This is page numbers 3795 – 3814 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was work.

Topics

Members Present

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

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

---Prayer

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, Members. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, this Legislative Assembly made a mandate commitment to develop a territorial climate change strategy that takes into account Northern energy demands and the cost of living, while reflecting international and national commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions, exploring options for carbon pricing systems, and capturing local alternatives.

The people of the Northwest Territories are concerned about the changes they are noticing to the land and water. They want to be part of improved planning and communication around climate change, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and they have expressed interest in transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

The 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework, which will be publically released this spring, will address the concerns and interests of our residents through three key objectives:

1. Transitioning to a strong, healthy economy that is 30 per cent less reliant on fossil fuels;

2. Improving our understanding of climate change impacts on the NWT; and

3. Building resilience and adapting to a changing climate.

Mr. Speaker, the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework was developed through extensive engagement with Indigenous, community, territorial, and federal governments; stakeholders, such as industry and non-government

organizations; and NWT residents. It also addresses many of the findings and recommendations outlined in the Climate Change Audit released by the Office of the Auditor General in October.

During the most recent round of public engagement, we received 145 detailed comments, which were compiled and incorporated, as appropriate, into the framework. The amount of feedback received demonstrates the importance of this issue to Northerners. A "what we heard" document summarizing these comments is being finalized and will be posted on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources website in the coming weeks.

Following the release of the Climate Change Strategic Framework, an action plan for its implementation will also be finalized. This plan will guide the NWT as we begin work to achieve the goals outlined in the framework over the next five years. Annual reviews will ensure we are making progress. Every five years, another five-year action plan will be developed so that we continue to meet the coming challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.

Partnerships with Indigenous governments, communities, and stakeholders will be critical for the successful implementation of the action plan. Environment and Natural Resources will continue strong leadership and coordination within the NWT and with other provinces, territories, and the federal government to ensure its success.

Mr. Speaker, when it is completed, the 2030 Climate Change Strategic Framework will closely align with related plans and strategies being developed by our government, including the 2030 Energy Strategy, the NWT Petroleum Resources Strategy, and our approach to carbon pricing in the NWT. This coordinated approach to energy and climate change will build on our previous successes to ensure the future sustainability of our communities and lay out a clear vision that will benefit all NWT residents.

This work will take time to achieve, Mr. Speaker, but with a clear plan, we will all benefit from this long-term vision for generations to come.

The government has worked diligently to ensure the voices of our Indigenous governments, communities, and residents have been included in this comprehensive framework that will provide us with a roadmap to greater climate change mitigation, resiliency, and adaptation over the next 12 years.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide their input into the future of climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Northwest Territories, and I look forward to bringing forward the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework this spring. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide Members with an update on the NWT On the Land Collaborative. We know that on the land programs contribute to community wellness, healing, healthy living, and environmental stewardship and protection. These are fundamental goals of our government's mandate. Residents have also been clear in telling us that opportunities to be on the land are important to them. That is why, in addition to community wellness and programming supports, our government worked with partners to launch a new type of funding model, the NWT On the Land Collaborative, three years ago.

The funding collaborative approach brings people together: government; the charitable sector; business and industry; and other community partners, so that we can combine our efforts and pool our resources, including funding, expertise, tools and equipment, and other supports. The Department of Health and Social Services was a proud partner in the creation of the NWT On the Land Collaborative in 2014, and has continued to work closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Tides Canada, and the NWT Recreation and Parks Association as the administrative leads for the collaborative.

At its heart, the collaborative's goal is to find new approaches to meet shared priorities across sectors. Businesses, governments, and charitable organizations contribute financial and human resources collectively to maximize the overall impact and benefit to NWT residents. This partnership approach has shown great success towards improving the lives and well-being of NWT residents and has proven to be an efficient and effective use of resources.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most innovative elements of the collaborative, and a key to its success, is the participation of community advisors who are appointed by participating Indigenous governments. We have been fortunate to have representatives from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Tlicho Government, Dehcho First Nations, NWT

Metis

Nation, and Akaitcho Territory Government sitting at the table as equal partners throughout the creation of the collaborative and its ongoing work. Community advisors are an amazing resource for anyone applying for funding through the collaborative, and they contribute a huge amount of time and effort towards helping people through the application process. They also provide invaluable insight and guidance to the other partners to help them make good decisions about how to allocate funding.

With the help of community advisors and the continued commitment of funding partners, this innovative approach to support land-based programming has seen tremendous success since it was first launched, and has reached an important milestone this year.

Mr. Speaker, this year the NWT On the Land Collaborative has successfully grown its funding pot to $1 million. To provide some context, three short years ago the collaborative distributed $381,850 to 35 projects in year one, followed by $634,845 for 35 projects in year two. Now, with $1 million available, this year the collaborative will support 48 land-based initiatives across the territory, with more than half of these projects receiving full funding. This remarkable growth is made possible through the increased support of existing partners and by welcoming new partners to the table.

Two more GNWT Departments have joined the collaborative and have committed time and funding this year. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues from the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Industry, Tourism and Investment for seeing value in the work that the collaborative makes possible. I would also like to recognize my colleague from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, who was an early partner and supporter of this initiative. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge and congratulate the other sector partners for believing in the On the Land Collaborative and recognize their continued support: Tides Canada, Dominion Diamond Corporation, the NWT Recreation and Parks Association, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, Diavik Diamond Mine, Health Canada, and the Gordon Foundation.

As has been the case in previous years, a wide range of grant amounts and project types will be supported in 2018. Small grant recipients include an ice fishing program in Whati and a land and culture-based retreat for LGBTQ+ students and their allies in the South Slave. Medium-sized grants will allow the Ulukhaktok Community Corporation to run a summer language camp for young people in their community, and Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson to immerse students in traditional Gwich'in culture while travelling on the Peel River. Large grants have been awarded to the Dehcho First Nations' Stewardship and Guardian Program, and the Tulita Dene Band's walking journey along traditional trails for elders and youth.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of the collaborative partners, I want to congratulate all of the recipients and thank all of the applicants for their leadership and dedication to on the land activities in their communities. I also want to recognize all of the partners whose continued commitment to the NWT On the Land Collaborative is supporting meaningful programming in our communities and is contributing to the health and wellness of our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, as per the mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the commitments made in the 25-year Transportation Strategy, the Government of the Northwest Territories has been working to secure funding to advance planning and construction of critical transportation corridors in the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories' three proposed transportation corridors, the Tlicho all-season road, the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor, and the Mackenzie Valley Highway, will bring great benefits to the Northwest Territories. These corridors will connect residents to the services they rely on, stabilize the cost of living, provide well-paying jobs and training opportunities, and increase our resiliency to the effects of climate change. The corridors will also support northern industry and businesses by providing a gateway for increased trade and development.

We are getting closer to improving access for residents of the Tlicho region. The Tlicho all-season road project will be funded using a P3 model, with the Government of Canada covering 25 per cent of the costs. In December 2017, the GNWT signed the final financial agreement for the project with Canada and issued a request for proposals for construction. Three preferred proponents identified through the request for qualifications stage were invited to submit proposals. The RFP was released in alignment with the environmental regulatory schedule, and will allow ample time for the proponents to prepare the required documents. A report of environmental assessment is expected to be released by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board later this month.

