This is page numbers 5413 - 5452 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was work. 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. 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 1:31 p.m.

---Prayer

Prayer
Prayer

Page 5413

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, colleagues. Colleagues, it is my duty to advise this House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads: "Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020, during the 3rd Session of the 18th Assembly. Yours truly, Margaret M. Thom, Commissioner." Masi cho.

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Conservation of wildlife in the Northwest Territories is a responsibility shared by governments, boards, and individuals through our co-management system. This Legislative Assembly has made a mandate commitment to develop range plans for boreal caribou in the NWT. Today I would like to share some significant news about those plans and our made-in-the-North approach to protecting boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, boreal woodland caribou are listed as a threatened species under both federal and territorial legislation. These caribou are distinct from our nine barren-ground herds, which migrate above and below the treeline. Boreal caribou live in the forest, either alone or in small groups.

Our government, together with our co-management partners, has been working on a made-in-the-North approach to managing boreal caribou and their habitat in the NWT. This includes a framework for developing regional range plans, plans that will help us maintain adequate habitat across the NWT to support a healthy and sustainable population of boreal caribou.

Under the federal Species at Risk Act, at least 65 percent of the land used by boreal caribou must be maintained as undisturbed habitat. This is a requirement that we take very seriously. We do not want the federal government to step in and issue a federal protection order. This safety net order, as it is called, would give the federal government authority over our territorial lands, which are considered critical habitat for boreal caribou. We are working closely with the federal government to avoid this, Mr. Speaker.

That is why I am pleased to share with you today that our government has reached an agreement with the federal government under section 11 of the Species at Risk Act. This conservation agreement recognizes and supports our approach to boreal caribou and habitat management and reduces the likelihood of a protection order. The agreement sets out conservation measures to support boreal caribou in the NWT, including development and implementation of range plans to protect boreal caribou habitat.

As part of this agreement, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Environment and Climate Change Canada have also negotiated federal funding for range planning in the NWT. This funding is significant and will support our collaborative process to build regional range plans with our co-management partners.

Under this agreement, Canada will provide $3.255 million to the GNWT over the next five years to support the conservation measures in the agreement. In addition, Mr. Speaker, we have negotiated $1 million in funding to allow our Indigenous self-government partners to fully engage in the range planning process, to ensure these plans truly reflect the values and interests of Northerners.

Currently, about 69 percent of boreal caribou range in the NWT is undisturbed, and our boreal caribou population is considered self-sustaining. That is very good news. It means that we are in a good position to meet the 65-percent requirement for undisturbed habitat and continue to support conservation of this species.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that, together with our co-management partners, we can help maintain our population of boreal caribou while ensuring continued opportunities for sustainable economic growth now and into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our vision for Health and Social Services in the Northwest Territories is one of Best Health, Best Care, For a Better Future. Realizing this vision requires meaningful change at all levels; change within our systems, change within ourselves as individuals working in those systems, and change in the ways that we do our work together. Today I want to provide Members with more detail about the work that we are doing within the system to improve access and quality of care for all residents of the Northwest Territories.

We have made significant changes to the structure of the Health and Social Services system during this Legislative Assembly. System Transformation, which created the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority, has given us the governance and administrative structures we need to improve services and to better support NWT residents.

With that foundation in place, the Department of Health and Social Services and the authority are now beginning a process to reform primary healthcare that will put the client at the centre of everything that we do.

This isn't about changing our system; that work is already under way. Rather, this is about changing the way that our system works. Through primary healthcare reform, we will shift our approach to planning programming and delivering services so that they are responsive and client-focused. The client, along with their families and communities, will become the orienting point and partner in every decision that we make as care providers and as a system of care.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that optimal health and well-being for all residents will be achieved by integrating the social determinants of health into our system, and by meeting each client where they are in their journey, to provide the right care, from the right provider, at the right time, and in the right place. To make this a reality, we are building a team and a relationship-based approach to how we deliver services and offer programming, which is driven by community priorities and data and grounded in trust and shared outcomes.

We have made great progress in partnering with communities to support community wellness planning and capacity building over the last several years, but we have not yet applied that same successful approach towards working with communities to define and implement their own health agenda. People and communities have wisdom about their own health needs, both the services they require and the way those services should be delivered. Through primary healthcare reform, we are going to increase community participation in the planning processes to ensure that we are delivering services that work in ways that make sense for the people and the place.

Mr. Speaker, we have exceptionally talented and dedicated people working throughout our system at all levels. They strive every day to provide the highest standard of care and service in challenging environments and circumstances. I have had the privilege of spending time with both staff and clients in every community of the NWT, and I know that they are excited about the possibility of doing things differently, of doing things in a better way.

Over the next few months we will begin rolling out demonstration projects to test certain elements of primary healthcare reform. To increase community participation in health planning, we will be developing a new piloted project for chronic-disease management in smaller communities, beginning in the Deh Cho region. To improve access, we will be looking at new service-delivery approaches to better serve Yellowknife's most marginalized populations. To improve continuity of care and support the development of relationships between clients and providers, we are developing multidisciplinary integrated care teams that will provide clients with ready access to a team of providers, all working at full scope of practice, who can be responsive to the client's needs in real time.

Mr. Speaker, we are committed to a learning process as we take on this work. As we develop new approaches, we will test them and refine them before rolling them out across the system, to ensure that changes we make are the right ones. We are also committed to leading by example to do this work in a good way. This means that each of the demonstration projects will be developed in keeping with the principles of cultural safety and in accordance with the recently released Cultural Safety Action Plan. The staff involved in the demonstration projects will participate in cultural safety training as part of their work, to begin embedding cultural safety in our system and facilitating the cultural shifts required to make this our new way of doing business.

The Cultural Safety Action Plan implementation and the primary healthcare reform are in the early days, but the enthusiasm and commitment for these efforts within our systems are undeniable. I look forward to supporting these initiatives as they move forward and to providing updates to this House on our progress. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Deputy Premier.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Premier will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to attend the Arctic Oil and Gas Symposium in Calgary, Alberta. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' Statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Food security is becoming the watchword of the 21st century around the world. Reliable food supply and the cost of shipping foods to markets are challenges that the world will be confronting in the years to come. In the North, our own challenges are every bit as complex. The social media movement Feeding My Family brought international attention to the high cost of food in the North. Our ability to rely on country food, food that sustained Indigenous people for thousands of years, is uncertain as the health and future of caribou herds is unclear, but it's soon to be getting better. Many of this Assembly's mandate priorities have a bearing on food security. We are moving ahead with agricultural and fishery strategies, things that relate directly to securing sufficient, healthy diet for residents.

However, recently, Mr. Speaker, I learned of a new initiative. The Yellowknife Co-op is investing in a new installation that will allow it to produce fresh food year-round, right here at home. It has partnered with a company called The Grocer that has created a transportable, hydroponic growing system. The Grocer is a Canadian company that is member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. It has developed an Arctic growing system that is specifically designed for low-infrastructure environments and temperatures as low as minus 52 degrees Celsius. It combines hydroponic technology with precision climate control and computerized operation.

The system is scalable to grow with demand. The basic system can provide up to 12,000 pounds of produce each year. The grower's system was tried in Churchill, Manitoba, after that community's rail line, its only land link to the south, washed out in 2016. Within weeks of installing the system, many varieties of produce were available in stores. In February 2018, temperatures went down to minus 58, and the system was still growing. Over time, the sticker price of leafy greens dropped from $7.25 with subsidized shipping to $4.99, and of course Mr. Speaker, it was fresher and tastier.

The Yellowknife Co-op's investment is an example of creative forward thinking, Mr. Speaker. It supports our mandate priorities of promoting agriculture, reducing the cost of living, and diversifying the economy, and it promises local control and decision-making around food supply for our communities and families. Colleagues, please join me in congratulating the Yellowknife Co-op on its exciting new initiative.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. [Translation] The goals of the BDIC are noble ones, to help small businesspeople to address heavy bureaucratic requirements [translation ends]....territory, and this government's claim that diversification of our economy is a top priority, it would be reasonable to believe that this organization is pulling its weight and providing effective assistance to private enterprise. Yet I have been hearing from an ever-increasing number of small businesses that they have lost support from BDIC once the money has been lent. It seems that this organization has forgone its role in supporting the economic objectives of this government in encouraging business development in favour of becoming just another lender.

BDIC has the statutory power to adjust contracts, defer payments of the principal, and adjust interest rates. Yet I, too, like the honourable Member for Hay River North, who touched on this last week, am hearing that BDIC is squeamish to exercise all of the powers it has at its disposal. I am hard-pressed to believe that they have just become another monetary lender as a matter of policy. This is not a matter of law. I hope they begin to use every tool at their disposal and that the NWT will be able to get its economy back into a position of growth rather than the current state of contraction.

All this raises questions as to what is the long-term vision of the BDIC. Standing committees have heard from the BDIC leadership. We have heard about a desire to do more to invest in entrepreneurs, provide front-line services, and invest in developing sectors of our economy. I support this vision. It goes to more than just lending, but I am not confident that this vision is shared by this government. BDIC has seen its funding stripped away over successive budgets, and many of its front-line business support has been subsumed by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken on the need for greater independence of the GNWT Crown corporations and arm's-length institutions. BDIC's board and president must be empowered to chart their own course for the corporation, and the Minister must not see the important work of BDIC as just another fund or function of his ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I have called before for this government to let the private sector lead, and now I will call on this government to get out of the way and let the BDIC support the private sector on its own terms for the long-term vision for success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Giant Mine Remediation Benefits
Members' Statements

Page 5414

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Earlier this week I attended the annual public meeting held by the Giant Mine Remediation Project staff. A lot of work was required to contain and manage arsenic trioxide waste for at least the next 100 years, to remediate soil, demolish buildings, build and operate a new water treatment facility, and more. A report on the water licence application and process was also provided.

A good deal of the meeting was taken up with discussing opportunities for northern benefits during the decade-long remediation. Contracts valued at $430 million have been let so far, but most of the remediation work is yet to be costed and contracted and will take years to complete. Giant Mine Remediation Project staff and the main construction management contractor, Parsons Incorporated, pointed to some vague principles and processes to foster northern benefits. Benefits are to be delivered through set-asides under something called the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses, and there are also criteria for assessing valuation of bids based on Aboriginal training, labour, and equipment ratings under something called the Aboriginal Opportunity Considerations. A socio-economic working group has been established with Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Procurement Canada, Parsons as the main construction manager, and GNWT. They are also working on some sort of a socio-economic action plan. A broader socio-economic advisory body has also been established with similar membership, but it also includes the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the City of Yellowknife.

In a February 25 letter to the Giant remediation project, the Giant Mine Oversight Board points out the murky relationship between the working group, advisory body, and the action plan. Questions were also raised about membership in some of these groups, and whether the focus will be more broadly cast to include social matters and outcomes. I agree with their assessment, Mr. Speaker.

What is missing is the power to ensure contracts actually go to Indigenous and northern businesses. There are no binding targets for NWT and Indigenous jobs, contracting, or purchasing. There is a lot of effort to make contracting opportunities known, but no way to directly negotiate contracts with local businesses that have demonstrated capacity and performed the work. That's not good enough. I'll have questions later today for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Giant Mine Remediation Benefits
Members' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Appreciation for Hospital Care
Members' Statements

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Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, when family members or you require medical care, it is often a very stressful and pressure-filled time of uncertainty. During these times, we are required to place our complete trust and confidence on our physicians and/or the staff at our local health centres in the various hospitals that we use. Once health has been restored, many forget the long hours the medical staff work and the amount of commitment it takes to care for us and our loved ones.

All medical staff appreciate a letter of thanks. This is favourably received, as it expresses appreciation and gratitude for the excellent care given to us and our loved ones. A letter of appreciation depicts the confidence in the medical staff's service, expertise, and professionalism as your complete care provider.

In many communities, healthcare is reinstated; however, there are many sad occasions when a loved one may have passed away despite the tremendous effort put forth by medical staff. During these times of extreme sadness, a thank-you card to the medical staff is most appreciated, as death affects us all, professionally and non-professionally alike. Taking a moment to write a thank you honours respect loved ones who have passed, and particularly honours those who were committed to their comfort and care right to the end.

