This is page numbers 5365 - 5412 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 women. View the webstream of the day's session.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Blake, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, 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 1:32 p.m.

---Prayer

Prayer
Prayer

Page 5365

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, Members. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, income security programs are a vital piece of the societal safety network that together help address the needs of NWT residents. Those who access programs within this complex network are often at a point of vulnerability in their lives. It is good government practice to continually review and evaluate programs, especially social ones, to ensure that those in need are being provided appropriate supports and services.

Over the past three years, the department has implemented a number of enhancements to its suite of income security programs to better support NWT residents. By seeking input through fostering positive partnerships and having solutions-based conversations with important stakeholders, we continue to gain valuable insight for further improvements.

I am pleased to advise that, in December, I met with people who have accessed programs along with non-government social organizations to hear their priorities and solutions for the Income Assistance program. People accessing services and those working directly with people accessing income assistance have the experience and the knowledge to know what's working and what is not, as well as provide invaluable solution-based recommendations.

Mr. Speaker, I am accountable for ensuring that the programs and services offered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment are helpful to the populations they are intended to serve. I have heard from our stakeholders that the Income Assistance program can be difficult to understand and navigate. As a result, the department is working on improved communication products and ensuring staff have the right tools to help clients understand available programs and their requirements.

I have also conducted a survey of front-line staff and invited Indigenous governments and Members of the Legislative Assembly to provide their input and views on suggested changes to the Income Assistance program. All of these suggestions and solutions I hear will inform our approach to any future program changes.

I remain committed to ensuring that the priorities and suggestions that have been identified by program recipients and those who work closely with them will be considered. Department staff have already begun to identify potential changes that can be made immediately and to develop a plan to consider the more complex medium- and long-term priorities. In the spirit of transparency, the department has shared a "what we heard" report from our meeting in December with the public, on the ECE website.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have started this conversation with staff, partners, and stakeholders. It is my intention to incorporate what we have heard when making changes to the Income Assistance program so that Northwest Territories residents receive the highest-quality service when accessing income security programs and services. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, there have been many positive initiatives developed as we have worked to fulfill mandate commitments related to housing. Good-quality and affordable housing in our communities cannot be brought about just from the efforts from government. We need to engage all parties that have the capability and the willingness to improve housing conditions for our residents.

Mr. Speaker, I will be hosting a Northern Housing Summit in Inuvik on April 24 and 25, 2019, with the express intent of creating more housing partnerships. Invitees include representatives of all governments, development corporations, private industry, non-governmental organizations, political leaders, and other decision-makers.

We have made great strides in collaboration already through the Community Housing Support Initiative, the Community Housing Plan process, and the Northern Pathways to Housing projects. Through these initiatives, we are reaping the rewards of working together to meet community needs.

These initiatives are best practices in housing, Mr. Speaker. We need to share how we achieved these successes and move forward on implementing them in other communities. These approaches acknowledge that housing decisions and planning cannot be undertaken by one party alone. To truly lead the way with housing, we all need to work together.

Mr. Speaker, this Northern Housing Summit will also help position our stakeholders to take advantage of the unprecedented level of housing investments available now. For instance, with the National Housing Strategy, we are seeing funding that can be accessed at the local level. Speakers from the federal government in attendance at the Northern Housing Summit will give stakeholders the opportunity to learn more about how to access these investments. They will be able to sit down with multiple parties to explore their housing ambitions through the partnership-based National Housing Co-investment Fund. Participants will hear about investment opportunities under the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's Community Housing Support Initiative. Additionally, there will be information on how to access funding to train youth and support apprentices.

Participants will not only be hearing from government. Community proponents will be speaking about their experiences with housing planning and developing housing projects. Other topics include developing the next generation of skilled trade workers, pan-northern housing construction practices, and Indigenous housing design. Invitations will also be going out to housing experts in other northern jurisdictions so that they can share their knowledge and experiences.

Further, we know that there are challenges for some Indigenous groups in the Northwest Territories in accessing federal funds identified under the Indigenous Housing Fund streams. I will meet with Indigenous leaders attending the summit to look at how we can ensure that all our Indigenous governments can access this funding. We have had great success in our partnership with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and I would like to see that success expand across the Northwest Territories.

