This is page numbers 2625 - 2646 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.

Medical Travel Coverage
Members’ Statements

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Medical travel: where do I begin? There are issues with scheduling. There are issues with where patients are sent and how those decisions are made. There are issues with escorts. In Hay River, we have even had issues about the accessibility of the actual medical travel office.

Today I want to talk about an issue that does not receive enough attention in this House or from the government. Most people in the territory have some sort of extended health benefits which cover virtually all the costs associated with medical travel. The GNWT provides such benefits to its employees and their spouses and dependants, as do other public entities and many private companies. Similarly, benefits are extended to individuals registered under the Indian Act, Indigenous Metis, seniors, and those from households with incomes under $80,000 per year.

This means that the only NWT residents who do not qualify for full medical travel coverage are those from households that earn over $80,000 a year. To be fair, there is some coverage for those who earn above the threshold. Return flights to medical appointments only cost $250, and they receive $50 a day for accommodations and $18 a day for meals when on approved medical travel trips.

According to the government, the fact that these amounts do not cover all of the medical travel costs is a recognition that these costs need to be shared between the GNWT and those who can afford it; but, Mr. Speaker, can they afford it? A young, relatively healthy single individual who makes $80,000 a year may be able to foot the bill for the few times just to travel to Yellowknife for medical issues. What about the family of four that earns just above the threshold? What if a child has a medical condition that requires monthly visits to the specialist in Yellowknife or Edmonton? What if a parent must take time off work to accompany that child, and what if they have to bring their other two kids, as well? Suddenly, that $50 for accommodation allowance and $18 a day for meals are not cutting it. I have had constituents in that bracket who have had to push back psychiatrist appointments for their children because they just could not afford it that month.

A living wage in Yellowknife for a family of four is actually above the current threshold, and that does not include medical costs. Assuming a similar living wage for other communities, it is clear that the threshold is too low. This threshold was introduced 14 years ago as an interim measure. Adjusted for inflation, it would be over $100,000 now, Mr. Speaker. Clearly, this threshold needs to be updated as well as the other policy issues surrounding this. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Medical Travel Coverage
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Regulation Of Dual Agency Real Estate Transactions
Members’ Statements

September 19th, 2017

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. In the winter sitting, I raised some issues regarding consumer protection under our legislation. The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, who has responsibility for this area, committed to improving public information on consumer protection, and MACA has recently produced a pamphlet. I thank her for that.

Since then, I have also become aware of concerns regarding our regulation of the real estate sales sector. Our Real Estate Agents Licensing Act regulates the real estate business to some extent, but this is mainly in regard to the licensing and procedural practices of realtors. It provides, for example, that you must have a licence to act as a real estate agent, how contracts and funds must be handled, and the like. It provides that the license may be cancelled for general reasons, including doing "anything that dishonestly influences, discourages, or induces a trade," but in the modern sense of regulating realtors, it does not get down into any detail, specifically, what practices may or may not be ethical or proper.

A good example is the lack of regulation of the practice of realtors acting on behalf of both the buyer and the seller, a practice called multiple representation or dual agency. Realtors are supposed to protect their clients' interests and make transparent disclosures. A realtor acting on behalf of the seller has knowledge that could be very valuable to the buyer. Having information about a buyer's circumstances could be useful to the seller. Dual agency is not permitted in some jurisdictions, is the subject of extensive ethical guidelines in other places, and presents obvious concerns regarding how the interests of each client are protected. It is not even mentioned in our legislation.

The purchase and sale of homes are the biggest financial transactions in most people's lives and should be properly regulated. Cabinet makes much of how full its legislative workload is. Although, again, it would be hard to know that on the basis of the very few bills this Assembly has passed to date.

