Debates of March 12th, 2020
This is page numbers 659 - 708 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 community.
Topics
- Oral Questions
- Members Present
- Prayer
- Minister's Statement 35-19(2): Northwest Territories Policing Priorities
- Minister's Statement 36-19(2): Arctic Winter Games
- Lack of Policing in Illicit Drug Trade
- Small Businesses in the Northwest Territories
- COVID-19 Plans for Small Communities
- Frank Channel Bridge Replacement
- COVID-19 Concerns in the Northwest Territories
- Agricultural Land in the Northwest Territories
- Gladue Reports
- Beaufort Delta Youth Declaration on Climate Change
- Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board
- Mental Health Care for Children
- Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
- Question 186-19(2): COVID-19 Emergency Planning
- Question 187-19(2): National Trade Corridor Submission for Frank Channel Bridge
- Question 188-19(2): COVID-19 Planning
- Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
- Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
- Question 191-19(2): Gladue Reports
- Question 192-19(2): Housing Waiting Lists
- Question 193-19(2): Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board
- Question 194-19(2): Agricultural Leases in the Northwest Territories
- Question 195-19(2): Access to Child Mental Health Supports
- Question 196-19(2): COVID-19 Economic Cost and Support for Businesses
- Question 197-19(2): Business Investment Program
- Tabled Document 60-19(2): Our Climate Our Arctic - Beaufort Delta Declaration, March 8, 2020
- Motion 6-19(2): Extended Adjournment of the House to March 24, 2020
- Motion 6-19(2): Extended Adjournment of the House to March 24, 2020, CARRIED
- Bill 3-19(2): An Act to Amend the Public Highways Act
- Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
- Committee Motion 7-19(2): Tabled Document 30-19(2): Main Estimates 2020-2021 - Northwest Territories Housing Corporation - Deferral of Further Consideration of the Estimates for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Carried
- Committee Motion 8-19(2): Tabled Document 30-19(2): Main Estimates 2020-2021 - Municipal and Community Affairs - Deferral of Further Consideration of the Estimates for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Carried
- Report Of The Committee Of The Whole
- Orders Of The Day
Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
Oral Questions
Page 664

Paulie Chinna Sahtu
I don't have that information in front of me as to how many contractors we have on suspension right now, but I really want to emphasize that we do try to work with our contractors so they do remain in good standing with the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. I could request from my department to provide a list for the Member's riding of the contractors that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation does do business with.
Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
Oral Questions
Page 664

Rocky Simpson Hay River South
I'd like to ask the Minister: how is it determined if a contractor should be placed on the suspension list?
Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
Oral Questions
Page 664

Paulie Chinna Sahtu
It is determined by the service that is provided and if the contractor defaults in the projects that are put forward. We really try to work with the contractors in-depth to make sure that they are successful in receiving the contracts that they do receive from the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
Oral Questions
Page 664

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.
Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
Oral Questions
Page 664

Rocky Simpson Hay River South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every contractor deserves due process, and I'd like to ask the Minister: can the Minister supply me with a copy of the policy or legislation that sets out the process and criteria for determining whether a contractor is to be placed on the list? Thank you.
Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
Oral Questions
Page 664

Paulie Chinna Sahtu
The Northwest Territories corporation administers through policies. I will direct my staff to find this policy that identifies the defaulting contractors, and I will provide that information to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 189-19(2): Contractor Suspension List
Oral Questions
Page 664

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Minister. Oral question. Member for Thebacha.
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
March 12th, 2020
Page 664

Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Mr. Speaker, my first question for the Minister of Justice is: partnerships and relationships with the RCMP are important in small communities and regional centres. I am proud to say that I have a positive relationship with the commander of "G" Division and the local members of the RCMP at our local detachment. Enforcement in the drug trade is also important. Would the Minister relay the message to the commander of "G" Division of the concerns of the community of Fort Smith and the constituents of Thebacha?
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
Page 664

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Minister of Justice.
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
Page 664

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
Mr. Speaker, absolutely. As I quite coincidentally was speaking about policing priorities, one of the roles that I have is to develop policing priorities that guide the unfolding of policing services across the Northwest Territories. I certainly heard that today and do intend, as I said earlier, to take that into account when developing those priorities. Yes. Absolutely, I will reach out to the commander of the detachment. We have regular meetings, but I will also engage with the Member more to ensure that there is input about these concerns when I am developing those priorities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
Page 664

Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Would the Minister consider asking the commander of "G" Division, or his or her designate, to meet with the community leaders of Fort Smith to address this major problem that is inflicting many members of our community and affecting family life?
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
Page 664

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
I can certainly add the concerns raised here and, indeed, perhaps provide a copy of the Hansard of this Member's statement to the detachment commander to ensure that they are aware of those concerns that are being raised and encourage them to do what they can to engage directly. I can also ensure that, when we have meetings and engagements with communities, including with the community of Fort Smith, that I, too, am also being made aware of exactly the concerns by the community members directly from them so that we can continue to address them throughout the course of the next few years by the Department of Justice, as well.
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
Page 664

Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Would the Minister consider that the commander of "G" Division, or his or her designate, meet with the two schools in Fort Smith to address the dangers of illegal drugs and the consequences of getting involved in the drug trade and the use of these substances?
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
Page 664

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
Again, as I have said, I will certainly be raising with my counterpart at the RCMP, with my colleague at the RCMP, the concerns being raised on behalf of Thebacha. I know that going into the communities and going into the schools is a significant part of the work that the RCMP does. They spend a lot of time and a lot of effort making sure that they are continuing to be engaged in exactly that fashion. I am confident that they will continue to do that. I can also say that, on the part of community justice, which is within the Department of Justice, that we can look, too, to what is happening with our community justice committee in Fort Smith and ensure that they are making best efforts and all efforts to be engaged in the community and to reach out exactly as the Member has described to the youth in the community.
Question 190-19(2): Lack of Enforcement in Illegal Drug Trade
Oral Questions
Page 664

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Thebacha.
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