Mr. Speaker, as we await critical decisions regarding the Tlicho all-season road, the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to work with the federal government to deliver meaningful investment in the two other transportation corridors. In November of last year, the Government of the Northwest Territories submitted comprehensive project proposals for the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor and Mackenzie Valley Highway to Transport Canada for funding consideration under the National Trade Corridors Fund. Up to $400 million in funding is being dedicated to transportation projects in the three territories under this program. The funding allocated to projects will be based on merit, with a focus on trade corridor efficiency and reliability.

Construction of an all-weather road into the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor would address the lack of access to this mineral-rich part of Canada. The project would increase our resiliency to the impacts of climate change, while significantly reducing associated additional costs and operational difficulties for the mining industry. All-weather road access would also support the delivery of green energy projects, such as the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project, which would ensure a more sustainable energy system for the Northwest Territories and Canada.

Extension of the all-weather Mackenzie Valley Highway would increase intercommunity mobility in the Sahtu Region. The Government of the Northwest Territories is working closely with the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated to advance the project. The highway would replace the existing winter road into the region, which is currently affected by the impacts of climate change, resulting in increased maintenance costs, travel and resupply delays, and potential safety risks. It would allow for increased traffic volumes and weights along this corridor, resulting in efficiencies in the delivery of essential goods and lowering the cost of living in communities. Increased economic development could be enabled by providing increased access to mineral and petroleum resources in the region and reducing costs of production and exploration.

The Government of the Northwest Territories' proposals under the National Trade Corridors Fund identified funding for all project phases, with a focus on next priority phases. This includes replacement of the Frank Channel Bridge for the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor, construction of the Great Bear River Bridge for the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and undertaking environmental assessment and planning activities for both projects. It is anticipated that decisions around this first round of proposals will be announced in April.

These project proposals will also be shared with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, as there is significant opportunity to fund other phases of both projects under the bank. The Infrastructure Bank will provide $35 billion over 11 years using loans, loan guarantees, and equity investments. The bank will focus its investments on large, transformative, revenue-generating projects, including transportation networks. At this time, we are still awaiting additional details about the operations of the bank.

Mr. Speaker, we are in the early days with regard to the extension of the all-weather Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor. As we move toward securing funding for the projects, we will continue to engage Indigenous groups and work with them to take advantage of the benefits that the projects will bring. We will also work closely with these groups and our counterparts in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure ongoing protection of wildlife and the natural environment.

Mr. Speaker, strong, effective partnerships with the federal government and Indigenous governments are essential to the success of these projects. Together, we can improve transportation connectivity across the territory, helping achieve our social and economic goals and improve the quality of life of the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.

2018 Arctic Winter Games
Members' Statements

March 11th, 2018

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can you feel it? Can you feel the excitement? It's in the air because the 2018 Arctic Winter Games are almost here. The towns of Hay River and Fort Smith have been busy for the past three years getting ready for the 25th Arctic Winter Games, and now the final preparations are being made to put on what will undoubtedly be the biggest event this territory has seen in the past decade, and that is being modest.

We are less than a week away from the opening ceremonies on March 18th at the Hay River Recreation Centre. Mr. Speaker, what a way to break in the brand new recreation centre, and when I say brand new, I mean brand new. It opens tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, it's a thing of beauty. That facility is undeniably the most beautiful sports and recreation centre in the NWT, and it alone is worth a trip to Hay River.

The opening ceremonies will be a spectacle that you do not want to miss, but that is just one of the many things to see and do during the week-long games.

Do you like sports? There will be badminton, ski biathlon, snowshoe biathlon, Dene games, dog mushing, futsal, gymnastics, hockey, snowshoeing, volleyball, wrestling. I am still going, Mr. Speaker. There will be arctic sports, basketball, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, snowboarding, speed skating, and table tennis. Hay River is host to 11 events. Fort Smith is hosting nine.

There will be competitors from Nunavut; Yukon; Nunavik; Northern Alberta; Greenland; Alaska; Yamalo, Russia; Sapmi; and, of course, the Northwest Territories. The 353 Members of Team NWT include athletes, coaches, mission staff, and cultural performers, and I have to give a shout-out to the participants from Hay River North, athletes Trey Beck, Riella Bordey, Nicole Griffiths, Layne Leonard, Chandelle Leonard, and coach Therese Fordy.

If sports aren't your thing, that's not a problem, Mr. Speaker, because each contingent is bringing cultural delegates who will showcase cultures and talents from around the circumpolar world. There will be daily cultural performances in Fort Smith and a cultural gala on March 23rd at Fort Smith's Catholic cathedral. The Arctic Winter Games marketplace will be held at the Chief Sunrise school gym at the K'atlodeeche First Nation Reserve, and it will be a must-see. There are also to be a number of exhibits and workshops in both communities that you will not want to miss.

There is going to be a lot to see, so don't forget to bring your camera, and, when you are taking a selfie with Kechi, the AWG mascot, don't forget to wear your official Arctic Winter Games gear, available at stores throughout the South Slave.

Finally, thank you to the host society, the sponsors, and all of the volunteers who are making these games a reality, and, of course, good luck to all of the athletes. So come one, come all, and find your power at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2018 Arctic Winter Games
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

What a way to start Monday afternoon. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know if I can top that. So, I attended a public meeting on the Giant Mine remediation project last week. This will be the largest-ever project for Yellowknife, at over $1 billion, with up to 250 to 300 jobs for at least 10 years, then jobs in perpetual care. The federal government awarded the main construction management contract to US-based Parsons Corporation, a US company. The $600 million contract will begin as early as 2020 and may run as long as 22 years.

While our community continues to deal with the terrible legacies of the Giant Mine, the remediation represents a very significant opportunity for major socio-economic benefits. Unfortunately, the federal government does not have strong procurement requirements for northern benefits. For example, in the main construction management contract, only 10 per cent of the total hours are targeted for Indigenous employees, with only a 2 per cent penalty if the target is not met.

The federal government wants to use Parsons to manage the remaining work and incorporate unknown northern targets. There does not appear to be any overall socio-economic benefits strategy with clear targets or binding minimum requirements: not good enough.

For the diamond mines, northern employment targets range from 30 to 60 per cent, increasing during the operational phase. Local purchase of goods and services targets range from 28 to 70 per cent, again increasing with the operational phase. There are additional requirements for literacy training, employment of women, monitoring, and reporting. None of these things seem to be in place for the Giant Mine remediation.

This project has the potential to develop world-class expert capacity in remediation management, supply, and technology. A huge amount of remediation work is still required in the North, including the more than 700 sites identified under the devolution agreement and others such as Norman Wells and Faro, in the Yukon.

There have to be better ways to ensure Northerners benefit from the remediation at Giant Mine. To get around federal restrictions, we need a formal socio-economic agreement for this project so that funds flow through GNWT as we seem to be able to incorporate more comprehensive targets than the federal government is willing to set. I will have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources about northern benefits to be gained from the Giant Mine remediation and how we can begin to develop the remediation economy. Mahsi. Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in times of hardship, the communities of the Nahendeh riding always come together. A valuable Member of the riding is Darcy Lafferty of Fort Simpson.

For the last couple of years, Darcy has been a reliable non-medical escort for many patients in the Nahendeh riding. He realized the value of being a non-medical escort after he escorted his father when he was ill. Darcy began accompanying friends and family so that he could be there for them in their time of need, like he was there for his father. Soon enough, Darcy became known as a very reliable escort by all patients, so they began to request him by name.