Thanking the name and specific individuals as doctors, nurses, and specialists are essential, but equally essential are the individuals who work behind the scenes to ensure you and your loved ones are well cared for. Many medical centres have a team-centred approach to caring, and for this reason, a collective acknowledgment to all members of the team is advisable. Writing a thank you letter of this nature is gratefully received and often holds a deeper meaning when receiving sooner than later, as the team likely recall caring for you and your loved ones.

I have been approached by a number of residents in the past few months asking me to publicly thank the staff at the Stanton Hospital for all the care, compassion, and support provided to them and their loved ones. Some expressed the care that they received have made a remarkable difference in their health and wellness. On behalf of the Nahendeh residents, I would like to say thank you to all the staff in the Northwest Territories and down south. The medical teams encompassing all team members are equally important and essential, and we deeply thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Appreciation for Hospital Care
Members' Statements

Page 5415

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Colleagues, I'd like to draw your attention to visitors in the gallery. We have with us here students from an adult education class from Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. I'd like to welcome them. Also, our staff, Jennie Ayres, public affairs intern. Welcome to our Assembly. Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Alcohol Harm Reduction Policy Changes
Members' Statements

Page 5415

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Social lunch hour reviewing the Mental Health and Addictions Recovery Plan. These are issues the committee has been engaged with because we are well aware of the tremendous amount of harm alcohol causes. Today I want to talk about a relatively simple intervention that may help stream people with alcohol dependency into the treatment they need.

The report from the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research offers a powerful major conclusion: "The current levels of alcohol-related harm in Canada are not inevitable. There is now substantial international evidence identifying policies that can powerfully impact levels of alcohol consumption and related harm." One of those policies is the use of a screening tool for risky alcohol use, a brief intervention with advice to reduce consumption and/or referral to treatment. That's the policy I'm going to focus on today.

Mr. Speaker, research has shown that screening brief intervention and referral is a cost-effective method of harm reduction around the consumption of alcohol which, in turn, reduces demands on healthcare resources. The report concludes there is little to no activity in this area in the NWT, and the implementation is low nationwide.

There are a variety of barriers. One is that only five jurisdictions across the country have created guidelines for screening brief intervention and referral, or adopted those guidelines created by the National College of Family Physicians. Another barrier is getting practitioners to do the screening even where guidelines are in place. I think all of us understand that a conversation that begins with the sentence "let's talk about your drinking" is often unwelcome, and that's why so few happen in any jurisdiction. My hope is that the new cultural safety initiative will assist medical staff in having this conversation.

Mr. Speaker, as I've said at the beginning, alcohol dependence and alcoholism are not inevitable. The report's authors conclude the majority of evidence-based prevention policies and strategies are currently being implemented in at least one Canadian jurisdiction. They encourage sharing of best practices between jurisdictions in order to reverse current trends of increasing alcohol-related harms and costs in Canada. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mahsi.

Alcohol Harm Reduction Policy Changes
Members' Statements

Page 5415

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Residents of our smallest communities know all too well about the struggles to staff our health centres. It is common for services to be unavailable when they are needed. Unplanned trips to Inuvik can be the result, as well as delays and care or treatment. In Fort McPherson recently, the health centre was only able to provide essential services for emergencies and urgent cases for a whole week. The news gets around the community, and it makes people reluctant to seek the care they need.

I am concerned about the safety of this system. Sometimes, the first symptoms of something serious may be minor. I do not like to see people discouraged to seek care. We have enough problems in our healthcare system without adding this to the list. I realize that the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority tries to keep these staff shortages to a minimum. There was a short service gap in Aklavik earlier this month that lasted just a day.

Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that our health system is not well enough prepared to keep our community health centres staffed properly. We should not see these service gaps, and I do not think most Canadians would consider this acceptable service. It may be a question of priority of where we send the nurses who we do hire. In my opinion, the priority should be staffing community health centres where there are no other options for seeking medical care. I'll have questions for the Minister later. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Legislative Review Process
Members' Statements

Page 5415

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I love being able to represent the people as a Member of this Assembly. I absolutely love it, and I'm passionate about it, so even though I'm usually pretty even-keeled I sometimes get frustrated with decisions that are made or when I think we should be doing a better job.

That's why I've been a little cranky lately, because I'm sure you could tell from some of the statements I've made in this House over the past sitting or two sittings. I know that the Ministers have noticed, because I've been taking my frustrations out on them. However, Mr. Speaker, in the end, we're all on the same team, we all have the same goal, and we all have to work together.

That's why I want to start off this statement, at least start it, by giving Cabinet a compliment. As a member of the Standing Committee on Government Operations, I've had the ability to review a few pieces of legislation that the government has brought forward. Depending on the bill, the review process can be quite a bit of work. When it's all said and done, the committee will recommend changes to help the government improve the bill. I have to compliment Cabinet on being open to accepting the changes, or working with the committee to craft a change that works for everyone. In pretty much all the legislation we have reviewed, I can point to places where this cooperation has improved things and made things better. It highlights the best of consensus government, Mr. Speaker.

I wish that this cooperation would have extended to the timing of the introduction of the nine bills that the Standing Committee on Economic Development will now how to review over the summer. However, it is what it is. While I don't speak on behalf of committee, I think it is safe to say that we will do our best. While there is always a dump of legislation at the end of every Assembly, being tasked with reviewing this many highly technical bills with this level of complexity and with this little time is unprecedented. In order to do our job effectively, we essentially have to become subject-matter experts, and we just don't have time.

Because of the importance and long-lasting effect of these bills, every resident in the NWT deserves to have an opportunity to provide input, input that becomes the basis for the committee's recommendations. Again, it is unfortunate that these bills weren't staggered, because there is no way we are going to have enough time to visit all of the communities that we would like to. I apologize in advance to those communities who won't have an opportunity to provide input in person.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the role of the public servants, and I appreciate the work they put into these bills. I know they do a good job, but the committee's work really does improve these bills. I am upset that we won't have the time or the resources to wind up with the world-class legislation the Northerners deserve. I hope, if anything comes of this, that future assemblies recognize the situation that we are in and they learn from this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Legislative Review Process
Members' Statements

Page 5415

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we come to the end of the 18th Legislative Assembly, there is a lot of talk going on about the future, what your decisions are going to be. I have been asked by a number of people what I plan on doing going forward. It is a decision that I take very seriously. I have come back and told them that I am going to give it some thought and I will let them know six months prior to the election. That has led me to a decision that I made just recently, that I will not let my name stand for re-election on October 1st.

I have come to realize I have more years behind me than ahead of me. It is very important where I spend those years ahead of me. I have been a Member of this Assembly since 2004. Rats. I said I wasn't going to do that. I was trying to find something amusing to say, like I normally do when I am stuck, but there's nothing amusing about this. I have been elected as a Member of this Assembly since 2004. There are some people who would like to run, I know. Out of respect for me and the work that I have done, they are waiting to hear my decision.

I have a lot of good, loyal supporters out there. The folks of Inuvik Twin Lakes have been fantastic supporters. I appreciate that. There are times where I said that the fact that they supported me is more important than the victory itself, that the people who I grew up admiring came on and supported me. I appreciate that. I hope I have represented them well.

I hope I have represented this institution well. This institution is extremely important to me. I think all of you are aware of that. I have said that a number of times in the past. It is important to me. Who is in here is important to me. Who is coming in here is important to me. The work we do is important to me.

I will do my darndest to encourage those out there who would like to run. Come in here with a good attitude. The common denominator that I know we all have is trying to make things good for the people of the Northwest Territories. We go about it different ways, sure, but at the end of the day, that is our common denominator.

I have been privileged to travel across the Northwest Territories. I got to meet a lot of folks. There are a lot of good people out there, a lot of good young leaders out there who we should be encouraging to come in here. I have talked to some of you, and I will talk to some of you. I will be brutally honest in the advice that I give. I think I have demonstrated that just recently. I will be honest because, as I said before, this is a very important institution to me.

Like I said before, it will be 15 years at the end of this Assembly. I think Inuvik deserves a new energy. They need to have a new energy come in. I know for a fact that there are a lot of good folks in the community who would like to come down here. I think they will bring a lot of value to this institution, and I respect that. My supporters, the support that they have given me is just unbelievable.

I will be the MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes until September 1st. I will conduct myself accordingly. I will be a Minister of this Cabinet until TLC, which on the schedule I believe is October 23, 2019. I will conduct myself accordingly.

Family is very important. You could never do this without the support of your family. When I first got sworn in, I had my daughter, my son, my other daughter, future son-in-law, and my wife. Fourteen years later, I have six grandchildren. As I said before, that goes back to where I want to spend my remaining time. Much as I like you guys, some of you, I don't want to spend it with you.

I don't know what is behind the door for me on October 2nd, but I will have six grandchildren in tow. I am excited as heck. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, thank you for all the services over the years. You have contributed a lot to the Northwest Territories and to this House, to former Members and to current Members, as well. Masi for all your contributions over the years. You have been a mentor, as well. Masi.

Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5416

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My apologies, colleagues. I would like to recognize my family up in the gallery; my three grandchildren, Rylan, Reese, Kullen, and my wife, Judy. Today is kind of a special day, because my daughter Kimberly, it is her birthday, turns a year older today. This is one of the reasons that I chose this particular day to do this because it is an important day for me. It is a day two years ago that changed my life forever. Thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi to Judy for all the years of dedication and also patience with us. Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5416

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Madame Josee Clermont of College nordique, who was the recipient of the 2019 Employer Award for Newcomer Employment. This was given in recognition of her tremendous support to people from the francophone countries coming to the Northwest Territories. [English translation not provided.] Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5416

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. [English translation not provided.] Member for Yellowknife North.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5416

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to take this opportunity to recognize a good friend and former colleague from the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Curtis Coleman. I also want to take this opportunity to, as well, acknowledge Yellowknife North constituent Josee Clermont and congratulate her again on the College nordique's recent award. Thank you, and welcome for being here.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. [English translation not provided.] Member for Kam Lake.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5416

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize one of the Pages from Kam Lake, Ms. Tegan Konge. It is great to have her help, and it is great to have the help of all the Pages. Thank you very much for your service to the Legislative Assembly and the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5416

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to introduce two Pages who live in Yellowknife Centre, Leelou Cassaway and Jolin Carter. I would like to thank them for being Pages during this session and wish them the best with the remainder of the school year. Mahsi.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5416

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. As I mentioned, we have had shortages of services in the communities that I represent, and I would like to ask the Minister: what is the cause of staff shortages in community nursing centres, such as Fort McPherson and Aklavik? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that there are about 65 funded community health nurse positions across the Northwest Territories, and we run about an 18.5-percent vacancy on those. We are constantly out recruiting and trying to find nurses to come into our community health centres on a permanent basis.

Given that many of our nursing stations are small, with three or four nurses, when one of those individuals is either sick or has to leave on short notice, there are definitely some service impacts on that. When we know that individuals are leaving or coming to an end of a term, we have an opportunity to bring in locums and other individuals to cover coverage, but sometimes we do have, sort of, more surprise vacancies and those types of things. We are doing our best to make sure that the communities are aware. We are providing the information to communities when there are those sudden changes.

We do struggle, Mr. Speaker, with the recruitment of nurses to some of these advanced practice nursing roles. It is a specialty-type position, and we really need individuals with a wide range of skills. There are aren't as many of those individuals as we would like, but we keep recruiting. We will continue to recruit. I have given the department direction to anticipatory hire in these types of positions so that we can bring in as many people as we can. Until such a time as we get the number of nurses that we need with the tenure that we need, we will probably still have to rely on some locum coverage in our small communities. That is not desired, obviously; we would prefer to have a continuum, but it is a challenge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

How is it decided where to send nursing staff, and what priorities are set?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

I am only going to talk about community health nursing, because I believe that that is the focus that the Member has. When it comes to filling community health nurse positions, we are trying to fill all of the positions all of the time. When we know that there is going to be a short-term vacancy between hiring, or for a holiday leave, or one of those things, we try to find locums to go. We have a pool of locums who have identified that they are willing and are available to us, so we can bring those people in.

