, a stereo system, new windows. As the term of the lease is fast approaching, you are excited that you are close to owning this vehicle. All you have to do is make that final lump sum payment and the vehicle is going to be yours. Then you receive a letter in the mail from the company saying you need to renew the lease, and by the way, the last 60 months, the payments do not count for anything. You need to start making monthly payments forever. If you don't agree, you have to return the truck and make sure it was in the same shape as it was when you bought it. To make matters worse, you can't even go out and buy a new truck because this company now owns all the car dealerships. Just imagine how you would feel. I know I wouldn't be happy at all.

Well, I know you're thinking this would never happen, and why would the Member from Nahendeh be telling such a story. Well, Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, this is what's happening with the Department of Lands. In the Nahendeh where there is unsettled claim area, the residents feel this is happening to them as well. Mr. Speaker, a former constituent had a lease, a legal contract with the Commissioner of the NWT for 30 years, and 13 years ago, the lease was amended to an equity lease. The amendment revoked the standard five per cent review clause and added the following clause: “upon recent of payment in full of the total rental including any interest owned, annual rent of $1 per annum shall be considered as payment for the balance of the term.” Then the equity lease was sold to another constituent who thought that he could purchase the land without...I'm coming up to the end, Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Much to my surprise, the equity lease does not transfer the land fees simple, or the land in simple fees upon the payment of the total rental. To make things even more interesting, the constituent has to sign the new lease, and there isn't any more equity leases. Now so you need to apply for a new lease, which gives this person no equity. This newer lease will be ten per cent of the assessed value each year of the newer lease. In other words, the constituent has to pay the total assessed value of the property every ten years, which has gone up in price because of the home on this property. This constituent never gets any equity and keeps paying for the land over and over. Basically, it is rent, what is called, from what I understand. Unfortunately, if it was only one constituency or one constituent, it wouldn't as bad of an issue, but it's numerous ones in my riding. Mr. Speaker, this does not make any sense to me unless this government is looking at this way to keep revenue coming in our coffers. If this is the case, well done. Unfortunately, to me, it is mistreating our people, and why would anybody in their right mind wish to lease land and build a home here in the Northwest Territories? Mr. Speaker, later on, I will have questions for the Minister of Lands on this issue. Mahsi cho.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. I just like to remind the public in the gallery that the cell phone use is not allowed in the gallery, and please shut them off. Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Senior Citizens' Month
Members' Statements

Page 275

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Tomorrow is the first day of June, which also makes it the first day of Senior Citizens' Month in the Northwest Territories. Senior Citizens' Month is a time set aside for all of us to recognize and honour the seniors and elders in our communities. I'm sure each of us has had the occasion to be grateful and appreciative of an elder in our life, whether it's a lesson we were taught, a skill that was passed down, a language, or valued practice that was gifted to us. For each of us, our seniors and elders have offered us the gifts, knowledge, and values that make us who we are today. I know for myself my grandpa Jules Vanthuyne played a significant role in influencing the person I am today, and that's why I think it's important for each of us to take some time to offer our thanks and demonstrate our respect and appreciation for our seniors. Mr. Speaker, the whole month of June is seniors' month, but two days are special. Tomorrow, June 1st, is Intergenerational Day. That's a day recognized across Canada to promote and celebrate relationships between older and younger generations. Those relationships create connections that allow learning, sharing, and appreciation between Canadians and Northerners of all ages, and help create healthy communities for members of all ages. Then in two weeks comes another important day to be recognized. The United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 66/127 designated June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. That's the day that is set aside for the whole world to voice its opposition to elder abuse and the suffering that is sometimes inflicted on some of our older generations. This is an international day, but sadly, as we know, some of our own elders here in the NWT have faced this tragic situation. The lives lived by our elders created the foundation for the world in which we now live. Their legacy and gift to us is that we live in a free and prosperous country that some people call the best country in the world. I urge everyone in this Assembly and all residents of the Northwest Territories to take the opportunity during seniors' month and always, quite frankly, to celebrate, respect, honour, and thank our elders for creating this world in which we are so lucky to live. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Senior Citizens' Month
Members' Statements

Page 275

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

[English translation not provided]

