This is page numbers 295 - 344 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd 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 going.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Frederick Blake Jr, Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lafferty, Hon. Katrina Nokleby, Mr. Norn, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Diane Thom, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

---Prayer

Prayer
Prayer

Page 295

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

The Government House Leader is raising a point of order.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 295

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order under Rule 24 (h), making allegations against another Member, a House Officer, a witness, or a member of the public; (i) imputes false or hidden motives to another Member; (j) charges another Member with uttering a deliberate falsehood; and/or (k) uses abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder. I have waited until today to raise this point of order because I wanted to review Hansard.

Yesterday, during Members' Statements, the Member for Monfwi said while speaking of the Honourable Premier, and I quote from page 14 of the unedited Hansard from Wednesday, February 26, 2020:

"Mr. Speaker, the Premier has confused her powers under the Public Service Act with the Minister of Education's powers under the Aurora College Act. In her confusion, I believe she has misled this House and overstepped her authority, in fact breaking the law."

On the same page, the Member also said, and I quote:

"If these statutory realities aren't enough to convince the Premier of the errors of her ways, the Aurora College Act offers one other bit of guidance that should have told her she was exceeding her powers. For added clarity, section 19(3) of the Aurora College Act states that, for greater certainty, the Minister's authority to appoint the president "operates notwithstanding the Public Service Act."

And finally, on the same page, the Member stated, and I quote:

"It should be troubling to this House that the Premier would play so free and easy with something as sanctified as the duly enacted statutes of this House. It makes one wonder where else she might choose to exceed her authority as a Premier. I believe her misconduct warrants an apology to this House and a pledge to us that this will never happen again. Masi, Mr. Speaker."

Additionally, during Question Period, the Member for Monfwi stated at page 31:

"Section 19(3) of the Aurora College Act, which is a law that we follow, "for greater certainty," the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment's authority to appoint and hence terminate the president of Aurora College "operates notwithstanding the Public Service Act."

The Member further stated, and I quote:

"Will Premier Cochrane apologize to this House for overstepping her authority in terminating the Aurora College president?"

And finally, and I quote:

"Masi, Mr. Speaker. Since I am not getting the answer the public is expecting, at a later time, I am tabling a document that is legal advice that I received and let the public decide on this. Masi, Mr. Speaker."

Mr. Speaker, the Member then tabled document 42-19(2): A Legal Opinion from the Deputy Law Clerk regarding the "Legal Authority to terminate the appointment of the Aurora College President."

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Member's words and actions in this Chamber yesterday seriously violate the rules of order and decorum in this House in a variety of ways and I will attempt to separate them and express my concerns.

1. Accusations against another Member/Abusive or Insulting Language Likely to Create Disorder (Rule 24(h) and (k)):

Firstly, Mr. Speaker, the Member has made serious allegations against another Member of this House. The Member has alleged that the Honourable Premier overstepped her authority, misled the House and broke the law. These are very serious allegations Mr. Speaker. The effect of the Member's words create doubt about the integrity of the Premier and appear to reflect an intent to discredit the Premier in the minds of the public. The effect of this is that the Member has created disorder in this House.

Mr. Speaker, the Member has suggested that the Premier broke the law, and has further suggested that the public should consider that the Honourable Premier is capable of further abuses of authority. Such allegations and suggestions could easily contribute to the public perception that unlawful activities are actually, or at least likely, taking place.

These allegations are serious, Mr. Speaker. Public confidence in good governance is essential. We must take these allegations very seriously as a government.

The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, and, in fact, all Members of this Legislative Assembly are required to operate within the confines of the law.

In addition, our Members are bound by a Code of Ethics that they have agreed to follow.

Mr. Speaker, the remarks from the Member for Monfwi seem to suggest a deep mistrust of government and specifically the Premier that I don't believe are helpful in advancing the business of the Assembly or maintaining a positive working relationship in this House. In fact, Mr. Speaker, the Member's remarks are so serious that they are likely to create disorder in the House.