We don't prioritize one community or one region over the other. We want all of these community health nursing positions filled. Some of them are challenging. We have some of our locum nurses who have indicated that they prefer one region over another, and that can be challenging when the vacancies are in a different region. We are always looking to find more of those individuals who might be willing to come up on the short-term placements, but our ultimate goal is to fill all of the positions on an indeterminate basis.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

The Minister touched on this a bit earlier, but I will ask: what is the vacancy rate for nursing staff in the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Off the top of my head, I can't tell you what the vacancy rate is across the entire system, but with respect to community health nurses in the 65 positions that we have established, we are running at about an 18.5-percent vacancy. Many of those are filled by short-term locums to ensure that we have full coverage in communities while we continue to try and recruit on an indeterminate basis. We have fantastic health professionals out there. Some of them do choose, for any number of reasons, to move on to different opportunities, so we have a constant turnover. We do, and we will continue to, recruit and try to find individuals willing to commit some time to help us with our continuity of care.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What is being done to address chronic staff shortages that severely limit healthcare and treatment in small communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

We are not in this one alone. We work with Aurora College, who runs a really fantastic Nursing Program here in the Northwest Territories. We are also working with Aurora College, who is delivering, on our behalf, what is referred to as, I am going to get the title wrong, but it is basically a rural and remote recruitment program or a training program for nurses, to help those nurses who live here develop the advanced practice skills that they need, things like diagnoses, assessments, suturing, setting bones, and those types of things, so that they can actually do the work of the community health nurses. We are working with them to get local individuals trained so that we can accommodate them and move them into the communities. Also, as I have indicated, I have already given the department direction to go out and attempt to proactively recruit some of these positions and do some anticipatory hiring.

There is what I would consider a national shortage of individuals who have this skillset. Most of them are employed in other jurisdictions if they have this skillset, so we have to entice them up here. We have one of the best compensation packages, highest salaries, great pensions, extensive benefits as far as leave packages, available. We are trying to make sure that people understand the real benefits of coming here and providing this incredibly valuable, rewarding work for the residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In response to some of the questions that I had the other day for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, he noted that the current Riverview Lodge seniors' complex in Hay River will be rebuilt at a different location, and I just have some follow-up questions about that. The Minister mentioned that it would be in the next few years. Could he provide us with some details about when construction is expected to start and, hopefully, be completed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to the questions that the Member had previously asked, I had mentioned that we do know that the building is now over 40 years old. It is something that we are going to be looking at, obviously, considering replacing within the next five years. We will be consulting with the community, obviously, the stakeholders that are in the community of Hay River, on how to address this.

As Members know, I did table a Seniors Planning Study during this session, ensuring that options are out there in terms of what kind of a building we will be constructing in the community of Hay River. We are also working with the Town of Hay River on how we can move forward with the community housing plans, something that I have said over and over in this House. As the project progresses, I will keep both Members from Hay River apprised of the work and the progress moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

I thank the Minister for the many answers that he gave. The current lot that the Riverview Lodge sits on is a beautiful piece of property. It's right downtown. It's right on the river. Does the Minister have an idea yet of what is planned for that piece of property after the new lodge is built?

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

As the Member has mentioned, whether it was in committee or it was just discussions that we have had together, the existing lot will be used for future development by the NWT Housing Corporation. We are also looking at assessing land availability options to support its future capital planning requirements through the NWT Housing Corporation, and as I have mentioned to the Member, we are working with the Town of Hay River and encouraging that discussion to keep going, to see how we can address some of the housing needs and concerns with the Town of Hay River.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

I was at a meeting in Hay River a while back, and it was at the Whispering Willows, which is sort of a seniors housing unit. Officials from the Housing Corporation showed up to talk about the survey that they did, the seniors housing survey, and it was a great meeting. They solicited a lot of feedback. There was great community engagement, and I appreciate that. I was wondering: before this unit is built or even designed, would the Minister commit to engaging, again, with the Seniors' Society on the design of the building, the amenities in the building, as well as the location of the building, because, like I said, right now it is right downtown, and when you are older and you maybe can't drive anymore, it's great to be right across from the drugstore, right across the street from the arena. You are close to everyone, and you can walk everywhere, and I know a lot of people appreciate it. So will the Minister commit to consulting about the design and the location of the building?

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Yes, we will be looking at engaging with the relevant stakeholders in a project such as this. As I mentioned with the community housing plans, we will want to be engaging with all of the stakeholders in the Town of Hay River, but also having that discussion with the municipality in terms of what lots are available, what land is available. As they become available to the municipality, we will be looking at creating a better partnership in addressing the housing needs in the municipality of Hay River. So, yes, we will be engaging with the stakeholders.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

I sense it is still early days on this project and that there are not a lot of details hammered out, but I appreciate the Minister's answers. Now, this is something I talk about all the time in this House. It's about the need for more skilled labour in the territory and how we need to start utilizing all of our infrastructure projects to help develop skilled labour. Could the Minister talk about the plans, how this project will be used, to do just that in terms of training, apprenticing, and how he is going to connect with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to ensure that all of that happens?

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

First of all, we always use an open and fair, transparent public procurement process. When we work with our contractors, we want to make sure that they are meeting the needs of Northerners and ensure that they meet their contract obligations by using local and northern labour as well as businesses. I will be working with the Department of ECE to look at how we can address the apprentices. Not only just in Hay River, but right across the Northwest Territories, in terms of the community housing plans that I have discussed, it is something that we are striving for, to get one in each of the communities across the Northwest Territories. I am sure that apprentices, training, and development will be something that is going to be on their priorities, as well. I appreciate the Member bringing up the questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. In my statement today I spoke about screening brief intervention and referral as a cost-effective way for healthcare providers to talk to their patients about the harmful effects of alcohol. This was also a recommendation of the report I spoke about in the House last year. My question is: has the Minister looked at developing guidelines, or adopting them from another jurisdiction, to provide for screening brief intervention and referral around alcohol consumption? Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department is actually very familiar with the screening brief intervention and referral process. They are familiar with both the practice, and they have done some research. In fact, they did utilize that tool here in the Northwest Territories dating back to 2014. It was actually used as part of an approach to work with youth, and it was done in conjunction with some screening tools, including motivational interviewing. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I have confirmed with the department that there was not a lot of uptake by practitioners. Practitioners like physicians, counsellors, nurses, who we were encouraging to use that tool, there was not a significant amount of uptake. However, we still think there is some value in it. After the Member shared me the article in the report, I did share it with the department. I asked them to look at it. The new interdepartmental problematic substance-use task force that we will be establishing under the draft action plan that we were discussing earlier today, I have directed them to share that information with them so that they can dig into that a bit more and find out how we could better utilize that tool here in the Northwest Territories for the benefit of residents.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

The report writers were apparently unaware that this tool is used because the scoring for the NWT as a whole was an F, and for the tool use it was zero. Moving onwards, 71 percent of Canadians on average have had conversations with health practitioners about smoking in which they received information about the health risks of smoking and they are encouraged to quit and given ways to quit. Is there a parallel that the department can use to create guidelines that would be as effective for alcohol as they are for tobacco?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Just to be clear, we have utilized this tool in the Northwest Territories, and we did make it available, and we did provide resources so that people could use it. Unfortunately, there was not a lot of uptake, and I think that's important to remember. Although it has been available, there was not a lot of uptake. With respect to the tools that have been developed around alcohol, in the new wellness plan, the draft wellness plan, which I just want to be clear is still only draft format, we are waiting for feedback from committee on how we can make it stronger, we are creating an interdepartmental problematic substance-use task force. We are also creating an advisory committee of individuals with lived experience to help inform how we move forward to get positive messaging out, encourage people to drink responsibly, and understand the impacts of over-drinking and those types of things. I feel, and I will certainly reinforce that message to the department, that what the Member is talking about is something that we are actually trying to do within the action plan, but I will reinforce that message to them and let them know that this is something that this Assembly would like to see.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you to the Minister for that response. I am concerned that this issue is fairly straightforward and that there are a number of sets of guidelines available to review from across the country, including from the College of Family Physicians, and I feel that it would be possible to move directly to implementation without streaming everything through additional studies. I guess my question for the Minister is how to improve uptake by medical practitioners to use some kind of screening brief intervention and referral tool.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

This is what this advisory group is going to help us with. We are not looking to do more planning. We are not looking to do more studies. We have the resource in front of us. We know there was not a lot of uptake. The Member even, in her Member's statement, mentioned that there has not been a lot of uptake with this program and this tool across Canada, so there are clearly some challenges with acceptance of this tool by practitioners. We see that there is some value, and we are going to get this group to work with us to help us figure out how to get more buy-in and utilize this tool as necessary, recognizing that some practitioners do have a scope of practise and they do work within that scope of practise. Some may not want to use this tool. They might have other tools they want to use. We are going to promote this tool within the government.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I feel that the launch of the Cultural Safety Action Plan sets the scene for more effective conversations about alcohol abuse because there will be strengthened relationships between healthcare practitioners and their clients. Having said that, there are also different approaches to doing screening intervention and referral. It can be done online, which is the case in a number of different provinces. Has the Minister considered a different approach to delivering this, that is online?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

We did obtain some dollars from the federal government, focused on helping us get a message out about the use of cannabis and encouraging people to use responsibly and to understand the health ramifications of using it. This money we are also going to be using to do more of a polysubstance approach, trying to get messages out there both online and at a community level, using different sources and technology to get this information out. So, yes, Mr. Speaker, this is something we are aware of. This is something we are trying to do. We are trying to be creative. We are trying to tailor the message to the audience in different communities throughout the Northwest Territories, and we are getting communities involved to help us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Throughout my term as a Nahendeh MLA, I have had the opportunity to hear stories, positive and negative in nature, about the service in the health system. Today in my Member's statement I talked about the great service that some of our residents have received at the hospitals here, so today I would like to ask some questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services about staff that go above and beyond. This type of service has been credited to people having a faster recovery time and living through difficult situations. I have had, actually, constituents say thank you, that, because of that service, they are alive today. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister explain what he and/or the department does when they receive positive feedback for the work that staff do? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Member for his Member's statement earlier today. I think that it is important that we do recognize the incredible work that many of our amazing professionals provide throughout the healthcare system here in the Northwest Territories. These individuals are dedicated. They are committed to doing the best that they can for residents of the Northwest Territories in trying and challenging environments.

The authority does take significant effort to ensure that they are sharing these positive stories with their staff, and there are many different ways that this information comes in. Sometimes the individuals share their positive results or positive experience directly with the practitioners, which is fantastic. Other times, we know that managers or directors get information, and the managers and directors do their best to share that information with the individuals who actually were the ones being highlighted or applauded for the work that they did.

Also, Mr. Speaker, in the authority, when positive stories are brought forth, that can be shared, and I will touch on that in a second. We do try to get that out throughout the entire authority using different communications processes, such as weekly updates, our website, and our blogs. This information is how we get some of these positive stories out there.

I will note, Mr. Speaker, that, in all things that we do in Health and Social Services, we are bound by the Health Information Act, and there have been situations where individuals are really positive about their experiences, so much so that they share more information than we can, in turn, share. Sometimes we have to take out some of the specific individual context, but we do still try to share the overall feeling and intent of those messages with staff. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

The Minister gave a very long answer, and it actually took some of my questions on the way. I know that I can't ask any more, but I will anyway. With this feedback that they have received, does the department develop it to help promote best practices to help train other staff or even new staff coming in?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

We are trying to evolve and continually be an organization focused on quality improvements. When we do get these positive stories, if there are recommendations in those letters or those e-mails or wherever the individual is sharing their information from, we try to use that data to help address quality improvement issues -- "this works"; "this doesn't work"; "we have got positive feedback on this type of subject" -- so that we could share those information so that could be part of a whole learning experience.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we do try to learn from them. We do try to get them through our mechanisms, through our tools and our resources, to make sure that those experiences are shared and highlighted for developmental purposes as well.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

That is great to hear, because all we hear sometimes in this House is about the negative stuff. Even when we have concerns, it seems that we bring to the Minister or the department our concerns. Sometimes, when they are doing some great stuff, that, to me, is just as great a learning opportunity. I am glad that the department uses that as a way to help the staff. Does the department have an in-house newsletter that focuses on new changes and compliments and recommendations moving forward?