Mr. Speaker, we talked about a number of things including the Hay River Reserve Access Road. The deteriorating condition of this road was raised as a matter of growing concern to people living on the reserve. Mr. Speaker, the road in question is the access road leading from the Pine Point/Fort Smith Highway junction into the reserve. This access road is a key artery into the community. Yet despite its importance, it has been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair that people are complaining about it on Facebook, and I'm receiving calls from constituents. As well, residents of the reserve have been expressing their frustration, the chief and council, about the road's condition and the damaging effects it is having on their vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, the road it serviced was chipsealed, and it's in bad shape because of the wear and tear of time and weather. It is pockmarked with cracks and buckles, in addition to some pretty epic pot holes. These conditions make the road dangerous to drive regardless of the season. Thankfully, there is signage and slow down speed limits to warn drivers, but it would be better if the road just got fixed. The good news is that the GNWT's Department of Transportation has expressed a willingness to do the repairs. Apparently, however, there are issues of federal versus territory responsibility that need to be resolved in order for this work to proceed. Later today, I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation about what actions the department is taking to facilitate this work. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to add to the atmosphere here today on welcoming everybody back from a lengthy break. I know there were a lot of visits going on with our community constituencies and organizations and groups and individuals. Also I look forward to the conclusion of our fiscal planning and in the process building commerce and investment confidence so that we can move on to the next phase of building during our 18th Legislative Assembly session. In closing, I'd like to welcome the two young individuals, the Pages here for the session; Madison Melnyk and John Lagare the two young people from Norman Wells.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and welcome colleagues. Mr. Speaker, it has been over a week since the water level has dropped to its normal level within my riding. Yet there has been no work started on the ferry landings. This is the first year I have seen the ferry launch before the landings were prepared. As of this morning, the Peel River ferry was still on the land. Also, the slipways are not in place and the landings are not even prepared. Mr. Speaker, my constituents want to know why this is. Usually the Peel River is the first ferry that is in place. During this time of year, our cost of living rises like you wouldn't believe, for a bag of grapes, for example, that is on sale over $26 this past week in one of my communities. My constituents want to know what is the hold-up? Also, when will the ferry service for the Peel River resume? I will have questions for the Minister later today. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have to bring to light a serious issue that affects residents of Hay River and many other communities. The Family Support Centre in Hay River has been serving the Northwest Territories for nearly 30 years; it provides a safe and supportive place for women and their children who are fleeing abusive and potentially failed relationships. Despite offering an essential service, the GNWT provides funding that is inadequate even in relation to other shelters in the territory. The mandate of this government states in plain language that we will take action on the crisis of family and community violence. There is no better to start than at the ground level. We must ensure that our shelters are funded through the work that is needed. The Family Support Centre doesn't just serve Hay River; it serves a dozen communities spanning the ridings of six MLAs. Women are often brought to the shelter by police after being battered and victimized. The RCMP will take the woman's picture in the driveway and leave her at the doorstep of the shelter. Often she has young children in tow. In evenings and on weekends the centre can only afford one scheduled employee. This means that in addition to caring for up to ten women and children already at the shelter the employee must also attend to a family still reeling from a recent trauma. Staff are contending with ever increasing levels of crisis management related to family violence, mental health, addictions, health problems, and child protection. Admissions have increased nearly five-fold in this past year alone. Despite that, the centre has not had an increase in core funding in three years. This means that the centre can't attract and retain staff with the experience and training to meet the needs of the victims. The centre is also in constant need of repair. The roof has been leaking for three years causing extensive damage and making one space unusable. The sprinkler system is nearing the end of its life and is in need of replacement. In addition, the space is just too small to accommodate all the needs. There isn't even an indoor play area save for a three foot by three foot space in the living room. On top of all this the government stopped paying the centre's utilities in August 2015 which adds an additional expense of at least $18,000 per year to the centre's already strained budgets. The wraparound services needed to help the victims are also lacking. Counselling service is needed within 24 hours of arriving, yet the victims sometimes have to wait up to four weeks. Victims are often forced back into abusive relationships. My time is running out, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was speaking of the wraparound services and up to four-week waiting times to receive counselling. In addition, victims are often forced to return to abusive relationships because of homelessness, poverty, problems securing housing, employment, and lack of daycare. Mr. Speaker, obviously two and a half minutes is not enough time to address all these issues, but I just want to make sure that this government and the public are aware of this dire situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 174 days ago we sat in this Chamber and listened to the pitches of the two men who wanted to become Premier. A week later we elected Mr. McLeod to an unprecedented second term. Today I want to reflect on what the Premier promised during the Territorial Leadership Committee and what he has delivered. The November election highlighted the electorate's desire for change, which Mr. McLeod acknowledged. He said people expect more effective and transparent decision-making and less politics. I agree, but I don't think we're there yet. Mr. McLeod promised a “more cooperative approach with new mechanisms to enable greater input from Regular MLAs, possibly joint committees on critical issues such as climate change and finally family violence.” Mr. Speaker, there are no new mechanisms nor joint committees.

The Premier did make good on his promise to appoint a Minister responsible for transparency and democratic engagement, but his pledge to make the government more visible and accessible has not lived up to expectations. Take the budget consultation process. Residents were invited to send comments by e-mail. Unsurprisingly, few took up this challenge. A second consultation process has been launched but without adequate promotion. On the upside, the Premier has made good a promise to take Cabinet to different regions of the NWT and he's had a couple of open houses as well. Mr. McLeod said that he wanted to address seniors' concerns about the continuum of care, extended health benefits, and the availability of seniors' housing. The government has the long-term care bed study in hand. We are ready to hear how the Premier is going to lead the way to address those needs. People who work with seniors in long-term care tell me that the bed shortage crisis is here already; we can't delay implementing solutions. Mr. Speaker, Mr. McLeod also made a commitment to insulate our communities and residents from the ups and downs of resource industries by supporting local businesses. I agree with this goal wholeheartedly but I have yet to see any action on this point. The long-awaited agriculture strategy promised during Mr. McLeod's first term is still long awaited. Agriculture is a small but fast growing sector of our economy, but it's a poor cousin in terms of the Premier's attention to the resource extraction industry.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the government-to-government relationship with Aboriginal governments. Mr. McLeod spoke about the need to complete land use plans in every region and mine claims where they don't currently exist. I'm not aware of any progress on either of these points. In fact, the Premier promised to meet with the Dehcho First Nations within his first 90 days in office and present a new offer. Neither has happened. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Premier has many issues and portfolios to stay on top of, but 174 days into this 18th Assembly the Premier is less the change agent he promised and instead is delivering more business as usual. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 5, returns to oral questions. Item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North.

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R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituent and my constituent assistant Anne Peters. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Nahendeh.

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Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Brenda Morrow and her daughter Victoria, and I'm not going to say your last name because my face will turn red because I can't say it right, Kim Doyle, and Nicole Latour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

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Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Todd Slack and Kelly Cumming for attending. I just want to also welcome other constituents of the riding of Yellowknife North that I may have missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

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Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure today to acknowledge and thank some of the leaders of our seniors community here, in the Northwest Territories, particularly Merlyn Williams, the president of Yellowknife Seniors' Society, Stephen Jackson who is the CEO of Avens, and Kim Doyle who is the executive director of the Baker Centre. I'd also like to acknowledge a very active senior in our community and a driving force behind many things that happen here, Yvonne Quick. As well, I'd like to acknowledge my constituents Christina Poppa and Nicole Latour, and Jack Bourassa from the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi. Member for Deh Cho.

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Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituency assistant Ms. Trisha Landry and welcome her to the Legislative Assembly. Also, at the same time, other constituency assistants that might be in the gallery, plus the members of the public. Mahsi.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Yellowknife South.

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Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize from Yellowknife South, Mr. Jack Bourassa. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Member for Thebacha.

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Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to acknowledge two Pages that will be assisting us this week from Fort Smith: Eleanor McMillan and Hanna Nickerson who have travelled here with their chaperone, Tracy Hutton who I'd also like to acknowledge. Finally, I'd also like to acknowledge my wife Ann who is in the gallery. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Great Slave.

