Mahsi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and extend my best wishes to the 270 athletes, coaches, and managers from 18 communities who will make up Team NWT at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland from March 5 to 11, 2016. For over a year now, young people from across the Northwest Territories have been preparing themselves physically and mentally for this opportunity. I congratulate all of the athletes who have persevered through the territorial selection and have achieved their goal of representing the Northwest Territories at this prestigious international celebration of sport and culture. The Youth Ambassador Program has been giving NWT youth important opportunities to develop leadership skills and experience, and Youth Ambassadors will be joining Team NWT in Nuuk. Not only is this an important program for developing NWT youth, it is beginning to receive some international recognition. After seeing a presentation on the NWT program, the host society of the Nuuk games was so impressed with the NWT’s work that they have decided to develop a Greenland Youth Ambassadors program for their games. We are looking forward to the collaboration between representatives of our two nations and congratulate the 15 youth selected as NWT Youth Ambassadors for these games. At this time, I would also like to acknowledge another group of young athletes and the efforts being made on their behalf. There are a number of sports that will not be included in this year’s Arctic Winter Games because of either a lack of facilities or other resources. So they don’t miss an opportunity to compete and develop at higher levels, we are supporting other activities for athletes in these sports. Some of the highlights of this concurrent initiative include the midget hockey team traveling to Europe to compete in a series of exhibition games, curling teams participating in developmental clinics, and youth dog races that coincide with the dog-mushing circuit. As Team NWT makes its final preparations for the games, it is important to acknowledge the monumental contributions that volunteers and parents have made to support these young men and women. Without the coaches, officials, or the hundreds of volunteers who give freely of their time, we would not be able to have a Team NWT. We owe these people our heartfelt thanks. I also want to thank all of our sport and recreation partners who have contributed to this process. Our partners include the Sport North Federation and its Territorial Sport Organizations who select and manage the teams; the Beaufort Delta Sahtu Recreation Association; the Mackenzie Recreation Association; and the community governments who hosted various selection events along the way. Their contributions are significant and play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles and vibrant communities in the Northwest Territories. These partners have provided guidance and support, and organized the many selection events across the Northwest Territories that resulted in the final selection of Team NWT. Supporting the ongoing development of youth is a priority of this Assembly reflected in the GNWT’s new mandate. Support for the Arctic Winter Games and the Youth Ambassador program are two examples of the government’s work on this priority. In anticipation of the Opening Ceremonies and Team NWT’s participation in the 2016 Arctic Winter Games, I encourage all participants to continue to work hard and to always do their best. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and cultural delegates a fun and rewarding experience at the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has made improving accountability, transparency and collaboration a key priority. Having an effective and up-to-date access and privacy regime is fundamental to that priority. Every day the Government of the Northwest Territories collects and produces a tremendous amount of information. We have a responsibility to make sure that our citizens have access to this information, while also protecting the personal information entrusted to us. The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act demonstrates our government’s commitment to protecting privacy and providing access to information. The act gives all members of the public the legal right to request access to information held by government departments and public bodies, and to request a correction to personal information. The legislation sets out when a public body may collect, use, and disclose personal information. Refusals to disclose records may only occur if the Act provides for it. The NWT Information and Privacy Commissioner has the independent authority to review decisions made under the Act including how a public body has collected, used, or disclosed personal information. The area of access and privacy continues to evolve, and we need to make sure that we can respond to changes in technology and the development of integrated programs and services, as well as a variety of other issues raised by the public, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and past standing committees. Since the Act was introduced in the NWT in 1996, there have been a number of changes in Canadian policies, practices, and legislation relating to access to information or protection of privacy. Changes were made to the Act in 2004 and again in 2005 to respond to issues that had been raised either in our Assembly, from the Privacy Commissioner, or from those who use this legislation in their day-to-day activities. During the 17th Assembly, a commitment was made to proceed with a full and comprehensive review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. In the initial phase of the review, the Department of Justice conducted extensive research into access and privacy legislation in other provinces and territories, as well as a detailed examination of our current legislation. Based on this research and review, the Department of Justice has started consulting with other government departments, public bodies and the Information and Privacy Commissioner. The results of those consultations are being consolidated and will be included in our final report.

