In the Legislative Assembly on May 25th, 2018. See this topic in context.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3954

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I lost Cabinet with my earlier statement, so I'll try and get them back with a compliment here. The Department of Infrastructure, at least the transportation portion of it, does a pretty good job of informing the public and stakeholders of fee increases, and they've had a lot of practice lately, so I'm sure they are getting better day by day. Maybe I lost them again. The Department of Lands hasn't been around as long as Transportation, and maybe that's why they're not quite as adept as Transportation in getting that type of information out. The recent changes to the cost of territorial land is one example where there could have been better communication, and that's received quite a bit of attention as of late. Another example is the doubling of the quarrying fees that occurred on April 1, 2018. I did some research, and I found that the increase was mentioned in the House by the Minister once in early 2017 and once in early 2016, but, beyond that, it wasn't conveyed to the public in any meaningful way.

When a business is bidding on a job and they use materials from quarries, it needs to know what its costs are, and, as a result of this change, some small businesses are out thousands of dollars. So now, what's done is done, but I'm sure the Department of Lands will increase fees again in the coming years, so my hope here is that we can improve their communication process to avoid these types of incidents in the future. So, first, I'd like to ask the Minister of Lands if he could explain how this 100 per cent increase in quarrying royalties was conveyed to the public and the stakeholders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3954

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Lands.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3954

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important that we do communicate with the public as well as MLAs. There are several processes that we follow, which were also followed with respect to the changes in the lease fees. In this case, with respect to the specific question, the department in late 2016 engaged SCOPP with our intent and duty to consult Indigenous governments on the proposed fee changes. This consultation included changes to fees for administrative services, quarry royalties, and lease rent minimums. This was followed up in November 2016 with consultation letters to IGOs to inform them of the department's intent to change fees and royalties, as well as to hear any impacts that the proposed changes may have to their organizations. The NWT Chamber of Mines engaged the department in February 2017 specifically on the subject of the granular resource fee increases. There was concern with respect to the proposed change and impacts on the mining sector. Department officials advised the chamber that their concerns were noted and that there would be a pre-gazetting period when written submissions could be submitted. So we followed a similar process with respect to the changes in lease fees. So there has been consultation, therefore, with the IGOs, and there also has been direct communication with the mining industry through the Chamber of Mines.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

So did the Minister say that they brought the information to the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning in 2016, and they consulted with Indigenous governments, and the Chamber of Mines actually approached them regarding these fees? That's in contrast to the Department of Transportation, or now Infrastructure, which will put on Facebook and Twitter and the radio that there are changes to the fees to cross the Deh Cho bridge for commercial vehicles. So that's the type of communication that I'd like to see coming out of Lands to avoid these types of issues that I've been talking about. So will the Minister commit to reviewing their communication policy and updating it so it's something similar to what Infrastructure does?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. Certainly, Infrastructure has set a very high standard. I would be prepared to look at their processes and see if they are applicable to our situation. Clearly, we want to communicate with the public when there are changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Question 296-18(3):
Ingraham Trail Maintenance Schedule

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I spoke positively about the Ingraham Trail. My questions today are for the Minister of Infrastructure. I have a few questions relevant to some of the maintenance issues with regard to the road.

First of all, we still have a section of the road here that has been maybe somewhat forgotten. It goes from the turnoff at Highway No. 3 out to the Old Giant Mine town site. It is still used quite regularly by those that use the boat dock there and go to the mine heritage exhibit as well as the city solid waste management facility and the skiing lodge.

I would like to ask the Minister if he has been down that road recently and seen the conditions of that road. It is really pitted with potholes. I am just wondering what the maintenance schedule would be for that section of road for this coming year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I have travelled that road as of a couple of nights ago with Member McNeely when we were out having a look around town. There are a number of potholes on that section of highway. I suspect that the maintenance crews that will be looking after and maintaining all highways across the Northwest Territories, as all Members know, have to wait until the road thaws out and get on these situations.

I believe this section of highway is ours at this point. I think we are having discussions with the City of Yellowknife in taking over that section of highway. We can keep the Members abreast on that. I will look into what the maintenance schedule is of fixing these potholes on that section of highway.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

May 25th, 2018

Page 3955

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you to the Minister for that commitment. I look forward to him getting back to me so that I can inform constituents. The department has done some really good work recently with regard to visibility on the Ingraham Trail. They have done significant brush clearing. However, this brush clearing has raised some concerns with residents and other users.