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Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a couple of residents from the Great Slave riding. They've already been recognized but I'm going to recognize them again: Mr. Stephen Jackson who is the CEO at Avens, Merlyn Williams who is the president of the Yellowknife Seniors' Society, and Ms. Yvonne Quick. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Members, colleagues, I'd like to direct your attention to the presence of visitors in our gallery today. From our Elections NWT office we have Nicole Latour, chief electoral officer, here with us today. Welcome. Also Adrienne Cartwright, communications and research officer, I'd like to welcome you. Also colleagues, I'd like to draw your attention to my former classmate from Sir John Franklin, Akaitcho Hall, Brenda Morrow, that's here with us. Welcome. Masi for being with us. If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber. It's always great to have an audience in the gallery.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 7, acknowledgements. Item 8, oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier, the Honourable Bob McLeod. I'll follow up on the statement I just made regarding Mr. McLeod's progress on promises made during his candidacy speech. Mr. McLeod promised “a more cooperative approach with new mechanism to enable greater input from Regular MLAs, possibly in the form of joint committees, pardon me, on critical issues such as climate change and family violence.” I notice that the Premier has made high profile statements of opposition on carbon tax without the Assembly's sanction on this position, so what is the status of these special joint committees where key climate change policies such as carbon tax could be decided? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I very much appreciate the Member keeping a very close tab on my record. Perhaps she can serve as my campaign manager the next time around. We have accomplished quite a great deal. I'm very glad that she was able to lay out what we have accomplished. I think the Member has to realize that it's not just one person that makes things happen in this Legislative Assembly. It's a consensus government and we all have to work together and for her to pin the tail on the donkey and say I'm the only one that can make it happen I think is being very naive. We all work together to accomplish a lot of these things and certainly we've already made progress on terms of reference for a joint cabinet standing committee on Aboriginal relations. We expect to make further progress on these other joint committees. I did participate at the call of the Prime Minister of Canada in the First Ministers meeting on climate change. They set up a process for the four working groups that will be working over six months, and that they will be reporting in the fall so that they would be able to fulfill their commitments made under the COP21. It is our expectation that we will be involving Members of this House as well as other constituents and stakeholders throughout the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I'm talking about here is leadership, and the Premier wanted to be our leader and he is, in fact, our leader, so in his position as the leader, for example, he has made a statement opposing carbon tax, which is not something Members on this side of the House have any input into whether through a joint committee or any other committee. What I'm looking for is for the Premier to make good on his inclusive approach that he talked about during his candidacy speech. When can we expect that to start? Thank you.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not aware of what context she's saying that I made that statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to pursue this issue, there was a meeting of the northern Premiers in Old Crow, Yukon in which they said that they were against a carbon tax for the North. That's the context. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. I didn't hear a question, and I'll allow the Premier to respond if he wishes. Premier?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. She didn't indicate in what context that it was read, but certainly what I said in Vancouver is that we will be updating or coming up with a new greenhouse gas strategy in the Northwest Territories where we will be consulting all of the people in the Northwest Territories in that regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry to be quarrelsome on this point, but the Premier was quoted in the media, along with his colleagues, in saying that he opposed a carbon tax for the NWT. What I'm saying is on what authority is he making that statement? Certainly, not without any consultation with this side of the House, thus sort of diminishing the idea of the consensus within consensus government which he said he wanted to promote when he became the Premier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like him to respond that point.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd be very pleased to respond to it. What I said was that by adding additional carbon taxes that would increase the cost of fuel and energy, it would be a significant addition to the cost of living. I said that there is other ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through expenditures by the Government of the Northwest Territories. We have already decreased our greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 by close to 30 per cent and, as I said, we'll put it, and through consultation we'll hear from the people if that's what they want is a carbon tax to increase the cost of living and that's how we are a very inclusive government. That's the leadership that we showing. We'll be talking to the people about it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

My question is for the Minister responsible for Seniors. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my Member's statement, June is Senior Citizens' Month in the Northwest Territories. Some jurisdictions in Canada recognize the importance of the elders in their community by creating the position of an advocate for seniors. An elder advocate is someone who will defend the rights of elders, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and act on their behalf in navigating the complex systems of services and supports for our seniors. Mr. Speaker, my question, in the absence of a seniors' advocate, if an elder resident has an issue or grievance with the government what channels should they follow to find answers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister responsible for Seniors.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point the GNWT does not have a seniors' advocate, but there are many, many avenues for which an individual who has concerns with programs and services delivered by the GNWT can seek additional clarity on those programs as well as information. The government service officers in most of the regions can provide significant guidance to seniors how to navigate the system; in fact, that's one of the reasons that they're created. There are different positions, different appeal mechanisms that are available to all residents including seniors. But, at the same time, Mr. Speaker, there are a number of fantastic seniors' organizations and advocacy groups here in the Northwest Territories who have a wealth of information and can provide information to seniors. As the Minister responsible for Seniors, I have a relationship with those organizations and I meet with them regularly and I'm committed to meeting with them regularly. They can share broader concerns with us and I bring those into the ministries, to the different ministries they may be affecting and share that information and try to help them move those files forward, but there are many mechanisms. We don't have a seniors' advocate, but there are many mechanisms where individuals can bring their concerns forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I certainly appreciate the Minister's response. I'd like to ask the Minister if this government is considering creating the position of an elders' advocate for the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this time we haven't considered creating a seniors' advocate in the Government of the Northwest Territories. We are interested in working very closely with the different seniors' organizations to ensure that residents, seniors, have a streamlined process through using some of the existing mechanisms. We work with the different groups to develop things like the seniors' handbook which clearly outline many of the programs that are available to seniors across the Northwest Territories. As I've indicated, we will continue to work closely with those seniors' organizations to make sure that their voice is heard both within this House but also at the Cabinet level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks again to the Minister for his response and this will be my final question. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Seniors' Society has adopted a broad action plan that sets goals in four areas: cost of living, eliminating inequalities, improving access to health care, and creating safe communities for elders. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell the Assembly how his department or, as Minister responsible for Seniors, he, is working to support these goals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the last Assembly, the Government of the Northwest Territories came forward with the Our Elders: Our Communities Framework which was building upon a significant amount of work done within the government but also building upon what I would consider to be a seniors' charter, which were those four pillars that the Member has identified, and those pillars, the work that was done, came to form Our Elders: Our Communities which has seven priorities that include healthy and active aging, home and community care services, integrated and coordinated services across the continuum, caregiver supports, elder responsive communities, accessible and current information available through things like the elders handbook that I talked about earlier, as well as sustainable best practices. This is about ensuring that our residents, our senior residents, have the best services. We also have things like the extended health benefits for seniors which is a program that is not offered in most jurisdictions in this country. We are moving forward on Our Elders: Our Communities in developing the long-term plan for long-term care. We're in the development stage of that and I will be certainly working with committee as we've got more options and ready to have some discussion with the direction we're going to take moving forward. A significant amount of work happening on this file, Mr. Speaker, and we will certainly engage stakeholders and Members as we move forward.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. During our last session on February 19th, 2016, I asked the Minister of DOT questions on the Building Canada Plan and the second bundle that was supposed to be rolled out. I'd like to ask the Minister if the Financial Management Board has approved the second bundle for the Building Canada Plan. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi. Minister of Transportation.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bundle number two the Member is referring to has gone through the process in the government system. We are waiting for approval from the federal government on bundle number two and we're hoping to hear by late June. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my next question was to ask if the federal government had approved it yet, obviously, they haven't. If the Minister is anticipating that the federal government will do approval soon then there was a plan in February to bring a supplementary appropriation forward during the session. Is the Minister still on target to do that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we are in plan to bring that forward through the process.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, a big part of bundle number two is to replace some bridges that need replacing; however, my understanding is that those bridges may not be replaced but rather may be retrofitted. I'm wondering if the Minister could give me some indication on which direction the department will be taking with this. Is it going to be a renovation or a replacement of the three bridges?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

