Good afternoon, Members. Ministers' statements. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, from a statistical perspective, 2016 was a below average fire season. A total of 188 wildland fires were reported in the 2016 fire season, burning 229,000 hectares. As a comparison, there were 241 fires and 622,000 hectares burned in 2015. That is half the number of hectares burned in 2016 than in 2015, and 50 fewer fires. Of the 188 fires this year, 16 fires were suspected person-caused. The department provided some type of action on 83 fires, or 44 per cent. In addition, 292 extra fire fighters were hired in the NWT for training or in support of wildland fire operations.

We had a slow start to the fire season with cooler weather conditions which allowed our government to provide much needed fire personnel to help with the Fort McMurray fire and other fires in the northern part of Alberta. As a Government, we are honoured to be able to provide assistance to other Canadian jurisdictions as many of them helped us in our time of need during the 2013, 2014, and 2015 wildland fire seasons and later on in the 2016 fire season. While there was a slow start to the season in the NWT, there were several significant fires across the territory including the Snare Lake Fire, the Reid Lake Fire and the Norman Wells Fire. End of season procedures, including tanker base shut downs, fuel systems shut downs, and field equipment retrieval is underway. A debrief of this year’s lessons learned will be undertaken and public meetings will take place over the winter. At this point we have expended roughly $29,990,575 in pre-suppression and suppression costs. There are a few outstanding reconciliations to be done in the regions before we have the total amount. But we are much better off than in the previous two years.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot stress enough the value and importance of our FireSmart Program. It is everyone’s responsibility to firesmart their home and cabin, and promote the FireSmart Program in their community. Property owners and communities should be using firesmart tools to reduce their risk of loss from wildland fire.

The department is leading an initiative to review and update community protection plans. Community wildland fire protection will be integrated into existing GNWT emergency management processes. This will ensure communities have a more complete understanding of their role in firesmarting and what is required to ensure their community has mitigated the risks of a wildland fire. Information about the FireSmart Program and community protection plans is on the ENR website and at your local ENR office.

Forecasters are predicting an early, colder than normal winter with an average snowfall. It is our hope that this provides plenty of snow cover for the spring melt and increases our water levels. It is important to note that, while the 2016 fire season was relatively normal, there continue to be areas of extreme drought. We will continue to be vigilant in working with all values at risk to reduce the risk and in preparing for a potentially extreme fire response. Whether we receive plenty of precipitation or not, ENR will continue to be proactive and prepare itself for the next fire season.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our fire personnel, from the fire crews out on the fire line, to our radio operators, logistics, planning, air attack officers, and everyone who worked hard all summer to protect our residents and communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the public gallery today. We have with us a former Member, Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford, Sergeant-at-Arms, and a former Member of the Legislative Assembly, Minister, and also the speaker and Commissioner of NWT, and last but not least the honourary clerk of the Legislative Assembly. Why aren't you at your post here, Mr. Whitford?

--- Laughter

Thank you. It is always great to have you here. Masi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today we are talking about all the drug addictions that are happening. It is happening all over the place. Mr. Speaker, today the residents of the Northwest Territories are suffering from the impacts of severe addictions and mental health issues. As this Assembly knows, I represent four small communities: Ndilo, Lutselk'e, Fort Resolution, and Detah. Each one of these communities has recently seen the deaths of young people due to drugs and alcohol, not to mention similar deaths in Yellowknife and the regional centres. These deaths are totally unnecessary and one hundred per cent preventable. Preventable, Mr. Speaker, is the key word.

As a people and as a government, we must all do our share to step up the pace at which our mental health and addictions programs are being delivered. I cannot over-stress the urgency of these matters. Within the GNWT, the Department of Health and Social Services must show this Assembly an increased emphasis on prevention and an increased investment in addressing mental health and addictions. I know this is a big job and that results do not show up right away, but Mr. Speaker, that's all the more reason to get started as soon as possible. We must also look to our communities and our Aboriginal partners for their collaboration and support in addressing this huge issue.