The Northern Housing Summit is also forward-looking. We must all do our part to fight climate change, and action is needed in the housing field, as well. Attendees will be able to participate in a Green Energy Solutions session. Approaches and technology change and improve over time, and this event can showcase those advances and highlight efforts already undertaken in the North that have yielded results.

Mr. Speaker, the Northern Housing Summit will be a great opportunity for communities and stakeholders to come together, learn from each other, and forge a new and shared future for housing in the Northwest Territories. I am looking forward to hosting this event and to the opportunities and investments that will come from it. Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has been working hard to fulfill its mandate commitment to secure funding to advancing planning and construction of priority transportation corridors in the Northwest Territories. This includes upgrading the winter road portions of the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road to an all-weather highway and planning for the Slave Geological Province Corridor. Today I am pleased to provide an update on the status of these strategic infrastructure projects.

In November 2018, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories Michael McLeod joined me and other special guests in Norman Wells to celebrate the official opening of the Canyon Creek all-season access road. This road will become a segment of the Mackenzie Valley Highway and is another incremental improvement to this corridor.

This project provided meaningful training and educational experience for local residents. At the peak of construction activity in March 2018, 81 people were employed, of whom 36 were local Sahtu residents and 28 were Northerners from other parts of the territory.

The Canyon Creek all-season access road is a great example of a capacity-building exercise that will prepare residents to take advantage of the opportunities that will come as we continue construction on the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, partnerships with Indigenous organizations are critical to the success of our strategic corridor projects, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway. The Department of Infrastructure commenced its engagement efforts this past month by holding initial community engagement sessions and meetings with community leadership in Norman Wells, Tulita, Wrigley, and Fort Simpson. Discussions focused on the way forward for environmental reviews and permitting of this project, and how to maximize benefits to the people of the region. Many supportive comments were received, with leaders and residents interested in understanding when construction could begin and what types of training, employment and business opportunities would be available.

Mr. Speaker, our government reached another landmark last week to advance the Slave Geological Province Infrastructure Corridor that includes transportation, communications, and energy transmission. While at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference in Toronto last week, I joined Parliamentary Secretary Paul Lefebvre to announce funding to support this project. The funding will go toward the planning of the corridor, including the investigation of potential sources and planning and environmental studies to help advance this project as well as contribute to aerial geophysical surveys of the region. A total of $6.8 million will be invested, with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, also known as CanNor, providing $5.1 million of the funding, and a further $750,000 will come from academic institutions, and the remaining amount will come from the GNWT.

The Department of Infrastructure is currently finalizing a comprehensive project application for funding to advance the Slave Geological Province Corridor under the northern call for the National Trade Corridors Fund. If approved, funding will go toward environmental planning and engineering studies for the corridor and completing the environmental assessment and regulatory processes for the first segment to Lockhart Lake. As we await the funding announcement, the department will continue to pursue opportunities to partner with Indigenous groups on this transformative infrastructure project.

Mr. Speaker, an important component of the Slave Geological Province Corridor that the department is also advancing the replacement of the Frank Channel Bridge on Highway No. 3. Building a new bridge across the Frank Channel would eliminate a major bottleneck in the resupply system from southern Canada to Yellowknife and the diamond mines.

When the bridge was constructed in 1960, it was designed for trucks weighing up to 32,000 kilograms. Structural improvements have been made to the bridge over the years to allow for commercial truck loads to 63,000 kilograms. However, the existing structure is nearing the end of its service life, and the through-truss design limits the size of loads.

The Department of Infrastructure is engaging with the community of Behchoko and the Tlicho Government on the required relocation of the bridge, and is continuing to assemble the required pre-engineering and environmental baseline work to prepare us for its replacement. The department is also finalizing a comprehensive project application to replace the Frank Channel Bridge under the northern call of the National Trade Corridors Fund.