Thus far, Darcy Lafferty has escorted patients on more than 70 appointments. Although most trips are to Yellowknife, Darcy has accompanied patients to Edmonton. His longest trip was six days long. He sits next to the patients going to and from Yellowknife or Edmonton and riding back home to and from appointments, and calming their nerves when they are nervous. He is relied upon by the patients and residents. He puts them at ease and ensures that the patient knows what is going on. He is punctual in getting them to their appointments and making sure he has all the patients need.

Darcy is always prepared. For himself, he always has a packed bag at home in case he comes back from escorting one patient and has to go the next day escorting another. Despite facing difficult challenges during certain medical trips, Darcy continues to serve with a smile and continues to accept patients when requested. Darcy's commitment while escorting patients is 24/7. He never leaves the patients, even during times outside of the medical appointment. Darcy is so reliable that other patients at the boarding home who Darcy is not escorting will request his assistance. Darcy gladly helps them out after checking that the patient he is escorting is okay with them.

Mr. Speaker, Darcy has served a valuable role for our medical system, supporting patients. Unfortunately, it is tiring and he has missed out on employment opportunities as a result. An ironic thing about this is that, when Darcy required a medical escort, he had nobody available.

Due to challenges in our region, it is increasingly difficult to find non-medical travel escorts. Some patients have no families to accompany him, and those close to them are unable to leave home and Darcy is their saving grace. I would like to thank Darcy from myself and the residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Dare I say it, Mr. Speaker? It seems that spring is coming to our land. The sun is back, and we will soon see melt water at the ends of the ice crossing between the town of Hay River and the reserve. The people of the K'atlodeeche First Nation love the spring, but the closing of the ice crossing over the Hay River is very inconvenient for them. Unfortunately, people will soon be dodging the pockmarks and potholes that riddle the chip seal of the all-season access road linking the reserve to the highway and into Hay River. Last fall, the access road was at its worst. There are drainage problems in addition to the cracks and potholes. People do slow down, but the fact is that too many surface hazards compromise the safety of the road.

Mr. Speaker, residents complained to me and to the chief and council that the road was so bad that it was causing damage to their vehicles. I have raised this issue with the Minister of Infrastructure before and remember that there were plans to repair and resurface the road. There was a rare time when I was glad to see a sign "road work ahead." Now that it is almost spring, I am full of optimism that the actual road work is not far ahead. I know that the Minister must regularly drive the access road between Hay River and the reserve and probably feels a burning desire to see the job done in the upcoming construction season. I'm also optimistic that, in the time that has passed, the Minister has been able to work out many issues with the Government of Canada, but who is responsible for what in maintaining the access road?

Mr. Speaker, you can tell the spring sunshine is getting to me and perhaps all the time we've spend indoors lately. I'm dying to get out there, so I'll make the Minister of Infrastructure a rare offer. Short of putting me on a big machine or handing me a shovel, I'm here to help, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps you will spend some quality time with me fixing the road access to the Hay River reserve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Yellowknife is the gateway to the Slave Geological Province. The Greenstone Belt runs north through Yellowknife with high potential for generating wealth. In fact, a number of projects are reawakening in the area, promising jobs and prosperity for generations to come.

There are just six high-grade gold districts in Canada, and ours appears to be the most promising. It is the least explored, yet has the greatest potential. The other five districts have all been long-term, multi-generational economic and social drivers for their communities and provinces. The Yellowknife Gold District dropped off the radar when Giant and Con mines closed. At that time, gold was closer to $225 an ounce. Now it's almost $1,700 per ounce.

Mr. Speaker, TerraX has been steadily promoting the Yellowknife City Gold Project. This company has been open, proactive, and transparent. It has engaged with numerous stakeholder groups and continues to do so before each year's exploration program.

Six years ago, TerraX started with 26 square kilometres. It has now expanded to 770 square kilometres in an area that includes three past producing mines. It has taken over 10,000 samples, held over 12,000 engagements, drilled over 50 kilometres of core sample, and is always seeking to exploit new technologies. The Yellowknife City Gold Project has grown into a world-class district and, as we know, it opens the corridor north into the Slave Geological Province.

In last Wednesday's paper, TerraX listed many of the community's recreational, educational, tourism, and scientific events that the company supports. Many of these events share the legacy of exploration trails in the area. Rather than restrict access, TerraX actively promotes the safe coordinated co-usage of our surrounding trails and ice roads.

Mr. Speaker, proponents of the project believe that responsible, environmentally sustainable development can generate a century of social and economic prosperity for the Yellowknife Gold District. It's an opportunity for long-term, multi-generational training, employment, and wealth that can support clean jobs, independent families, and healthy communities well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, the Greenstone Belt to the Slave Geological Province holds the potential for wealth that can offer us that future. Mr. Speaker, it's up to us to seize the opportunity and make that future possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Commonwealth Day
Members' Statements

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Visitors to the Legislative Assembly today may have noticed the Union Jack flying over our building, and that is because today is Commonwealth Day, the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, which throughout the world is being celebrated by the organization 53 member states.

More than 2.4 billion people live in those 53 nations that make up the Commonwealth, accounting for 30 per cent of the world's population and representing every continent on earth. The theme of this year's celebration is "Towards a Common Future." This day not only symbolizes the continued connection to our heritage, but demonstrates how institutions that stem from that heritage, like the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, will remain vital for the continued success and prosperity of all sibling nations of the Commonwealth.

Earlier today, Her Majesty the Queen attended a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey and gave her annual address, this year centering on solving important global challenges like ensuring environmental sustainability and promoting fairness and equality. As we enter the 66th year of her rein, the Queen, more now than ever, acts as a living embodiment of stability and continuity, which are the foundational principles of the Commonwealth. Her Majesty's grace and leadership continues to inspire all member nations and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, of which this Assembly is a member.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is an organization which works to support good governance, democracy, and human rights. It strives to create the conditions throughout its member states and all nations of the world where we can work together to secure a more sustainable, prosperous, fair, and safer Commonwealth for all. I have had the pleasure of being involved with this organization for a few years now and can attest to the work and benefits that come from having this form for leaders across the 53 nations to meet and accomplish goals that will lead us towards a common future.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand as a member of this House and as part of a Parliamentary tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. Commonwealth Day is an important opportunity to celebrate this heritage as a beacon for stability in an ever more unstable world. Let's take this time on Commonwealth Day to celebrate the continued peace, order, and good governance Commonwealth nations have fostered together. Let us also recognize the good works brought forth by continued cooperation within our Commonwealth like the CPA, and finally let us take a moment to recognize her Majesty the Queen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy Commonwealth Day, and God Save the Queen.

Commonwealth Day
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Last Thursday, I asked some questions of the Minister responsible for the Status of Women about the NWT Status of Women Council. She indicated that the board, under her direction, is moving the council in a new direction that is contrary to its mandate. Following that discussion, I read the Status of Women Council Act. The legislation says the council has an outward-looking focus with the following purposes: to develop public awareness of issues affecting the status of women, to promote a change in attitude so women have equality of opportunity, to encourage discussion on the status of women, to advise the Minister on issues she refers to the Council, to review government policies and legislation, to provide assistance to the Minister in promoting change, and, finally, to assist organizations that promote women's equality.

