This is page numbers 3939 - 3964 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 indigenous.

Marriage of Underage Minors
Members' Statements

Page 3946

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member's statements. Member for Sahtu.

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recent news highlighted "GNWT Partners with Royal Military College of Canada Engineering Projects."

Mr. Speaker, engineering services are the most needed proponent of any construction team. Advancing forward, I foresee a beneficial partnership.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories covers 13.5 per cent of Canada, and attributes to 1.3 million square kilometers, a vast area covering a large amount of untapped resources and communities' cost of living reductions by road connections to the rest of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, given the high demand for infrastructure projects, like all-season roads, one budgetary aspect for project engineering is usually estimated between 10 and 15 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, given this innovation for project cost savings, I'm grateful for the potential Sahtu projects by the Department of Infrastructure's initiative to engage and structure a collaboration arrangement between our government and the Royal Military College of Canada for the supply of project engineering services.

Mr. Speaker, this preparatory arrangement gives me confidence that steps are underway to utilize this idle time while we await the decisions by our federal counterparts for the application submitted by our government last November, in particular the MVH or Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, this is truly a proactive measure. We have potentially northern projects and engineering students that are eagerly looking forward to meeting the challenges of designing infrastructure under northern conditions, including climate change elements.

In project theory, the more administrative savings, the more project embankment we can see realized. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Masi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member's statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Ingraham Trail Improvement Progress
Members' Statements

Page 3947

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I gave a statement on the real impacts of the cost of living. Some people suggested that I should be more positive and upbeat in my messages. Well, I want that person to know that his point did not fall on deaf ears, and today, I am happy to commend the Department of Infrastructure for the ongoing progress made on the Ingraham Trail.

Mr. Speaker, roads are the most cost-effective way to bridge the distances that separate residents from their extended families, lands, and resources. That is why the biggest items on our infrastructure to-do list are highways. They are important for mines and jobs, for tourism, and for the people and families.

The Ingraham Trail started off as a dusty old mining trail, but now it is a successful multi-use highway. In the past, it supported our gold mines; now it resupplies our diamond industry, and it is crucial to the exploration that will generate our future prosperity. It is the beginning of the road to the Slave Geological Province after all.

Beyond that, the trail supports important recreational and economic activities. It supports economic diversification, tourism, and access for visitors to the spectacular NWT. It supports some of our agricultural pioneers and commercial enterprises. The trail has parks and campgrounds and hiking trails everywhere, and Mr. Speaker, the trail is home to many full-time residents.

I commend the department for its many improvements to the safety and usability of the road: new guard rails, widened sections and shoulders, extension of paved surfaces are important additions. The reconfiguration and growth of the Prosperous Boat Launch in particular is a great contribution to accessibility and safety. The responses I have heard from users and constituents living on the trail all commend and appreciate these improvements.

There are still some challenges we will have to confront in the coming months and years. How will maintenance needs change as climate warms? How will traffic flow be changed by new resource developments? How will increasing numbers of tourists sharing the road with residents and diamond mines resupply change safety traffic enforcement requirements? These and other questions will need our continued attention.

Mr. Speaker, most important, the Ingraham Trail is an example of a successful multi-purpose transportation corridor that serves not just one but many of the NWT's economic and social needs. We can use it as a model for our territory's future growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Ingraham Trail Improvement Progress
Members' Statements

Page 3947

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Ministerial Mandate Priorities
Members' Statements

Page 3947

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I am going to continue providing my version of the mandate letters that should have been giving to the Ministers who took on new portfolios in April. As I said yesterday, the Premier's mandate letters repeat letters that he provided to prior Ministers. It is as if nothing has happened in the last two years. There is no indication of priorities, just a long list of objectives; so let me try and fix that, this time with the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

First, childcare: childcare is the second largest expense for most families in Yellowknife, and not only in Yellowknife, who have children under four and/or have children who need care after school, on the innumerable teacher education days, and during the summer. It is a priority of the 18th Assembly to make childcare both more accessible and more affordable, and the mandate letter acknowledges this point.

The three-year plan negotiated by the previous Minister will provide for professional development for staff and access to childcare in more places, but there isn't one word about affordability. Mr. Speaker, the new Minister needs to reconcile these competing visions of the future of childcare in the NWT to ensure that it is both accessible and affordable.

Second, Aurora College: the college has faced significant uncertainty and disruption for more than a year, following the previous Minister's decision to suspend the Social Work and Teacher Education programs and to dismiss the board. Resolving these issues and others have been put on hold pending the completion of the foundational review. Now that it is complete, I eagerly await the public discussion of the results of the foundational review and the department's vision for the college's future, as well as the future of post-secondary education in the NWT.