Mr. Speaker, transportation corridor infrastructure plays a very important part in the health of our communities and the prosperity of the Northwest Territories, not just because of the connections that it will make, but also because of the skills, training, and economic opportunities that construction projects bring to the communities and residents. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners, including the federal government, and to building a safe, efficient, and resilient infrastructure system that meets the needs of the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Chief Phillip Blake of Tsiigehtchic. Yesterday the community was busy with the election, with a total of four people running for chief. As for the council, they were all acclaimed, with an all-ladies council made up of Julie-Ann Andre, Charlene Blake, Jamie Benoit-Cardinal, Cindy McDonald, and Shelly Vanloon.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with Chief Phillip Blake and his council throughout the rest of our term and wish them all the best throughout their term, as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Online Safety for Children
Members' Statements

Page 5366

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, our children's safety is always a concern for parents, especially when it comes to their interactions on social media. The next generation is growing up in a rapidly-changing technological environment, and although this has the possibility of reward and greater individual potential, not everyone or everything online will have your best interests in mind.

News of the "Momo Challenge" has been making the rounds, reportedly an online phenomenon where people, mainly children, are sent disturbing images on social media and are told to act out until a point of self-harm. Thankfully, this has been debunked as a hoax.

Mr. Speaker, in this ever-increasing complex age, we, as parents, teachers, and even our elders, in regard to our children, must remain eternally vigilant. This is because the Internet and all of the possibilities that come with it have the potential to expand an individual's capacity and ability to network, but it also carries the risk of spreading false, misleading, and truly frightful information. I am glad to hear of some school boards from across the country issuing tips and resources for child safety and parent awareness on social media and on other web-based applications.

Mr. Speaker, when used properly, the Internet is an incredible tool for learning and communication, but our most vulnerable need to know how to be safe online and how to scrutinize the information that they come across. Parents should discuss where online devices are kept at home and when kids are allowed to have access to them.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that all of us who use the Internet practice and hone our hoax detection skills, teach them to our children, and ensure that those who are most vulnerable in our society are aware of the devious tricksters, pranksters, and troubled persons who will try to take advantage without having fully pondered the consequences.

Mr. Speaker, the online world has created an interconnected society like no other in the history of the world. Our children are set to inherit the incredible possibilities of this world, and it is up to us to ensure that they are prepared to be responsible online citizens who know how to keep themselves safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Online Safety for Children
Members' Statements

Page 5366

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Long-Term Care in Fort Simpson
Members' Statements

March 12th, 2019

Page 5366

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Long-term care facilities provide an essential and critical service to our elders population, along with society as a whole. Long-term care facilities, very much like the elders' home in Fort Simpson, provide our elders with 24-hour professional care in terms of their physical, mental, emotional, social, and often psychological needs. Many of our elders require 24-hour care, much of which the family is unable to provide. Consequently, making the decision to place loved ones in long-term facility is never an easy one.

When an elder moves from their place of residence to a facility, there is always a very stressful and emotional time of transition. More often than not, the elder is not able to express their personal autonomy in this decision. In these times, the professional staff offering the elder a great measure of compassion, kindness, and consideration in terms of this life-changing transition is critical.

Long-term care facilities not only meet the essential needs of the elderly population; they also assist with activities of daily living, medical help, monitoring and administration of medication, nutritious food, and the access to traditionally prepared food on a daily basis, with the health, safety, and wellness of our elders a continuous focus and priority. They often offer essential services which stimulate the fundamental need for socialization, independence, and interdependence.

Showcasing the Fort Simpson elders' home is exactly that; a home, not an institution, nor does it look or operate as such. The management and staff at the elders' home deliver exemplary, high-quality service to our elders, providing not only professional care, but compassionate, person-centred care with an optimal team approach to each resident's need. The staff is critically sensitive and aware of the culture of the residents who they serve and go out of their way to provide traditional food on an ongoing businesses. Family and community members are encouraged to participate in any and all activities and are warmly welcomed by all staff members.

A critical piece of this incredible service offered to our elders is the representation and delivery of the meals that they receive. The meals are prepared and placed on Bunsen burners to keep them warm, put on a trolley, and served to each resident in their individual seats. Residents can then choose what they would like to eat and the proportion size, hence encouraging independence and autonomy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the management and staff of the Fort Simpson elders' home for the generous love and care that they express to our elders each and every day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Long-Term Care in Fort Simpson
Members' Statements

Page 5367

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At devolution, the GNWT finally acquired control of our waters. The idea was that the NWT could control our own resources and destiny. Upon devolution, the NWT enacted the Waters Act and Waters Regulations. These essentially mirrored the former federal acts. Since then, we have done very little to adapt those regulations to our local conditions.