I am wondering if the Minister can maybe indicate to us what process it was that they undertook to do the brush clearing. Would there be improvements in the future? Specifically, could residents or others get access to some of the wood that was cut during the brush cutting so that it could be utilized in wood stoves and for other means, possibly?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I am not aware of the brush cutting that took place out there recently, but I can certainly have a look into it. If there is an opportunity for residents along the Ingraham Trail to access some of that wood, we will certainly consider that. I will get back to the Member.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thanks again to the Minister for that commitment. I appreciate him looking into that and look forward to getting the feedback. Thirdly, I have been asking for a couple years now to make an investment with regard to some guardrails in a couple sections of road that still appear to be unsafe as it relates to the steepness of the road going into sharp corners. I won't reiterate where they are. The Minister knows where and what I am referring to. I would just like to ask the Minister what the update would be in terms of the work being done for those guardrails. Are they expected to come this construction season?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Last year, we replaced three guardrails at kilometre 33.8, 37.6, and 45.5. The department has here in my note that we are doing a planning and survey, and design work is underway for possible installation of guardrails at kilometre 13.5 and kilometre 18.7 for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3955

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that, I think that, it is in the main estimates that we are making this commitment to these guardrails, is my understanding. I will take "possible" as a soft commitment from the Minister for now. I will certainly keep on him.

Lastly, I did take a drive out on the road recently, all the way to the end. In fact, the paving of the road is almost done. It is already up to Cameron River, I believe. I would like to ask the Minister what other funds and investments are going to be made for the remainder of the Ingraham Trail. Can we look forward to it being completed up to Tibbitt Lake possibly in the next year or two? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

For Members who aren't aware, on Bundle 1 from the BCIP money, we spent $8 million, roughly, on the Ingraham Trail. I am glad to say that, on Bundle 3, the approval that we had from the federal government here recently, we will have an additional $10 million that we will be able to spend on Ingraham Trail between 2019 to 2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Question 297-18(3):
Slave Geological Province Road

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. While we are on the subject of roads, my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure, who is the proponent for the Slave Geological Province Road. A business case for the project has not been completed. There is no independent cost-benefit analysis, either. The federal government has denied funding in our most recent application. Can the Minister tell us what is the status of this project? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member stated, we were denied funding in the first round of the National Trade Corridors Fund. One thing I want to make light of that is there were over 300 applicants right across this country for this funding and a $2 billion fund, which I have always said at the FPT tables we could spend the whole $2 billion. We are competing against all of Canada for a small pot of money. That is not saying our project is any more or less desirable than any other one, just that there is a limited amount of funding.

We believe there is a second round of funding for this pot of money coming out this fall. It will be specific to the three northern corridors to carve out of the $400 million. We will be resubmitting our application to that when that call comes out. We believe that our application will have a very positive chance of being accepted through that process on the second round.

The other thing I think we need to be well aware of is that we have an opportunity now. I don't know if all the Members have seen that as of yesterday, they have appointed a CEO to the Canadian Infrastructure Bank. This project has a revenue-generating potential. We believe it has a good fit in the Infrastructure Bank. We will continue to pursue those opportunities as things move forward.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister for that. Earlier today, I questioned our government's fiscal capacity to take on this $540 million project. Given our borrowing limit, competing infrastructure priorities, what evidence can the Minister provide that our government has the fiscal capacity to initiate the SGP road within the term of the 18th Assembly?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

It is very unlikely that construction of the Slave Geological Province would happen in the life of this Assembly. The project is dependent on, as I have said, securing federal funding. It also needs to have fully considered the social and economic impacts through an appropriate environmental impact review and permitting process. We know that is going to be a very lengthy process. We will take advantage of funding opportunities that become available to us. As I have said, in the second round, we will submit our application.

With that said, though, the Government of the Northwest Territories' borrowing limit would have to be increased for our fiscal capacity to be able to do the Slave Geological Province. I believe the Minister of Finance has initiated some initial discussions around that.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I would like to thank the Minister for that new information. Earlier today, I referred to the incomplete and unfunded work on the Bathurst caribou herd, that there is no land use planned for this region. As the lead Minister on this project, can the Minister explain to the public how Cabinet applies the Land Use and Sustainability Framework to the Slave Geological Province road?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As most Members know, this Slave Geological Province access corridor is currently in the very early planning stages. The application of the Land Use and Sustainability Framework will be the key next step to advancing and planning of this project once federal funding has been secured.