Third, income support: I receive many calls from constituents who have issues with service delivery. For example, I have a constituent who has been trying to sort out payment of childcare expenses in order to attend Aurora College. The issue has been unresolved for more than six months. I appreciate that IA staff have rules to follow, but a few take a punitive approach to clients, who have no other choice but to apply for help. Mr. Speaker, there is no reason to further diminish their dignity on purpose.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is large and diverse. I could have chosen another half-dozen issues to talk about today. What I am looking forward to is the Minister's own vision for her new role. Mahsi.

Ministerial Mandate Priorities
Members' Statements

Page 3948

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Fort McPherson Housing Needs
Members' Statements

Page 3948

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Let's talk housing in the NWT, or lack of housing. Mr. Speaker, as it stands right now, housing is a major issue in our communities. There are families that have been on the waiting list for months and, in some cases, for years.

Fort McPherson has had the same concerns with housing: just not enough units available for families that are growing and not enough units for single adults. We have new families that are just beginning their lives together with little or no housing available.

Mr. Speaker, in all of our communities, we have homelessness: people who are couch-surfing because they have no home. Fortunately, we have large extended families that will take in family members on a short-term basis.

The elders in Fort McPherson have been put on hold once again in terms of getting their new elders' home built. In 2015, after a few years of designing the building, selecting a site for the building, trucking all of the materials to Fort McPherson, finally, construction began on the new elders' home.

Mr. Speaker, the building barely got off the ground. The project was undergoing some problems with management. This was nothing to do with the elders, who are excitedly waiting to see who is going to be residing in the new units. The project was stopped and left unattended for months and months. In early 2017, negotiations took place, and, once again, the project was in full swing. Employment was up, people were busy, and everyone was happy.

Just recently, the project has been put on hold, and everyone is questioning: what is going on, and when will the construction start again, and what about our elders? Mr. Speaker, we need to complete this building as soon as possible. I will have questions later today. Thank you.

Fort McPherson Housing Needs
Members' Statements

Page 3948

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Slave Geological Province Road
Members' Statements

May 25th, 2018

Page 3948

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, monsieur le President. It seems that we have a "roads" theme day here today. My message is going to be a little bit different.

This April, the federal government denied GNWT's funding application for its National Trade Corridors Fund towards the construction of the Slave Geological Province Road. This is a proposal to turn the current winter road to the diamond mines into an all-weather corridor and join it with the proposed Grays Bay Road and Port Project to Nunavut's Arctic coast.

Nunavut's proposal for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project was similarly denied, and the Nunavut government quickly pulled out of that project on April 14th, and then the Qikiqtani Inuit Association requested that the environmental review of it be suspended on May 2nd, a request which was accepted two days later. Now that this project has been shelved indefinitely, it is time that our government did the same thing with the Slave Geological Province Road and focus on other infrastructure.

A business case has yet to be completed, and there has been no independent analysis of the costs and benefits of the Slave Geological Province Road. Quite simply, our government doesn't have the fiscal capacity to build this $540 million road with our limited borrowing capacity, even if the federal government was to make a substantial contribution. Our government should stop raising unrealistic expectations that this project can be started within the mandate of the 18th Assembly.

On the environmental side, there is no approved range plan, management plan, or recovery strategy for the Bathurst caribou herd or a legally binding land use plan for this region. No additional funds to implement any of these initiatives were included in the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.

Until this work is completed, funded, and implemented with a documented rebound in the health of the Bathurst caribou herd, an all-weather road into the Slave Geological Province, especially a publicly funded road, would not be in the public interest. If we want caribou and the food security, tourism, and other ecological and cultural benefits that caribou bring, we cannot have an all-weather road into the heart of their range.

I will have questions later today on why Cabinet continues to pursue the Slave Geological Province Road when there is no economic case for it, no fiscal capacity to build it, and no plan to protect caribou. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Slave Geological Province Road
Members' Statements

Page 3949

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Member's Statement on
Eulogy for Allan Browning

Slave Geological Province Road
Members' Statements

Page 3949

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Al Browning came into this world like a sheep on July 10, 1963, and departed like a lion on March 19, 2018, much too soon for all of us to comprehend or believe. He has left a great void in the lives of those who loved him deeply.

Allan is the second oldest child of Rose and Tommy Browning. He is a descendant of a great family who has a rich history around Fort Simpson and the Deh Cho. The Browning family is part of northern history, and his grandfather ran a sawmill that provided much of the lumber for the community's early infrastructure. Allan and the great members of his family will forever be remembered for their contributions to the growth of this community, the region, and the North.