Maintaining a positive working relationship in this House is critical to the success for the operation of a consensus government. In fact, Mr. Speaker, our own Guiding Principles of Consensus Government in the NWT state that:

"As with all parliamentary systems of government, a healthy level of tension must exist between Cabinet and Regular Members. While the ultimate goal of the Regular Members is not to defeat or discredit Cabinet, it is their job responsibility to review and monitor the leadership and direction of Cabinet and hold it to account."

Mr. Speaker, the Member's accusations against the Premier crossed the line. The Member for Monfwi went well beyond merely holding the Premier to account and instead, it appears as though the remarks were intended to discredit the Premier in the eyes of the public. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Member's remarks used unparliamentary language and violate the established rules and practices of this Assembly.

Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, in dealing with unparliamentary language, it is not just the words that matter. In the second edition of the House of Commons Procedure and Practice, 2009, it is noted at page 619 that the tone, manner, and intention of the Member speaking and whether the remarks create disorder in the Chamber also matter.

I believe that anyone listening to the Member's statement and questions yesterday would conclude that he was accusing the Premier of misleading the House and breaking the law. Such allegations create disorder, are un-parliamentary and a violation of the Rules of this Assembly.

2. Imputing False Motives (Rule 24(i))

Mr. Speaker, the Member for Monfwi also implied that there is a likely risk that the Premier would ignore the laws of this territory and intentionally exceed her authority in other circumstances as well. By stating that the Premier would "play free and easy with something as sanctified as the duly enacted statutes of this House" and that "it makes one wonder where else she might choose to exceed her authority as a Premier" implies that the Premier may have false or improper motives in executing her authority under the law.

Again, Mr. Speaker, this crossed a line. Such language is not in the spirit of holding the government to account. Rather, it is an attempt to discredit a fellow Member. It is against the rules of practice of this Assembly. It is unparliamentary and contravenes the guiding principles of consensus government.

3. Suggesting the existence of legal support proving the Premier broke the law (Rule 24(h))
Mr. Speaker, during Question Period the Member for Monfwi stated that "Section 19(3) of the Aurora College Act states that, 'for greater certainty,' the Minister's authority to appoint the president 'operates notwithstanding the Public Service Act.'" The Member also continued, stating "Section 19(3) of the Aurora College Act, which is a law that we follow, 'for greater certainty,' the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment's authority to appoint and hence terminate the president of Aurora College 'operates notwithstanding the Public Service Act.'"

Further, the Member for Monfwi stated that, "Since I am not getting the answer the public is expecting, at a later time, I am be tabling a document that is legal advice that I received and let the public decide on this."

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Member's comments in this regard suggest a likelihood that the Member had legal authority holding that the Premier broke the law. Mr. Speaker, this is inaccurate. The document tabled by the Member is a legal opinion. It is not legal authority. The tabling of legal opinions are exceptionally rare. The document tabled offers consideration of who has the authority to terminate an appointment. It does not fully consider who has the authority to terminate an employment relationship, which is a critical distinction.

I believe the Member for Monfwi's comments in this regard were inappropriate and unparliamentary.

Therefore, based on all of the evidence above, Mr. Speaker, I respectfully suggest that the Member be directed to withdraw his remarks made during Members' Statements and question period and apologize to this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 296

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Government House Leader. I will now allow comments on this point of order. Member for Monfwi. To the point of order, first, and then we will deal with the point of privilege. We will allow debate on the point of order, and then once we conclude that will be the point of privilege. Member for Monfwi.

Point of Order
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Page 296

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Today, we are talking about something very important regarding these regulations. We have a big issue in front of us. When we talk about legislation, it is the law that we follow by. This is the law we follow, but when we take a look at this, when we say Aurora College Act, it looks like we did not follow the rules. Section 19(1), it states that the Minister is supposed to speak to the board first, and they were supposed to make that decision. That was the process, although I don't know all the evidence of this, but that is the question I questioned.

