This is page numbers 1355 – 1384 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 going.

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, Mr. O’Reilly, Mr. Testart, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne.

The House met at 1:31 p.m.

--- Prayer

The Speaker

Good afternoon, colleagues. Colleagues, before we commence our proceedings today, I wish to speak briefly about the difficult issue of childhood cancer. As we all know, children's cancer is not a rare disease. It has touched so many lives. In fact, 1,500 Canadian children will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone, and more than 10,000 kids are living with cancer in Canada today.

Although September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, our House was not sitting, and I wish to take this opportunity now to spread awareness of this dreaded disease and its impacts on our lives and those of our constituents. Childhood cancer takes more lives than all other children’s illnesses combined. One in five children will not survive their cancer diagnosis. Despite these terrible statistics, only three per cent of cancer research funding in Canada is directed to childhood cancer research.

No one is safe from the ravages of this disease. One of my colleagues, the Honourable Chris Collins, Speaker of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, and his family have been directly impacted. Speaker Collins and his wife had their son Sean taken away from them far too soon. Speaker Collins recently brought to my attention an initiative called the "Maggie Project," in memory of a little girl named Maggie Jenkins. She was taken by the disease in 2014, just two weeks after being diagnosed. Her parents have donated lapel pins for every Member in this House in an effort to raise awareness of this dreaded disease. I would like to thank you for wearing the pin today, colleagues, and creating awareness and fundraising support for childhood cancer research efforts and vital programs and services that serve children with cancer across Canada.

On behalf of Speaker Collins and his family, and the Jenkins family, I thank you for your support and time today. My prayers and the prayers of this House go out to all Northerners and Canadians so

greatly impacted by this terrible disease. Masi, colleagues.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to support and participate in a National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls in collaboration with families, Aboriginal governments, the federal government, and other organizations.

I am pleased to report that on August 3, 2016, the Government of Canada formally launched the national inquiry. The launch included the appointment of five Commissioners to lead this work along with the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry. The Commissioners have been directed to recommend concrete actions to remove systemic causes of violence and increase the safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada; they have also been directed to recommend ways to honour and commemorate missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls; and provide its recommendations to the Government of Canada through an interim report by November 1, 2017 and a final report by November 1, 2018. The inquiry will be funded by the Government of Canada, with the participation and full cooperation of all the provinces and territories. The Commissioners are currently developing the process for the inquiry. I will continue to share any progress with Members.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has long supported the call for a national inquiry as we believe it is an important step in acknowledging and addressing the root causes of violence towards Indigenous women and girls in Canada with this in mind our government is committed to doing its part to support the National Inquiry. An important first step as a show of our commitment was the registration of an order under the Public Inquiries Act on October 4th that provides the National Inquiry with the authority to fully examine matters within the jurisdiction of the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories, led by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, is currently in the process of establishing an interdepartmental working group to guide our participation in the inquiry. These efforts will include collaboration with our Aboriginal government partners, families and other stakeholders. Our government continues to work with our federal, provincial and territorial government counterparts and the National Indigenous Organizations to fulfil the commitments agreed to during the Second National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls held this past February in Winnipeg. Among these efforts is the establishment of a pan-Canadian prevention and awareness campaign focused on changing the public perception and attitudes on the issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls. We are sharing information and seeking advice from our Aboriginal government partners on how to address the issues of violence in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, violence against Indigenous women and girls remains a serious issue in the Northwest Territories. While we welcome the news of the national inquiry getting underway, it remains critically important for all governments to continue to do their part to ensure that the national attention on violence against Indigenous women and girls remains at the forefront. This includes improving communication and coordination between Indigenous families, communities, victim services, policing, prosecutions, women’s groups, anti-violence groups and shelter workers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister for Education, Culture and Employment.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to strengthen culture and heritage in the NWT by working with stakeholders to update the 2010 NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan: A Shared Responsibility.

