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

In the Legislative Assembly on March 12th, 2020. See this topic in context.

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
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. I move that this committee defer further consideration of the estimates for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation at this time.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

The motion is on the floor and is being distributed. Sergeant-at-Arms, you can escort the witnesses out. The motion is in order. To the motion.

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Some Hon. Members

Question.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Question has been called. All those in favour. All those opposed? Abstentions? The motion is carried.

---Carried

We will now take a five-minute break so that we can switch over to MACA. All right. Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Committee, we will call committee back to order. Committee, we have agreed to consider Tabled Document 30-19(2), Main Estimates 2020-2021 under the activity Municipal and Community Affairs. Does the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs have any opening remarks? Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you. I am here to present the 2020-2021 Main Estimates for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Overall, the department's main estimates propose an increase of $6,074,000 or 5.5 percent over the 2019-2020 Main Estimates. These estimates support the fiscal objectives and priorities and responsibilities and strategic spending while matching the modest expected revenue growth over the coming year. Highlights of these proposed estimates include:

an increase of $5,186,000 to provide funding to tax-based communities in accordance with the grant-in-lieu policy;
an increase of $960,000 to reflect the impact of costs associated with implementation of the 2016-2017 to 2020-2021 collective agreement with the Union of Northern Workers; and
an increase of $158,000 to provide relief from property tax to seniors and people with disabilities.

These estimates support the priorities of the 19^th Legislative Assembly. Specifically, the department will advance the following actions:

Provide resources and support to community governments. The department will continue to support community governments with community planning; legislation and policy; financial agreements; infrastructure management; and climate change and disaster mitigation funding.
Support the development of an implementation plan for municipal Access to Information and Protection of Privacy. The department remains committed to working with the Department of Justice, community governments, and stakeholders to identify a responsibility and achievable approach for the implementation of Bill 29: An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Privacy of Protection Act with respect to bringing community governments under this legislation in a phased-in approach.

That concludes my opening remarks. I look forward to the detailed discussion with Members. Thank you, Minister.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Do you wish to bring witnesses into the House?

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Yes.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Sergeant-at-Arms, would you please escort the witnesses in. Minister Chinna, would you please introduce your witnesses?

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have with me Ms. Young and Mr. Schauerte. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister Chinna. I would also like to say happy birthday to Ms. Young. I will now open the floor to general comments on Municipal and Community Affairs. If there are no further comments, does committee agree to proceed to the detail contained in the tabled document?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Committee, we will defer the departmental summary and review the estimates by activity summary, beginning with community governance, starting on page 320 with information items to 323. Questions? Member for Yellowknife North.

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Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I see that this is the area regarding responsible assessment. I recognize we provide some funding to the City of Yellowknife to do their assessments, and we have recently had this issue with the Yellowknife hospital. There have been a lot of different interpretations of exactly how that money got missed. Could I just have the Minister explain what exactly occurred there and how we are going to ensure that we budget for assessments going forward?

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. When this project did roll out, there was a timeline that the numbers weren't ready, and they weren't forecasted at that time for the grant-in-lieu. I will have Ms. Eleanor Young elaborate on the response. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

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Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. With assessments, in this part of the budget area, we have a number of assessment staff who conduct most of the assessments in the territory. As noted in this area, we do have $125,000 that we provide to the city to hire their own assessment contractors or staff, but we still have, through the Property Assessment and Taxation Act, oversight on their assessment role. Then that information is used for the calculation of grant-in-lieu for the properties that are GNWT properties within the community. We are in the process of putting to paper all of the processes used, with the checks and balances, and we will be able to bring that back for a briefing to committee in the future, since we have that together. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Yellowknife North.

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Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I look forward to receiving that information in committee. No further questions.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Any further questions under community governance? Seeing no further questions, we will move on to page 321. Municipal and Community Affairs, community governance, operations expenditure summary, 2020-2021 Main Estimates, $2,118,000. Does committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you. We will turn to community operations, beginning on page 324 with information items up to 327. Questions? Member for Yellowknife Centre.

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Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. I think that this is the right area for talking about the municipal funding gap. Can I just confirm that?

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister of MACA.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. That would be regional operations. This is community operations. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

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Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Yes, thank you. I will save that question for that area. In this area, I would like to talk about the follow-up to the OAG report that happened in 2017, I think it was. Can the Minister tell us whether all the commitments that the department made in response to the OAG report have been fulfilled? Thank you.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. We have received the report. We will be working towards the initiatives going forward. I will just have Mr. Schauerte elaborate on the response. Thank you.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Mr. Schauerte.