Mr. Speaker, under the Waters Act, the "Commissioner in Executive Council," meaning the GNWT Cabinet, can amend the regulations. This authority could help us fulfill our mandate for growing our economy and reducing regulatory duplication. How? The most important thing that Cabinet could do is to change the thresholds for water use requiring a licence. Currently, if you use more than 100 cubic metres, you need a licence. That is the quantity that we inherited from the feds, and unlike our neighbours, we haven't updated that amount.

Mr. Speaker, after devolution in 2003, Yukon changed that threshold to 300 cubic metres. Later, Nunavut did the same. Now exploration in Yukon and Nunavut is outpacing us in the NWT.

We can change that limit, too, Mr. Speaker. We don't need repatriation of the MVRMA. We don't need new legislation. Cabinet can do this by regulation. That is what devolution intended, for us to be masters of our own house.

Why is this important, Mr. Speaker? Most of the water that I am talking about is critical for exploration projects. A limit of 300 cubic metres is enough water to operate six to nine drills. That amount strikes an appropriate balance between protecting our environment and reducing the regulatory burden. 300 cubic metres is a limit within which responsible exploration companies can operate. Beyond that, they would need a licence from one of our water boards, and Cabinet can also prescribe conditions for that licensing to go ahead.

Mr. Speaker, we compete for the same investment dollars as Yukon and Nunavut. We can offer more robust exploration capacity to resource companies by raising the water use threshold. Our sister territories have done this and still maintain very high environmental protection standards.

I am not suggesting that we allow unlimited use of our water or let developers go unregulated. Quite the contrary. They would still be required to report to inspectors and obtain land use permits. That is as it should be.

Mr. Speaker, a well-balanced regulatory system benefits us all. At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Premier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Deline Got'ine Self-Government
Members' Statements

Page 5367

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to talk about the importance of self-determination and the role of self-government in creating a strong and vibrant future for the communities of the Northwest Territories, specifically, Mr. Speaker, the Deline Got'ine Government.

On March 12, 2014, eligible voters overwhelmingly approved the Deline Final Self-Government Agreement. Mr. Speaker, 84 percent of the eligible voters said yes.

In September 2015, the Deline First Nation, the Deline Land Corporation, and the Deline Charter Community began the process of preparing on coming together underneath the Deline Got'ine Government structure.

The Deline Got'ine Government began operating on September 1, 2016, Mr. Speaker. This is the government that elders envisioned.

Today, Mr. Speaker, the Deline Got'ine Government is working with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada to implement self-government. The Deline Got'ine Government is an inclusive government that respects and serves all residents of the community. Their vision is to be able to provide quality programs and services to their own people. They are working with both governments of the NWT and Canada to do just that.

Mr. Speaker, part of self-determination is being responsible, building government-to-government relationships. Given this, the DGG is pursuing a bilateral relationship with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, a memorandum of understanding between the Deline Got'ine Government and the GNWT is the logical first step. It will create the space for important issues such as caribou management and many others at the highest levels of leadership. The GNWT's own Respect, Recognition, and Responsibility Document commits the government to negotiating and signing these agreements.

Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have progress questions of the Deline Got'ine Government and GNWT bilateral agreement to the Premier. Mahsi.

Deline Got'ine Self-Government
Members' Statements

Page 5367

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Home Care in Zhatie Koe
Members' Statements

Page 5367

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Taking care of elders is an important part of Dene culture, and we take it very seriously in Deh Cho communities. At a recent constituency meeting in Fort Providence, it was pointed out that two additional positions are needed for homecare. [English translation not provided]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health and Social Services has informed me that two home support worker positions are filled, although the homecare nurse position is vacant. I am concerned that, with about 40 clients, the home support workers are booked solid and other elders who need service are unable to get help.

Mr. Speaker, the Deh Gah Gotie First Nation previously ran a successful homemaker program through an agreement with the GNWT. Unfortunately, this funding was cut off, and we no longer have the program.

I am also concerned that more of our elders will wind up living in regional centres where our government has concentrated its facilities for seniors. When this happens, it erodes the fabric of our small communities and our culture. If facilities cannot be built in small communities, we must have more homecare to help our elders stay in their homes.

Mr. Speaker, I wrote the Minister of Health and Social Services about this issue. I explained the need for two more homecare workers in Fort Providence. It is a small request, and there are people in the community who can do these jobs. To date, I have seen no progress. There is nothing to indicate that the voices of our elders in Zhatie Koe are being heard or that their needs will be met by this government.