The Member is correct. The department carried out and had a consultant have an engineering evaluation done on all the bridges. Through that evaluation process, the consultants provided various options for the cycle, the cost analysis on the replacement or rehabilitation of these bridges. The department has decided to go with the rehabilitation option on these bridges and we will be commencing work on them shortly on that.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Considering the federal government has yet to approve bundle number two, then the opportunity is still there for the Minister to look at actually replacing the bridges. These are very old bridges that have been in place obviously since the highway was built between Hay River and Pine Point; those two bridges were put in. Those are the two bridges I'm most keenly interested in. Will the Minister consider taking another look at it to replace the bridges, looking maybe at the length of time which a new bridge will be in place and usable as opposed to a rehabilitation of the current bridge? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As I said, we took a look at this and we're moving ahead with the rehabilitation process. As far as the funding for the Buffalo River Bridge, that's already been approved by Infrastructure Canada and work planning is already currently underway to proceed with that project. A number of things that we are going to be doing under the rehabilitation process is the truss strengthening, replacement to the half of the deck on some of these bridges, and pier repair and painting as well.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today you heard my Member's statement about a huge concern about land use for small communities on settled claim areas. On March 3rd, 2016, my colleague from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh addressed similar issues. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Lands. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Lands please advise this House what the difference is between a regular lease and an equity lease? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Lands.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a standard residential or recreation lease is the lessee charges a rental 10 per cent of the assessed value of per annum for the life of the lease. An equity lease is under typical residential or recreational equities. The lessee is charged 10 per cent of the assessed value per annum for the first 10 years of the lease and the lessee is usually charged a nominal amount of one dollar for the remaining years on the lease. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for his answer. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Lands please advise this House when the Government of the Northwest Territories stopped offering equity lease in unsettled claim areas?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Equity leases are still an option for clients under the land pricing policy in the unsettled areas.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I'd like to thank the Minister for his answer. I guess it's a little different than what I've heard in the past so I'll have to follow up later on. It is my understanding there has been no sales of lands under the type of equity leases that occur in my riding. Now, I've heard that there is an exception to this comment and that Cassidy Point lands which has happened this past sales of the lands, have happened this past year where there's been a historical commitment to provide fee simple title. Can the Minister explain how Cassidy Point land which is an unsettled area can be sold and the same cannot be done in Fort Simpson?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

In 1992 there was a commitment made by then assistant deputy minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. It was a written commitment to the folks out at Cassidy Point that they would have the opportunity after leasing for a while to pay fee simple at the end of the life of the lease. We have to honour a commitment, the written commitment, that was made, so we did that. However, what they pay out there was not the one dollar that the Member may be referring to. It was actually a portion of the assessed value of the land and so there was no one dollar nominal fee charged to the residents out there.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the Minister for his answer. He answered part of it but he didn't answer the second part, but I'll work on that a little bit later on. With the number of outstanding issues with the lands in our small communities, will the Minister make a commitment to have his department get out there and provide the information to the residents especially elders and equity lease owners out in my riding, so they understand the process so they can actually afford to live in our ridings? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker I will make that commitment. In fact, it's already happening in the Member's community where we had a member of our regional office meet with the Chamber of Commerce. I believe it was on May 26th and it was a very informative session from what I've been told, and they had a lot of questions, and they had a bit better understanding of how it works, but I will make a commitment to have our folks... It's part of our jobs too as representatives for our ridings is to share the information that we know with our constituents so they'd have a better understanding. Our department can assist in that by having some community workshops and getting some communication material out there so folks have a better idea of how the land leases and pricing policies and all that work. We are going to do some modernization to the land pricing policy. I believe that it's in the works now. We're looking at the fall of 2016 to bring some of the revised policy before committee and seek their input before we move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister of Transportation. Mr. Speaker, since April many scientists predicted an early spring and also a number of elders, so we've had a lot of time to prepare for an early spring. With the early spring we've had why did the service begin this past Sunday afternoon in Tsiigehtchic and not any sooner? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Transportation.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. We did experience an earlier spring than normal. As the river broke up early on the Peel and the Mackenzie it kind of caught the department a little off guard in getting some of these things. One of the issues with the Tsiigehtchic and Peel River ferries was we had scheduled Transport Canada inspectors to come in for the replacement bottom of the Tsiigehtchic ferry, and at the same time they're in there to do the Peel River ferry. With the early spring and stuff, it's kind of caught us off guard from our normal scheduling, so that's one of the reasons for the holdup was the late arrival of federal inspectors.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, the Tsiigehtchic ferry was launched on Friday I believe and started service Sunday afternoon. I'd like to ask the Minister: why is the Peel River ferry not launched and not in service at this time?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As I alluded to earlier in my statement that the transportation of Canada inspector was in. He was there to look at the Tsiigehtchic ferry as we replaced the bottom of that ferry and put it in and do its seaworthiness which takes a couple days of trials and stuff. When they were finished that they moved on to the Peel ferry. The Peel ferry is in the process of going through its inspection as such and with the low water now expected after high water from breakup we now have five anchor points available to run this ferry. The original anchor points that showed up after breakup, there were only two and that's not significant enough to have the ferry run safely for the general public.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, the Minister just mentioned that the water level is too high at this time. I'm not sure who the Minister is getting his information from because I get this from the people that live in Fort McPherson that have traditional knowledge in that area. There's nothing wrong with the water level right now. Right now the landing should be in and you know if the inspections are complete there's no reason why the ferry is not in. I'd like to ask the Minister, when will the service begin on the Peel River ferry?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As I alluded, there's five anchor points now available and as of today the slipways are being prepped and the timbers are being installed to launch the ferry. As of this evening, we plan on having the ferry into the Peel system and with more seaworthiness testing we're hoping to have the ferry service in operation by late Wednesday, early Thursday morning.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I spoke earlier on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and my questions are for the honourable Premier McLeod. My question is: has the GNWT here received any formal correspondence from the federal government respecting its announcement to the UN declaration? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories received notice from the federal government that the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs would be making an announcement during the United Nation's Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City regarding its position on UNDRA. The Government of the Northwest Territories, like all other jurisdictions, was not made aware of what that announcement would be until the announcement was made by the Minister in New York. Understanding the implications of Canada's recent full endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will require further consideration and engagement with Canada.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