As we move forward, we know that we have to have considerations for land use, protection of wildlife, economic opportunities for this project. We will provide involvement of Indigenous organizations and ongoing development of this project as we move forward on it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3956

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to thank the Minister for that. I might be able to help him with that with my next question here. I mentioned that the Government of Nunavut and even the Kivalliq Inuit Association have stopped work on the Grays Bay Road and Port Project so they can cut their losses short. When will our government cut our losses short and stop the use of public funds for the Slave Geological Province Road?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

With that said, we know the Kitikmeot organization is still very interested. There has been some discussion going on, how they want to participate and support not only their road but ours. I wouldn't say that it's totally dead on that side of it. We know that the Government of Northwest Territories has identified the Slave Geological Province in our mandate. We are all well aware of that and around our 25-year transportation strategy, we heard from Northerners that this is a high priority. Most members agree with me that this is a key to the future of our territory around economic development and support residents to adapt to impacts of climate change, to help create economic growth and prosperity for residents in the Northwest Territories and Indigenous governments. We are committed to making this project a reality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Question 298-18(3):
Highway No. 1 Road Safety Concerns

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to follow up with my statement and ask some questions to the Minister of Infrastructure, but, before I do that, I just wanted to highlight some things. Humboldt, Saskatchewan, I think everybody is aware of the tragedy that transpired over the recent months. The community of Enterprise, there's an intersection that runs through the community. There's a lot of traffic that goes through there, and we have a looming industry, the Aurora Wood Pellets, once it gets into operation, you will probably see a lot of traffic go through there. Safety concerns have been raised by the community in terms of how it is that traffic goes through their community. At the same time, there was a letter sent to the department. At the May 7th meeting, it was clear, loud and clear, that there are ongoing concerns. I understand that the department was supposed to assess some of the steps that it could be taking.

My question is to the Minister of Infrastructure: what action is the Minister of Infrastructure taking to address the safety concerns of the intersection of the local residents of Enterprise? Mahsi.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let's start with what we have done previously, already. We have lowered the speed zone through that area. Every time there is an accident at any place on the highway, the NWT system, we review it with the RCMP and take steps needed to help mitigate that. Safety barriers and guardrails were also installed a couple of years ago along the riverbank system there, along the Enterprise intersection.

As of the meeting that we had during the Deh Cho tour with Michael Nadli, we gave the letter to the mayor of Enterprise stating that we will be sending our staff in there to do a review of their concerns and meet with the local authorities to discuss their concerns going forward.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

I want to thank the Minister for his reply and, plus, his attendance of our recent Deh Cho tour of the Deh Cho riding. In the letter to the Department of Infrastructure, the Hamlet of Enterprise recommends the installation of rumble strips at the intersection. What is the Minister doing to address this recommendation by local residents?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Yes, in the letter to me, they have mentioned rumble strips, lower speed limits, signage, pedestrian crossing, and, like I said at the time of the meeting there, when we were doing the Deh Cho tour, that I would send our staff in there to do an assessment and meet with the committee and then make an assessment and get back to me and we can discuss that with the community and the Member from the riding.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

I think what we all could sense is that there needs to be some action taken. When can the residents of Enterprise expect or see safety improvements to the intersection that runs through the community of Enterprise?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As I have said, I have directed our staff to go in there and meet with the community and do an assessment. Once that assessment is complete, a consultation with the residents and whatever recommendations come out of that going forward, I can keep the Member abreast of the timelines when the improvements will be made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3957

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister commit to a specific date that he will have the staff meet with the community leadership so that at least they can get a heads-up and ensure that they are prepared for the meeting?

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3958

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Well, I will check with the department and see what the planning was around the date that we want to meet with the community. I know summer is coming and a number of the Member's riding people on council may be on holiday, so we have to get that date straightened out. I will let him know the exact date. We want to go in there sooner than later, hopefully. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3958

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Question 299-18(3):
Marriage of Underage Minors in Marriage Act

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3958

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I spoke about the issue of marriage of minors in the Northwest Territories. I know the department reviewed this legislation in 2017, and I know they do a very thorough job when they do these legislative reviews. Could the Minister of Health and Social Services advise as to why section 16 of the act, which permits marriage of those aged 16, why that wasn't removed? What was the justification at the time to retain that section of the act? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3958

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3958

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the previous act was actually repealed and replaced. During the life of this Assembly, we did have an opportunity to bring that bill before committee and also before this House, where it received unanimous support from all Members in the passage of that bill.