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

I am not going to talk about what the department is doing. I think that the Member is more referring, I believe, to the what the authority itself is doing. The NWT Health and Social Services Authority has launched an internal website that is available to all staff within the authority. The website itself focuses on many areas, including highlighting our own employees and the incredible work that some of our employees do, communicating change, promoting awareness of different programs and services, and when appropriate, highlighting some of the positive feedback that we are receiving, as long as it doesn't breach any health information legislation.

Content from the Stanton Territorial Hospital is included in communication through the territorial authority on their website, which, in a sense, Mr. Speaker, actually acts as a digital newsletter. In short, yes, it is there.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I greatly appreciate the Minister for all of his answers to this point. I just have to share one compliment that I just received yesterday from a constituent who said, "We have got to be thankful that we have these world-class services available to us." Again, to the staff out there, thank you very much for the work that you are doing. With this website and that, is it available for the public, or is it just internally? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

I will make sure that I ask the department to take this section of the Hansard and share it with the staff in the territorial authority so that they understand and can hear the message from the MLA from his riding. The website is actually an internal website for staff only. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a recent proposal brought to Yellowknife City Council for establishing a cannabis production facility here in Yellowknife. Part of that proposal is 10 to 12 full-time jobs, 15 to 25 part-time jobs, and the confidence that this would be a viable way to solve some of our supply issues in the Northwest Territories for legal cannabis and also to be competitive in pricing.

There is some concern that was raised at those meetings by councillors that this initiative might require support from the GNWT, support that might not be forthcoming. I was wondering if the Minister responsible for our cannabis regime, the Minister of Finance, can speak to these concerns and give certainty as to what steps that anyone interested in starting a production facility needs to follow if they want to open for business in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The establishment of grow-ops or production is licensed by the federal government. We are not involved in the regulating of an establishment or operation of this type of business. There are a number of things that they would have to meet, obviously, with some of the city bylaws, as well as the territorial government regulations, but as for the actual regulating of an establishment, that goes through the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you to the Minister. I know that production is a federal power. It is very complicated. There is a whole lot of regulatory process. Can the government provide support to people who are interested in getting into the market with production? Can they give them support as a pathfinder, to walk their way through the system and understand exactly what they need to get started?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

That is something that I will consider. If we have folks within our department who are able to navigate their way through and understand what type of permits, licensing, or approvals might be needed, if we have that kind of knowledge, I don't see why we wouldn't be able to provide that kind of assistance to those who are trying to navigate their way through to see what they actually have to do to meet all of the regulations.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you to the Minister. That is encouraging. Can the Minister give direction to his department to provide at least an active offer or something public-facing on a website to let other people know, if they are interested or have a proposal, that they can go to the Department of Finance for assistance with Ottawa?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

I will have a discussion with my officials and see if there is any type of information that we could put out there to help people. Again, it would be just assisting through navigating to see what kind of permits that they actually have to get. I am sure that we would have some knowledge of that. Again, I would have to work with the department and make sure that we have the knowledge before we even make that offer.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the government in a position to be open to supply contracts or sole-sourcing northern businesses that enter into the cannabis market? Is that something that is a possibility if a viable business is brought forward to help address our supply needs? Thank you.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

It would have to be a case-by-case basis. I can't make a commitment right now that we would specifically buy from a northern manufacturer. If there was one here and they gave us a price that was competitive, then we would seriously have to consider that. For me to say that we are going to strictly buy from a Northern supplier, I think, is premature. We need to work with them, make sure they have a price that is competitive and one that we can work with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. I will go a little easier on him today. It is not even about caribou. I know that he also has responsibilities to lead on Giant Mine remediation. The Giant Mine Oversight Board is concerned about the murky relationship between the working group and advisory body and socio-economic action plan. All of this is supposed to increase benefits from remediation work at Giant Mine. Can the Minister explain briefly the roles and relationships of the working group, advisory body, and the action plan? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Kind of ironic, we are having that conversation today. I had my grandchildren here this weekend. I took them actually out for a ride to the site, but there was a fence there. We couldn't get too far in. I was explaining to them some of the history of Giant Mine and a lot of the stuff that they were working on. I was hoping to actually get them as close as I possibly could. My grandson was asking me questions. I actually had to go back to the apartment. I had to look it up and see, get some answers to his questions. I managed to do that.

The socio-economic advisory body is a committee made up of senior management representatives from Indigenous, municipal, federal, and territorial governments. An advisory body meeting was held March 11, 2019. There was agreement that all signatories to the environmental agreement would be members to the advisory committee, including the YKDFN, Alternatives North, and the North Slave Metis Alliance. The advisory board provides strategic advice to the working group. The working group was established to coordinate all aspects of the socio-economic strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that. I actually got to go on a caribou road show with him one time, too, while we were driving around, driving-around stories. I want to thank the Minister for that answer. The working group is supposed to develop an action plan to flow benefits to the Northwest Territories. Can the Minister tell us whether this action plan is finished, and can he share it with Regular MLAs so we can see what kind of benefits may be coming for NWT residents from the remediation of Giant Mine?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

The action work plan to carry out the objectives for the implementation of the socio-economic strategy draft plan has been prepared. The project team already reports on socio-economic performances to the Giant Mine Oversight Board annual report and remains committed to continue to do so. Feedback from stakeholders have informed the key performance indicators. Targets will be presented to the working group in April for discussion. I think the Member's short question was: would we be able to share a copy of this draft plan? I will follow up on that. If there are opportunities there to share it with interested or the public, then I will make sure that is followed up on.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that commitment. I neglected to say that it was a good move to have all the signatories to the environmental agreement as members of the advisory body. If the Minister checks, one of those signatures on the agreement is actually mine. I don't want to be there, but I helped to negotiate the agreement.

There are $430 million in contracts that have been let so far for remediation. The final price is going to probably be closer to $1 billion. Can the Minister describe whether there is the ability to directly negotiate any of the remaining contracts or other mechanisms to ensure Indigenous and Northern businesses benefit?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

It gives me great comfort to know that one of the signatures on there does belong to the Member, knowing the Member's commitment to detail. It is a very detailed report. It gives me a lot of comfort. The federal government remains responsible for the procurement on the Giant Mine remediation project. Indigenous involvement is considered through the use of the Aboriginal Opportunities Considerations, or AOCs. AOCs are measured and aimed at maximizing opportunities for Indigenous companies, businesses, individuals local to the comprehensive land-claim agreement area. Parsons, the MCM contractor, will develop remediation work packages to target the local workforce based on their own labour capacity studies. This will result in work packages structured to maximize local socio-economic benefits. Indigenous involvement is encouraged through the Aboriginal Opportunities Considerations and contained in each work package. Out of the 10 contracts let in 2018-2019, seven of them are Northern or Indigenous business. Out of those seven, five of them are local Indigenous business.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for the detail in that response. I have frequently mentioned the economic potential for the development of a knowledge economy. Creation of a world-class centre on contaminated site remediation is a major opportunity from the Giant Mine project. Can the Minister describe what steps our government may be taking to ensure that we create such a centre and to help us take advantage of the remediation economy? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

The Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Education, Culture and Employment are preparing to undertake a feasibility study in 2019-2020 for a northern centre of excellence. The feasibility study has been reframed to focus on assessing institution models that best advance GNWT research priorities, grounded in those identified in the GNWT knowledge agenda, and building on the outcomes of the Aurora College Foundational Review process. The core team is finalizing an RFP for a feasibility study request for proposals, RFP. The RFP is anticipated to be completed and released at the end of March.

The Member makes a good point about the remediation economy. As we see in a lot places now, some of the demolition of a lot of houses are being held up because there needs to be hazmat remediation. I have encouraged a lot of local people to try to take advantage of the hazmat remediation training. We have a couple companies, I believe, in Inuvik that do that. There is an economy there. As regulations tighten up, I think there is going to be more of an economy for those that provide the hazmat remediation services, especially to a lot of the older buildings across the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have risen on the floor of this House to address the concerns of parents around the safety for their children in online environments. I am wondering if the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment can tell me what efforts the department has undertaken to ensure parents are aware of the risks and have the appropriate tools to respond to any concerns. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. We definitely work within our schools. We start with our Safe and Caring Schools. We provide work around informing students about bullying, supporting each other, et cetera. We re-enforce to students when they are bullied in any way on media and the Internet, et cetera, to notify the school, and we will address that. That is one piece of it.

We also do a lot more areas. We have a media smart, I believe it is called, that is available to all of the JK to 12 that people can use to inform on Internet safety. We have specialized programs for grade fours that they can actually get training on internet usage and then the high schools, as well. Part of that package also actually provides a package to parents to support their youth in Internet safety. It gives them tips around: keep your internet in a public area; don't let them have them in their room; watch what they are doing; limit times; et cetera. I expand on that because it is not only in schools that this is happening. This is happening in homes and communities. It is not only the school. Community-wide, we need to be diligent about what our children are watching on the Internet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you to the Minister. I know from my own knowledge working with the school boards that they are very good to supporting to parents at most times. Is there any work being undertaken to strengthen the curriculum that is offered to students in these learning environments? I know that my son, for example, is learning how to use computers and the Internet. He has a Google account. These are things that I didn't expect a nine-year-old to have, but he has them. Is there a focus from the department on looking at those curriculums and making sure that they are providing appropriate tools to our children?

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Yes, we are always looking at upgrading what we are doing within the school curriculum. That is a normal thing.

I would like to go back to what we do for our grade four to eight students. We actually focus on five modules that provide on social networking, they talk about privacy, they talk about tricks of the trade for online advertisers, authentication skills, and judging reliably with a mock search engine, safe and wise web surfing, and the ethical use of messaging. For high school students, we use the MyWorld curriculum. There are four chapters, and they aim, again, to teach the authentication of online information, to manage your reputation and privacy online, dealing with online relationships, and acting ethically online. Again, at that age, for the high school students, we really focus on what you put out there might not be private.

We are always looking to expand and to update our curriculum, especially with technology. It changes quickly, so it is something that we monitor on a regular basis.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

I know that the Minister is fond of saying, "Nothing for us without us." How are students involved in this process, and what are the feedback mechanisms that either the school boards, or the department has working in conjunction with the school boards, and the district education authorities, to ensure that students have an ability to provide feedback to these materials and so that our policies and our supports to families and our kids are informed by young people's own experiences with the Internet and other material?

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

I will have to get back to the Member on that. We have 10 education authorities. We usually provide the curriculum. I am not exactly sure how they get the student feedback, but I take note, and I am expecting that they do get student feedback. If not, then I will put that forward as a recommendation. I will get back to the Member and find out if we currently do, and if we don't, my recommendation at the next education leaders meeting will be that they get as much feedback from students as possible on all topics.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Item 10, replies to the Commissioner's opening address. Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of standing and special committees. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 100(4) and to have Committee Report 14-18(3), Interim Report of the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly, moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 100(4) and to have Committee Report 14-18(3), Interim Report of the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly, moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration later on today.

---Unanimous consent granted

Committee Report 14-18(3) is now moved into Committee of the Whole for further consideration today. Masi. Reports of standing and special committees. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 14, tabling of documents. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following three documents entitled "Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020"; "Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020"; and "Inter-Activity Transfers Exceeding $250,000 (April 1 to September 30, 2018)." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documentation. Government House Leader.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Premier, I wish to table the following document entitled "Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Economic Opportunities Strategy - Connecting Businesses and Communities to Economic Opportunities: 2016 to 2018 Progress and Performance Measures." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I have two documents that I would like to table. The first is a letter dated February 25, 2019, from the Giant Mine Oversight Board to the Giant Mine Remediation Project. The second document is a terms of reference for the socio-economic advisory body Giant Mine Remediation Project, dated January 16, 2019. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Whereas Tabled Document 383-18(3), Draft Code of Conduct and Guide For Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, has been tabled in this House, and whereas the Draft Code of Conduct and Guide for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories requires detail consideration, now, therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that Tabled Document 383-18(3), Draft Code of Conduct and Guide for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, be referred to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures for review and that the committee report be presented to the Legislative Assembly during its August 2019 sitting. Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

Masi. Motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

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Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, who started this initiative, that Bill 48, Post-Secondary Education Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

---Carried

Bill 48 has had its first reading. First reading of bills. Member for Hay River North.