The Premier answered part of my second question. Does the GNWT have a formal position on the UN declaration or does it plan to develop one?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

UNDRIP is an important document that recognizes, among other things, the right of Indigenous people to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures, and traditions. In 2008, UNDRIP was endorsed through a motion of our Legislative Assembly. The Government of Canada's recent adoption of UNDRIP in accordance with Canada's laws and Constitution is an encouraging and tangible demonstration of the federal government's renewed commitment to Canada's Aboriginal people. Currently Canada, through Section 35 of the Constitution, has a very robust framework for the protection of Aboriginal rights. Fully adopting and implementing UNDRIP requires careful consideration of its application within Canada's constitutional framework.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

My final question is: what is the GNWT doing to ensure that the interests of its northern Aboriginal residents are being represented as the federal government moves to adopt and implement the UN declaration?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to work with the federal government and Aboriginal governments to further their promotion and protection of Aboriginal and treaty rights. This includes collaborating and fostering government-to-government relationships with Aboriginal governments as well as negotiating and implementing Aboriginal resource and self-governments that respect, promote, and protect the rights and freedoms of Aboriginal peoples as highlighted in the priorities and ministerial mandates of the 18th Legislative Assembly. The successful conclusion of modern treaties and self-government agreements can be seen as the ultimate expression of free, prior, and informed consent among partners.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about the very bad condition of the road, the access road, from the junction of the Pine Point/Fort Smith highway to the Hay River Reserve. We all understand that jurisdiction is about sorting out who's responsible for what in terms of the context of this road. In that exercise there's negotiation that goes on. Within that party there's usually the GNWT, the federal government, and in this instance is the K'atlodeeche First Nation. The other element to this is that sometimes we get bogged down by red tape and it stops us from doing meaningful things for people at the end of the day. The biggest people that are affected by the bad condition of the road are the motorists and at the same time, the residents of the K'atlodeeche First Nation. My question to the Minister is: am I correct in my understanding that jurisdictional issues need to be resolved before repairs to the Hay River Reserve access road can get under way? Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Transportation.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. To answer the Member's question, the Department of Transportation is indeed responsible for the maintenance and reconstruction of the Hay River road. This section of road was part of the highway devolution agreement that came forward in the late 1980s and the department has funded to operate and maintain this road. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

If the department is responsible for the work, what are the major barriers to getting this road repaired?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As many Members in the Assembly know, this year the roads across the Northwest Territories have some issues just because of the way of thawing. We've had an early spring this year and it's created some challenges on the complete road system in the Northwest Territories, but on this road in particular with the poor drainage that's on the right of ways and the department is currently making efforts to improve the drainage on this road, and we continue to look at how we're going to upgrade the subgrade of this road. Work will commence soon as time allows.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

You know the people that are most affected by this as I indicated or stated, Mr. Speaker, are the motorists and the residents of the reserve. If I can't have reassurances, can the Minister give to the travelling public that go from Hay River and onto the reserve or from the reserve onto town? What are the immediate actions to ensure that the repairs are done to the road? At what point would the Minister commit his resources of the department to ensure the road is repaired?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

The department will do temporary repairs as soon as time allows. As I said, the early spring melt and the conditions that are out on our roadways is challenging. We will do everything that we have to do to ensure a safe operation of this road in the meantime but we have to wait for the frost to come out of the ground before we commence working on this, so temporary signage and stuff will be up to ensure safe travel for all.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the meantime as we wait for the dryness of the summer to set in to help adhere to the conditions for repairs to the road that could be made, what kind of reply would the Minister make in terms of the travelling public that have sustained damages to their vehicle? Mahsi

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

That is something that hasn't come before me so I'm not aware of any people wanting to make claims against Transportation on the road conditions, but we continue to put signage up and everything in efforts to ensure that there's safe travel for everybody in the general public.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minster of DOT in regards to the marine landing in three of the Sahtu communities. We seen a significant amount of, I would say, left-behind ice in our three community dock landings, and my understanding there's an existing federal program in that jurisdiction. I'd like the Minister to elaborate if that exists on the clearing and maintenance of the barge landings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Transportation.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. The barge landings across the Northwest Territories, including the one that the Member is talking about in the Sahtu region, are a federal jurisdiction. This is something that we have been working with closely with the federal government to look at to reinstate the funding that they have taken away from the territorial government approximately two years ago, so it's actually a federal jurisdiction, but we're working closely with the Department of Coast Guard and Fisheries to see if we can reinstate the funding for all ports. Thank you.

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

It seems that there is a commitment there or a program that we're waiting for. In the meantime, in particular one community in Norman Wells is expecting the barge to land here momentarily and we'd like the ice to be cleared so if the Minister could elaborate and clarify when would this be reinstated and if the dock landing would be cleared prior to the barge landing momentarily.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I think it's a little premature to say the barge is going to be there shortly. I know that the sailing season historically leaves Hay River in late June. I'm not saying that is all this ice and stuff is going to melt on these landings, but this is definitely a federal jurisdiction. It is something that has been pointed out in the CTA report along with other issues across the North, and we will continue work with the federal government to see if we can reinstate this funding to make sure all the ports and harbours in the Northwest Territories have access.