I had a legal opinion regarding the Legislative Assembly. That is what was given to me. When I received this statement, that is what I made a statement on regarding Aurora College president: who was the one to make that decision? In my opinion, it is supposed to be the Minister's right, and the associate deputy minister is a separate issue. It may be up to the Premier regarding that position, but the president has its own regulation. It is the 19 Members here that we make a statement on that. We want everyone to know. I understand this is a big issue now. It is something very important in front of us, and now we have to make a decision on this to take a look at all the whole process of what happened. I want to get to the bottom of it.

There are a lot of people in the Northwest Territories, 33 communities in the Northwest Territories. There are approximately 40,000 members. We like to hear what people think. We know. We want to be accountable and transparent to all of the membership. That is how this government is supposed to work. We are supposed to be accountable to each, the people of the Northwest Territories. If we have an issue, we try to resolve it as soon as possible. We talk about transparency, as well. We want everything to be open. Sometimes, it is not like that.

Mr. Speaker, my statement is recorded here, and also it is the questions that are coming from the communities. The people are the ones who elect us to be here, to be their representative, to speak on their behalf. We have a Premier and their Cabinet. I am not trying to say that they are not doing their job, but there is a process that is not quite accurate. I feel that something is not quite right. For me, if everything went the way it is supposed to go, following all these regulations, I would have no problem, but the way I see it, there are some things that are not quite right.

Mr. Speaker, it will be up to you now to make a decision on this point of order. We make big decisions here in this House to represent our membership, and we want to make sure that we represent them properly and to make a good decision for our people. We are trying to make the best decision and make it right. This is not the only thing that happened. There are other things that happens, as well, but when I take a look at this, I don't want anything like this to happen again. It is the reason why I am saying this, to prevent it for the future.

Mr. Speaker, there is a lot has been said. I speak for my people. I cannot sit back and say nothing about it. I want the truth to come out. I also will table a document, and I will make a statement on it, but today, I was not expecting this point of order. They did not tell us this was going to happen. I was going to table a document, and I did let the Premier know, notify her that I was going to do this. Sometimes, things are done without our knowledge, and we were not notified. I don't agree with that. We need to have respect for each other, and it seems like it is not happening now.

Mr. Speaker, that will be my statement. I have said a lot of things. My words are recorded, as well. People are concerned about this. There are a lot of people who don't agree with this. I don't know this president personally; maybe I met him once or twice. I am not really supporting what they have done to him, but what I am trying to make a point of is the whole process of hiring and firing. These are the laws that we are supposed to follow. That is what I am speaking on, on this. This is the opinion of the lawyer. I have said previously, I did make a statement on this, and I would like to tell you again that there are a lot of people out there who are worried about this. In this House, when we make decisions, we need to follow process, so it will be up to you to make a final decision. Masi, Mr. Speaker. [End of translation]

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 296

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. I will open up the floor to debate on the point of order. Minister of Justice.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 296

Caroline Wawzonek

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The laws in the Northwest Territories aren't one above another. They are meant to work as a whole. They are meant to work as a unit. They are meant to be read together, Mr. Speaker, and they are meant to work together, which is not to say that they don't necessarily sometimes come into conflict one with another and that we are asked to interpret them in order to then back away to read them in concert one with another. Laws about jurisdiction, any jurisdiction in Canada, are meant to be interpreted in a way that they are consistent one with another. Rules of statutory interpretation help guide that exercise. They help provide us the ground rules around which we can interpret what sometimes seem like conflicting pieces of legislation, sometimes conflicting parts within legislation. Lawyers are often called upon to apply those rules and to try to provide opinions that, in fact, can help us understand what conflicting provisions mean, what specific provisions mean, and can help understand how to apply those different provisions depending on the circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, a legal opinion is just that. It is an opinion, at the end of the day, based on one's professional judgment and best efforts, but it is still just an opinion. The final authority on any legal interpretation is done by the judiciary; it is done by the judicial branch of government, not by the executive or the legislative, and not by any lawyer. That is part of the division of responsibilities that we have. One of the examples of a piece of legislation, or parts within a legislation, that has perhaps led to quite a bit of challenge within the House, Mr. Speaker, in fact, is, of course, the Public Service Act and the Aurora College Act, and specific provisions around the hiring of the president.