In my riding, the unnecessary and untimely deaths of these young people have devastated their families. These families never recover. Mr. Speaker, I know what I am talking about. In 1977, my brother Fred died as a result of alcohol. He was a 22-year-old mechanic at the Pine Point mine. My dad never got over it, until his own death in 1993.

Earlier this year, after burying one of our young people, I sat down with a friend in Fort Resolution. We noticed that every family that was there supporting this grieving family had been touched by a similar tragedy. It gets easier to bear as time goes on, but it never goes away: you never forget the loved ones that are taken from you far too soon because of alcohol and drugs. We cannot let this go on. Marci cho, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about some big changes that are happening to the sport and recreation system for the way funding is handled in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, according to the CBC news, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) will be taking over funding of all sport organizations in the territory beginning April 1st that used to be done by the Sport North Federation. Mr. Speaker, according to the news, this means that Sport North will receive a million dollars less in administration and program funding next fiscal year. This is a huge concern for all sports groups, whether it is at the grassroots, regional or territorial level. Mr. Speaker, as people have heard from the first day I was elected, youth sport recreations are dear to my heart. I understand and have lived more than 40 years in the system.

Mr. Speaker, I know the majority of the funding for sport and recreation in the territories comes from lottery proceeds spread through the Sport and Recreation Council to the five organizations in the system, including Sport North. Mr. Speaker, Sport North represents territorial sport organizations of the NWT, territorial sport organizations, commonly called TSOs, are dedicated to development of sport at every level of participation in the NWT. Sport North Federation and TSOs are recognized leaders in sport development and are ensuring that opportunities in sports based on fair play are accessible to all residents in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard that the reason the department's looking after the lotteries next year was because we were told that Revenue Canada made the recommendation if we didn't do this we'd lose the money due to taxation. To stop this, the department will takeover the responsibility of lotteries. Mr. Speaker, according to the news in the department, they hired a consultant firm, Sutcliffe Group, to conduct a review of the sport and recreation programs for the territories around the same time.

Mr. Speaker, you've heard that changes were needed, but it needs to be done in a more collaborative way that would include a development of a sport and recreation physical activity strategy made for the territories, for the residents of the territories.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues out there. Mr. Speaker, it's been a little frustrating to say the least, according to some of the organizations that were involved in the process. It wasn't entirely clear to them what the rationale was for the structure change for removing Sport North as a funding agent for the membership. Mr. Speaker, by removing Sport North as a funding agent to its membership it seems the department limits the ability of the federation to help improve the health of the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I could spend hours, maybe months, maybe years on this topic, but I will stop here. Later on I'll have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue we're hearing a lot about lately; that is the government's current and future plans for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the future of power generation and distribution in our territory. The Minister's statement to the House the other day was appreciated. Clear communication from Ministers is always welcomed by the Members and, of course, residents. However, Mr. Speaker, some of the claims in the Minister's statement are in dispute, specifically the claim that different rate zones don't subsidize each other. So I'm concerned that while the Minister said he intended to clarify things, in fact a lot remains unclear.

Mr. Speaker, Northland Utilities, which distributes power in Yellowknife and other communities in the territory, is part of ATCO Group, an international company with assets, resources and expertise around the world. Northlands has been part of our power distribution system for many years and is a long-standing partner with Denendeh Investments Incorporated. According to a recent news article, Northlands says it seems the Minister is "ill-prepared," that his claims about rate zones and cost subsidization are not correct, and that conclusion is supported directly by NTPC's own documents.

Mr. Speaker, power and electricity is a critical and crucial part of our existence in the remote North. I'm concerned that in an area where we need openness and engagement with the public, as well as creativity and collaboration with strong partners, the government seems to want to keep both the residents and private enterprise in the dark.