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

There is the secondary carrier in our barge landing schedule called Cooper Barging and they do sail before the lake ice allows NTCL to leave Hay River and that arrives in Norman Wells on a scheduled basis. They are actually going to be the first one, so if the Minister would elaborate a little bit more on an interim solution I would say incurred by this government rather than waiting for the federal response, in particular for the landing in Norman Wells.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I can commit to the Member that that's something we can watch closely as things evolve and when Cooper is going to have their first sailing. I do know that the Hamlet of Fort Good Hope took the initiative themselves and cleaned off their landing space, but we will keep an eye on it and work with the Member to see if we can find a solution for this.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to continue on with my questions for the Premier based on my statement. One of the key things that he promised was to assist in evening out the bumps of the resource economy by providing support for economic diversification. To that end, I'd like to hear from the Premier when he expects the agricultural strategy to be ready. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The agricultural strategy has been worked on for some time. I expect it'll be ready sometime this year. It's just going through the rounds of the different departments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thanks to the Premier for that answer. We are looking forward to seeing it on our side of the House. My next question involves the promise to establish better government-to-government relations with Aboriginal organizations and to speed the process of land claims. Can the Premier please tell us when he plans to present an offer to the Dehcho and meet with the leadership of that organization?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

I'm pleased to say that we have made very good progress in this regard and had the opportunity to meet with all of the Aboriginal governments that still have unsettled land claims and had a number of meetings with the federal government, met a number of times with the grand chief of the Dehcho First Nations. There's another meeting scheduled for this week. I'll also be meeting with the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. As your Member knows, there's three parties to the negotiations and it's more than just making an offer within a specific period of time. We can do that anytime. What we want to do is we're focused on results. When we make an offer we wanted to make sure that it's a very reasonable offer with a very good chance of allowing us to settle these long-standing land claims. We also, our negotiators, are sitting down to have a good understanding on both sides so that we know what would be a very good reasonable offer.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you to the Premier for that. I assume he had all of that information when he made the commitment to make a new land offer within 90 days to the Dehcho First Nations. That hasn't happened. I understand the Dehcho First Nations are eager for that to happen. When will it happen?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

As I said I'm meeting with the grand chief this week. Later this week, I'll be meeting with the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. Our negotiators are making sure all sides have a common understanding on the different positions. I expect in the very near future that we will be able to do so.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the situation that the Family Support Centre in Hay River is facing, and I have some questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services in that regard. I stated that the shelter is underfunded, not just in general, but in comparison to other shelters in the territory. There doesn't seem to be any sort of funding formula based on beds, based on needs or anything like that. I'd like to ask the Minister, does he plan on coming up with some sort of formula so we can adequately fund all of the shelters? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct, there is no current formula for the funding in the different shelters and all the different shelters; the shelters are funded to different degrees. Currently, we provide about $2.85 million for the shelters across the Northwest Territories. I did have an opportunity to meet with representatives from a number of the shelters in March where we discussed a number of the concerns. One of the things they raised was the fact that there are these additional demands on them, as the Member talked about, and they've submitted a proposal to me for the shelters. They submitted a proposal to me, $20,000 each to help with some of the one-time costs for 2016-17. We're currently looking at that, but at that time they also mentioned their frustration with the lack of a formula. I committed to them at that time and I can reconfirm the commitment here, that I would work with those shelters and the shelters across the Northwest Territories to develop a formula. There's a bit of a timing difficulty on this. We need to wait until we get to one authority. I've committed to them that once we get to one authority we will move forward with the development of a formula. I've asked that they be involved, because it's important to make sure that we get their insight as we're developing a formula. We will be developing one. It might be a year out before we start, but we will get it done in the life of this government.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

I'm glad to hear that there's work started on that. Given that these shelters are NGOs; they're non-profits; they're not government-run facilities. The buildings they're in are owned by the non-profit, so in the case of the Family Support Centre in Hay River, they're in need of major renovations. Frankly, they're probably in need of a new building. Given this big capital cost, does the Minister and his department have any plans to provide any funds for physical infrastructure, either to improve or building a new building for the shelter?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

When I had my meeting with representatives from a number of the shelters in March the Minister responsible for Housing was also there. They have since had a subsequent meeting with the Minister of Housing who has identified the pot of the money available to help do some renovations and upgrades to the shelters across the Northwest Territories. The Minister at the time did ask them, these shelters themselves, to help set some priorities for how to spend these dollars to do maintenance and upgrades to those facilities. It's my understanding, and you may want to check with the Minister, that the Minister's waiting for those shelters to come forward with a list of priorities, which may include renovations to Hay River. We understand that there are some challenges with that facility. That facility may not be... We may not be able to help with the renovations. They may have to consider a different facility. I'm going down to Hay River on June 11th for the opening of the Hay River Regional Hospital. At that time I'm looking forward to having a tour of that facility and have some further discussion with the staff and board for the Hay River facility.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