I am putting my hand up now to get this piece of legislation, a review in modernization of realty legislation, on the list of future legislative initiatives. I will have questions for the Minister regarding real estate regulation and the protection consumer affairs can provide. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Eulogy For Marilyn J. Lee
Members’ Statements

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to speak about a member from Fort Simpson who recently passed away, Mrs. Marilyn J. Lee. Marilyn was born and raised in Trail, B.C., before coming north and calling it home. In her early years, Marilyn quickly picked up the art of cooking from her mother. Her passion for cooking and adventurous spirit brought her north.

Marilyn moved to the community of Fort Simpson in 1986, after spending the previous five years as a camp cook at the military base in Inuvik. In Fort Simpson, Marilyn served as a cook with the kitchen staff at the Fort Simpson long-term facility. Her generous spirit was reflected in her wonderful meals that not only leave your stomach filled, but your soul, too.

During her tireless effort as a cook Marilyn served countless elders of the community. Marilyn's accommodating nature caused her to constantly advocate for traditional food in the long-term care unit. She ensured traditional meals that meant so much to the local elders were served.

Marilyn was a kind woman with a big heart. Many current adults of the community remember turning to Marilyn for support in their teen years. One defining characteristic of Marilyn was her lively facial expressions. You could tell how Marilyn was feeling about something by the look on her face. Her generous nature did not allow her to mask her feelings and emotions when sought out. She also had a big, accepting heart and a warming, welcoming home. It was not only citizens of the community that Marilyn cared for, but she was also known for always caring for animals, whether they were her own or strays.

Marilyn will always be remembered for amazing food and very large, generous servings. Her family and friends will tell you there was always too much food on Marilyn's table, but Marilyn cooked everything with love and always wanted to ensure everybody was well-fed.

Marilyn leaves behind two children, Natasha and Tim, and five grandchildren. She passed away in her daughter's arms after a brief battle with cancer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Eulogy For Marilyn J. Lee
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Our condolences to the family, as well, as well as the region. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has become an unfortunate tradition of mine to do eulogies for the people who have passed from sitting to sitting in my riding. Today, I have two such eulogies.

First, I would like to speak of Marie Jackie Smith, born May 29, 1939, and sadly passed away on July 7, 2017, at age 78.

Mr. Speaker, Jackie came from a large family in Fort Smith, the Benwell family; and also a family in Ndilo who loved being around her. Jackie was a very kind-hearted person who loved to work hard for her family. Jackie wanted to make everyone happy, so she always took time around her family and friends. Jackie's passion was her grandchildren. She had a passion for her grandchildren, and she loved spending most of her time with them.

Jackie is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Lockhart; grandchildren Amber, Catherine; sisters Shirley, Betty, Joyce, Jessie; and many other friends and family.

Mr. Speaker, Jackie is predeceased by her spouse, Jean Louis Lafferty; parents Mary Lockhart McKay, William Lockhart, and Paul McKay.

Mr. Speaker, my sincere condolences go out to the late Marie Jackie Smith, daughter, grandchildren, sisters, cousins, and all her friends and family.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to send my deepest condolences to the Mackenzie family of Ndilo. Helene Jean Mackenzie was born June 9, 1924. She passed away on July 13, 2017, at the age of 93.

Helene came from a large family in Ndilo, the Mackenzie family, and also had family in Behchoko. Helene was a very kind-hearted person who loved her family. Helene always took time to be around her friends and family, and did have a real passion for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helene is survived by her children Napoleon, Rose, Jimmy, Paul, Bertha, Kathy, Nora, Dixie Lee, Carol, Hardy; sister Roseanne Manthla. She had many grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends.

Mr. Speaker, Helene is pre-deceased by her spouse Alexis Mackenzie, children Louis, Moise, Therese, Stanley, Eva, Marie; grandchildren Eddie Paul, Savannah, and Todd.