The bill actually brings us in line with the federal Civil Marriages Act. It removed the ability for minors and people younger to get married. With minors, there is the exception where they do get consent from their legal guardians. We did have debate on this bill in the House, and I have reviewed OpenNWT's Hansard earlier today, when the Member brought it up. I did not see any indication that the Member had raised this concern during the debate of that bill. I do recognize that the Member was one of 18 Members who unanimously supported that bill at that time.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3958

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, I did not serve on the standing committee on the review of the bill, and I'm not aware if this section of the act was actually within the scope of the bill that the department was proposing, but I certainly did support the changes that brought the act in line with the federal Civil Marriages Act, and I apologize for going on at length, but, regardless of what happened then, this is still an issue. Is it something the Minister is concerned about, or is this not a problem that is worth addressing? Thank you.

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Page 3958

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, just a note, just so we are clear, the bill was discussed in Committee of the Whole clause by clause and did receive unanimous consent in this Assembly from all Members.

As per our normal process, the bill did go to committee, who had an opportunity to do a thorough review of the bill. We did get a letter from committee expressing some questions around this particular issue. The issue is the ability of a minor to marry. The legislation requires that, if a minor does desire to get married, they must still obtain a marriage licence. To obtain a marriage licence, they must get consent from their legal guardians. If their legal guardians are not present or do not exist, they do have the ability to get an order from the Supreme Court that allows them to move forward with the acquisition of a marriage licence, regardless. Issuers are required to communicate with potential applicants to ensure that they understand the nature of the marriage licence, the nature of entering into a marriage contract, and getting married.

We feel confident that there are checks and balances to ensure that individuals will not be coerced into marriage, are not forced into a marriage, that they are entering of their own free will, and understand the nature of the arrangements they are entering into. So, no, Mr. Speaker, we do not see any concerns at this time.

If the Member is aware of any situations, I would be happy to review those situations, but, at this time, given that we have gone through this process and we have unanimous consent, we are not intending to change the legislation again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

I am not aware of any marriages that have occurred since 2006, at least, of minors in the Northwest Territories. I am just wondering why, again, this is required. It seems like the department has put a lot of thought into putting safeguards around it, but, if no one is using this section of the bill, why does it need to be there?

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Page 3958

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

The legislation has only been live and active for one year. Actually, it will be one year on June 1st. It is consistent with the Civil Marriages Act from the federal government, and we want to be prepared, should and if any minors do desire to get married, that there is a process that is fair and open to them, so we are not planning to change the legislation at this point.

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Oral Questions

Page 3958

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3959

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While we are on the subject of this bill, I have received some correspondence from several marriage commissioners in the Northwest Territories who feel that there are sections of the bill that don't speak to the changing regulatory environment they are working in, specifically around marriage fees. Can the Minister confirm if marriage commissioners were consulted on the bill and if their concerns were taken into account when the bill was brought forward to the House? Thank you.

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Page 3959

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

As with most of our legislation, we did go out and consult with stakeholders who had an interest in that legislation, individuals who were involved in issuing licences and others. We did talk to clergy who have the ability to provide marriage licences within the legislation. Committee did have an opportunity to conduct a review of that legislation. We were working to comply with federal legislation, as I have indicated several times, the Civil Marriages Act. That is a federal piece of legislation.

If the Member has some specifics, I am always open to hear about those specifics, concerns raised by his constituents, and to work to address those where appropriate. At this point, we have no indication that a piece of legislation that received unanimous consent in this House just over a year ago and has now been active for just under a year requires changes, but, as with all legislation, I am open to anything. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-18(3): Quarrying Fees and Royalties
Oral Questions

Page 3959

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Question 300-18(3):
Partnership with Royal Military College

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Page 3959

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my Member's statement on the partnership formed by this government with the Royal Military College, my first question to the Minister of Infrastructure: I understand the Department of Infrastructure has sponsored or supported engineering projects with the Royal Military College of Canada. What is the aim of this sponsorship, and what expectations does the department have? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Questions

Page 3959

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

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Page 3959

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Infrastructure fully understands the engineering and project delivery in the North, of challenges that we have around that, and one way we feel to be successful is we expose young engineers and technical students in their formative years to real life northern issues, and they get fully involved and be part of it.