I'm concerned about the little things: the dissolution of the public representative board of NTPC without input from Members or the public; NTPC choosing to compete for distribution of power in a market-based community; a reluctance to communicate with an innovative company that ought to be one of its most important private sector partners. I'm concerned that Northerners still don't have a straight answer about the rate structure we pay for power. So while I thank the Minister for his statement earlier this session, many questions remain, and residents deserve answers. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken before on the need to diversify of our economy and I have always supported a key industry that can help achieve this goal, our Northern manufacturing sector. If this government is truly committed to building a diversified and sustainable territorial economy that can be resilient in the face of volatile commodity cycles, then it must continue providing support for this sector in Yellowknife and throughout the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, for those who don't believe the NWT can support a viable manufacturing industry, I believe now is the time to break new ground and be ambitious, Mr. Speaker. Not only is our manufacturing sector developing and innovating, they are thriving. The NWT manufacturing sector generates annual revenues of $25 million, employs over a 100 Northerners and has an average annual growth of 2 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, Kam Lakers know that we can capitalize on this opportunity, quite literally through our world-class business leaders. That's why I'm pleased to see this government lend support to Energy Wall Engineered Homes by giving them an opportunity to build manufactured homes for our communities. This business has been an innovator in the North for decades, manufacturing value-added products such as roof trusses, windows and fibreglass tanks. Recently, they have expanded and developed into a whole new field that will change how our territory houses our people.

Energy Wall Engineered Homes is now manufacturing affordable modular housing units, and has recently entered into a contract collaborating with the NWT Housing Corporation in a pilot project that will build one home in Yellowknife. I applaud the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation for supporting our local businesses; this is a clear sign of support to our hardworking business community, that she is living up to her mandate commitments by identifying potential areas of growth in our manufacturing sector and pursuing them with vigour.

Now, I encourage all of Cabinet Ministers to follow the same, and move the entire government in this direction so we can realize the longstanding goal of economic diversification for a stronger economy and a stronger Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm rising today to share one NWT resident's experience with a document called records of non-conviction and to call for the end of its use in Yellowknife.

A constituent of mine who was on income assistance got a job working with clients in the vulnerable sector. The employer properly requires applicants be screened to ensure that they don't have criminal records. Two days after getting the job, my constituent was let go. He has never been convicted of a criminal offence but the forms supplied by the RCMP detailed the things he was not convicted of. Mr. Speaker, this is a record of non-conviction.

What kind of things has he not been convicted of? Well, I don't know. From my research, I can say that these documents contain records of a person having been questioned by the police and not charged, or charged with charges that were later dropped, or charged and later acquitted. So my constituent lost a job he desperately needed because the police issued a form which confirms he has no criminal record, but which also says there is "adverse information" on file. In this circumstance, information is released on the crime investigated. But again, this is not a conviction, it's a suspicion.

Mr. Speaker, not to put too fine a point on it, this is outrageous. When I learned of this practice, I went to the Justice Minister for background information, and asked whether our administrative oversight powers under our policing contract enabled us to tell the RCMP to stop issuing records of non-conviction. The Justice Minister said this is a national policy of the RCMP and that the information is given to the job applicant, so it is not the police prejudicing anyone by informing prospective employers.

This is just obfuscation, Mr. Speaker, because you can't get or keep the job without the criminal record check and the criminal check is released along with the record of non-conviction, it's all on one page. The injustice of this situation is clear for any fair-minded person. The words "innocent until proven guilty" come to mind, but do they mean anything? I will have questions for the Minister.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a driver's license is considered an essential part of the modern lifestyle. It is required for many types of employment and viewed as an important rite of passage for youth. But, Mr. Speaker, not all NWT driver's licenses are created equal. If you get your license in a community of under 500 people, you can only drive within 100 km of your home address. In a community of up to 2,000 people, you can only drive within the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, the reasoning behind these restrictions is that small communities have limited traffic and rural-grade pedestrian infrastructure. There will not be opportunities for applicants to demonstrate proficient ability to parallel park, operate a vehicle safely at highway speeds, or even stop at traffic lights. That said, Mr. Speaker, these restrictions place some obvious limitations on drivers themselves, with far-reaching implications.

A valid driver's license is required for many jobs, especially entry-level and service positions. We are putting people at a disadvantage when it comes to employment opportunities. If they want to apply for a full, unrestricted driver’s license that is recognized across Canada, they have to travel to a large centre — Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Inuvik, or Fort Smith — on their own dime.