The Minister stated that he's aware that there's some major problems with that facility. My question is: if the government can't help renovate that facility, if it's beyond repair, if it needs a new building, is the department prepared to help provide that building or are they willing to let this service just disappear from the community?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services funds for the O and M component of the facilities, the Housing Corp. has indicated that they want to work with the shelters, so they're looking for the shelters combined to set some priorities. I'm not sure we would be in a position where we can fund the development of the construction of a complete facility, but we want to be partners on this and it may mean helping identify appropriate locations. I don't know, but first thing we need to do is have the different shelters help identify the priorities. Hay River is participating in that. From there, we'll have a better sense of where we need to go, but I am looking forward to getting a proper tour of the facility in Hay River. They have submitted a one-time proposal for the 2016-2017 fiscal year for $20,000 to help them with some of their costs. I believe those are the increased electrical costs and other costs that the Member has mentioned, and we're looking to support that. We're just trying to find some money within.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For my final question, I just want to ask if the building can't be saved and this non-profit can't continue doing their work, what's the government's plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, the dollars available for the O and M component are going to continue. Hopefully, the organization will be able to find or renovate their building. As I've indicated, the Housing Corp is working with them and has asked them to help set some priorities for the utilization of the money. If it comes to a point where the facility isn't appropriate, we may have to look at other GNWT facilities that we might be able to sell to them for a reasonable price. I'm not 100 per cent sure what's available in Hay River that might fit that need. But we're certainly looking to have those types of discussions. But first and foremost, we really need Hay River and the other shelters to help us set some priorities for these renovation dollars. I believe, and you might not want to quote me on this, you may want to check with the Minister, but it's about $300,000 plus for the 2016-17 fiscal year. So there are some substantial dollars there to help do some renovations of these shelters.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am looking for further clarification on the questions I asked the Minister of Transportation earlier today. My first question trying to seek clarity is: is the Department of Transportation now asking the federal government to approve projects in the second bundle project by project as opposed to the whole bundle? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Transportation.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, my understanding is the Hay River/Pine Point Bridge was submitted to Infrastructure Canada on May 27th as part of the bridge rehabilitation project. This particular project we expect to have approved by mid-June or end of June. Thank you.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, I know that the intention is to rehab the bridge, extend the life for 35 years. Bridges are usually amortized over 75 years. I would like to ask the Minister if it was just too cost-prohibitive to replace the bridge. That is why we are going with rehabilitation.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

The consultants provided various options and life cycle costs of these assets. Their recommendation was to go with the rehabilitation option for the 35 years.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, we are asked to pay 25 cent dollars on the Building Canada Plan. It is an opportunity that we may not see again, especially not on that bridge or those bridges, in any event, or any part of those projects I suppose. An opportunity to pay only 25 per cent of the capital cost of a project like this, the department goes to a consultant, the consultant indicates that it would be better to rehab the bridge and extend the life for 35 years as opposed to putting a new one in for 75 years. Again, my question is: was that decision made because it was too cost prohibitive to replace the bridge and that we did not have enough money to do it?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I would have to look into that question, if that was the reason for that. One thing I can tell the Assembly is that the cost of repairing and keeping the upkeep on the road system in the Northwest Territories is significant, and we have challenges with that on a daily basis. There is only so much infrastructure money to go around for the whole Northwest Territories and transportation has a serious need of upkeep on some of the infrastructure needs. I can look into what the Member is asking and get back to him on it.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister if I can get that information before session is completed this time. I am referring to the whole session at the end of June. Thank you.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I will look into getting that back to the Member for end of session.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Item 9, written questions. Item 10, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

Mr. Speaker I have a Return to Written Question 1-18(2) asked by Mr. O'Reilly on February 23, 2016, to the Honourable Bob McLeod, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, regarding vacancies on co-management boards.

As of May 31, 2016, the Sahtu Land Use Planning Board and the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board currently do not have quorum. All other co-management boards have sufficient membership to maintain a quorum.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to an effective regulatory system in the Northwest Territories. The GNWT is only one party in the overall system of board appointments in the Mackenzie Valley and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. While the GNWT endeavours to make timely appointments or nominations, the completion of board appointments depend on several factors: timely nominations from claimant group organizations; the process required to undertake federal security checks; and the time needed by the federal Minister or Governor in Council to finalize appointments.

Since 2014, the GNWT has maintained a Boards Registry which is publicly accessible and provides an up-to-date listing of all memberships that the GNWT appoints or nominates to. All board membership and vacancies as they become available are tracked and monitored to ensure that each board is able to maintain quorum.

Mr. Speaker, there are 14 co-management boards in the NWT with a combined total of 106 board positions. Of the 106 positions, 24 positions are currently vacant. Some of these positions have been vacant from as little as two weeks to as long as five and a half years. Of the 24 vacancies, the GNWT is the nomination authority for four. The GNWT has submitted names for the appointment of each of these four board members to fill these vacancies and are awaiting approval from the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada or Governor in Council.

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question 4-18(2) asked by Mr. Vanthuyne on March 3, 2016, to the Honourable Alfred Moses, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, regarding Aurora College enrollment and achievement data.

The question was in three parts. The first part asked how many full-time and part-time students were registered at Aurora College at the beginning and at the end of each of the past three enrollment years. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table a summary of these data.

The second part of the question asked how many full-time students completed their full course load for each of the last three years. A full course load at Aurora College is defined as at least 60 per cent of a full program course load. In 2012-13, 430 students were enrolled with a full course load, and of these, 338 students, or 79 per cent, successfully completed a full course load. In 2013-14, 434 students were enrolled with a full course load with 328 students, or 76 per cent, successfully completing a full course load. In 2014-15, 375 students were enrolled with a full course load, of these, 282 students, or 75 per cent, successfully completed a full course load.

The third part of the question asked what the successful completion rate of individual courses for full-time and part-time students has been for the past three years. In 2012-13, 87 per cent of courses taken by full-time students were completed, and 88 per cent of courses taken by part-time students were completed. In 2013-14, 87 per cent of courses taken by full-time students were completed, and 84 per cent of courses taken by part-time students were completed. In 2014-15, 86 per cent of courses taken by full-time students were completed, and 82 per cent of courses taken by part-time students were completed.

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question asked by Mr. O'Reilly on March 2, 2016, of the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Lands, regarding environmental liabilities at the Prairie Creek Mine site.

Mr. O'Reilly asked when the most recent third party assessment of environmental liabilities for the Prairie Creek Mine site was carried out. I can confirm that this was carried out during the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board's land use permitting and water licensing process from 2012 to 2014. This was after the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board's environmental assessment of the proposed Prairie Creek Mine.

Mr. O'Reilly also asked four questions relating to the third party assessment of environmental liabilities at the Prairie Creek Mine site:

  1. Who conducted it?

The review was conducted through the land use permitting and water licensing process carried out by the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board. The board is an independent arm's length regulatory board that is free from political influence. As part of the process Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Canadian Zinc each provided recommendations to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board on the amount of reclamation security. The estimate of existing and future liability provided by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada was prepared by Brodie Consulting Limited who have significant experience in northern mine site reclamation, including reclamation cost estimation. The board then considered the evidence provided in setting the amount of security to be held against the project within the land use permit and water licence.

  1. What was the scope of this assessment?

The reclaim cost estimates provided by Canadian Zinc and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada included considerations of cost related to pre-existing infrastructure at the site from the Cadillac Mine, as well as future water and land-related liabilities associated with the proposed activities.