We have arrangements with southern universities, a number of them. I could probably name them all, but there are four or five of them: University of Calgary, Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier, and the Royal Military, as the Member has stated today. Roughly about 150 students and their staff have come to the North and worked on engineering projects.

When they do come here, we expect them to spend about 200 hours of research and formulation of various viable solutions to the problems, and we expect them to work as a team and learn how to plan and organize their time, but we also expect them to gain a better understanding and knowledge of the North and the unique northern environment and challenges of engineering projects in the North.

I think this work is very valuable, not only to them, but to us as the Northwest Territories, and we will continue to support that, Mr. Speaker.

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Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thanks to the Minister for that response. It is good to hear that the department is reaching out to other universities to provide on-the-job training.

My next question: what was the nature of the projects, and what have we obtained from the students?

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Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

We wanted these projects to match real life issues and the challenges that we face in the Northwest Territories, so a sample of what the engineering design staff experience every day in our departments.

We have had them have a look at a couple of things: the Slave Geological Province alignment; health monitoring of the Deh Cho bridge; road alignment for the new winter road to Deline; repair options for airports at the Hay River, Yellowknife, and Inuvik runways, as we have challenges around them; options for Highway No. 3; and possible options for permafrost as well.

One thing about having these students up here is it is always good to have a fresh set of eyes on these projects. These students have given us a wide range of ideas over the last few years, and they have actually assisted us in solving some of the problems that the department has had. At the same time, when they are up here, particularly the Royal Military College, DND has had them look at a number of issues that they face in the Northwest Territories. They get a good, true picture of what is going on in the NWT and the challenges that we have, particularly around some of these climate change issues and alignment issues. They are a great asset, and we welcome them back here any time.

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Page 3959

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thanks to the Minister for that reply there. It is good to see that we are reaching out on the care and maintenance for other assets owned by this government within our territory.

My third question: will there be any recruitment of current NWT engineering students participating in these programs for these particular projects?

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Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I think one of the concepts around this whole idea of inviting these southern engineering students to come participate in the NWT is to expose them. No different than the tourism industry and no different than many people that we know in the NWT, they come here, they think they are going to stay for a day or two, and some of them end up spending a lifetime here.

We are hoping that this is an opportunity to recruit some of these people and, at the same time, exposing them to the NWT and the people of the Northwest Territories and the challenges that we have. We welcome the opportunity to hire any of them that want to come north that fit the criteria for jobs that we have posted.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Question 301-18(3):
Aging in Place

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is sort of difficult. I am trying to get through to how to move some of the money from the larger centres into small communities. It's kind of all over. I just had to kind of pick a Minister that I wanted to ask. I am talking about the school in Detah that is not moving up the line. There is a health centre in Lutselk'e. I would like to, I guess, focus in on the long-term cares that were approved in Inuvik and Hay River and more in Yellowknife, and I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services why the department didn't go looking more into allowing seniors to age in place. It is a much cheaper model and much more acceptable for the citizens of the NWT. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

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Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I accept fully that helping seniors age in place is the best way to go, and we want to support seniors aging in their homes, in their communities, in their regions as much as possible, but as we have discussed several times in this House, even as we continue to make progress in supporting aging in place, there are times and there are individuals who ultimately need care that is not available in their homes. They will need 24/7-type care that is offered in the level 3 or 4 long-term care facilities that we are constructing here, in the Northwest Territories.

We did do a thorough plan on the demands of long-term care, which identified 258 bed shortages, building upon today's existing bed shortages, that will exist by 2026. Those numbers were conservative and recognized and accounted for us doing more to support people to age in place in their communities. The demand is there even though we intend to and are making progress on supporting to age in place.

We haven't forgotten what the Member is saying. We agree with what the Member is saying, but there is the reality that long-term care is already a shortage and will continue to grow, even as we do more to age in place.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, several years ago, before I was in this House, the decision was made by Health and Social Services to move away from facilities where individuals were not necessarily aging in place in their own homes but aging in place in their own community, so they had some health facilities, which we refer to as seniors' homes, and those units were shut down. Anyone that didn't have more than 10 beds were shut down and they've kind of gone to a more central model in the larger centres.