These two acts deal with two very different things. The Public Service Act, at its core, of course deals with the provisions around hiring and governance of the public service. More specifically, Section 16.1 of the Public Service Act confers an exclusive authority on the Premier to make a recommendation for the appointment of all deputy minister roles. In other words, Mr. Speaker, it is only the Premier who can hire or terminate someone within a role of a deputy minister.

Meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, the Aurora College Act, under Section 19, confers on the Minister of Education an authority, with consultation of the board, to appoint a president of the Aurora College. Section 2 makes the president of the Aurora College a public servant. That is important, Mr. Speaker, because most employees of the Aurora College are not public servants. Then Section 19(3) says that this happens notwithstanding what is in the Public Service Act, which makes some sense, Mr. Speaker, because, of course, as I have said earlier, it is the Public Service Act generally that would govern creating any kind of employment relationship within the public service. Whereas, in this case, someone who is the president becomes a public servant.

However, Mr. Speaker, someone who becomes a public servant by appointment as president does not become a deputy minister. The deputy minister authority, again, that lies exclusively on the recommendation of the Premier. So, unfortunately -- "unfortunately" is maybe a bit too strong. The reality is that you have sort of two different things happening, Mr. Speaker. You have deputy ministers being appointed under the exclusive recommendation of the Premier, and meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, you have the president of the Aurora College being appointed under the Aurora College Act. The president becomes a member of the public service, but not every public servant is a deputy minister, and certainly not every deputy minister becomes the president of Aurora College.

Unfortunately in this case, Mr. Speaker, this has certainly given rise to a fair bit of confusion, perhaps, and uncertainty, and led to a lot of attempts to explain in this House what has occurred when someone who was holding those two dual roles has ultimately been terminated, and whether, in fact, the Premier had the authority to terminate someone in the role of a deputy minister.

Mr. Speaker, in my view, someone who is in the role of a deputy minister can only be terminated by the Premier, which is separate and apart from the fact that someone who happens to hold a statutory appointment as president of Aurora College, that statutory appointment would be terminated by the Minister responsible; but it doesn't change or impede or take away from the authority of the Premier to terminate a deputy minister, or to make the recommendation, rather, to terminate a deputy minister. Because, again, that is the only role that has that authority to make that judgment to do that thing, and that is exactly what the Premier had done in this case and has described having done in this case. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 296

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister of Justice. Colleagues, we are dealing with a point of order raised by the Government House Leader. We are not debating who had the authority to dismiss whom. Did the Member for Monfwi breach our rules in his comments yesterday? That is what we are debating at the moment, so it is still open. There are no further comments? Member for Nunakput.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 297

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When we come and represent our people on the floor of the House, we are passionate about what we are doing here. We want to be here to help. On the point of order, I think that the "working together" part of the House, I mean, we could bring up anything we want on the floor, anything. It is up to the Member who wanted to bring something forward who is passionate about it and wanting to seek clarity. That is all that I think that was. Working together, it is in black and white, Mr. Speaker. I really think that this House, all the Members, have to reflect why we are here and make sure that we are here for the right reason. For myself, I really think that my colleague Mr. Lafferty has compassion for doing his job and he is good at what he does. I think that we have to take a step back and try to get through this, because we have another four weeks, and try to make the best of what we have while we are sitting here and not wasting House time. It is in black and white on what happened, and I leave that up to your discretion, Mr. Speaker. This is your House. Thank you.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 297

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Any other debate? Member for Frame Lake.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 297

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I hadn't actually thought I would get up and say anything. I know this is the way that the rules work, but I just feel that I am at a distinct disadvantage, not having had notice of the point of order before we got into the House today or just very shortly before we got into the House.

My honourable friends on the other side have cited a number of legal sections of the acts and so on, so I really feel at a disadvantage in terms of being able to examine the record here and, perhaps, offer some advice to you.