Mr. Speaker, the Status of Women Council has a current strategic plan. Its goals mirror those in the legislation and provide for a continuation of its current work, such as offering campaign schools, chairing the Coalition Against Family Violence, and organizing Family Awareness Week and the December 6th Vigil. It also provides for them to continue in a public role advocating for women's equality. Even though this plan was developed in the time the Minister has been Minister, there is no mention of undertaking gender-based analysis, although the act provides her with the authority to request this work.

Mr. Speaker, we know that the Wise Women Awards have been suspended, we're told, for the time being. The campaign schools are now being offered by the Department of the Executive and Indigenous Affairs. Until today, the Coalition against Family Violence featured prominently on the EIA website.

Looking at this range of changes, I'm concerned that the Minister is moving the council from its core, publicly focused mandate and advocacy, and that activities which should remain as arm's length activism are being undertaken under government control.

Mr. Speaker, change is inevitable and change may be good, but change behind closed doors and without public consultation that fundamentally alters the council's presence is unacceptable in a government that provides itself on openness and transparency. I will have questions for the Minister. Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statement. Member for Nunakput.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight an exciting event that is taking place here in Yellowknife on April 24th to 26th. Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Council will hold its Sustainable Development Working Group in town conducting workshops on Environmental Impact Assessment and public participation in the Arctic. Mr. Speaker, this will be the third environmental impact assessment workshop following the first in Alaska themed "Meaningful Engagement of Indigenous People within the Environmental Impact Assessment" and the second one in Finland themed "Nordic Possibilities and Perspectives to Environmental Impact Assessments in the Arctic."

The Arctic Council's Sustainable Working Group aims to propose and adopt steps to be taken by the Arctic states to advance sustainable development in the Arctic. The EIA project of this working group aims at taking into consideration local and traditional knowledge to identify solutions that are specific to Arctic nations and the vulnerable Arctic environment. The theme for the Yellowknife workshop will be "Good Practices in Arctic Environmental Assessment Impact."

Mr. Speaker, this is a great opportunity to get to know some of the important work the Arctic Council does, especially given the relevance of the workshop to our resource-rich territory. This is also an opportunity for us to show our expertise, not only on environmental assessments, but also in environmental stewardship, Indigenous collaboration, and Indigenous and local knowledge.

Mr. Speaker, we expect that all the NWT environmental review boards will attend, as well as Nunavut, as well as some local and Indigenous leaders. The workshop, again, will take place on April 24th to 26th here in Yellowknife. For more information and to get on the invitation list, contact Matt Bender with Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing our world-class northern Environmental Impact Review Boards highlighted at this important event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I speak today about the passing of a well-known, respected artist named Arthur Beaulieu, who was known to everyone as "Archie."

"Archie was a humble man. He didn't care too much for luxury. He just lived a simple life. He was always smiling, laughing, and joking with those around him. He was an inspiration to a lot of youth. Archie was one to break the ground. His career, his fame, and financial success were an inspiration to future generations of Behchoko. Everything he did was for his family." Those kind words were expressed by Archie's first cousin Maurice Zoe.

Mr. Speaker, Archie was born August 16, 1952, in Behchoko and sadly passed away on November 10, 2017, at age 65. Archie was a son of Joseph Susie Beaulieu and Sarah Zoe. Archie is predeceased by four siblings, George, Marie Rose, Therese, and Patrick. Archie is survived by: his wife, Rosa Wedawin Beaulieu; his seven children, Jeffrey, Christine, Brenda, Beamer, Lester, Star, and Corey; his four siblings, Berna, Mabel, Frances, and Alfred. He also had 15 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, Archie was my cousin. Over the years, I had visited with him many times. I went to see him in his home to look at his art gallery. He had also come to my home many times. He was always pleased to see other Tlicho artists doing so well. I would like to extend my condolences to Archie's family, friends, and the community of Behchoko. They have truly lost a wonderful person. Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. My condolences go out to the family as well. 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 would like to draw your attention to some visitors in the gallery. We have with us a group of students in the chamber here today. Ecole Entre-Lacs from Penticton, visiting Yellowknife for the first time. We have the principal and two teachers. Also with them is Ross Fortin. He is a former RCMP member for Yellowknife. I would just like to say, "Welcome back and thanks for being here with us." Masi. [English translation not provided]. 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

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize some of the partners in the NWT On the Land Collaborative as visitors in the gallery today: Sarah Dennis, Regional Environmental Coordinator with ENR; Jess Dunkin, director of On the Land Programs with the NWT Recreations and Parks Association; John B. Zoe, the community advisor for the Tlicho Region; Winter Haley, Communities and Communications Advisor with Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.; Steven Nitah and Barrett Sonny Lenoir with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative; Angela Young, coordinator, and Jackie Siegel, project coordinator, with the Indigenous Languages and Education Secretariat at ECE; Kyla Kakfwi Scott, senior advisor, Anti-Poverty with Health and Social Services. Welcome. Thank you.

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 Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I gave a eulogy for the late Archie Beaulieu. I wanted to recognize Archie's sisters, Berna Beaulieu, Frances Erasmus, and Mabel Deiner, and also his cousins, Louise Beaulieu and John B. Zoe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

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

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome Roger Epp, the director of the University of Alberta North, to the House today. As usual, all the youth who are visiting from Penticton, welcome. I hope you had a good tour and enjoy the city of Yellowknife. Mahsi.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize my friend Roger Epp. He is a professor at the University of Alberta, mostly with political science, but as the Minister indicated, he is the director of University of Alberta North. Welcome and thank you for being here.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh.

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

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Debra Richards. She is my new constituent assistant. She is a former fire chief for the Hamlet of Enterprise. She is a former youth ambassador. Welcome to her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

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

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Ms. Louise Beaulieu, who used to work with me at the Yellowknife Women's Society, the homeless shelter for women, and who I consider a close friend. Thank you.

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

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we are missing anyone in the gallery, welcome to our proceedings. It is always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. As I mentioned in my statement, the Status of Women Council's strategic plan doesn't anticipate the changes the Minister is now fronting, yet it was created in her term. Why has she now decided to make these changes? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by clarifying. When I was asked questions the other day on the Status of Women, if there was anything in my statement that said that I was going to ask the Status of Women to go against the legislative act, then I sincerely apologize because it is important, as members of the public, that we do not lie in the House. I don't remember making that statement. I will check Hansard. If I did, I will apologize in advance. I hope that other Members will, as well.

I don't plan on changing the mandate of the Status of Women, Mr. Speaker. What I plan to do with the Status of Women is bring them back to making sure that they work within the legislative act, to make sure that they are actually representing the act, which is what they were formed for. Why they are working on the new strategic plan is because, for many years, the Status of Women has said they don't have enough money to get to the communities to get the voices.

I met with them a couple of weeks ago, and we talked about reviewing the budget to see about how they can actually bring the voices of women to the table, because that is really important. That is what they are regional representatives for. It is not that they are changing a way that they are going to do something that is different. I want to bring them back, Mr. Speaker, to the purpose of the Status of Women, which is enacting the Status of Women Council Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

I have had the opportunity to review both the act and the strategic plan. I am unclear how the board is not currently enacting the act. Could the Minister explain?

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

There are things they are doing that fall within the act. There are things within the act that say they may do. There are some basic pieces within the act that we need to get back to, like I was saying.