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R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 49, Small Business Tax Relief Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

---Defeated

First reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 26, Statistics Act; Bill 30, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act; Minister's Statement 131-18(3), Sessional Statement; Minister's Statement 151-18(3), New Federal Infrastructure Agreement; Minister's Statement 158-18(3), Developments in Early Childhood Programs and Services; Tabled Document 237-18(3), Independent Commission to Review Members' Compensation and Benefits 2018 Review of Members' Compensation and Benefits Report, August 2018; Tabled Document 381-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures,) No. 4, 2018-2019; Tabled Document 382-18(3); Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019; Tabled Document 388-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020; Tabled Document 389-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020; and Committee Report 14-18(3), Interim Report of the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly, with the Member for Hay River North in the chair.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

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

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Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee would like to consider Tabled Document 381-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019; Tabled Document 382-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019; Tabled Document 388-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 1, 2019-2020; Tabled Document 389-18(3); Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures) No. 1, 2019-2020; and Committee Report 14-18(3) Interim Report of the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Does committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. First, a brief recess.

---SHORT RECESS

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

I will now call Committee of the Whole back to order. Mr. Testart.

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Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Mr. Chair, could committee begin with consideration of the Interim Report of the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly, Committee Report 14-18(3)?

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

The Member has requested that we begin with the committee report. Does committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. We will begin with consideration of the committee report. One second, please. Let me get my papers in order, here. Thank you, committee. Committee, we will consider Committee Report 14-18(3), Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly Interim Report. I will turn to the chair of the committee for opening remarks. Ms. Green.

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Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly worked hard to deliver the interim report that was tabled today and read into the record yesterday. We travelled extensively between the new year and the beginning of this session. We started in Fort Smith and then went on to Hay River, Fort Providence, and Detah. We also met with the public here in Yellowknife and at the Association of Communities earlier this month. We received a few written submissions. We are grateful for the dozens of people who took part in informal conversations about the barriers that prevent women from running for office and solutions to those barriers. As well, we are looking at policy and legislative changes that will enable women to take their places here in this House.

Our interim report includes seven recommendations that address policy changes, and we will be going through each of them, I understand, today. Our work will continue after the House rises tomorrow. We will be travelling to Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk the first week of April to discuss ways to improve women's representation, and to Norman Wells and Behchoko in May for the same purpose. All of that information will be combined with any additional written responses to create a final report. Our goal is simple: to increase the number of women sitting in this House so that the other half of society is better represented here. I would also like to thank the MLAs on the committee, including the honourable Members for Range Lake, Thebacha, Deh Cho, and Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. These Members may also have comments of their own. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. I will open the floor to general comments on the report itself. Seeing none, Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Legislative Assembly Board of Management consider childcare expenses as a constituency work allowance expense. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. There is a motion on the floor. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At several places that we met, we heard from women that one of the things that stood in their way of serving in the Legislative Assembly was their responsibility as caregivers for their families, especially for small children. They heard that they would like to be able to access childcare, whether in their home community or here in Yellowknife when they are sitting in this Legislative Assembly. So, as such, we recommended that childcare expenses be included in the constituency work allowance expense. My further clarification there is that people who claim childcare expenses as part of their constituency work allowances would not receive less of a constituency work allowance; it would be the full amount plus the childcare expenses, so that those with children who are claiming childcare expenses would not be penalized for doing so. Those are my remarks. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Testart.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, as Members know, have a young family at home, and oftentimes I like to share those childcare responsibilities equally with my partner. She has a job of her own. It's a very demanding job. Oftentimes, childcare, it can be quite difficult to just on rely on another partner to do so. I think, for a long time, that has kind of been the status quo. I recall in other occupations that, when the childcare issue would come up as a single parent, I would often be told, "Well, you know, you have a girlfriend. Why can't she help out?" That is not really the point. The point is, if you are sharing time equally between partners and you are both responsible for childcare and you both have your own affairs that need to be taken care of, then childcare comes into play. I think many people with young families, and in particular women, would benefit greatly from seeing our Legislature take action on this issue and provide some sort of benefit for childcare, so I think this is an important motion. I think it will make a difference, a tangible difference, in addressing a major concern of women candidates and also candidates with young families, so I support this motion, and I hope others do, as well. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Yes, thanks, Mr. Chair. I, too, support this motion, and I want to thank the Members of the committee for doing the work. I think these are some very easy changes that we can do to make the Legislative Assembly just a much more family-friendly place. I remember my time on city council in Yellowknife from 1997 to 2006. We had young kids at the time, and I remember taking the kids into the Chamber one time. We were having a mock council meeting when the mayor actually discovered us playing in there. So, all of that to say that childcare is a barrier for folks who would like to come in here and serve the public interest, and I certainly support this and the other recommendations that the committee came up with. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I also am going to support this motion. For many years, I was a single parent, and childcare was always a barrier. Women traditionally are known to make less income. This is not the same in the Legislative Assembly, but it used to be, in a time when women were told, and I am going to be kind of blunt, that, "You make your bed. You lie in it." So women stayed in relationships, in my mother's day, throughout their lives, happy or not. Those times have changed. We now have more single parents. The majority of them tend to be women, although there are men who are single-parenting, as well, so this will be one way of addressing a huge barrier for not only women, but for all single parents. That is a new demographic of parenting in this day and age, so I think this is an important motion, and I urge all Members to support this motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. I will allow the mover to close debate. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the statements in support of this motion. As people have said, this is a very simple way to make the work more accommodating for women. I request a recorded vote. Mahsi.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please rise.

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Ball

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The motion is carried. The results of the recorded vote are: 16 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Legislative Assembly make childcare an allowable election expense.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. There's a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just as women require childcare in order to take their place in this House, they need childcare during the election campaign period. What we heard is that, through that very intense month of campaigning, forums, and door knocking, it is often necessary for women to have childcare arrangements in place outside their families. It's our understanding that the Chief Electoral Officer has allowed women to claim childcare as an election expense, but this is not a practise that is codified within the Elections and Plebiscites Act. What we're doing is trying to formulize this by taking it up with the Legislative Assembly as an allowable expense. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Question has been called. Ms. Green?

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I request a recorded vote.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please rise.

Recorded Vote
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Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Ball

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The results of the recorded vote: 16 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories task and fund one or more independent individual(s) or organization(s) to deliver the Campaign School for Women Initiatives throughout the Northwest Territories; and further, offer more than two workshops in one fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. There's a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. During our travels in the South Slave, we've learned that campaign schools were relatively well-known, and people who had attended them had found them useful. The regret was that there were some communities which have not yet hosted campaign schools, or had not hosted them in many years. The intention behind this motion is to ensure that there are more campaign school-type initiatives offered to women throughout the Northwest Territories, and that they be offered by individuals or organizations who are at arm's length from the government, such as the Status of Women, the Native Women's Organization, and others. What we're asking for here is to increase the training available to women so that one of the barriers they face, which is knowledge of the position and how to obtain it, is overcome through education. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As the Minister for the Status of Women, this is a huge concern of my own. The campaign schools have been very successful. I think that can be vouched by MLA Green, who attended some of them, and by the voices of women throughout.

This motion, I did actually ask to change a bit originally because what I'd learned is that traditionally our pilots are currently being done by the Native Women's Association here in Yellowknife and the NWT Status of Women Council here in Yellowknife, recognizing that they're territorial. However, in my travels, not only on this campaign but through many engagements with community members, I've met many qualified facilitators in all the regions, so we are looking at getting the money out in different ways. The majority of costs have been to bring up people to the northern communities from Yellowknife, paying for the accommodation, for them to travel. Spreading the money out more to the communities means that we could actually save money and actually provide more campaign schools, and that is the goal of this motion, is to provide more to communities, and my personal goal is to support community development more so. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Question. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Minister's support for this motion. What we're trying to do here is take a good thing and make it spread further around the Northwest Territories. I would like to request a recorded vote. Thank you.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5423

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please rise.

Recorded Vote
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Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Ball

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The motion is carried. The results are: 16 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Chair, I move that this Assembly recommends that the Legislative Assembly provide to the public a better understanding of the work of a Member, and make available a video and other visual and written materials, including information on the prerequisites, roles, and responsibilities, as well as the benefits available to Members. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. There's a motion on the floor. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In our travels, we discovered that there was very little information available to the people who attended our sessions about the roles and responsibilities of MLAs. They are often familiar with the work that we do in this House because they see the televised proceedings, or they may also read Hansard, but they have little understanding of the work that we do that is not televised, specifically the work of standing committees, special committees, constituency work, and the like. There was a request that we attempt to create a job description for the role of MLAs so that people who are interested in this work have a better idea of exactly what's involved with it.

Likewise, we found that people were not well-informed about the pay that is offered to MLAs, and the other benefits that are available to them such as living allowance if they are living in Yellowknife during the session and they are normally resident elsewhere, as well as travel allowances for themselves and their families. The committee feels that making this information more available to women will answer questions they have about what they're getting into if they decide to run for office. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This motion is one that I hold dear to my heart and I really do support it. I hope everyone will support it. I just want to share that women are well-known within their communities as leaders; however, they tend to be on the ground in providing services that stay in the communities, and they don't usually get to the higher levels such as being an MLA or a Minister or Premier. My own experience is I worked for over 20 years with homeless women and low-income women. I came into the government not because I wanted to be a politician, but because I felt that our needs weren't being heard, and so I wanted to make change and have the power to do that. In fact, I apologize to Joe Hanley, a previous Premier. I was so unaware of politics in general that I didn't even know who Joe Hanley was. That is an embarrassment, and I should have known.

The first thing I asked when I became a Minister was, "What is my job description?" I was told, "You are a Minister. You have no job description. You can do what you want." From then on, very quickly, I was told, "But you can't do that. But you can't do that. But you can't do that." I am a firm believer that this motion is critical to not only women, but to all Members, so that we have a clear idea of what we can do and what our limitations are. I hope that all of my fellow colleagues and female colleague will support this motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Minister's remarks in support of this motion. I request a recorded vote. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please rise.

Recorded Vote
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March 13th, 2019

Page 5423

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Ball

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The results of the recorded vote: 16 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Chair, I move that this Assembly recommends that the Legislative Assembly take the necessary steps to assist in ensuring that information on the NWT's consensus government is made available to any group, organization, or government in the Northwest Territories involved in teaching young women; and further, that the Legislative Assembly encourage its Members to be supportive of hands-on learning activities on consensus government such as school visits to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. The motion is in order. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This motion speaks to advice we received in the communities to make the information about a career in politics known to young women who are still in the school system. There is a feeling that, when young women are considering careers for their post-graduation life, they may not consider a career as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. This motion attempts to take up that idea and requests that, whether it is an education group or the guides or the youth parliament, there be more effort to involve young women in activities that teach them about the Government of the Northwest Territories, specifically about consensus government, and that, where possible, young women are encouraged to come to the Legislative Assembly to see our work take place.

This responds to a well-known principle in increasing women's representation, which is that, if women see women in positions of leadership, then they can see themselves in that position, as well. This motion is in response to that principle. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. To the motion. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This, again, is a very important motion. It was traditional that women were kind of stereotyped into traditional roles that were considered for women; nurses, social workers like myself, et cetera. We are breaking those barriers. Women are now in mining. They are in construction. They are in heavy equipment. We are still not at par, though. Women in politics is another area that was a barrier. We need to break all of these glass ceilings around us. This is another motion that will allow young women to see politics as a viable career. I fully support this motion, and I expect all my Members to support this, as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I request a recorded vote.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. The Member has requested a recorded vote. Question has been called. All those in favour, please rise.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5423

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Ball

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The results of the recorded vote: 16 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Legislative Assembly investigate practical measures to make the Legislature family-friendly, explore the possibility of creating a family room, installing infant change devices in bathrooms, and improving signage indicating location of family-friendly facilities. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. The motion is in order. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If you went into most of the coffee shops in Yellowknife and you were with someone who required a baby change table, there is a good chance that that person would find a baby change table in the women's washroom. That is not the case here at the Legislative Assembly. There is nowhere for a parent to change a child except for the floor. There is also nowhere for a parent to calm a child or breastfeed or do other family-related activities.