I would ask, Mr. Speaker, that you do go back and carefully review what was said in the House over this sitting to see what the Premier said about the removal of the individual, and in what capacity she was acting, what capacity the Minister was acting, and so on. I do think that there is a point of public interest in this, and I have every confidence that you will review the record very carefully, but I would prefer that we have more notice on this side of the House on these sort of matters so that we can actually offer some informed advice to you in carrying our your role. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 297

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Any other debate? Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 297

Steve Norn

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My thoughts on this: I am echoing what Member from Frame Lake said about getting notice for the point of order. I think we as Members, when we first got to the House, we are going to work together. I think we have got to continue to do that and not to surprise each other because we give that courtesy across the other side, and we expect the same thing in return. We did not get that today. That is not right.

On that note, about this whole issue, for me, personally, it wasn't too much on my radar, but the more I thought about it, I have four tenets, and I kind of have a couple of other things that I go by when something comes across my desk. One, is it legal? Two, is it practical? Three, is it ethical? Four, is it affordable? Anytime I see a document come across my desk, I look at that, and I think we should all look at that in the same light. Another thing I like to look at is: one, is it beneficial for my constituents? Most importantly, is it beneficial for the territories? We should think about that when we go about looking at this issue. That is what I would like to say about this, and I think we should try to be as objective as possible and, again, work with each other and remember who we are serving. Mahsi cho.

Point of Order
Prayer

Page 297

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Any further debate on the point of order? Seeing none. Thank you. I will take the point of order on advisement, and I will get back to the House on the ruling as soon as possible. Thank you. Member for Monfwi.

Point of Privilege
Prayer

February 27th, 2020

Page 297

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] I have a point of privilege. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on my point of privilege. When we look at the position of the Premier, it is a big position. It is a huge job, and also the president of Aurora College has its own rules and regulations in place. The decision the Premier has made, we want to know exactly what happened. The way we have these recorded information, I will read it in English because I want it properly recorded. We do have a really good interpreter, but I will say this one in English. [Translation ends]

Mr. Speaker, I have a point of privilege affecting this Assembly. The Premier has acted outside her statutory authority by terminating the appointment of the president of Aurora College without the statutory authority to do so. The Premier's action are in direct contravention of Section 19 of the Aurora College Act. In doing so, she has breached the collective privileges of this House done against the dignity and authority of this Assembly as per Rule 20 of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I bring this question to the Assembly, to the attention of this
Assembly at the earliest opportunity to do so after receiving legal advice from independent counsel that was laid before the House yesterday when I tabled the document 40-19(2) and upon review of the Premier's response to my questions in Hansard from yesterday's proceedings.

Mr. Speaker, the rule of law as commonly defined as the principles whereby all Members of a society, including those in government, are considered equally subject to publicly disclosed legal codes and processes. In brief, Mr. Speaker, it means that no one, absolutely no one, is above the law, especially the elected lawmakers, even more, so Ministers of the Crown.

When the Premier decided to take a statutory role of the Minister of Education on the administration of the Aurora College Act, she violated this fundamental principle of our society, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this is a gravely serious matter in that an act in contempt of our laws is to act in contempt of the Assembly that makes them. The authority of this Assembly has been overridden by the actions of this Premier with the consequences that she has obstructed the ability of legislature in carrying out the lawmaking functions.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier has repeatedly refused to accept that she erred in impeding the statutory authority of one of her Ministers. Appropriate sanctions must be sought to curb this behaviour, to restore the integrity of the rule of law, and to ensure that we continue to live up to the highest standards, probity, integrity, accountability of our actions as elected officials.

Mr. Speaker, clearly, like all Members across this floor here, I was hoping for real positive changes within our government, an accountable government, a transparent government, but not this, Mr. Speaker. We cannot continue operating this way for our people. There are so many questions from myself and from the public, as well. They hold us in high regards when we make decisions for them across the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I await your decision on this very important matter, and I will respect your decision. Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Point of Privilege
Prayer

Page 297

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Thank you. I will now allow the Honourable Premier to speak to the point raised.