It is right that it doesn't say gender-based analysis, but section 3(1)(e) within the Status of Women Council Act says that the council's purpose is to review policies and legislation affecting women and to report its finding to the relevant government departments or agencies. When I, Mr. Speaker, look at reviewing policies and legislation on things that affect women, again, I may be incorrect, but my interpretation of the act -- and the act is about interpretation -- says that that is gender-based analysis; so I want to bring them back to that.

Another piece of the act, section 3(1)(f), says: "To provide assistance to the Minister in promoting changes to ensure the attainment of equality of women." Section 3(1)(d): "To advise the Minister on issues that the Minister may refer to the council for consideration."

I hate to bring this out in public, but it is in public. When I did meet with them, I talked to them about my need to meet with them. For the last couple of years, I have been asking them to meet with me. They only had two meetings in Yellowknife, and each time they have had the meetings, they have been during session, which has made it really difficult for me to actually meet with them, except to go in and do a welcoming speech at lunch. They haven't been able to meet after session hours.

I did speak with them the other day and said that we need to have a face-to-face meeting, at least four hours. I am not sure how we can work together, the Status of Women Council and the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, if we can't meet in two years.

Mr. Speaker, I apologize for bringing this public, but it is in the public, and so that is what I want to do. I want to sit with them, regain back their original mandate, make sure that they are following the act, and make sure that we support each other as best as possible.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

As I said in my statement, the Minister, of course, can ask the council for advice, including gender-based analysis.

Let's take a couple of these changes and break them down. Can the Minister confirm that the Wise Women Awards were not offered this year because the council is no longer eligible for the pot of funding that funded them?

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

That is totally incorrect. From my understanding, the Status of Women did put out nominations. It closed in February; I am not sure of the exact date. They stated that they couldn't do the awards because of financial limitations. Those are things that we are looking at within their budget. As stated before, they are looking at their budget to see how they can best provide the services that they need to provide for that.

We do have a pot of funding. It is a small pot. It is $50,000 a year. The Status of Women never applied for that this year, Mr. Speaker. It wasn't that they couldn't get the money; you need to apply on the money to obtain the money.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the clarification from the Minister. My last question on this is we have recently had a couple of successful campaign schools. They were organized by the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, and I understood that this was the case because the Status of Women currently is very short-staffed. Can the Minister confirm that the move of the campaign schools to government, in the form of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, is only temporary? Mahsi.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

The move to bring it into government at this point actually wasn't because of any animosity or any other reason. The reason was because the previous campaign schools for women that were done focused on just the Legislative Assembly.

It was when we did the first workshop during my term in Hay River that it was quickly realized that, if we focused just on the Legislative Assembly, we were defeating our purpose. There were a lot of women who didn't want to run for it because they had childcare issues; they didn't want to do the amount of travelling; they didn't want to leave their communities; they had obligations; a host of reasons.

We decided to expand our campaign schools. We decided that it was important for women in leadership not only to be here. That would be my ideal, to have equal representation, but leadership isn't only in the Legislative Assembly. We needed to look at municipal governments. We needed to look at Aboriginal governments. We needed to look at even education authorities. All elected positions needed to be considered; so we took it internally, just for the short term, to look at actually how we can meet all of those components.

At this point, we are still evaluating. We have just done our new deliveries with it. We will be evaluating the program, and then we will be deciding where we go forward with that. Mr. Speaker, my job is to support the Status of Women Council; the Status of Women Council's is to support me as Minister of Status of Women. I want to work closely with them. We just need to make sure that the campaign school is meeting the needs of residents, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you heard my Member's statement about non-medical escorts and the important role they cover for our residents. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services: does the Department of Health and Social Services have a policy in place that would compensate non-medical travel escorts for their time away from their place of employment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, approved non-medical escorts are provided the same medical travel benefits as the patients who they are supporting and escorting. This is coverage for travel, meals, accommodations, and local ground transportation in accordance with the policies. Neither patients nor escorts are compensated for time away from work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for his answer. Since the department doesn't have a policy in place, do they have something in place to provide some sort of incidental funding for the person so that they can get shampoo and stuff like that that they forget back at home?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

When patients stay in the boarding home, they are provided with meals and there are light foods available throughout the day, things like sandwiches, fruit juices, and cookies, so that if they miss a meal, those are there. If they are in transit for a day, they can claim the $18 a day to offset the cost of incidentals. When patients stay in private or commercial accommodations, they receive meal per diems in accordance with the policies.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I appreciate the Minister for giving us that update and that information. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister please advise this House what happens if a non-medical escort cannot eat the food available at the boarding home? Does the government at least reimburse that person for their costs?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

The costs of the boarding home includes accommodations, meals, light snacks, as well as ground transportation for patients, as I have already indicated. The cost of the boarding homes is in the range of about $200 a day. The boarding homes provide a variety of meals throughout the day, and they try to have traditional food on the menu when it is made available to them.

When given notice, Mr. Speaker, when somebody lets them know, the boarding home can also accommodate specific medically required diets, things to help individuals who are diabetic or cardiac patients who have a low-salt requirement. However, they are providing food for a large number of guests, and personal preference cannot always be accommodated, but if the person has some dietary issues, if they let them know, it can often be accommodated.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for that answer. With the challenges that we are facing in trying to get people to be non-medical escorts here, will the Minister look at developing a policy or, even better, come up with a way to compensate future non-medical travel escorts so that they can continue to provide this valuable service to patients obligated to travel to meet their medical needs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

We do have a number of revisions to the medical travel policy currently under development. I hope to share those proposed revisions with the standing committee in the next couple of weeks, if not next month for sure.

I can tell you that increasing financial supports for non-medical escorts is not one of the proposed changes, so compensating them for time away from work is not one of the changes that we are proposing. As part of our work, Mr. Speaker, we have reviewed medical travel programs from across the country as well as other jurisdictions. Except for Nunavut, the benefits that we are providing here are far greater than most other jurisdictions. We are basically on par with Nunavut. Our system needs to rely on friends and family supporting patients who are required to travel. Further, Mr. Speaker, our system is designed to help offset the costs, not cover the costs or cover all costs. If patients aren't able to find an escort to support them in their medical travel journey, the authority will work with patients to help develop solutions.

I should also note, Mr. Speaker, that in 2016-2017 we had over 5,500 medical travel cases where an escort was involved. Increasing benefits or compensating escorts for their time away from work would have a significant impact on system costs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, and they are with regard to the future development of mines in the territory, and in particular in the North Slave region.

Mr. Speaker, we know that energy is, of course, one of the largest costs to running a mine. Hard rock mines, in particular, use nearly twice the energy that diamond mines do, but at the same time we are trying to attract global investment to come here. We know that other jurisdictions around the country have power and energy at a fraction of the cost of what we can charge here.

The Yellowknife area, for example, is 37 cents a kilowatt hour. Other regions, it is 8 cents a kilowatt hour. I would like to ask the Minister: what is the Minister going to do to make the cost of power in the NWT competitive in the world marketplace? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation.