The purpose of this motion is to make this building more family-friendly while it was designed by men and for men. Because it is a new Legislature, there are already some facilities in place for women. For example, there are an equal number of washrooms for men and women. This would take our accommodation of caregivers to the next step by providing these family-friendly facilities. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. To the motion. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. One of the reasons this motion is important is it is not only a women's issue. We are asking for a family room. The dynamics are changing, now. It used to be, again, that women were expected to stay home and raise children. That is not the norm anymore. It might be prominent, but it is not the norm. It is not only a women's change table in a women's washroom. It needs to be a change table in a family room that men who are caring for children also have the option to provide for their infants. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I request a recorded vote.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Question has been called. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please rise.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5424

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Ball

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The results of the recorded vote: 16 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Legislative Assembly Board of Management make allowance for Members to be absent from the Assembly without financial penalty for up to four months due to pregnancy, childbirth, or the care of a Member's child following birth or adoption. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. The motion is in order. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This Legislative Assembly has had women with small children as Members, but I don't think that there has ever been a Member who has given birth while sitting as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. This is a proactive motion that would allow those who give birth or who adopt a child or are the partners, part of a family in which a child is born or adopted, to take a period of time off without financial penalty or without any other kind of penalty in recognition that they need to be present for their families during this formative part of the child's life.

While there is a range of time in different Legislative Assemblies around the world, four months is the amount that we felt represented a reasonable compromise between serving our constituents and maintaining our roles here on various standing committees and in the Assembly, yet being able to take time to care for our children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Thank you. To the motion. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am going to speak both as a mother who has borne children and also as a social worker who specialized in child and human development. There is a lot of research that talks about the importance of bonding with infants and the importance of gaining a solid attachment with your infant. Allowing only a couple of weeks for a parent who has an infant to be able to be with their child and then get taken on the road, as many of us do, is contrary to the whole idea of building attachment and bonding. Research shows that, the more attached that a parent is to their child, the better chance of success for that child throughout life. This is a critical component, not only for allowing women to enter politics, but also for the well-being of children. I am hoping, again, that all Members will support this motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the support from the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and I would like to request a recorded vote.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Anything further?

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please rise.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5424

Deputy Clerk Of The House Mr. Ball

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

Recorded Vote
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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise.

The results of the recorded vote are: 15 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions.

---Carried

Seeing nothing further from committee, does committee agree that this concludes consideration of Committee Report 14-18(3), Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly Interim Report?

Recorded Vote
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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. We have concluded consideration of the report.

Committee, we have next agreed to consider Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, which is Tabled Document 381-18(3). I will turn to the Minister of Finance for opening comments. Minister McLeod.

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here to present Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019. The document provides for an increase of $2.5 million to the infrastructure budget.

The two items included in these supplementary estimates are:

  • $2.5 million to complete the implementation of junior kindergarten infrastructure in the remaining 10 schools; and
  • $374,000 for the Slave Geological Province Corridor Project.

These expenditures will be fully offset by funding from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. I would be happy to answer questions that Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Do you have witnesses?

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, I do, Mr. Chair.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses into the Chamber. Minister, please introduce your witnesses for the record.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have to my right Mr. David Stewart, who is the deputy minister, Department of Finance, secretary to the FMB; and I have Mr. Sandy Kalgutkar, who is deputy secretary to the FMB. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Are there any general comments on the supplementary estimates, or can we get right into it? General comments. Mr. Beaulieu.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, Mr. Chairman, I was going into detail. I will wait for detail.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. It looks like the desire of committee is to get into the detail, so please turn to page 6, Education, Culture and Employment. Comments or questions on page 6? Mr. Beaulieu.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know that this is just to get all of the items needed for four-year-olds in the schools. I am wondering if this includes the construction of the school here in Yellowknife that would involve shifting a lot of students around, including junior kindergarten? The school, Sissons, is being, I guess, rebuilt on the same spot, so they are moving students around the city. They have junior and kindergarten students there. If any of those students are moving into schools that currently don't have junior kindergarten, or kindergarten, for that matter, both of those grades, maybe even grade one for all I know, would this be included here, or is this included elsewhere?

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That information is not included in this particular appropriation request. This is for the playgrounds on 10 remaining schools. That is the infrastructure that we are talking about. My understanding is the washroom renovations in all 28 identified schools are complete, so I don't think that it includes the information.

Recorded Vote
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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Sorry, Minister?

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Through you, Mr. Chair, I would like to go to Minister Cochrane.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Would Minister Cochrane care to assist Minister McLeod?

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Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Minister McLeod is correct. This money is actually just for the implementation of the playgrounds and a couple of washrooms. The cost was higher in the northern communities than we projected. The money for the relocation of students for Sissons School has not been determined yet. They are still working out the allocations on where those children will go with the school board, the Yellowknife School Board is doing that, and also, what the cost, what the needs will be, whether they will need modules, et cetera.

Until that work is done, we won't know what the cost is. If necessary, then we will be approaching for a supplementary to see if we can get it at that time, but at this time, we do not know what the costs are, so it is unreasonable to ask for money. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Recorded Vote
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Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am just wondering why this work is taking so long. Can I get an explanation? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

[Microphone off] including increased scope of work, design and procurement issues, and limited contract approval in a couple of the regions have resulted in higher than anticipated material and construction costs or project delays. Delayed installation of playground equipment in the schools is scheduled for summer 2019. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Recorded Vote
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Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. So is all of this work going to be done by April 1, 2019? Is that the plan? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The plan is, because of the delay, it will be scheduled for the summer of 2019, which is beyond April 1st. Thank you.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Recorded Vote
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Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am certainly not a financial wiz. Why is this thing a supplementary appropriation for 2018-2019 when the work is actually going to take place after April 1st, into the new year, 2019-2020? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To install equipment, first you must purchase it, and I think that is one of the reasons. Well, that is the reason we have the new supplementary appropriation, is that the equipment needs to be purchased. Thank you.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Recorded Vote
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Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. So this money is actually just for purchasing equipment; then the installation is going to happen after April 1st. Is that going to require another supplementary appropriation, for the installation costs? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Recorded Vote
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Stewart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No, I believe this amount is for both the purchase of the equipment and the installation, so there will be some carry-overs on the installation side, but this will help them to get started with getting the contractors in place and ordering equipment. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am sure everyone wants to get this work done as quickly as possible. I think kids are being put at risk because they do not have proper washroom facilities and there is not proper playground equipment for them. I guess I would urge that we get this work done as quickly as possible. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like to see all of this work done as quickly and as soon as possible. We will get the equipment purchased. As I said earlier, all of the washrooms have been completed, so that is not the issue. It's just getting the playground equipment installed. I agree with the Member. We need to ensure that we have all of this work done for the children of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks.

Recorded Vote
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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Nothing further from Mr. O'Reilly. 2018-2019 Supplementary Estimates, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, Education, Culture and Employment, early childhood and school services, not previously authorized, $2,493,000. Does committee agree?

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Page 5425

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. 2018-2019 Supplementary Estimates, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, Education, Culture and Employment, total department, not previously authorized, $2,493,000. Does committee agree?

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Please turn to page 7, Infrastructure. Comments, questions. $374,000 to provide funding for the Slave Geological Province Corridor project. Seeing nothing, I will call the activity or call this page. 2018-2019 Supplementary Estimates, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, Infrastructure, corporate management, not previously authorized, $374,000. Does committee agree?

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Page 5425

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Infrastructure, total department, not previously authorized, $374,000. Does committee agree?

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Does committee agree that this concludes consideration of Tabled Document 381-18(3), Supplementary Estimates, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019?

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Mr. Beaulieu.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Could I just have one minute to clear something up before I make the motion? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Mr. Beaulieu, are you requesting a recess?

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Page 5425

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

No, Mr. Chair, a few seconds to clear something up.

Recorded Vote
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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

We will just pause for a couple of seconds here. Mr. Beaulieu.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Chairman, I would like to request a very quick recess to have the motions reprinted. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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Page 5425

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. There appears to be some paperwork that we need to deal with, so we will call a brief recess, no more than 10 minutes. Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 381-18(3), Supplementary Estimates, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019 be now concluded and that Tabled Document 381-18(3) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in the formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Committee, we have agreed to next consider Tabled Document 382-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019. I will turn to the Minister of Finance for opening remarks. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I am here to present Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019. This document provides for an increase of $16.7 million to the 2018-2019 operating budget.

The major items included in these supplementary estimates are:

  • $4.5 million for increased costs related to the Income Assistance Program;
  • $3.3 million for costs associated with operationalizing the new Stanton Territorial Hospital;
  • $2 million for insured hospital services provided to individuals who are not residents of the Northwest Territories. These expenditures will be fully offset by recoveries from other jurisdictions;
  • $1.4 million for repairs required to the runway at the Inuvik Airport;
  • $1.1 million for Grant-in-Lieu of Property Taxes Program payments to municipal taxation authorities as per the Grants-in-Lieu of Property Taxes Policy;
  • $1 million to support the combined day shelter and sobering program in Yellowknife;
  • $745,000 for demolition and site cleanup resulting from the October 2, 2018 fire that destroyed the Rockhill Apartments;
  • $705,000 to support the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project. This expenditure will be fully offset by revenue from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada;
  • $646,000 for increased payments required for the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority Pension Plan; and
  • $501,000 for supplementary health programs for a projected budget shortfall for Extended Health Benefits and Metis Health Benefits.

That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. I would be happy to answer questions that the Members might have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Committee, the first voteable item is found on page 4, Department of Education, Culture and Employment. However, if there are general comments, I will open the floor to general comments. Seeing none, we will proceed to the detail on page 4. Comments or questions? Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There is about a 5-percent increase in the funding allocated to income security. I am wondering if this is money because there are more clients or if this is money because of the change in the benefits. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The increase is due to there being more clients, plus I believe that there were some inflationary rates that were applied to this as well. The number of income support clients has gone up, as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Given the fact that the number of income assistance cases has been going up steadily, I am wondering if the budget will now take into account a certain amount of forced growth, or maybe it already does, for income support. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you. Forced growth, I believe, is taken into account, and the number that I have is $1.7 million in forced growth in 2019-2020. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Nothing further from Ms. Green. Anything further? Seeing nothing, I will call this page. Supplementary estimates (operations expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, Education, Culture and Employment, income security, not previously authorized, $4,455,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Education, Culture and Employment, total department, not previously authorized, $4,455,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Page 5, Health and Social Services. Comments or questions? Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. The first item here is about operationalizing the new Stanton Territorial Hospital. Can someone explain to me what that is all about? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Kalgutkar.

Kalgutkar

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Because of the larger size of the new hospital and the loss in resources that were allowed to be shared in the smaller facility, moving to a bigger facility, the new hospital does need additional resources to operate. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Can someone tell me what the current staff level is, then, for the old hospital, and how many new employees are required to operate the new hospital? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Through you, I would like to go to Minister Abernethy to respond to that. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Would Minister Abernethy care to respond? Minister.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I actually don't remember off the top of my head what the total staff complement of Stanton existing is, but I can say that we are adding $2.667 million to operationalize Stanton, which is basically 42.5 new positions. The budget increase, as Mr. Kalgutkar said, is based on the projected cost of delivering existing services in the new space. There will be increased costs due to the increased size and the physical layout of the building, upgraded technology and equipment, changing work processes, and the delivery of facility management services through the PC.

This isn't unusual. When we moved forward with opening the regional health centre in Fort Smith, we had to add some additional positions due to size and change in facility. The same is true if you go back in time to Inuvik, and even in Norman Wells, when we added the new facility with new functions there, we had to come for some additional positions. These are necessary in order to ensure delivery in a safe, effective manner within the new facility. I can provide the Members with a list of the positions at any time. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Can anybody tell me what the current staff level is at the hospital and how many new positions are being added as a result of this funding? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you. The current staff complement, by my understanding, is 411 staff members in there, and I think, through the process, we are adding an additional 44. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I don't object in principle to this, but I know that I have had at least two tours of the new hospital where I have been told that the new facility would be run with the exact same number of employees as the old one. Can someone explain to me why I was told that on at least two occasions, and then we have this supplementary appropriation in front of us now for an increase of about 10 percent in terms of the staffing at the hospital? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, through you, I would like to defer to Minister Abernethy. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would certainly like to know who told the Member that. I have always been very consistent. I have never said that we are not adding new positions; I have always said that we are not adding new programs. When I have been asked in other situations, I have said that there will definitely be some growth in positions, but we did not add any new programs.