Mr. Speaker, residents of our small communities are entitled to health services on par with those enjoyed by other Canadians. I know very well that we do not live up to that goal. I am not asking for a hospital in Fort Providence. I am asking for two homecare workers to help our elders live well in their final years. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Home Care in Zhatie Koe
Members' Statements

Page 5367

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. The need for improved consumer rights and consumer protection remedies is a topic that all NWT residents have a stake in. I will raise a few points on this.

First is the lack of vigour and effectiveness of our consumer protection processes under our territorial Consumer Protection Act. The act lists areas of jurisdiction, but the real teeth that we're looking for, enforcement, is non-existent to weak at best. There is a process for complaints, investigations, and government intervention as an arbiter, but there is no final bite in the ability to issue binding orders, assign damages, or outlaw unfair practices.

We had the example of a local restaurant falsely describing its fish as locally caught. Media exposure was the only means that fixed the issue. We had testimony during review of the Municipal and Community Affairs budget, describing the department's follow-up on apprehensions of price fixing in the gasoline market. The MACA witness said that the department analyzed market price trends and then contacted gas vendors to discuss why prices never appeared to change. The MACA witness claimed that, as a result of this attention, gas stations' prices began to drop. Again, even if a full-blown price-fixing scheme had been uncovered, there was nothing in law the department could do to change such a situation.

I've raised these concerns before. As we near the end of this Assembly, we know that changes to the Consumer Protection Act are not on the legislative horizon. The Consumers Council of Canada cites an International Charter of Consumer Rights, which includes, "the right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods, or unsatisfactory services." We must strive for that standard, Mr. Speaker.

Other major consumer protection issues include multi-jurisdictional authorities and remote sellers, major sources of grievance for our residents. In addition to giving our consumer law authority to allow for improved remedies, we need to align our processes with areas of federal authority -- complaints with air travel are an excellent example. Who hasn't missed a flight here because of air carriers -- and design law that has teeth in a world of on-line shopping. Big challenges, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister on how we prepare the path forward for the 19th Assembly towards improved consumer protection. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.

Growing Together Parenting Program
Members' Statements

Page 5368

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to talk about an organization that is near and dear to the hearts of many families in Hay River and has been for the last 22 years. Growing Together is a non-profit organization that offers free programs for parents and their children aged zero to five. Before Growing Together, there was very little in terms of parenting programs in Hay River. I believe there was one that parents could attend once or twice a month.

Today, Growing Together offers a variety of programs throughout the week, and they are always well attended. It is not uncommon to see two or three dozen children in attendance with their mothers, and some day-home operators, as well. When I visited, there were 50 kids, 19 adults, and three staff members. Last year, 275 mothers and children attended the program throughout the year. There is no doubt that it is popular.

However, ECE has decided to revamp its Healthy Children Initiative, which is the funding pot that has made these programs possible for the last 22 years. The new criteria has shifted focus and no longer supports parenting programs. Funding to programs like Growing Together will be phased out over the next three years. On April 1st, Growing Together will receive 25 percent less funding than it did this year. The year after, it will receive 50 percent less. The year after that, it will take another hit until it finally receives nothing in the fourth year.

Mr. Speaker, earlier I said that this program was near and dear to the hearts of many. That was a bit of an understatement. When the folks at Growing Together found out that their funding was going to be cut, they invited me to meet with some of the mothers who attend their programs so I could hear directly from them.

Mr. Speaker, I have been to quite a few public meetings, so I know that it can be tough to get people out. However, on a Tuesday evening when it was minus 30, over 20 mothers and day-home providers showed up to let me know just how important these programs are. It was quite a touching evening.

They spoke about what Growing Together means to them, about how valuable it is for their children, about how valuable the emotional support offered by the other mothers is, about how having these programs and this community as a constant has helped their mental health, about how they can share stories and get advice from other mother who have been through the same things, and so on. Mr. Speaker, in the end we received 30 letters of support, which I have passed on to the Minister.

Mr. Speaker, this is a program worth saving. I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment about how we can do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Growing Together Parenting Program
Members' Statements

Page 5368

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. Member for Yellowknife Centre.