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of course, we are interested in these types of developments. We do realize that the cost of power is quite high in the Northwest Territories, particularly in comparison with some other jurisdictions, such as Quebec and Manitoba. We are in discussions with mining companies because we do hope that we will have additional customers, because the only way really of keeping prices down is to find new customers, either here in the Northwest Territories or by exporting power to the south. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

I appreciate what the Minister has to say in that the territorial government certainly does recognize mining as a large part and a central part of our economy. Frankly, mines currently have no option but to rely on carbon fuels for their operations. Unfortunately, they also happen to be some of our largest emitters, followed by the transportation industry, which also is primarily because they, too, support the mines.

The GNWT, we are proposing that we need to significantly reduce our carbon emissions. I would like to ask the Minister: how does the Power Corporation intend to help the Government of the Northwest Territories meet our greenhouse gas targets while promoting mining?

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

The Member opposite is quite correct. The mining companies are some of our largest emitters. In the future, it would seem to me likely that the only way to radically reduce those levels of emission would be by supplying a hydro power. We would have to look and we would be prepared to look at hydro expansion, whether Taltson or otherwise.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

I appreciate that reply. That all leads me into my last question: does the Minister see any realistic options other than the large-scale hydro dams or transmitting power from the Canadian grid to provide reliable environmental sustainability? Does the Minister see, other than big mega projects, what are the other alternatives that mines have in order to produce affordable energy?

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

As I mentioned, the Power Corporation has been in discussion with several mining companies, looking at other alternatives such as LNG. However, as I said, long-term, it seems to me that the most efficacious way of reducing the greenhouse emissions would likely be by hydro expansion, whether a large project like Taltson or a smaller expansion of other hydro projects.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your indulgence for one more question. I appreciate that I said the last question was my last question, but in fact I would like to know if the Minister is having any discussions around the idea of nuclear, in particular, molten-salt reactors and mini nuclear reactors, and is that a power option that the Minister is considering? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I think we would be prepared to look at any options, though nuclear wouldn't seem to be the top of the list. It is a controversial form of supplying power. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Friday I made a Member's statement about dialysis in the NWT. I would like to Minister of Health and Social Services some questions on that. I would like to know if the Minister could possibly commit to looking at providing accommodation in locations where individuals go for dialysis. At this point, I am thinking that the majority of the patients come to either Yellowknife, Hay River, or into Alberta to get their dialysis. Dialysis is something that happens three times a week for approximately four to five hours per session. The travel on top of that is a bit much. I would like to ask the Minister: would the Department themselves look at accommodation in those communities? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, right now we deal with them on an individual basis depending on where the individual is coming from, how long they have to be in the community, whichever community it happens to be, whether it's Hay River or Yellowknife, for their treatment. If they have to stay overnight, obviously we will be accommodating them. If they are in during the day, we will certainly transport them to the facility and transport them back to the airport.

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to dialysis, we have expanded our dialysis services here for the Northwest Territories. We have peritoneal dialysis available through a partnership with the province of Alberta, so that people can do dialysis in their homes where possible and where appropriate. We know this is a fairly invasive procedure. We want to work with our residents to create the simplest and most humane process for dealing with dialysis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I agree that home dialysis is an option. Staying with that type of dialysis, I would like to ask the Minister if there could be more family members, for each individual who would be receiving home dialysis, more family members trained? I had an elder who was on dialysis in the community of Lutselk'e. At one point, he felt like he was really burdening his daughter-in-law. Apparently, she was the only one who was trained to give dialysis. I would like to ask the Minister if there is an option to train several family members on home dialysis for patients.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

With the peritoneal dialysis, which is the one that is done at home, the patient and their support person have to go to Alberta for a couple of weeks to actually be fully trained on how to provide that service, and then they are actually supported by the Alberta Health Services in their delivery. They have a constant contact with that individual.

I hear the Member. I mean, yes, people go on holidays. People may be out of the community. It is a burden. I hear the Member. I will have the department look at it to see what it would take to provide that training to more than one person so that there is that flexibility. I don't know what those costs would be, so I am not prepared to commit 100 per cent to actually doing it, but we will explore it to see what the costs would be and how we can work with our residents to make this process as safe and seamless as possible.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

As you can imagine, there are various ways that dialysis can be provided to patients. I would like to ask the Minister if they would look at the option of providing dialysis in health centres. I recognize that there may be a community with no patients on dialysis, so then we would not necessitate that, but something that is easy to move into a health centre. It may be a little bit better system than what they have in the home, but to having something in the health centres where dialysis patients exist, I would like to ask the Minister if he could look at that option.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Hemodialysis is a very complex process. It actually involves removing the blood from the human, putting it through a machine, and inserting it back into the human. It is very complex. You need highly trained individuals to do it, and the machines need thorough cleaning after every use to make sure that there is no contamination or harm caused to our patients.

It is a very complex process. We are putting it in our hospitals. We have put it in Stanton. There is an expanded area in the new Stanton for dialysis. We have put it in Hay River. There is an expanded area in Hay River where it is. We have to work with our individual patients on a one-on-one basis. Sometimes their level of treatment is different than, say, somebody else's.

Having said all that, Mr. Speaker, there are mobile hemodialysis units that have been utilized in other jurisdictions, and we have explored that to see if it is a possibility. However, in the Northwest Territories, road access, road maintenance, and the quality of some of the roads, given the fragile nature of the machines, as well as some of the water supply we would need -- we need sterilized water; we need water that has no other chemicals and no other things in it -- really limits our ability to do the mobile hemodialysis.

When it comes to individuals with complex needs, we do transport them from their communities to where the service is available. In some cases, we have had to do some medical relocation, working with the families to bring them to those communities where the service is on a permanent basis.

We are open to being flexible, but at the end of the day, whatever we have to do or whatever we are going to do has to be safe, and we are not comfortable that the mobile hemodialysis is appropriate for the Northwest Territories at this time.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mobile dialysis that the Minister spoke of also exists in Alberta. They have it set up on a bus. I know the Minister knows all this, but I would like to ask the Minister if he could at least look at that system that Alberta has, where they have retrofitted a bus in order to handle a dialysis machine or a couple of dialysis machines. I recognize that the cost is probably over $2 million, but I would like to ask the Minister if they would look at that and see what success Alberta has had with that system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

We have already had a cursory look at that, and one of the benefits they have is high-end highways that are paved, smooth, and they are usually transporting or going between communities that are a little larger, that have access to the sterilized water and the other things that they need to make sure that the equipment is properly cleaned and those types of things.

In light of the fact that many of our roads aren't paved in the Northwest Territories, and we don't always have direct access to the level of sterilization in the water that would be necessary for hemodialysis, recognizing how complex it is, we didn't feel that it was safe at this time to pursue that option, which is why we have entered into a partnership and arrangements with Health Services in Alberta to do the peritoneal dialysis.

As I have said, from time to time, we have had to enter into one-on-one relationships that have resulted in medical relocation. We don't have a policy on that, but it is something we are exploring because it may become more necessary.