Point of Privilege
Prayer

Page 297

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to start by raising the point that points of privilege should be raised at the earliest possible time. This issue has been raised now for a number of weeks. This point could have been raised earlier. If there was an issue related to the timing of the legal opinion, I note it was dated February 12th, more than two weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, nothing in the present circumstances have prevented the Assembly from being able to fulfill its duties. The hiring and firing of associate deputy ministers and their statutory appointments of officials are not matters that relate to functions and duties of the Assembly. I have responded to questions in this Assembly related to a sensitive human resources matter to the extent that is appropriate.

Mr. Speaker, I have even offered briefings to help the Member better understand the steps and processes involved in ending an employment relationship. I continue to disagree that anything done in relation to this matter lacked the proper authority, did not follow any required steps, or broke the law.

I terminated an employment relationship of an associate deputy minister who also had a statutory appointment as the president of Aurora College under the Aurora College Act. The steps required to terminate that employment relationship were followed. The steps to terminate the statutory appointment have also been followed with the revocation of that appointment by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. The termination of that appointment instrument will appear in the Gazette shortly. MLAs should be aware of the nature of statutory appointments.

I know that the Member of Monfwi made hundreds of statutory appointments during his time as Minister. This did not mean he had the authority to terminate any employment relationship for such appointment holders. The revocations of such appointments always follow the termination of the employment agreement.

The confusion over this matter is both frustrating and unfortunate, but it should not affect the proper functioning of this House. I regret that we are again taking up valuable time over what appears to be confusion over the paperwork required to affect the termination of an appointment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Point of Privilege
Prayer

Page 297

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier. It is my duty as Speaker to determine whether a prima facie case of privilege has been made. That is, whether on the face of it, the matter is as it appears to be, a matter of privilege, or whether the matter was raised at the first possible opportunity. I will take this matter under advisement and provide a ruling at a later date. Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure.

Katrina Nokleby

Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

Sorry, my apologies. Which one to start with, here. Airport improvements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Making strategic investments in our transportation system is one of the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Investing in airport improvements will keep our communities connected while reducing the cost of living and supporting economic opportunities. Given our vast territory and dispersed communities, air travel is essential for northern residents, businesses, and tourists.

The Government of the Northwest Territories manages 27 public airports that support vital services, including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue, forest fire response, and much more. Investing in our airports not only improves the delivery of safe and efficient transportation, but also provides jobs, skills, training, and beneficial economic opportunities for communities and residents. In fact, a total of 158 Northerners are directly employed through our airports. This does not include jobs created through special projects, such as capital construction projects.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to provide an update on airport improvement projects throughout the Northwest Territories. Beginning in Inuvik, there are three major projects planned for the Mike Zubko Airport. These include:

  • a new air terminal building;
  • improvements to help protect permafrost and improve runway drainage; and
  • the design of an extension to the existing runway.

When the new air terminal building is completed, travellers will notice an improved passenger experience and an airport that better fits their needs. This includes upgraded public spaces, baggage systems, food concessions, airline operations, and improved accessibility. The Government of the Northwest Territories is working to keep the public informed and to provide opportunities for dialogue with residents and businesses. This month the Department of Infrastructure held two public meetings and one contractor meeting in Inuvik to discuss the new air terminal building. The project is already providing a boost to local employment, as a local business was contracted to demolish the pre-existing hangar on the build site. Construction of the new air terminal building is expected to be complete as soon as 2023.

The second project at the Inuvik Airport will result in airfield upgrades to protect permafrost and improve drainage. A total of $22 million in federal and territorial funding was announced last year for this project under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. This project will make the airport more resilient to the effects of climate change, one of the priorities of this Legislative Assembly. The runway and taxiway embankments will be reconstructed to better protect the permafrost under the airport. Surface drainage improvements will also help direct water away from vulnerable areas. Design work for the airfield improvement projects is currently underway and is expected to be completed this fall. Once the design has been finalized, construction is expected to take approximately two years.

Mr. Speaker, design work begins this summer on the Inuvik Airport runway extension project. Last year, the federal government announced funding of up to $150 million for the project. This funding will be spread out over five years and will deliver major upgrades, including extending the length of the runway from 6,000 to 9,000 feet long. The project includes modernizing the lighting, navigational, and military aircraft landing arrestor systems. This investment will support a greater variety of military aircraft while reducing the strain on aircraft that already serve the airport. The runway extension will help increase Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic and benefit local travelers and businesses that rely on this airport.