Mr. Speaker, I recently was introduced to Helene by her son Napoleon. Mr. Speaker, my sincere condolences go out to the late Helene Jean Mackenzie's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family. She will be missed by all who knew her. Marci Cho, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Again, our condolences to the family and also to the region. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Colleagues, I'd like to drawn your attention to visitors in the gallery. We have with us Yellowknife Mayor Mark Heyck. Thank you for joining us today. Also from Whati, Mike and Sally are here with us today. Their daughter is here as one of our Pages, and I would like to say masi for coming. Welcome to our proceedings.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the members of the Antipoverty Advisory Committee as visitors in the gallery today. The committee plays an important role in helping to guide the planning for annual antipoverty roundtables. They have helped us to establish performance measures for poverty in the Northwest Territories, and they do a hard work in reviewing the applications to the Antipoverty Fund. I really respect their guidance and their commitment to the Northwest Territories and residents and communities. I am happy to have them here with us today. We have with us here Committee Chair Mayor Mark Heyck from Yellowknife, Elder Pat Martel from K'atlodeeche First Nation, Knute Hansen from Aklavik, and the two members who were not able to join us today are Nora Wedzin and Ruby Jumbo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week we are joined by students from the Chief Sunrise School, plus their chaperone Grace Sabourin. I would like to welcome them during this week. Sonya Sabourin and Sheena King-Sabourin as well will be working here this week. I also recognize and acknowledge Elder Pat Martel, K'atlodeeche First Nations Councillor and Chief as well. Mahsi.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Knute Hansen, the band manager for Aklavik. Welcome to the House. Mahsi.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my constituent Mayor Mark Heyck and thank him for his leadership and his service.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Have we missed anyone in the gallery? Thank you for joining us. It is always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, early in my statement, I had talked about the small community employment initiatives, so my questions are to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

In most of our small communities there's a description that caught my attention; it's called "non-market communities" and it's pretty true. Most of our small communities are remote and isolated and, of course, there is no economic market in those small communities, but for the most part our small communities have 50 per cent employment rates, are very strong in our traditional economy, and as I said, they are remote and isolated. With that in mind, can the Minister describe the changes made to the Small Community Employment Support program following the 2017-2018 budget deliberations earlier this year? Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I'd just like to commend the Member's community of Fort Providence and the youth for all the work that they are doing in the community that he mentioned in his opening comments.

On April 1, 2017, with the enhancements that were implemented with the Small Community Employment Support program, we did look at expanding eligibility, increasing benefit levels, and adding flexibility for communities and employers as well as organizations.

We are also looking at communities that were previously ineligible to allow them to apply for funding, and the communities of Behchoko, Hay River, Inuvik, Simpson, Smith, and Norman Wells are now on those lists. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

The Minister clearly had indicated there's a big slant towards regional centres, and he just described that, and what this program was intended for was for small communities. What further changes will be forthcoming and when can we expect their implementation?

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Because we put the program in April 1st, 2017, we've been trying to get that funding out to more communities so that it's being utilized at a better rate. We are also looking at some of our other initiatives. With Skills 4 Success, working with some of the small communities on projects where we've seen successes, and I think the Member had mentioned some in his Member's statement. We are going to continue to review those and see how we can look at other policy changes that need to be developed, but we're going to have a look at this.

As the Member knows, and as Members of the Assembly know, the previous funding that was allocated for Small Community Employment Support programs wasn't fully utilized. We made a significant increase and we're trying to make sure those dollars are being spent so that we are creating employment in our smallest communities.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

The Minister had indicated again that more communities could be able to access this program and that there are other smaller communities besides the City of Yellowknife and the larger regional centres. The question I'm interested in is, through the rest of this fiscal year, how will the Department of Education, Culture and Employment work with regions and communities, especially the small communities, to create new jobs, for example under the Small Community Employment Support programs?

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

We have career development officers, employment transition officers in all the regions, and we are trying to get them to get that information out to our NGOs, our companies, our businesses, our band offices to make sure that they understand that this program is actually in place and how we need partnerships, we need better dialogue and communications on how we can work together to get more employment in small communities.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.