Having said all that, Mr. Speaker, we all need to work together to encourage healthy living, healthy eating, exercise, and living as healthy as possible, so that we don't have to go down this road of dialysis. It is an invasive procedure. It is life-saving, yes, but for the most part, people who live healthy lifestyles will be able to avoid this particular treatment. I think we need to, as Members, focus more on prevention to avoid having to need this service in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Infrastructure. Just in a couple of days, thousands of people will be in Hay River, and a lot of them will be travelling to the Hay River Reserve, via the smooth and cool natural ice road, but of course, right now, spring is coming. People will be converging in Hay River. The whole world will be watching. No pressure to the Minister, but what is the status of plans to repair and resurface the access road to the K'atlodeeche First Nations community at Hay River? Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member knows, in 2010 there was a major reconstruction on this section of road between the highway and the Hay River Reserve. We continue to have issues with this moving forward. There are continued drainage issues along this road that we are trying to address. We have done a significant ditching program this past summer, last year, to address some of this, and we are looking at how we will continue to improve on it. We have had to return some of the chipseal to gravel to address some of the issues on this section of road, and we will continue to have a look at it going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

One role that I understand that the Minister takes quite seriously is public safety. My next question is: what is the Department of Infrastructure's assessment of the safety of the Hay River Reserve access road?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As I have said in this House a number of times, safety is our number one priority. This section of road is regularly maintained by the department. Repairs and drainage improvements are done as required. We will continue to assess this road as we move forward, as I have said, and we will make sure that it is open for public use and that it is safe.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Just recently, the Minister had indicated that there were some funding commitments from the federal government in terms of the transportation corridor. I want to understand: what barriers, if any, stand in the way of getting this work done?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I don't think there are any barriers in the way. We need to assess what is going on. We are going to have our engineers go in there this spring to have a look at this and assess the problems that we are having with this section of road. We are going to do a topographical survey of this section of road to help identify what we need to remediate this section of road, what efforts need to be put into it, and what challenges we have on ongoing maintenance going forward. Once we have the engineering people go in there and have a look at it, then we will see what we are going to do going forward.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for clarifying a few things. My last question is: what steps has the Minister or his department taken to resolve this matter with the Government of Canada and their obligations to the K'atlodeeche First Nations? Mahsi.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I believe this section of road is our responsibility. It's through a transfer agreement that was signed in the early 1990s that this section of road was turned over to us, so it's our responsibility going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions, Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. It is to do with the elders' home heating subsidy, which is a great program. Elders have the options to either receive home heating fuel or cord wood or a combination of both, whichever the elders prefer. We have been having challenges with payments in Fort McPherson for the people who are providing cord wood for the elders. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister: will the Minister enter into an agreement with either the band, the designated Gwich’in organization, or, if it's in Aklavik, the Aklavik Community Corporation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The agreement would be to provide payment of those bills to the people instead of going through ECE's process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have very well-trained client-service officers in all of our communities, and they do updated training on a yearly basis. Every community has a unique situation, and I understand the situation in McPherson with the payments and some of the suppliers not getting paid on time. That is something that we can take a look into, but, at this moment, what we will do is we will make sure that the client-service officers in the community are aware of this situation and that we will touch base with them to make sure to see if we can be a little bit more efficient.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

I have had constituents waiting up to two to three weeks, you know. They have been patient, but especially at times during Christmas, we have had challenges finding people to actually provide cord wood because we had hardly any snow before Christmas and it's very challenging getting out there. So, those people who did come forward, many of them had to wait until after Christmas to actually get paid, which is very unfortunate because of, especially, the times back home where there is hardly any work. So, I know in the past, when I was the chief of Tsiigehtchic, we had an agreement with ECE to pay those people who provided this service to our community and then those organizations have that flexibility to invoice the department at a later date. So will the Minister ensure for next year that they enter into agreements with those communities to provide that service?

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

I do understand that some of our suppliers, especially when it comes to wood, use their own gas, their own time, their own machines to go out and cut the wood and that they incur expenses, as well, in terms of us getting them their payments. I cannot comment in terms of the individual cases that we have with some of our clients, but, come April 1st, we are we are making some enhancements to the Senior Home Heating Subsidy, and we will look into such an agreement. If the Member said that he did have an agreement previously, in previous governments, we can take a look at those options and look at them into the future.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I have switched this up a little bit. I did give the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources a heads-up. Earlier today I spoke about the poor efforts by the federal government to incorporate specific northern benefits targets into the contracting for the Giant Mine remediation. So I would like to know from the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources: what is he prepared to do to ensure that NWT, Ndilo, Detah, and Yellowknife residents and businesses benefit from the more than $1 billion Giant Mine remediation? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Members are aware, the contract, the main construction management contract, was awarded in December of 2017. The Departments of ITI, ENR, ECE, and Infrastructure, we have an interdepartmental working group. We have had some updates from the Giant Mine remediation project team on the procurement and the socio-economic issues, specifically with terms of reference for the main construction contract in addition to any other tendering documents. We have had opportunities to provide some input into the contract documents but not on the federal government process. Being early in the awarding of the contract, we will continue to work with the main construction manager to ensure that there are opportunities for northern workforce and northern skilled people to be working on the project.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I would like to thank the Minister for that response. The federal government, though, just does not seem to have any policies or ability to require northern and Indigenous benefits targets in the contracts for the Giant Mine remediation, so can the Minister tell us whether there has been any consideration given to flowing the work and/or funding through GNWT to better incorporate such benefits targets?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

The Indigenous involvement in the project is considered through the use of the Aboriginal opportunities consideration within the federal government processing system, and we will have to work with the contractor to the ensure that they recognize that there are a lot of folks up here who can do the work and try to utilize them. I think it would be beneficial for the project and beneficial for the locals.

As far as flowing the money through the GNWT, I mean, it is a federal responsibility, the cleanup of Giant Mine. I take the Member's point, though, where we would be much more recognizing of the fact that we need a lot of northern involvement. I can assure Members that we have had some updates from the contractor. I am sure, as we go into the process, we will have more updates from the contractor, and we will continue to make our views known. I am sure, it just being awarded so recently, there is still some work they have to do in identifying potential businesses that they could utilize during the construction of this or the remediation work that is going on. As we become updated, I will keep the Members of this House updated, as well.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I would like to thank the Minister for that. I am just worried, though, that, with the $600 million contract already out there, that this is starting to slip away from us. So, later today, I am going to table a letter from the Giant Mine Oversight Board that is quite critical of the current approach on socio-economic benefits by the federal government: there is no overall plan; engagement is encouraged instead of real targets; non-Indigenous Northerners have not been included in the approach to date; no economic impacts are predicted; and so on, but, perhaps most importantly, a collaborative consultative process is recommended to develop a socio-economic benefits plan. Does the Minister support a broad consultative process to develop a socio-economic benefits plan for the Giant Mine remediation project?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

We are always supportive of anything that allows us to take advantage of northern business opportunities. The Giant Mine remediation is very complex in operations, so, as I said before, we will work before with the main construction manager. We will make our views known. I am sure they are doing their due diligence now. If there are opportunities to utilize northern businesses as part of the remediation, then it would benefit both the project and the northern business. Again, we realize that there is a lot of money that is being put into this remediation, and I will assure the Members that, between me and the Ministers of ITI and all other departments in the interdepartmental working group, we will reach out and see if we can get some information as quickly as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to thank the Minister again for that response, but, you know, this remediation project is clearly the beginning of a lot more work that is going to happen here. Clearly, there is an emerging remediation economy that, given the requirements of the devolution agreement and new accounting practice where containment sites are entered into public accounts as liabilities until they are remediated, I am wondering what our government is doing in terms of things like possibly reorienting the Mine Training Society towards remediation. What are we doing in terms of trades apprenticeships and so on? Can the Minister tell us what the GNWT is doing to get better prepared for the coming environmental remediation economy and how we can better get prepared for all the remediation work that's about to begin over the next several years? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

The Member's point is well taken. We do recognize that there is a remediation economy that is coming. I think we have seen a demonstration of that on the Canol Trail, for example, but that one, too, they brought, I believe, a southern company in, and that was through the federal government.