The facility is quite a bit larger than it used to be. We have made it more effective, more efficient, but there are additional complications as a result of the additional floors and the additional space between. We need to make sure that the sightlines are appropriate to ensure safe patient care.

I would be happy to sit down with the Member to figure out who told him that there would be no new positions, but that is not consistent with the messaging that I have given. I have always been consistent that there are no new programs. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Far be it for me to complain about new positions in a facility that is in my riding, but certainly the messaging that I have been giving to my constituents was what I was told, was that the facility would operate with the same number of staff. So I will certainly correct my messaging. I am happy to sit down with the Minister to try to figure out why or who may have passed that information on. I just want it clearly understood now, and I regret if I have misled anybody, that it is going to require more staffing to run the new facility. That is all I have. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Further from committee? Seeing nothing, I will begin to call this activity, which spans two pages, so buckle in. Supplementary Estimates, (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, Health and Social Services, administrative and support services, not previously authorized, $2,864,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Health and Social Services, ambulatory care services, not previously authorized, $2,171,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Health and Social Services, community health programs, not previously authorized, $1,010,000. Does commit agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Health and Social Services, diagnostic and therapeutic services, not previously authorized, $175,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Health and Social Services, nursing inpatient services, not previously authorized, $74,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Health and Social Services, supplementary health programs, not previously authorized, $501,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Health and Social Services, total department, $6,795,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Committee, please turn to page 7, Industry, Tourism and Investment. Seeing no comments or questions from committee, I will call this. Supplementary Estimates, (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, Industry, Tourism and Investment, economic diversification and business support, not previously authorized, $190,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Industry, Tourism and Investment, tourism and parks, not previously authorized, $122,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Industry, Tourism and Investment, total department, not previously authorized, $312,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Page 8, Infrastructure. Comments or questions. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Chairman, this is not on the first item, so these are the items for all of the infrastructure items? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Yes, the whole page.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

The whole page? Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have questions, I guess, on the Taltson specifically. I would like to ask the Minister: this is to provide funding to support the Taltson hydro expansion. My understanding is that this is for engagement with the Aboriginal governments. Is this the case? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Member is correct. It is for engagement with the Aboriginal governments. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wonder if the Minister could tell me which of the Aboriginal governments will be engaged for this particular item, project. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Through you, I would like to defer to Minister Schumann. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The people who we will be engaging with, who we have already reached out to, is the Akaitcho Government, the Salt River First Nation, and the Northwest Territories Metis Nation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Does the Akaitcho government consist of the Deninu K'ue First Nations, Lutselk'e Dene First Nations, and the YK Dene First Nations? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That is correct. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Chair, this is an operations expenditure. The operations expenditures run to March 31, 2019. This is 2018-2019, so has this work already started? I guess this could be applicable for the whole document, but I am specifically interested in this particular item. Is there a plan to spend $705,000 before March 31, 2019? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Who shall I direct this to? Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think you will go through me to defer to Minister Schumann. Okay, we will do that.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We are looking at doing a contribution agreement when we sit down and have a discussion with all of the Aboriginal groups on their participation, but some of that money is still for technical stuff, permitting and routing. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So the Minister is telling me that there will be a contribution agreement signed and delivered before March 31, 2019, plus the technical work will also be completed by March 31, 2019? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, through you, I think I should go to Minister Schumann. Otherwise, I would probably butcher it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I have updated this House on this, we got this money from CanNor. It's some early funding to be able to have some conversations with the Aboriginal governments on their participation with the Slave Geological Province. There are a number of things that need to be done to bring this thing to a business case. It's going to take us three years to do this, but this was some early funding that the federal government has given us to entertain this, and we are hoping to have some positive news in the federal budget next week. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think the money is good. I am just wondering. I could almost say the thing again for the whole document, but just to put a point to it we have $705,000. We have maybe five organizations, separate organizations, or we could sign it with three organizations, I suppose, if the Akaitcho Government represents the three other governments that I spoke of earlier. So I guess, moving forward, considering again that this is an operations expenditure, the plan is to have that agreement in place, signed off, money transferred, expended by March 31st, plus, I guess, paying for the technical report in addition to that. I am curious to know if that is even possible, but I would like to just get a "yea" or "nay" on that from the Minister. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I said, in early discussions with the Aboriginal governments, we are hoping to sign an agreement with three groups. The Akaitcho is one united group. They can designate whoever they want to have as a lead, or maybe multiple jurisdictions as a lead. The Metis Nation is a single unit, and the Salt River First Nation is a unit. We will sit down and figure out our work plan and our various planning studies in environmental and community support and wildlife stuff that we have to do on this project. This is what we have budgeted for this year. As I have said, we are looking forward to some federal support in the budget. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Nothing further from Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. On the same page, there is $74,000 for Slave Geological Province Corridor. Can someone tell me what that money is for and whether it's going to get spent by March 31st? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Stewart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In terms of the O and M money for this activity, I believe it's related to a variety of activities to help prepare for the planning related to the Slave Geological Province, including some work done by ITI for economic impacts and those sorts of things, and then I think there is some work planned that may be by 2019-2020 by ENR related to wildlife studies as well as work being done by Infrastructure for activities that are not capitalized in terms of the Slave Geological Province. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am certainly confused by this. This money, is it going to be carried over? I didn't think you could carry over O and M. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Kalgutkar.

Kalgutkar

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is my understanding that the two departments impacted by 2018-2019 are going to be spending all their money. To answer the Member's question on whether we carry over O and M funding, if O and M funding does lapse, we have in the past carried it over into 2019-2020 through a supp process. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Is this the supp process, or is it going to come forward in a different supp? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Kalgutkar.

Kalgutkar

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If the departments are unable to spend all the $74,000 that could be approved in this supp, then whatever is left over and whatever is lapsed by the departments will be carried over into the first supp in 2019-2020. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I think we have a 2019-2020 supp, which is going to come up next. How can we be carrying over money into that one when this hasn't even been spent yet? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Stewart

Thanks, Mr. Chair. If there was a need to carry over, there would be an additional supplementary appropriation in the May/June session. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. This funding is coming from the federal government. Is there a requirement for any matching funding from GNWT? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Stewart

Thanks, Mr. Chair. The matching GNWT portion for 2018-2019 is $15,600 from ITI and $3,000 from Infrastructure on the O and M side. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am going to leave this one alone, but it is going to come back. It is Slave Geological Province Road money, I think, under the 2019-2020 supps. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Further from committee? Seeing nothing, I will call this page. Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, Infrastructure, corporate management, not previously authorized, $74,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Infrastructure, programs and services, not previously authorized, $2,072,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Infrastructure, regional operations, not previously authorized, $1,397,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Infrastructure, total department, $3,543,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Page 9, Justice. Comments? Questions? Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, Justice, community justice and policing, not previously authorized, $113,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Justice, court services, not previously authorized, $145,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Justice, policing services, not previously authorized, $213,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Justice, services to government, not previously authorized, $10,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Justice, total department, not previously authorized, $481,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Committee, please turn to the final page, Municipal and Community Affairs. Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, Municipal and Community Affairs, regional operations, not previously authorized, $1,070,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Municipal and Community Affairs, total department, $1,070,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Does committee agree this concludes consideration of Tabled Document 382-18(3)?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 382-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019, be now concluded and that Tabled Document 382-18(3) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in the formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. The motion is non-debatable. All those in favour. All those opposed. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Committee, we have next agreed to consider Supplementary Estimates No. 1, 2019-2020, which is Tabled Document 388-18(3). I will turn to Minister McLeod for opening comments. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here to present Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 1, 2019-2020. This document provides for an increase of $4.1 million in the infrastructure budget.

The two items included in these supplementary estimates are:

  • $2.1 million for the Slave Geological Province Corridor project. These expenditures are fully offset by revenues from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; and
  • $2 million for the replacement of the roof at William McDonald School in Yellowknife.

That concludes my opening remarks. Mr. Chair, I would be happy to answer any questions that Members might have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. General comments? Seeing none, we will proceed to the detail. The first voteable item is found on page 6. Education Culture and Employment, early childhood services, $2 million. Comments or questions from committee? Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Can someone explain to me how we got to a place where $2 million is required for replacement of the roof of the William McDonald School? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Through you, I would like to defer to Minister Cochrane.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The roof at the William McDonald School has, in all honesty, been one of my major stresses for the last few months, ever since I heard there were issues with it. There were some issues put forward in 2016. We found that it had exceeded its life expectancy. They had done some patching. Over the time, though, the YK1 School Board Authority was told not to go on the roof, not by ECE or anyone else except by the contractor who fixed the original roof. They have not gone on the roof.

In the meantime, when they first got it fixed, there were a few little tree seedlings growing. Because no one went on the roof and pulled those seedlings out, they became trees on the roof. It meant that the trees became structural. Now, we are at a place where there are bags and there are buckets being held. There was mould found because of the constant dripping. It is an issue.

It was planned to replace the roof and the envelope of the school in the 2021 capital planning, but it is too late. We cannot leave children in a place where it is not safe at this time. This is now a health and safety issue, because the mould is actually not good for humans. We contained the mould. We will be fixing it in the spring break. It is going to keep going if we don't fix it.

The responsibility that ECE needs to take in this is that we never really had a firm policy in what our maintenance includes. We have learned from this lesson. Going forward in the new school year, we will be defining a policy that states maintenance includes things such as shovelling snow from the walkways, checking your roof, checking around the premises of the school to make sure that any health and safety issues are addressed. In that way, we do take responsibility, but this is a combination of efforts. I would love to be able to say it can wait to 2020-2021, but it cannot. This is now a health and safety issue that is important to children. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Just in case anyone gets the wrong idea, I want this work to go ahead, and I want it to go as quickly as it can. This is a school that is in my riding, and I want the work done. Can someone tell me when the original roof was put on? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you. I agree with the Member that this is work that needs to be done. We are trying to get the appropriation to do that work. As far as his question on the original roof, we don't have that detail. We would have to commit to get that detail and provide it to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I can tell everybody that the roof was put on in 1981. These things sort of have a natural life cycle. How long has this work been deferred over the years? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The roof is in our 20-year capital planning. As stated, the roof and the envelope were assessed and to be done in 2021. However, in 2016, we realized that the roof was needing a complete replacement. At that time, we decided to repair it over the gym. There were sporadic little stop-gap measures. I have never felt personally that doing stop-gap measures are the best strategy, so instead of doing another stop-gap and trying to put tar and paper again, I have taken a request for supplementary funding back to Cabinet and asked to replace the whole roof instead of just doing a piecemeal fix. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that information. I understand that the Minister is going to better define the maintenance policy for our schools. That is a good thing. As I understand it, back in 2009, there was a report that actually recommended that the whole roof be replaced. This seems like it has been deferred now for maybe as long as 10 years. I wouldn't want anybody to get the idea that this is the fault of YK1 and their maintenance people, by any stretch of anyone's imagination.