Allan was a caring and loving man who truly cared for the people he loved, especially his family. He did not only say it; he proved it in many ways. Just prior to his sudden departure, he visited his parents' resting place and prayed by their gravesite. He did the same for his sister's gravesite. It brings great comfort to know that he is united with his parents and his loving big sister, the beautiful and courageous Yvonne.

Allan had a strong presence in his nieces and nephews, especially Tiffany. He made sure that he was there for all special moments. He was a special uncle who enjoyed being part of their celebrations and achievements. As well, he loved his brother Foster with all of his heart and supported him.

Allan attended Akaitcho Hall and formed lifelong friendships with many people from all over the NWT and Nunavut. When people from the past bumped into him, he always remembered them and made them laugh. Through good and bad times, he made people look at the good. That was one of his many gifts as a friend.

Allan worked as a recreation director in numerous communities and, as a result, knew many people and friends wherever he went. Some of the youth that he inspired are now adults with families and fondly remember his passion and inspiration and continue to bring this to their children and others to this day.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, Allan's true love was Angela Kuliktana, whom he met during his school years. As fate would have it, they connected later in life and did not miss a beat. They loved each other deeply, and when they were together, there was a twinkle in their eyes. He will be sadly missed by all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Slave Geological Province Road
Members' Statements

Page 3949

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Our condolences to the family as well. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Slave Geological Province Road
Members' Statements

Page 3949

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 3949

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. David Bob. He recently relocated to Yellowknife from Inuvik, where he has taken the position of president of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, and he has wisely chosen to live in my constituency. Mahsi.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 3949

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Member for Nahendeh.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement 4-18(3):
Ted Grant, Recipient of Senate Sesquicentennial Medal

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 3950

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Ted Grant, owner of Simpson Air. In the fall of 2017, he received the Senator's Sesquicentennial Medal. Ted volunteered his time with coaching hockey and generously donates to kids' sports teams in the community. He has also showed his dedication by promoting tourism to the Nahanni Park.

Ted has been a long-time resident of Fort Simpson, dating back to his days as an RCMP officer in the community in the 1970s. His favourite thing about Fort Simpson is that he does not have to live in the city, where everything is hectic, and, in Fort Simpson, it is quiet and the scenery is beautiful. He likes how everyone knows everyone and is willing to help those around them. Congratulations, Ted, and thank you for everything you do in our community. Thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 3950

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Acknowledgements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Acknowledgement 5-18(3):
Eric Bussey, National Emergency Management
Exemplary Service Award

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 3950

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge my constituent Eric Bussey, who recently received the national Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award.

Mr. Bussey was the senior emergency management official for the GNWT for 25 years, including 15 years for Nunavut prior to division. He expanded participation in the Territorial Emergency Response Committee and helped create the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, or CASARA, and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. He led the development of highway emergency alerting protocols and brought northern EMO issues to national forums.

Please join me in saluting his career of service. Mahsi.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 3950

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier, I spoke about Inuit and Indigenous peoples' participation in the development of Arctic policies. My questions are for the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, my first question to the Premier is: what is the Premier doing to ensure that Arctic Indigenous peoples' priorities are brought to the forefront when engaging with the federal government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories has advocated for the inclusion of Northwest Territories Indigenous governments, including the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and work around the Arctic Policy Framework.

At the Intergovernmental Council meeting in December of 2017, I agreed that the Government of the Northwest Territories would work collaboratively with Indigenous governments to develop a northern approach to the framework, including the Northwest Territories chapter.

Government of Northwest Territories officials held a roundtable discussion with Indigenous governments in January 2018 to get initial thoughts on the Arctic Policy Framework and what should go into a Northwest Territories chapter. We have also received written submissions and continue to meet with Indigenous governments.

When it comes to Arctic marine shipping and other Arctic policies, we are not involved significantly as a subnational government. The federal government guards their responsibilities very seriously, and we have minimal input into Arctic marine policy framework.

I should add that Arctic Indigenous peoples have more representation in international venues, such as the Arctic Council where they are permanent participants, than our own government does. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

I appreciate the response. It is good to see that the Premier and the GNWT is looking at all Indigenous groups, not just in the NWT, but looking at the relevance and the issues and concerns from other regions.

Mr. Speaker, my second question is: what has the GNWT's involvement been on the development of the Arctic Policy Framework?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

The Government of the Northwest Territories is currently co-chairing the Provincial-Territorial Official Working Group of the Arctic Policy Framework. Drafting is underway for the front end of the Arctic Policy Framework and is being shared with Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories, including the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.