As we all know, there are nine official Aboriginal languages spoken throughout the Northwest Territories. Most of these languages are in a critical state and in real danger of disappearing over the next few decades. As our territory loses its elders, we find ourselves in a serious situation with fewer proficient, fluent speakers able to teach these traditional languages to our young people. Culture and language are closely connected, and while we see pockets of success throughout the territory, there needs to be a far greater focus from everybody on preserving and revitalizing these languages.

An updated NWT Aboriginal Languages Framework and Action Plan will reflect the government's new partnership approach to language revitalization, where regional Aboriginal governments are funded and responsible for managing their own language revitalization efforts. The updated plan will also better capture the advice and recommendations gathered from Northerners and territorial language committees over many years. It will also include measures to ensure all partners in language revitalization remain accountable.

Mr. Speaker, languages are the foundation on which cultures are created. Language is integral to healthy communities, individual self-esteem and the growth and development of our people. Through the use of languages, people express their unique world-view, value and self-worth. Language helps people define relationships and collect and share knowledge. The updated plan's vision is an NWT where Aboriginal languages are supported, respected and thriving to be celebrated by all people. This vision speaks to every NWT resident. Everyone has a role to play in preserving, promoting and celebrating the NWT’s Aboriginal languages.

We are continuing to seek input to update the plan from language partners, including the Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Board and the Official Languages Board. Members of both language boards have reviewed past recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Government Operations in their 2009 and 2014 reviews of the Official Languages Act and offered their recommendations for an action plan.

I will continue to seek advice from Aboriginal language partners over the coming months to ensure we build the most comprehensive framework and action plan that outlines effective approaches in the revitalization of our Aboriginal languages. I will share updates with Members as this important work progresses.

Mr. Speaker, revitalizing languages is a monumental task and one that the government cannot do alone. Revitalizing our nine Aboriginal languages can only happen when all language groups, key stakeholders and all NWT residents share the responsibility to support, respect and use Aboriginal languages. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has made this a call to action for all provinces and territories, to ensure the future of Aboriginal languages and preserve the culture of Aboriginal peoples across Canada. I look forward to tabling the updated NWT Aboriginal Languages Framework and Action Plan: A Shared Responsibility during Aboriginal Languages Month in March 2017. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

Masi. Ministers' Statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the past few years there has been an increased understanding and awareness that in Canada there is a disparity between the health status of Indigenous people and other Canadians. Acknowledging this reality forces us to confront difficult issues, including the legacies of colonization and the residential school system, and the fact that mainstream institutions have often not served Indigenous people effectively.

We must confront these issues if we are going to change. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action challenge us to acknowledge that the current state of Aboriginal health in Canada is a direct result of previous Canadian government policies. They further challenge us to establish measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, to recognize the value of traditional Aboriginal healing practices, and to provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals. The government’s mandate speaks to the need to deliver culturally appropriate services, and to implement the calls to action of the TRC.

Mr. Speaker, during my time as Minister of Health and Social Services, I have travelled to all the communities in the Northwest Territories. I’ve met with community leaders, attended Aboriginal Government Assemblies, and convened meetings with Aboriginal governments to discuss how to transform the health and social services system. I’ve heard over and over again that our system needs to do a better job of respecting the needs of Indigenous people, and of honouring their traditions. I’ve heard that we need to ensure our staff are given the opportunity to learn, not only about northern cultures and history, but about the lasting impact of residential schools on today’s families and communities. I’ve heard that there needs to be a place for traditional healing and traditional knowledge in our system.

We also need to recognize that other groups have experienced the effects of bias and lack of sensitivity when accessing services. The LGBTQ community has challenged us to do a better job of meeting their needs. Our communities are home to people representing cultures from around the world, and they all deserve to experience a high standard of service in our system.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today I will be tabling a document entitled “Building a Culturally Respectful Health and Social Services System.” This document outlines what we’ve heard from people across the Northwest Territories, what we’ve learned, and how we plan to move forward in full partnership with Aboriginal governments, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Leadership Council, the Tlicho Community Services Agency, regional wellness councils, and other key stakeholder groups like the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife.