Mr. Speaker, for many communities across the North, air travel is an essential service. For this reason, airport maintenance and improvement activities are particularly important to ensure safe and efficient travel. With this in mind, the Department of Infrastructure is also completing work at some of our smaller airports. For example, we are undertaking drainage improvements at Sachs Harbour, Aklavik, Hay River, and Sambaa K'e airports. This work will increase the resiliency of these airports to the effects of climate change.

Mr. Speaker, improvements are also ongoing at the Yellowknife Airport. As the largest and busiest aviation gateway to the North, Yellowknife Airport continues to focus on improvements for travellers as well as new economic opportunities. The airport recently transitioned to common-use terminals, which will allow airlines to share counter space based on flight schedules, creating increased flexibility and better use of the check-in area. Upgrades were also recently completed to the baggage system and security screening areas of the airport, underscoring our commitment to a safe and secure facility.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to improvements to the passenger experience, the airport has been busy making operational improvements. While not always visible to the public, these investments are crucial to the safe and efficient operation of airports. To help define long-term goals at the Yellowknife Airport, a 20-year master plan will be finalized in the coming months.

In addition to these improvements at the Yellowknife Airport, our government is also pursuing economic opportunities related to cold-weather testing. Most recently, Airbus chose the Yellowknife Airport to test their newest aircraft: the Airbus A220. Our frigid temperatures make us the perfect destination for this type of testing. The A220 is already certified to minus 35 Celsius, but Airbus wants to certify the jet for minus 40 Celsius, which is why they brought it to Yellowknife. Airbus officials indicated the weather was ideal during their visit, and I thank the many northern businesses and support groups who worked to make this opportunity possible.

Going forward, the airport is focused on attracting more cold-weather testing opportunities. To support this, a dedicated working group has been established at the airport to provide resources and assist aeronautical decision-makers. Through this group's work, the NWT can provide a wealth of knowledge for companies looking to test their equipment in the North.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to invest in all of our airports. By working closely with communities and the federal government to secure funding, we will keep our communities connected while supporting opportunities for Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Culture.

Katrina Nokleby

Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Because I didn't talk enough already, here is my presentation here.

The 19th Legislative Assembly has identified increasing resource exploration and development for the benefit of the people of the Northwest Territories, as a priority for this government. In January, I attended the Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver with Premier Cochrane, Minister Thompson, and staff from the departments of Infrastructure, Industry, Tourism and Investment, Environment and Natural Resources, Executive and Indigenous Affairs, and Lands in an effort to advance the interests of the NWT and work towards attaining this goal. We often talk about the benefits mines bring to a territory. Our mines are huge operations requiring numerous products and services and large, diverse workforces. This means economic opportunities and benefits that begin to flow to NWT residents, long before mines even open, in exploration activity and geoscience research spurred by the search for precious stones and minerals.

This is the focus of Roundup. It is one of Canada's largest mining conferences that draws delegates from around the world, including Government of the Northwest Territories staff representing a number of departments and representatives from Northwest Territories Indigenous governments and development corporations. It is an event that I first attended as an engineering student at the University of British Columbia, and it was then and continues to be today an important opportunity to promote our resource potential and strong partnership model to those who want to work with us to sustain and enhance our economy.

Mr. Speaker, exploration spending in our territory is projected to have decreased again last year to around $78 million. In past years, it has been as high as $150 to $200 million. It is a critical investment that is missing in our economy. This is something that we have already said needs to be a priority for our government. It is money that is spent on helicopters, equipment, camps, and supplies. If exploration companies need it, they buy it, and Northwest Territories companies are the benefactors. Just like the mines that they precede, exploration crews and logistics companies also hire locally, not just geologists and geophysicists, but expediters, line cutters, stakers, cooks, technicians, camp attendants, ramp hands, cleaners, and labourers.