We have to ensure, and as much like HazMat remediation in units that were built a number of years ago, we see that as another economy because the Housing Corporation unfortunately can't take down a lot of their houses until they have HazMat remediation. I do know a few businesses that have taken some HazMat remediation training, which is good. I think, as we get into more of the environmental remediation, the remediation type work, we should encourage more business out there to seek the expertise that they can take advantage of all the work, because I think I heard the Member say at one time there were like 700 sites that may need to be remediated. We need to position the people in the Northwest Territories and the business in the Northwest Territories. I think it's a broad discussion we need to have as a Cabinet if there are any training opportunities that we could possibly have or people taking across the Northwest Territories, so it is a whole new economy, and I think we need to position ourselves and our people to be the ones that are best prepared for it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a few more questions for my colleague, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women. I heard her say that the campaign schools were being offered by the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs in the short term. I'm wondering if she has prepared over the long term to commit to taking the campaign schools back to the Status of Women and asking them to re-tool the content so that it reaches people who are running for all orders of government? Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As stated earlier, we are just in the stage of renewing it and making it fit the people more appropriately. We will be doing an evaluation at that point, where we will be deciding what we are going to do with it. I also want to say, though, that we are looking at expanding it so that it can meet more of the needs of people and addressing municipal Indigenous governments, for example, but also the budget, we want to make sure that we can do it the most cost-effective way to be able to reach the most communities. It's important. These are important schools. They actually make a difference in women's lives. We are looking at it from not only one aspect, but from many aspects.

Once we are finished that work, I would be more than interested to work with the Status of Women to actually see if they can take this on again because, as I have stated many, many times, my understanding is that the Status of Women has a defined role and part of that is supporting the Minister of the Status of Women. It would be just logical, Mr. Speaker, that they would assist me in that work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the Minister's answer. Where I'm coming from is that I think, as a matter of principle, we don't want civil servants to train future politicians. We want that to happen at arm's length. The Status of Women has have lots of experience in this area, and I think that, once they are back up to speed, they should be the go-to group.

Now, there was a review of the campaign schools in 2017. It has never been made public. Can the Minister commit to making it public?

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

I won't make that commitment at this time. I need to go back and look at it. The review that we did was internal, and it wasn't actually done under my direction. It was just an employee who offered to assist us with that, so I have to go back and look at it to determine if that was a formal report or was that just a volunteer who was assisting us with looking at making the campaign school better, so I'm not sure if it was a paid position or just a volunteer.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

To refresh the memory of the Minister, this work was undertaken by a member of the Department of Executive. She was the paid government employee working on the evaluation of the campaign school. I wonder if the Minister could take that into account when she's asking the question of her staff about making the report public?

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Absolutely, I will take that into consideration. I just want to note that a lot of people who work for the government actually have a real concern. They want more women in leadership. My understanding, and I will check on that because I may be wrong, is that the majority, I think all of them except for my special advisor, actually were not paid for any of the work that they have done for the campaign schools. It's tended to be on the weekends on our own times, so I will confirm if that is true, because it's important to note. If it is not true, I will come back to the speaker and stand up formally and make a formal clarification.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me make a clarification of my own: the evaluation was completed by a by a member of the Department of the Executive Indigenous Affairs. I'm not talking about the staffing at the campaign schools.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I'm wondering, given the fact that the Minister is encouraging the council, working with the council, directing the council to refocus its role, whether she plans to consult the public about this refocus and whether there will be an opportunity for people to give their views on the Status of Women Council and its mandate? Thank you.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

I think that being accountable to the public and having the most input from the public is advisable. I don't want to make it a public show. What I will do, though, is I will commit to doing a survey to find out, and hopefully from all residents, but especially for women. This is the Status of Women, so trying to get a gender-based viewpoint on what the women residents and young girls and women residents of the Northwest Territories feel that we should be doing as the Status of Women, I will commit to doing that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Item 10, replies to Commissioner's opening address. Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of standing and special committees. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 14, tabling of documents. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018"; and "Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to table the following document. It's from the Giant Mine Oversight Body. It's a letter dated February 23, 2018, regarding social economic issues, and it's to the Deputy Director, Giant Mine Remediation Project. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Pursuant to Section 14 of the Indemnities, Allowances, and Expense Regulations of the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council Act, I hereby table the Statutory Declaration of Principle Residence of the Member for Nunakput, dated March 1, 2018.

Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Bill 8: Emergency Management Act
Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that, on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, I will move that Bill 8, Emergency Management Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 8: Emergency Management Act
Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Bill 7, Chartered Professional Accountants Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. The motion is non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

Motion carried. Masi. Bill 7 has had its first reading. First reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Minister's Statement 1-18(3), North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns; Minister's Statement 19-18(3), Aurora College Foundational Review Process; and Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates 2018-2019; Tabled Document 135-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018; and Tabled Document 136-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018, with Member Hay River North in the Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

I will now call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee would like to consider Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates, 2018-2019. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Last time we left off with the conclusion of the last department for consideration. Does committee agree that on March, sorry, one second. Thank you, committee. As I was saying, we concluded our consideration of the Department of Infrastructure, which was the final department to consider in the main estimates. Does committee agree that we have concluded consideration of Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates, 2018-2019?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that consideration of Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates, 2018-2019, now be concluded and that Tabled Document 63-18(3) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The motion on the floor and being distributed. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Question has been called. All those in favour? Thank you.

---Carried

The motion is carried. Consideration of Tabled Document 63-18(3) has now concluded. It will be reported as ready for further consideration in formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that the chairman rise and report progress. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. There is a motion to report progress. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

The motion is carried. I will rise and report progress.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

May I have the report, Member Hay River North?

Report of Committee of the Whole
Report of Committee of the Whole

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates, 2018-2019. I would like to report progress with one motion carried and that consideration of Tabled Document 63-18(3) is concluded and that the House concur in those estimates and that an appropriation bill to be based thereon be introduced without delay. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Report of Committee of the Whole
Report of Committee of the Whole

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Do I have a seconder? Member for Mackenzie Delta. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

The motion is carried. Item 22, third reading of bills. Madam Clerk, orders of the day.

Orders of the Day
Orders of the Day

Clerk Of The House (Ms. Kay)

Mr. Speaker, the orders of the day for Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.:

1. Prayer

2. Ministers' Statements

3. Members' Statements

4. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

5. Returns to Oral Questions

6. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

7. Acknowledgements

8. Oral Questions

9. Written Questions

10. Returns to Written Questions

11. Replies to Commissioner's Opening Address

12. Petitions

13. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

14. Tabling of Documents

15. Notices of Motion

16. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills

17. Motions

18. First Reading of Bills

19. Second Reading of Bills

-Bill 7, Chartered Professional Accountants Act

1. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

-Minister's Statement 1-18(3), North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

-Minister's Statement 19-18(3), Aurora College Foundational Review Process

-Tabled Document 135-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018

-Tabled Document 136-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018

1. Report of Committee of the Whole

2. Third Reading of Bills

3. Orders of the Day

Orders of the Day
Orders of the Day

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Madam Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 3:16 p.m.