This document represents a commitment to action. The action planning will not be done in isolation. It will be done in collaboration with our partners, recognizing the principle of “nothing about us without us”. This commitment is consistent with the government’s priority of collaborating with Aboriginal governments. I look forward to working with people across the Northwest Territories as we continue to improve care and services for all our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the Arctic's greatest mysteries lies under the surface of Darnley Bay; a large circular shape gravity anomaly near Paulatuk suggests very unusual geology and may be the result of an ancient meteor strike. Whatever its origin may be, Mr. Speaker, it's the largest gravity anomaly discovered in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, in 1969 the Geological Survey of Canada suggested the potential for massive deposits of nickel, copper and platinum minerals in that area, almost five times the size of the Sudbury Basin. Areas like the Sudbury Basin are proven to be one of the world's richest resources of minerals such as nickel and copper. Darnley Bay could hold the same wealth, but in even larger quantities.

In addition, there is the diamond potential in this region, as indicated by kimberlite on the nearby Parry Peninsula. Mr. Speaker, these resources could mean big things for the region, the Northwest Territories and the Inuvialuit. Darnley Bay Resources, a Canadian mining company, long ago negotiated the required agreements, permits and mineral rights. It continues to hold exclusive mineral rights in this area and has spent in excess of $20 million on exploration. Mr. Speaker, Darnley Bay is remote, expensive to access, an extremely challenging place to operate and explore. In 2011 the resource company wasn't able to complete its drilling program due to unstable permafrost conditions. Their last exploration project wrapped up in 2013. Mr. Speaker, like many companies, Darnley Bay has struggled with the downturn in the economy and has focused on other projects in order to raise money to invest back in the far North.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories must look towards future projects as our diamond mines reach the end of their life spans. There are exciting possibilities for exploration and discoveries in the Darnley Bay area. Mr. Speaker, the Arctic is changing quickly, it is becoming more and more accessible and the world is aware of the rich resource potential it offers. Mr. Speaker, we need to plan for the future, preparing our workforce, providing opportunities for youth and community development and finding ways to facilitate research, baseline environmental study and gathering traditional knowledge alongside exploration. Developing project readiness is a wise use of time during a slump in the market. Mr. Speaker, Darnley Bay is significant to the future of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the honourable Members on the excellent work done in the interim report on the review of Standing Committee of Rules and Procedures on public engagement and transparency, and also the work done on revising the guiding principles and process conventions for consensus government. This attempt to bridge the ever-growing democratic deficit is a real achievement by the 18th Assembly, and symbolizes that we are truly attempting to evolve our public engagement into 21st century standards, which admittedly, took a little longer than other jurisdictions, but not from the lack of effort of this Assembly.

Now, Mr. Speaker, it's time for us to continue this good work while also keeping to this mandate commitment I and other honourable Members of this House are very passionate about, and that's transparency. The primary focus of our mandate to transparency is that we improve access to information and the protection of privacy by developing and proposing amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Now, if we are looking for direction, we need look no further than the recently released 2015-2016 Annual Report by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the upcoming year will be the 20th anniversary of our act coming into force in the Northwest Territories, and as the Commissioner has suggested, the best way to celebrate this landmark will be a new and updated act. Most Canadian jurisdictions are ahead of the ball game on this, and particular praise goes to Newfoundland and Labrador's act which came into effect in 2015. It is being hailed as one of the most innovative and progressive pieces of access and privacy legislation, not only in this country, but across the globe. The act narrows exceptions while shortening timelines, and also provides more powers to the provincial Ombudsman.