  1. What was the amount of the liabilities estimated to exist?

After considering the evidence provided by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Canadian Zinc, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board set the total end of mine reclamation liability at $17.07 million. The board staged the provision of reclamation security through time within authorizations, to correspond with the project proceeding through various stages of development. The amount was between the estimate of $19,484,410 provided by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the estimate of $14,540,679 provided by Canadian Zinc.

  1. Can the Minister table this report?

The information requested is already available online through the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board's public registry. The information is accessible to the public and contains all the relevant reports and information identified above.

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question asked by Mr. O'Reilly on March 2, 2016, to the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Lands, regarding the remediation of the Prairie Creak Mine site. Mr. O'Reilly asked four separate questions relating to the remediation of the Prairie Creek mine site and I will take them in turn.

  1. Is there an approved plan to carry out this work?

Under the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board's permitting and licensing process, the developer is required to maintain and update an Interim Closure and Reclamation Plan. During the environmental assessment, the developer submitted a Draft Preliminary Closure and Reclamation Plan dated February 2010.

Canadian Zinc's water licence for mining at Prairie Creek requires the company to submit a Closure and Reclamation Plan to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board for approval at least six months before extracting waste rock from the underground mine. Canadian Zinc will not be able to go into production until GNWT issues a surface lease authorizing mining activities at Prairie Creek. However, once Canadian Zinc submits a Closure and Reclamation Plan to the board, the GNWT will review and provide comments to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board.

In addition to the requirement under their water licence, Canadian Zinc also holds several water licences, land use permits and tenure instruments containing provisions requiring reclamation of those specific activities before final clearance and closure.

  1. What is the current amount and form of financial instrument held as financial security for the Prairie Creek site remediation?

As of March 8, 2016, the GNWT holds a total of $2,075,000 in securities in relation to the Canadian Zinc Prairie Creek project. Later today at the appropriate time I will table a document entitled “Security held by GNWT for the Prairie Creek Project.”

  1. Does Canadian Zinc have the financial capacity to conduct a full remediation on the basis of its current worth?

Under the legislation, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board considers the financial responsibility of the applicant and its ability to restore the site when the board is setting the security amount. At times, the board may ask the GNWT for its views on the financial capacity of a company. Currently, full security has been provided by Canadian Zinc as required under its water licences, land use permits, and land tenure instruments.

With regard to Canadian Zinc, the Government of the Northwest Territories has not assessed the financial capacity of the company. However, the GNWT generally monitors for signs of financial distress in companies who are operators of mine sites or advanced exploration sites. This includes monitoring the announcements from the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada so that the GNWT may track companies from the Northwest Territories who are entering creditor protection.

  1. What is the plan to close any shortfall between the currently held financial security and the site environmental liability to ensure that there are no public liabilities?

The Government of the Northwest Territories is protected from the historic liability through the terms of the Devolution Agreement. If at some point in the future, Canadian Zinc wishes to begin negotiations with GNWT to receive a surface lease authorizing the company to commence mining activities at Prairie Creek, the full amount of reclamation security to cover existing and historic liabilities for the mine site would be assessed by the GNWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Returns to written questions. Item 11, replies to Commissioner's opening address. Item 13, petitions. Item 14, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 15, tabling of documents. Minister of Health and Social Service.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table 12 follow-up letters to the following oral questions: Oral Question 24-18(2): Health Care System Improvements; Oral Question 25-18(2): Seniors' Housing Shortages; Oral Question 30-18(2): Sahtu Regional Health Centre; Oral Question 34-18(2): Resources for “Aging in Place” Programs; Oral Question 51-18(2): Care Aids at Stanton Territorial Hospital; Oral Question 60-18(2): Health Care System Challenges in Nahendeh; Oral Question 61-18(2): Alcohol Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Options; Oral Question 66-18(2): Family Violence Shelters Funding; Oral Question 79-18(2): On-the-Land Healing Programs; Oral Question 105-18(2): Long-term Care Program Review; Oral Question 116-18(2): Disabilities Action Plan; Oral Question 40-18(2): GNWT Summer Student Employment Opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled “Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 44-18(2): Agricultural Land Availability.” Mr. Speaker, further to my Return to Written Question 3-18(2), I wish to table the following document entitled “Security Held by GNWT for the Prairie Creek Project.” Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following two documents entitled “Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 56-18(2): Wage Subsidy for Child Care Workers” and “Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 74-18(2): Accommodating Students with Disabilities at Aurora College.” Mr. Speaker, further to my Return to Written Question 4-18(2), I wish to table the following document entitled “Aurora College Student Enrolments per Semester, 2013-14 to 2015-16.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Justice.

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled “Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 108-18(2): Boats for Aklavik RCMP Detachment.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi. I wish to table the following official results of the general election of the 18th Assembly, held on November 23, 2015. The official voting results are published in accordance with Section 265(1) and (2) of the Elections and Plebiscites Act. Pursuant to Section 266(2) of the Elections and Plebiscites Act, I wish to table “Modernizing Election Administration, CEO Report on the Administration of 2015 Territorial General Election.” I would just like to thank Ms. Nicole Latour who is here with us from NWT Elections. Masi.

Tabling of documents. Item 16, notices of motion. Item 17, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 18, motions. Item 19, first reading of bills. Item 20, second reading of bills. Item 21, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters. Item 22, report of Committee of the Whole. Item 23, third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

Page 275

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

Orders of the day for Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.:

  1. Prayer
  2. Budget Address
  3. Ministers' Statements
  4. Members' Statements
  5. Returns to Oral Questions
  6. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
  7. Acknowledgements
  8. Oral Questions
  9. Written Questions
  10. Returns to Written Questions
  11. Replies to Commissioner's Opening Address
  12. Replies to Budget Address (Day 1 of 7)
  13. Petitions
  14. Report of Standing and Special Committees
  15. Report of Committees on the Review of Bills
  16. Tabling of Documents
  17. Notices of Motion
  18. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills
  19. Motions
  20. First Reading of Bills
  21. Second Reading of Bills
  22. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
  23. Report of Committee of the Whole
  24. Third Reading of Bills
  25. Orders of the Day

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

Page 275

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. This House adjourns until 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 3:23 p.m.