I'd like to ask the Minister if the Minister would re-examine that decision. That decision I think was a wrong decision, and we've felt the impacts in both Lutselk'e and Fort Resolution, where individuals had to move from their community because that level could not be provided in their own home, but could be provided with a bit of an upgrade in nursing and other types of services that could be brought in there. So I'd like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services if he would examine that decision that was made long before he became Minister, of closing down those senior citizens' homes and re-opening those as long-term care facilities.

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Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, we have a Continuing Care Action Plan that we've released and I know the Member has seen, where we want to support families and communities to help seniors stay in their homes, first and foremost, as much as possible, because all evidence suggests that the outcomes for our residents are better the longer they can stay in their homes.

To the Member's point, yes, we do know that there are times when an individual will need a greater level of support or they may not be able to maintain a home, although they are still able to live independently. To that end, thank goodness that the NWT Housing Corporation has stood up and has worked with communities across the Northwest Territories to put in independent living units for seniors. Often these units are more apartment-like, where individuals can live in an apartment setting, where they don't have to worry about some of the normal activities of maintaining a home. We feel that that fills the gap that the Member is talking about. We applaud the Housing Corporation, who have worked with Health and Social Services to expand some of the space in these independent living units that will allow our healthcare staff to come in, homecare staff and other supporters, who can provide some support and activities of daily living for the seniors who are living in these independent living units.

To that end, Mr. Speaker, we also know that some of the individuals will not be able to stay in those facilities indefinitely, and they may need long-term care, so I feel like we've already moved in the direction the Member has talked about, with the support of this House, to put more independent living units out there for seniors and communities throughout the Northwest Territories.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I agree that those are important facilities, as well, and that does extend the time when these seniors will be able to remain in their home. Some of the decisions that I'm talking about where, to be very specific, if we were to look at the Great Elders Facility in Fort Resolution that if we were able to use those four units, we could be extending the time when the individuals stay in that community for an additional 10 years, perhaps, instead of going from in their own home, where I'm not seeing the effort that the Minister is talking about. I'm not seeing that in the community. I'm not seeing a whole bunch of units becoming barrier-free, as an example, and I'm talking about turning units barrier-free of people that are 70 years old, and, instead of moving into long-term care when they're 80, they would move into long-term care when they were 90 years old, for example; an extension of 10 years. So I'd like to ask the Minister if he could again look at that, recognizing what's in place but adding to that through aging in place and looking at those facilities that were previously shut down?

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Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, the Continuing Care Action Plan is not just a Department of Health and Social Services action plan. It does recognize that these challenges are across departments, and the Housing Corporation is a solid partner on trying to find solutions for our residents to stay in their communities as long as possible. I hear the Member, and I will certainly continue to have dialogue with the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation about where we can look at incorporating or building new or more independent living units for seniors. Starting in the last government, we made commitments for five communities. I believe most of those are now done. I think Fort McPherson is one of the communities that is still being constructed. Fort Good Hope should be finished soon. I believe Whati, Aklavik, and I'm blanking on the last one, have already been done. But I take the Member's point completely. I agree with the Member. I think we all do. The obvious challenge is making sure that we have the capital resources to help bring those independent living units to communities throughout the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just along the same line of capital, maybe not specific to seniors, however, right now, there's a great capital project going on in Lutselk'e where they're completely renovating a school. It looks absolutely beautiful, by the way. And now it's time to renovate or retrofit the health centre or replace it, so there's an opportunity now, right at the heels of the project on the Lutselk'e Dene School being completed. I'd like to ask the Minister if he's prepared to start beginning discussions with government, and not necessarily the Housing Corporation but with the government, to ensure that we can do something very strategic in that community to transition from that one project at the school right to the health centre as soon as possible?

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Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I think, during the capital review last year, as well as the O&M review in January or February to March, I did indicate to the Member that we've basically done the work on the planning around the renovations around the Lutselk'e Health Centre, and we're hoping to submit those for consideration in our capital planning process. I certainly will take the Member's comments and share them with the Minister of Infrastructure and the Minister of Finance, but, as the Member knows, all projects are competing for the same capital dollars. We know it needs to get done. It's in the queue. We will do our best to make an argument to make it happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Time for oral questions has expired. 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 Industry, Tourism and Investment.