Using this example, along with this government's commitment to updating our own act and developing an NWT Office of the Ombudsman, we have a real opportunity to create perhaps the most transparent access to information and protection of privacy regime in the world. This Assembly and its government has made great steps in transparency so far in this term, such as our nomination period for the premiership, recorded votes on legislation and appropriation bills which keeps Members of this House accountable to its constituents and literally makes us stand up for what we believe in. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, honourable Members. Cabinet's open houses have also given citizens the opportunity to speak directly on issues that matter to them and should matter to this government. Most importantly, we have put into place a mid-term review that will demonstrate our commitment to the principles of open government and accountability to which we all strive. Though it won't be easy, and I'm sure there will be bumps along the way, we must continue to endeavour down the path of open government. Most members of this House are not veteran politicians, and were elected on a change mandate, and at least in the areas of transparency and public engagement we are accomplishing the real change we have all committed to in this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about Indigenous Guardian Programs, an innovative model for strengthening communities and caring for the land and water we all depend upon. Indigenous guardians are the "eyes and ears" on the ground for Indigenous communities and effective partners with public governments. Working with the youth and with advice and direction from the elders, the guardians monitor wildlife, collect wildlife, water, sediment and soil samples to measure against baseline data while managing their territories and sacred places. They engage with industry and government partners and they provide training for youth, giving Aboriginal Youth an opportunity to re-connect with their elders and land that creates a sense of purpose and opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, we already see the positive results in the NWT. New research conducted by Social Ventures Australia, commissioned by the Dehcho First Nations and Lutselk'e Dene First Nations, shows that guardian programs in the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation and Dehcho First Nations generate major social and economic benefits:

● They improve public health, reduce dependency, strengthen environmental management capacity and for every one dollar invested, the programs save two and a half dollars in social spending.

● They also expand local economies. In Lutselk'e, the Ni'Hat'ni Dene Guardian Program is already supporting and managing tourism activity around Thaidene Nene. This has a big impact in remote communities in which most employment rates in small communities is below 50 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, when local economies and communities thrive the entire NWT benefits. Indeed, guardian programs can help the GNWT meet many of its mandates, from generating good-paying jobs to monitoring the Mackenzie watershed to implementing its sustainable economy plan and reaching at-risk Aboriginal youth.

Mr. Speaker, Social Ventures Australia did similar research for the Australian Governments PMOs on their National Aboriginal Stewardship Program. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement today.

---Unanimous consent granted.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The results of both research projects demonstrate real return on investment of a ratio of 2.5 return for every dollar invested. There is value here for the NWT and Canada, Mr. Speaker, and I will be asking the Minister Responsible for Environment and Natural Resources questions relating to this matter. Marsi Cho, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Anti-Poverty Campaign
Members' Statements

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in the House here today to talk about the Anti-Poverty campaign here. In March of 2016 I had the opportunity to attend my first Third NWT Anti-Poverty Roundtable, "Building on our success". The roundtable theme focused on children, family support, healthy living, reaching our potential, safe and affordable housing, sustainable communities and integrated continuum of services.

The Territorial Anti-Poverty Action plan was structured to build on successes and set priorities for the upcoming year and I am looking forward to the next one that is scheduled at the end of this month in Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased our Territorial Government is taking actions in reducing poverty in our remote communities, and I see the high need for this Anti-Poverty Campaign Conference in my Sahtu Region. Therefore, later I will have questions to the appropriate Minister on supporting the invitation of holding that conference in the Sahtu Region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Anti-Poverty Campaign
Members' Statements

The Speaker

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Reflections After A Year
Members' Statements

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'm going to reflect on this year since I was elected to represent the residents of Yellowknife Centre and, indeed, the whole Northwest Territories. I want to talk about yesterday as both the best of times as an MLA and among the worst.

Mr. Speaker, I want to start be referencing the mandate of the 18th Assembly. It is both our statement of principles and our work plan for our time here. It requires us to take action on the crisis of family and community violence. It also directs us to make strategic investments in transportation infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, the 26 priorities were not assigned a weight and it's clear that this government values some more than others. Mr. Speaker, 10 of us on this side of the House spoke passionately about the A New Day Program yesterday, a one-of-a-kind program in the NWT that provides healing for men who use violence and additional safety for women and children. We requested an additional year of funding while an evaluation of it is completed at a cost of $325,000.

Upstairs, just a few minutes later, Regular MLAs heard the government's pitch on building a 97-kilometre road to Whati. The road is in environmental assessment and there's work going on to come up with money for construction. The last public figure on the cost of this road is $150 million. Mr. Speaker, about the same number of people live in Whati as the number who have used the New Day Program, that's roughly 350 people. Yesterday we learned the government has decided to interpret the mandate to make the road to Whati a high-priced priority while remaining non-committal about funding a systemic solution to family violence, specifically the New Day Program. Perhaps what galls me above all is that no matter how many times we, as Regular Members, tell the executive to back off on its $150 million reductions target, our direction is ignored and generating cash for roads relentlessly wins out.