Mr. Speaker, our government's approach for this year's Roundup was to highlight the enormous potential that exists for those willing to be a part of responsible development in our territory and to demonstrate, in tangible terms, the partnerships that we believe will realize new exploration opportunities. We set the stage for our attendance this year by introducing an updated bedrock geology map and database for the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province, which is well known for its excellent mineral potential and the long, prosperous history of mining.

On the Sunday preceding Roundup, Premier Cochrane helped to launch an exciting new partnership for our North. Backed by the Government of Canada and supported by Canada's three territorial governments, the Invest Canada North initiative will see a robust presence from northern Canada at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention, taking place in Toronto next week, that will focus exclusively on promoting investment opportunities in Canada's North to national and international audiences.

As the business of Roundup got under way, two important media events showcased our territory's innovation and leadership in partnered, Indigenous-led resource development. I want to recognize the leadership of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Det'on Cho Corporation, and Cheetah Resources. Their agreement to begin Canada's first rare earth mining project, with the first Indigenous-led mine site, could be a game-changer, not just for our territory, but for our country. I also want to congratulate the Gwich'in Tribal Council and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation again for the release of their regional mineral development strategies. These strategies will serve both as roadmaps for mineral explorers and action plans for Indigenous governments as they seek to attract investment on their terms.

There were also a number of formal meetings and informal networking events during Roundup where the Premier, Minister Thompson, and I spoke to the priority that our government will be giving to revitalizing exploration and development in our territory. We highlighted our continuing work to implement new mineral legislation, updated industry representatives on transformative infrastructure projects that are taking shape, and listened proactively to concerns that were raised by our partners. At every step, Mr. Speaker, we were able to point to economic reconciliation in action. Our ongoing work with Indigenous governments was alongside of us, clearly communicated as part of and in step with our own government's presence.

Mr. Speaker, it was a powerful message, and it served to solidify the purpose of coming out in force to events like Roundup. We need to take tangible steps to improve the investment landscape in our territory. It is going to take more than just one Minister, one department, or one government.

The annual Roundup conference remains an excellent opportunity to build relationships and seek out new partnerships which will build and benefit our territory. I am pleased with the work of the Government of the Northwest Territories at this year's event and confident that, in addition to highlighting our political support for this sector, we were also able to demonstrate that the 19th Legislative Assembly is committed to reaching goals and making decisions in a more transparent and collaborative manner. I look forward to our government building on these successes at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention and through the Invest Canada North initiative that begins this Sunday in Toronto, and will be happy to update the House and the public of those successes in the near future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Colleagues, I would like to recognize former Member for Kam Lake, Kieron Testart, who is with us in the House today. Also, Denise McDonald from Inuvik. Welcome. Also, last but not least, our former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and our first Ombud of the Northwest Territories, Ms. Colette Langlois. Welcome. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.

Frank Channel Bridge
Members' Statements

Page 299

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] I want to talk about the Deh Cho bridge. I believe we are going to create a big bridge in the Tlicho Nation. Now, it has been almost 50 years since we have a winter road that a lot of people are using, and this is the statement I want to make today. [End of translation] Since the Deh Cho Bridge is now completed and well-used today, I would like to highlight and also talk about the Tlicho Bridge, also known as the Frank Channel Bridge.

Mr. Speaker, the Frank Channel Bridge is a vital part of the highway lifeline connecting Yellowknife and the North Slave region to the rest of the territory and to southern Canada. All car and truck traffic into the territorial capital must pass over this bridge that we have, the Frank Channel Bridge. In excess of 20,000 people depend on this bridge for groceries, fuel, building materials, and other essentials of life, not to mention the needs of industry, especially the diamond mines.

The Frank Channel Bridge is more than half a century old, well past its prime, Mr. Speaker. I suspect not a single bolt or girder of the original structure remains, so much of it has been replaced over the years, but there comes a time when band-aids on band-aids no longer work. For the Frank Channel Bridge, that time has come.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important infrastructure for our territory; for my region, as well. It does connect us to the South and it is a main gateway, so this is a very important infrastructure, not only for my region, but for the whole territory. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at the appropriate time. Masi.

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Members' Statements

Page 299

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Member's statements. Member for Frame Lake.