We also want to hear from the public on this important matter and will be seeking their views during the next phase of our review. We want to ensure that the act offers a proper balance between providing access to information and the protection of an individual’s privacy. We will be asking people to comment on whether the current privacy provisions need to be enhanced to allow for greater protections, as well as other issues that have been raised by stakeholders and public bodies. Beginning April 15, the Department of Justice will be posting a consultation document on its website, where everyone will be able to share their opinions on it. We will also be sharing it with the stakeholders and those who have expressed interest in the review. The deadline for submitting a written request will be June 15, 2016. Analysis and feedback received from the public, GNWT departments, public bodies, and the Information and Privacy Commissioner will be reflected in a report that will be published in the fall of 2016. The findings from this report will assist us to bring forward a proposal for possible amendments to the act. I hope Members will encourage their constituents to participate in this public consultation and have their say. We all need to contribute to improvements to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act in order to improve access, protect our personal information, and help keep our government accountable and transparent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, many communities face challenges in providing programs and services to their people because of a lack of affordable housing. The lack of housing makes it hard to recruit and retain staff. Lowering the cost of living is one of the priorities of this Assembly and increasing the availability of safe, affordable housing is one of the key actions to address this priority. The private market is not adequately meeting the need for more affordable rental housing, particularly in rural and remote communities. This is because the development and ongoing management of rental housing in small communities carries a capacity and risk profile that many developers are unwilling to meet. To help address this issue, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is developing more market rental housing units in our rural and remote communities. As new employment opportunities are created in communities through devolution and decentralization, and job vacancies are filled, there must be available and affordable housing to support these workers. Currently, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has 133 market rentals in most non-market communities. This number will grow to 205 units by 2017. The Housing Corporation is also working closely with education and health stakeholders, which are areas of particular concern, to improve the availability of information on Housing Corporation rentals. In the past, rents were based on individual unit costs and could vary significantly. There are now standardized rents using the same community zone system as other NWT Housing Corporation rental programs. The new rates are fairer and will give new staff more certainty about their housing costs. As the market rental rate is directly related to the cost of construction and therefore unsubsidized, the NWT Housing Corporation has been using modular homes for the first two years to make these units as affordable as we can for tenants. The NWT Housing Corporation has determined that this approach provides direct savings of up to 30 per cent compared to stick-built units. This past year, the NWT Housing Corporation worked with several northern contractors in the delivery of the market housing units. Through the request for proposal process, proponents in the South Slave, Beaufort Delta, and the Sahtu were awarded tenders. In the Sahtu, the units are under construction using an on-site structural insulated-panels approach, while the other two proponents offered factory-built modular housing. In this next phase, we will be looking to foster more innovation through a request for proposal process and will encourage the northern manufacturing sector and contractors to engage and participate in this process as we work towards the development of northern housing solutions to address our housing needs. Contractors and developers can expect a proposal call this spring for 2016-2017 projects. Reducing barriers to staffing caused by a lack of housing in non-market communities is an important way that the NWT Housing Corporation can support community employment and address the high cost of living. The introduction of more available, quality, and affordable market housing units helps to ensure that our communities are able to attract people and provide important front-line services to our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Assembly has made it a priority to focus on culturally appropriate delivery methods for mental health and addictions services within our communities. To accomplish this we need to improve the services and supports that we provide to our residents. We know that the current system needs improvement, and we must rethink the way mental health and addictions services are delivered. This is why we have updated the Mental Health Act, and we are conducting an external review of mental health and addictions programs as the first steps towards developing a Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Framework. In early 2015 I established a Mental Health Quality Assurance Committee to consider the care provided to a specific client, with a view to determine whether there was a need to improve the provision of mental health services. The Department of Health and Social Services secured the services of a renowned psychiatrist and professor at Dalhousie University, who is an expert on adolescent mental health, to lead this review. The committee submitted its final report to me on October 1, 2015. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table a document entitled, “Quality Mental Health Care: An Action Plan.” This action plan addresses each of the recommendations in the Case Review report. The action plan will also support continued work in the coming months to advance the development of the broader Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Framework that will aim to address gaps in the current system, improve service and program delivery, improve inefficiencies, and ensure public safety. We are working with a team of external experts to conduct a review of the current mental health and addictions system here in the Northwest Territories. They will examine the strengths and weaknesses of our system by looking at leading and emerging practices in other jurisdictions facing similar issues. The review will help ensure we have the best possible allocation of resources within the system so that programs are effective, efficient, and meet the needs of our residents. We will also reach out to front-line staff in our system and traditional knowledge holders in our communities, to ensure that the recommendations are appropriate and workable on the ground level as to implementation. The comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Framework will guide program development over the next five years. It will incorporate the recommendations of the external review to improve program delivery and ensure client and community well-being. The framework will provide a basis for the development of a mental health services action plan, an addictions action plan, and an action plan specific to children and youth. Communities and stakeholders have told us we need to improve the way we deliver mental health and addictions services to children and youth. Their mental health needs are distinct from those of adults, and require specialized services and supports. We recognize there is a critical need to enhance and improve services so that children and youth can receive appropriate care and services. This is a priority focus of the framework, and this is why we are developing a Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan specific to their needs. The new Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Framework will also address access to on-the-ground, culturally appropriate services. Work in this area is already under way and continues to expand. One example is a two-week pilot Mobile Treatment Program that recently took place in Fort Resolution in late January. This pilot was quite successful and we will use the findings to help us develop more programs that are delivered at the community level. We will also continue to work with Aboriginal governments and communities to support the successful on-the-land healing programs that are developed to meet the unique needs within each region. We are committed to strengthening the mental health and addictions supports and services for all of our residents. The action plan that will be tabled later today is an important milestone in our work to improve the mental health system in the Northwest Territories, but it is also just one step in an ongoing process. I am committed to seeing that process through, and to making meaningful improvements within the term of this government. The new strategic framework will ensure that we meet this commitment so that residents are able to receive the appropriate services at every stage of their journey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker

Mahsi. Ministers' statements. Deputy Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Alfred Moses will be absent from the House today to attend the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Colleagues, please allow me to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery today of Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford. As many of you know, Mr. Whitford has many roles: former Commissioner, former Speaker, former Minister, former Member, former Sergeant-at-Arms, honorary Clerk, and honorary Captain, Royal Canadian Navy. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Whitford to the House this afternoon. It's always a pleasure to have him in the gallery.

---Applause

Mahsi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, people in my riding are experiencing serious issues around land tenure. Members from the Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh riding can't buy land, and the current lease structure is a barrier to securing property. A lack of tenure limits residents' ability to obtain mortgage or benefit from government programs like those offered by the NWT Housing Corporation, programs that would make a positive difference in the lives of those people. Instead, land is rented from the Government of the Northwest Territories at 10 per cent of the value per year. Ideally, that would be rent to purchase the unit. For example, people could pay 10 per cent of the value for 10 years, and then they would become landowners. But Mr. Speaker, people are required to pay this amount as long as they live there, and most people can't afford that. Now there are arrears with no relief in sight. Property tax arrears include substantial interest, 15 per cent per year. If arrears continue to go up, people could face the sale of their homes. The current Property Assessment and Taxation Act does not allow for discount on payments of arrears in the General Tax Area. Another serious concern is a lack of provision for the eventual settlement of the Akaitcho Territorial Government land claim agreement in this area. It does not state how, currently, a rent structure will fit into the land claim process. It doesn't consider rent being charged to future land claim beneficiaries on what is rightfully their own land. I don't know how their arrears will be dealt with when the land claims are settled. The NWT Metis Nation Agreement-In-Principle states that the government and the Metis Nation will discuss real property taxation assistance as part of the final agreement negotiations. Prior to the final agreement, existing interest on Metis land would be identified. There are critical points as it relates to the issue of affordable rents being charged for the lots in this riding. I understand other residents in the Northwest Territories deal with similar land tenure and taxation issues in their regions. This government must make it a priority and find a solution. I urge Cabinet to work with our land claim organizations to resolve this increasingly serious issue.

Mahsi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for many years Northerners in and around Yellowknife could look forward to a fun gathering to celebrate the end of winter and the welcoming of spring. Caribou Carnival started way back in 1955 and was a staple of life in the region for more than 50 years. Unfortunately, Caribou Carnival ran out of gas a handful of years ago, but in 2012, a new group of dedicated volunteers came together to create a new festival. Believing that Yellowknife Bay was the place, and knowing Yellowknifers, Northerners, and visitors would love to celebrate the departing cold winter and welcome the coming spring, the Long John Jamboree was born. For four years, the Jamboree has celebrated the best parts of being a winter city: games, music, arts, food, heritage and sports, games on the snow stage, live music in the carnival tent, art exhibitions, the heritage photo booth, La cabane a sucre, the Burn on the Bay, and of course, the international Inspired Ice Carving Competition have made the Long John Jamboree a winter festival the city and territory can be proud of. Most importantly, the Jamboree has never charged a dime for admission. It has always been open to all -- for free, Mr. Speaker. Along with the snow castle, the dog derby, hockey games, snow volleyball, heli rides, Twin Otter rides, kite skiers, and kick-sledders, Yellowknife Bay is crammed with activity, fun, and celebration in late winter. Now, heading into its fifth season, the Long John Jamboree is itself coming up against tough times. The uncertain economy has affected support and sponsorship, and many of the regional volunteer organizers have moved on to make way for new blood. As we speak, volunteers are dedicating hours of hard work and creativity to make the fifth annual Long John Jamboree a reality, but a community-run non-profit festival can only be as strong as the supporters it has. The Jamboree can use our help and needs full community support. I'd like to congratulate the dedicated volunteers and organizers of the Long John Jamboree for their hard work, and I want to urge everyone to join in and make a contribution, no matter how small. Communities are made up of people coming together to make things happen. Celebrations like the Long John Jamboree deserve our support. I look forward to seeing everyone down on the ice March 25 to 27. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to recognize it in my statement the youth of our territory and region. Today, the 21 students from the Chief T'selehye School in Fort Good Hope are coming back from their trip from Edmonton, back to their home community after experiencing and touring some of the institutions that offer education, such as Grant MacEwan and NAIT. The exposure and the recognition for these individuals, the parents, and the community leadership, as well as a school staff, I want to recognize their hard work and efforts to making this a reality. Also, this previous weekend, we had 120 students right across the territory, and some from my areas well, participating in the Traditional Games Championships here in Yellowknife, and aside from that, there was the volleyball tournament. These functions really play a significant role in boosting the morale and the social fabric of this area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput

Quyanini, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the costs of living in Nunakput. Nunakput communities have among the highest community price index in the Northwest Territories. Prices are almost twice as high as in Yellowknife, and Nunakput communities do not benefit from highway or infrastructure. Goods are barged or flown into the communities. Still, labour and professional services are not always available. For example, doctors and tradespeople are flown in. People fly to Inuvik or Yellowknife for medical treatment. A flight from Inuvik to Ulukhaktok in one of our northern carriers costs as much as $2,700, and a flight from Inuvik to Yellowknife around $900. A southern vacation is out of the reach for a typical family. Medical travel costs are a serious burden to our healthcare system in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Fuel prices are set by the government’s Petroleum Products Division. They are fixed based on the rate that was paid in annual bulk fuel price purchases. People in communities served by the PPD are protected from spikes in the price of fuel, but they do not benefit when prices go down. The high cost of living has a devastating effect on elders and other people on fixed incomes. It is hard to encourage people to stay in their own homes when they struggle to pay for home heating fuel and groceries. The price of fuel to go out on the land harvest traditional foods can be prohibitive. If you're unsuccessful in hunting, should you have spent that money at the store? Some people have to take this avenue as there are no guarantees when hunting, and if you are successful, would you still share with an elder who was not part of your family? As we continue to debate the mandate of the 18th Legislative Assembly and begin our work as MLAs, we must be mindful that people in Nunakput and all of our ridings are struggling to have a comfortable place to live and enough food to eat. We must work together to find ways to reduce the cost of living for people in the Arctic such as developing alternative energy sources and engaging in federal government improvements through the Nutrition North program, while looking at creative ways for larger centres to assist smaller communities. At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of Finance. Quyanini, Mr. Speake

Mahsi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the new year I had an opportunity to go hunting up in my riding, and while hunting in the Yukon side of the territory, on our way back traveling with some of my constituents we had whiteout conditions on the Northwest Territories side of the border. At that time, one of my constituents brought it to my attention that it's very difficult to see the delineators alongside the highway. Many times in this House, I've commended the Department of Transportation with the widening efforts that's on the highway, but now we need to ensure that we put those delineators back in place. Also the signage that's on these highways: Many of those signs are outdated, you know they been there for a number of years. It's time to change them up. I'll have some questions for the Minister later today. Thank you.

Mahsi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the athletes, coaches, and youth ambassadors that are representing the NWT at the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland from my riding. However, before I do that, I need to think their parents, coaches, and chaperones for all their help in getting them to the games. These folks spent hundreds, maybe thousands of hours, to help them get prepared. The Arctic Winter Games are great combination of athletic competition, celebration of friendship, sportsmanship, and fair play that shows the world how competition can be done with a northern flair. I've been very fortunate to know the athletes personally and witness their commitment to excellence. These young people have spent years getting ready for these games. I applaud them for all their hard work. I had the opportunity to speak to two of the athletes and they are very excited about representing the NWT as well as the community, region, and their families at the games. I'd like to congratulate the following athletes: Kevin Anaviluk, commonly known as Kevin Roach to myself who's playing basketball and he's from Fort Simpson, and Sky Lennie, who is participating in the snowshoe biathlon, originally from Wrigley and now resides in Fort Simpson. I'd like to congratulate Ms. Valerie Gendron, the table tennis coach. Ms. Gendron is well known for her commitment to youth and now she's expanded to table tennis. As the Minister said in his Member's statement today, I have one of the 15 youth that was selected to be part of NWT Youth Ambassadors Program. As most people are aware, this is a great opportunity for youth development, and I congratulate the Minister and the government for developing this program. I would like to congratulate Melissa Pascua-Matte for being part of this year's Youth Ambassadors Program. I look forward to hearing their stories upon returning from the games. Like the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, I would like to thank all the partners who contributed to the process for the past two years: Sport North, Territorial Sport Organizations, the Mackenzie Recreation and Parks Association, Beaufort Delta Recreation Association, and various schools and recreation departments across the NWT.

In closing, I would like to wish the athletes, coaches, mission staff, youth ambassadors, parents all the best in the games. I envy you. All the best. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.