Mr. Speaker, I am never going to be happy when the government decides to invest in roads rather than people. The cost benefit study indicates some economic benefits if a mine ever goes ahead, almost no economic worth if it doesn't. Investment in the New Day Program may change not only the life of a single man but the life of his family scarred by the trauma of colonization and residential schools. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Reflections After A Year
Members' Statements

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and thank you colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I have spent much of this year advocating for people who live on the margins of our society: women and children, those who don't have adequate housing and those who live on low-income, those who've experienced violence and those with disabilities. It's a sometimes exhilarating and sometimes frustrating experience to pursue these issues in this House, but I'm committed to these people and this work with even greater passion than when I was elected a year ago. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Reflections After A Year
Members' Statements

The Speaker

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, monsieur le President. The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources now has the authority to sign off water licences following devolution. When I raised issues around how this new authority is being exercised, the Minister tabled a response in this House on October 27th. The Minister said "when rendering a decision on a water licence, it is the responsibility of the Minister to ensure the quasi-judicial process administered by the board has been conducted in a fair and transparent manner. To this end, procedural fairness is a primary consideration."

This raises a number of significant public policy and legal issues. One of the first times the Minister exercised this discretion over procedural fairness it was done in favour of a mining company that had submitted additional information after the close of a public hearing, which, in itself, was procedurally unfair. Do we not trust our land and water boards to set up and run procedurally fair processes? This is exactly what they have done in designing a Made-in-the-North approach with clear rules of procedure, collaborative work plans developed with all interested parties, an open public registry, and detailed reasons for decision.

I'm not a lawyer, but, when I went through the Waters Act, there was no specific direction or requirement in there for the Minister to ensure procedural fairness. Section 56 does provide for an appeal of any decision or order of the board on a question of law or questions of jurisdiction. Where should that appeal go? The law says it goes to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, not to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. This is the normal practice for questions around procedural fairness. The courts are the experts and final arbiters when it comes to procedural fairness.

If the Minister exercises any discretion in signing a water licence, it should be to make sure that Section 26 of the Waters Act has been complied with. This section sets out a number of requirements for a board issuing a licence, that compensation claims have been dealt with, that an applicant is financially responsible, and that water quality standards will be met. There are a number of contaminated sites around the Northwest Territories with very significant public liabilities, many of which have been raised in this House. I was surprised that the Minister would not make this issue of financial responsibility of licence applicants this government's primary consideration in signing off water licences. I will have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past spring I had the opportunity to speak with Chief Peter Marcellais and a number of councillors and band managers about building a youth wellness camp near the community of Nahanni Butte and the proposed Canadian Zinc mine. The community was very excited about the potential of building a youth camp, not only for their youth but for the youth of the whole region.

The community looked at going through the Government of the Northwest Territories to build this camp. The community felt, going to the government, it would take years before the camp was a reality, so the band looked for a new way and that began by negotiating with Canadian Zinc to access funding and building expertise to build this site.

Today I'm proud to say that Canadian Zinc and Nahanni Butte's First Nation are working hard to come up with a positive process and are close to finalizing their negotiations. In the Deh Cho Drum, Chief Marcellais was quoted, "The band is very happy with how the negotiation for funding has proceeding."

Mr. Speaker, the band has taken a different approach to their traditional territory. They want to be proactive, so they took the co-management approach to doing things. The agreement came after the band decided to take a lead role in the heritage study, road survey, and wildlife monitoring for the proposed all-season road leading to the potential mine. Mr. Speaker, it's about two organizations working together for the betterment of the residents of Nahanni Butte.

According to Chief Marcellais, working together on a framework for co-managing this important economic develop project is important and a good process to follow. Mr. Speaker, the band continues to look for employment in a way that does not look for a handout by the GNWT but a way the council and the residents of Nahanni Butte can help and protects their traditional territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.