I think that there is an issue here with how long we defer capital replacement of our assets, as well. Is that something that the Minister is prepared to work at with maybe her colleague the Minister of Infrastructure? If this has been deferred for 10 years, it is now going to cost us $2 million, and it could have cost us a lot less if it had been caught in time. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Member makes a good point. I am not sure what happened in 2009, but if there is a report that was done, then I am sure that that helped guide some of the decisions that were made, but recently it had been determined that the roof needed to be repaired. I think we may have taken steps to try and complete as much deferred maintenance as possible. It is not about laying blame, here. It is nobody's fault. This is something that happened that we need to look past yesterday and deal with for the children of tomorrow. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Yes, I am all about tomorrow, too, but if we don't learn from the lessons of the past, we are going to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. What I would like to know, though, is: what specifically is this $2 million for? Is this to actually replace the roof? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Not knowing the exact scope of work, my understanding is that it is for the complete repair of the roof on the school. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. The mould that may be in the walls of the school, when is that going to be worked on? Is that something that is going to happen over the summer, and will that actually cost more than the $2 million? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have to say that YK1 School Board has actually been very proactive in doing this. They have already sprayed, and I am not technical; I don't know what kind of spray, but they have sprayed the mould to contain it. Over the spring break, they will be taking down all of the walls that actually have mould on them, so that work will happen over the spring break, and then the roof will be replaced in the summer. I wanted it to be faster. My Cabinet colleagues reminded me that kids are still in school, so we do have to wait for the school. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. $2 million is for replacing the roof. Who is paying for the containment work, the work to assess the mould, and so on? Is that something that the GNWT is paying for, and is it in this supplementary appropriation, or does the department already have money for that work? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Cochrane.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The mould remediation has not been requested from YK1. They do have money in their maintenance budget to address that mould issue. Again, it is tearing down some walls and putting a sealant over the mould, which they have already done, and they do have a surplus. They are looking for the replacement money, support for the replacement of the roof. They have not asked for a replacement for the remediation of the mould. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. If there is a problem, and let's hope that there is not; I am sure that everybody is going to do their best, but if there is additional remediation work that is required within the school, would that be something that would come forward in an additional supplementary appropriation? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As they do their assessment, and as Minister Cochrane said, they do have some money available to them to do some of the work required. However, if it comes to a point where they may not have the money to do some of the work required, then they would come forward to Minister Cochrane, and she would bring it forward to FMB in the form of a supplementary, and we would have to look at it then. They do have some money to help with maintenance. The bottom line is, if there is additional help that is required, such as the roof, then they would come forward to the GNWT.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. 2019-2020 Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, Education, Culture and Employment, operations expenditures, early childhood and school services, not previously authorized, $2 million. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Education, Culture and Employment, total department, not previously authorized, $2 million. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Please turn to page 7, Infrastructure. Comments or questions? 2019-2020 Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, Infrastructure, corporate management, not previously authorized, $2,116,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Infrastructure, total department, not previously authorized, $2,116,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Mr. Thompson.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 388-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020, now be concluded, and that Tabled Document 388-18(3) be reported and recommended as ready for future consideration in a formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. There is a motion on the floor. The motion has been distributed. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

Committee, we have agreed to next consider Tabled Document 389-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020. I will turn to the Minister of Finance for opening comments. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here to present Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020. This document provides for an increase of $2.5 million to the 2019-2020 operating budget.

The six items included in these supplementary estimates are:

  • $1.3 million to support the Taltson Hydro Expansion project. These projects again will be fully offset by revenue from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada;
  • $800,000 for the Small Community Employment program;
  • $155,000 for programs supported by the Canadian Family Justice Fund Agreement, 2017-2022. These expenditures will be fully offset by revenue from the Government of Canada;
  • $148,000 for the Slave Geological Province Corridor project. These expenditures will be fully offset by revenue from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
  • $100,000 in support of the Northwest Territories Film Industry Support project. These expenditures will be fully offset by revenue from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; and
  • $60,000 for implementation activities directly related to the legalization and regulation of cannabis.

That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. I would be happy to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. General comments on the document? Seeing none, we shall proceed to the detail, beginning on page 4. Education, Culture and Employment, labour development and advancement. Seeing nothing, I'll call this page. 2019-2020 Supplementary Estimates, No. 1 (Operations Expenditures), Education, Culture and Employment, labour development and advancement, not previously authorized. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Education, Culture and Employment, total department, not previously authorized, $800,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Please turn to page 5, ITI. Comments? Questions? Seeing none, 2019-2020. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I think this is where the Slave Geological Province Corridor funding is found. Can someone tell me whether there's any matching funding from GNWT for this work to go ahead? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. You might be on the wrong estimates. This is about film support, film industry support. Nothing further, I assume, Mr. O'Reilly? Thank you. I will call this page, 2019-2020 Supplementary Estimates, No. 1 (Operations Expenditures), Industry, Tourism and Investment, economic diversification and business support, not previously authorized, $100,000. Does committee agree??

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Industry, Tourism and Investment, total department, not previously authorized, $100,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Please turn to page 6, Infrastructure. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair, my apologies. Can someone tell me whether there is any matching funding required from GNWT to have this work go ahead? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Stewart

Thanks, Mr. Chair. For 2019-2020 operations funding, there will be $37,000 worth of GNWT funding for the contribution to include the federal share. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Which departments are contributing towards this funding? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Stewart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. $34,000 of that is from Environment and Natural Resources and $3,000 from the Department of Infrastructure.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. What work is ENR doing, then, that's going to contribute towards the Slave Geological Province Road? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. We have provided a table to committee to try to respond to a number of questions that were asked during our briefing. The ENR money, wildlife studies include barren-ground caribou and grizzly bears, so it's just some wildlife studies that are going on. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I guess I'm trying to figure out here: is this ongoing activities within the department? Are resources being diverted from within ENR to support work on the Slave Geological Province Road? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. This is all very important work. We want to make sure that we cover all our bases, and I can assure that there's no money being diverted from any other department program that ENR offers to go towards the work on the Slave Geological Province. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Thanks to the Minister for that. Just for the record, I object in principle to ENR contributing towards the Slave Geological Province Road when there's no new money for the caribou crisis in the 2019 budget. It's just beyond belief to me that money is being used within the ENR department that should be working towards caribou protection to support a project that will ultimately take away from the range, the habitat of the caribou, when they're in a crisis position. This is just rather ironic to me, and I don't expect an answer or a response from you, Minister, but I just object, in principle, to us using money even within the ENR, even if it's federal money, for a project that will ultimately hurt caribou. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. The Minister would like to respond, so I will give him an opportunity. Minister.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I do appreciate the opportunity to respond, and I note the Member's objection. I assured Members that there was no money being diverted from any other programs that ENR offers, and the money that's going towards this is to do our work on the wildlife. It's not going into the actual construction of the road, and I think we've made that quite clear. As I've directed my department to do, I have asked them to come forward. We have done some budgetary exercises for some of the work we need to do on the caribou as a result of the discussions with the Tlicho Government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nations. I've directed them to come forward with the plan and a budget for dollars because I had made commitments to our Aboriginal partners that we were going to do this. I just wanted an opportunity to say that there's not money coming out, actually, in our budget to go towards construction of the road. It's to go to the work that ENR is tasked to do. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I sort of have the same line of question to provide funding for the Taltson expansion. This one is more money, and there's small time to spend the money. I am assuming that there will be another agreement in place for the three organizations mentioned earlier by the honourable Minister for Infrastructure. I'd like to ask if that is the case, that this is for the engagement for the three political bodies, the NWT Metis Nation, the Akaitcho Territorial Government, and also the Salt River First Nations, if those are the three bodies that will be signing a contribution agreement for this engagement? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Through you, I'd like to defer to Minister Schumann.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

This funding is going to help support the development of the Taltson Hydro project. As I've said, it's going to go towards the terms of hydro power engineering, transmission engineering, as well as the regulatory and environmental process and the further development of the engagement strategy to the respective project with the Indigenous governments, and funding will also help us use to research the potential of private partners and the creation of a financial model. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There's a lot of work there. How much of this is for the Aboriginal or Indigenous engagement? Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Out of this amount, roughly $675,000 will be for further engagement and participation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So this $675,000 will be in addition to whatever of the $705 million in the previous supplementary operations number for 2018-2019? There was an amount there. I didn't get specific about that amount, because there was such a short time frame. There's an amount there, and the $675,000 is added to that? I'd like to get that clarified, please, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. First of all, it's $705,000. The Member said $705 million. It was a nice try, though. A nice try for the MLA.

---Laughter

It is correct that the $675,000, to my understanding, is on top of the money that was already appropriated, I believe, for the Indigenous; and it's $705,000. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

The big question that everybody wants me to ask, and that is: is this money of Aboriginal engagement going to address the initial issue? When Taltson dam was first built, I spoke about this many times in the House, when Taltson dam was first built, it essentially relocated two communities, and it continues to kill all the muskrat and beaver on the Taltson River every few years. So I want to ask the Minister if there is going to be any discussion focused on that. Or is this just an engagement to look at the expansion, not to look backwards, not to look at what happened in the past, although the money is coming from the federal government? This was a federal government issue in 1964. I'd like to ask the Minister if this engagement is going to include discussions on what happened when the Taltson was first built, back in the 1960s. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My understanding is that it is not. It's just to do the Aboriginal engagement on the expansion of it. I'm sure, through that discussion, there may be a lot of comments from the Aboriginal partners on the exact issue that the Member spoke of. I'm not sure what the plan would be then. The simply answer and the reason for the appropriation is to have our engagement with our Aboriginal partners on the expansion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to ask the government if there is any plan to at least take a look at what has been put on the table by those three organizations that they are engaging on this project to see what has been put on the table for Taltson prior to this project. Any negotiation, anything that involves any discussion of compensation, anything that involves any discussion at all about what happened to the two communities of Rocher River and Rat River on the Taltson River. I'd like to ask the Minister if there is going to be any discussion at all that includes any of that, including a discussion of this current project.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Through you, I'd like to go to Minister Schumann.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Minister Schumann.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. When I sat down with all three of these governments to discuss the potential Taltson Hydro project, I stated quite clearly at that time that this is looking forward on how we can do the expansion to bring economic opportunities, not to just them but to the whole Northwest Territories. Through those conversations, they knew it was quite clear. They made it quite clear to me that this would not be a conversation about what previously happened with the Taltson expansion back in the 1960s. In fact, some of the chiefs even asked me, "You need to come to the communities and help me explain this to the residents, to quantify that this project is clearly on a moving-forward basis." Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That's good. That's what I'm hoping for. I'm not trying to negotiate a compensation for the Aboriginal governments here in this Chamber. I just want to make sure that they have a clear understanding. If a direction was given by the three governments that the contribution agreement was signed and they've all said, "don't worry about the past; we're moving forward," it's on the record. I'm happy with that. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Anything further from committee? 2019-2020 Supplementary Estimates No. 1 (Operations Expenditures), Infrastructure, corporate management not previously authorized, $148,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Infrastructure, programs and services not previously authorized, $1,335,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Infrastructure, total department, $1,483,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Please turn to Justice. 2019-2020 Supplementary Estimates No. 1 (Operations Expenditures), Justice, court services not previously authorized, $145,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Justice, services to government not previously authorized, $10,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Justice, total department not previously authorized, $155,000. Does committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that consideration of Table Document 389-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures) No. 1, 2019-2020, now be concluded and that Tabled Document 389-18(3) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in formal session through the form of an appropriate bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

I'd like to thank the witnesses for appearing. Sergeant-at-Arms, you may escort the witnesses from the Chamber. What is the wish of committee, Mr. Beaulieu?

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the chair rise and report progress. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

I will rise and report progress.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

May I have the report, Member for Hay River North?

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 5432

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Committee Report 14-18(3), Interim Report of the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly; Tabled Document 381-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019; Tabled Document 382-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019; Tabled Document 388-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020; and Tabled Document 389-18(3), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2019-2020; and would like to report progress, with 11 motions carried, and that Committee Report 14-18(3) has concluded; and that consideration of Tabled Documents 381-18(3), 382-18(3), 388-18(3), 389-18(3) is concluded and that the House concurs with those estimates and that appropriation bills to be based thereon be introduced without delay. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 5432

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Do I have a seconder? Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion carried.

---Carried

Masi. Item 22, third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

Page 5432

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

Orders of the day for Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.:

  1. Prayer
  2. Ministers' Statements
  3. Members' Statements
  4. Returns to Oral Questions
  5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
  6. Acknowledgments
  7. Oral Questions
  8. Written Questions
  9. Returns to Written Questions
  10. Replies to the Commissioner's Opening Address
  11. Petitions
  12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees
  13. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
  14. Tabling of Documents
  15. Notices of Motion
  16. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills
  17. Motions

- Motion 36-18(3), Appointment of Ombud

- Motion 37-18(3), Extended Adjournment of the House to May 23, 2019

  1. First Reading of Bills
  2. Second Reading of Bills
    • Bill 48, Post-Secondary Education Act
  3. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

- Bill 26, Statistics Act

- Bill 30, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act

- Minister's Statement 131-18(3), Sessional Statement

- Minister's Statement 151-18(3), New Federal Infrastructure Agreement

- Minister's Statement 158-18(3), Developments in Early Childhood Programs and Services

- Tabled Document 237-18(3), Independent Commission to Review Members' Compensation and Benefits 2018 Review of Members' Compensation and Benefits Report, August 2018

- Committee Report 15-18(3), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of Bill 30: An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act

  1. Report of Committee of the Whole
  2. Third Reading of Bills
  3. Orders of the Day

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

Page 5432

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Mr. Clerk. [Translation] This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. [Translation ends]

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 5:22 p.m.