Mr. Speaker, this policy creates a barrier to workforce development for people in our small communities who need job opportunities, and an unreasonable expectation that people will be able to afford to go to a larger centre to successfully complete their exam. The government put major steps to allow students to finish high school in their home communities. It should be possible for anyone to get a full driver's license in their home community as well. We expect high school diplomas to be valid and recognized across Canada. It is a major issue when they are not. We should have similar expectations for NWT driver's licenses. We should be preparing our workforce by providing the opportunity to get a full, unrestricted driver's license to all NWT residents, regardless of where they reside.

Mr. Speaker, we need to find equitable ways to grant driver's licenses throughout the NWT and get our residents ready for the road. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, winter has come to the Delta. At this time of year and throughout the coldest months, people struggle with deteriorating homes. Things that are falling into disrepair become bigger problems. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT offers assistance to many residents to find adequate, affordable, and suitable places to live. Housing is crucial to a person's overall well-being. In the past, governments have encouraged people to build their own homes or even given homes to people in communities. Programs are available to subsidize the cost of home heating and repairs. Many people who could benefit from these programs in our small communities do not qualify because their total income is above the threshold.

Sure, we could all use extra funds to put towards renovations or repairs, Mr. Speaker, but that's not the issue. The problem is that many people simply cannot afford maintenance of their homes in places like Fort McPherson, Aklavik, and Tsiigehtchic because so much of their income goes towards heating fuel, power, water, food — the basic necessities. Mr. Speaker, it is unreasonable to expect a family to save up $60,000 to $80,000 for a new roof, new windows, or weather-proofed doors. Even on a higher income, projects that would save homeowners money over time are out of reach for many people.

Mr. Speaker, income testing is important to make sure our programs are being used fairly and as they are intended. We need to take a closer look at how they are applied and where subsidies are most needed. Our programs need to respond to the diversity of needs throughout the North. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

--- Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we need to look at the whole picture, from keeping the roof over people's heads to home ownership, ongoing maintenance to energy efficiency. It is too easy to sit in our warm, brightly lit offices in Yellowknife without considering the reality of our small communities. Mr. Speaker, we need to find a solution that works for people trying to make ends meet in places that are remote, cold, and where the cost-of-living is highest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll have questions for the Minister later today.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On August 1, 2016, Bill 44, An Act to Amend the Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act, came into effect. On this date, the NWT Health and Social Services Authority, the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council, the Regional Wellness Councils, was established. This new governance structure allows us to make necessary changes across the system which will help improve care and services for the NWT residents. Realizing it's only been two and three quarter months since the initiation of this new legislation and operations act, later I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, monsieur le President. Someone on the other side of the House may say that I'm not known for and may not recognize the good work of Cabinet. Well, today is their lucky day.

--- Laughter

More seriously, I want to recognize the work done to produce the Yellowknife Homelessness Road Map Action Plan and the individuals who contributed. The regular members of the working group who produced the plan were Jeff Anderson, NWT Housing Corporation; Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Homeful Partnership; Linda Bussey, Yellowknife City Councillor; Bryany Denning, Yellowknife Women's Society; Lyda Fuller, YWCA Yellowknife; Mayor Mark Heyck, City of Yellowknife; Catherine Lafferty, Yellowknives Dene First Nation; Matt Peggs, RCMP; and Dusty Sauder, Salvation Army.

Minister Caroline Cochrane played a key role in all of this through the Homelessness in Yellowknife Partnership Forum that took place in April of this year, that was the catalyst for this work and the resulting Action Plan. Minister Glen Abernethy has also assisted with enthusiasm, including a commitment to wrap-around services and to explore innovative harm reduction approaches.

I have reviewed the Action Plan and find it to be a balanced approach, a good mix of short, medium and long-term actions on homelessness here in Yellowknife. The actions are based on best practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions. The plan will require an increasing investment from GNWT and other governments, but I look forward to this investment from our government in the 2017-2018 budget.

Homelessness and the situation in our downtown were the top issues during my summer engagement of residents in Frame Lake. I look forward to the action plan as a clear path and commitment to address these important issues. Again, I applaud the work done by Ministers Cochrane and Abernethy with the City of Yellowknife and others, towards a real Action Plan on Homelessness for Yellowknife. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.