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Schauerte

Thank you, Madam Chair. The department has completed two activity reports related to the action plan that the department had published in response to the OAG audit. We are pleased to report that we think that we are in the area of about 80 to 90 percent of the recommendations have been addressed. We would be in a position to provide a further update on that, in addition to the two that we have already provided and tabled in the House. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Mr. Schauerte. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

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Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for that response. Could you tell us which items are not yet complete and when the next update will be ready for us to look at? Thank you.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I will have Mr. Schauerte elaborate on the report. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Mr. Schauerte.

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Schauerte

Thank you, Madam Chair. The department made significant progress in the area of public safety, which was one of the focuses of the audit. In that area, we advanced a number of priorities around emergency management with community governance, which is timely, given what our territory is facing today. We also made a significant improvement with fire protection services in terms of addressing assessments of fire departments, developing action plans, working with community governments around priorities that were identified through the assessments, things like training and standard operating procedures, and making sure that communities were acquiring the right kind of equipment and those kinds of things. Certainly, in the area of emergency management, there was significant movement forward.

One of the areas where we think we need to continue to do some work is around the area of accountability framework. As we have positioned the accountability framework, this is a living, breathing document and tool that we use to work with community governments to assess performance and work with community governments on business planning to help address some of the things that would come out of the accountability framework. As part of our work, we had intended to move into some areas around amendments of contribution agreements and those kinds of things to be a little more definitive, I think, with community governments in terms of what may happen when things go sideways. We still have to do some of that work in terms of modifying those kinds of things with community governments, and that work will continue into the next funding cycle and beyond. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Mr. Schauerte. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

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Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to Mr. Schauerte for that information. What is the timing that the department is looking at now to complete the recommendations of the OAG report? Thank you.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. We would be bringing that report back by the fall. I would say September; I'll give it a definite month. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

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Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Nothing further. Thank you.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Are there any further questions under community operations? Seeing no further questions, please turn to page 325. Municipal and Community Affairs, community operations, operations expenditure summary, 2020-2021 Main Estimates, $2,277,000. Does committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, committee. We will now turn to page 328, directorate, beginning on 328 with information up to 331. Questions? Member for Frame Lake.

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Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. Can the Minister tell me when the Consumer Protection Act was last reviewed? Thanks, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't have a significant date right now. I will have to get back to the Member. For the Consumer Protection Act, just to clarify with the Member? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Frame Lake.

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Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. Yes, it is the Consumer Protection Act that I was asking about. Is it on the legislative initiatives priority list for this department? Thanks, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. My apologies. That hasn't been identified. We are looking at the Fire Prevention Act and the seniors and disability taxation and property assessment act. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Frame Lake.

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Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. I made probably about three or four statements in the last Assembly about this legislation. It's not very strong. I don't think it really reflects best practice or is comparable to what other Canadian jurisdictions do. There was an instance of someone selling fish from Kazakhstan as locally produced fish. I think there have been some issues around aurora tourism here; that might be more of an issue for ITI. We need to protect the value of our products, and if we don't have stronger consumer protection legislation, I'm worried about that. If this is not on their list right now, how is the Minister going to look into this issue about whether it can or should be reviewed? Thanks, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to make a review of this act in our term, and I would like to look at areas that we would have to enhance and we would have to change in order to fit the needs of the Northwest Territories. Going forward, I would like to review what has been done so far and the concerns that were brought forward. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Frame Lake.

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Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. Can the Minister make a commitment to come back to the standing committee within six months with a report with her findings on that? Thanks, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I will commit to reviewing the situations and looking at the Consumer Protection Act and providing the information that I found to standing committee. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. All right. We'll move on to Member for Yellowknife North.

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Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I struggle with this because I see the 13 positions in the directorate, and there are only a few in policy and planning. I recognize how hard those people work, but MACA has a legislative backlog that really needs to get done. I've mentioned multiple times the hope of a building standards act, the hope of a Consumer Protection Act, a city charter. I know we're finally getting to the Fire Prevention Act, which is going to be a lot of work. We're also getting the Property Assessment and Taxation Act, which I'm very excited about. I've asked the Minister to look into permanent residents voting, the possibility of online voting. I have recommendations for the Cities, Towns and Villages Act. I know we're not going to see all those pieces of legislation in the next four years, and that's a wish list I have for MACA's legislation. My question for the Minister is: considering the demand for MACA to update a number of legislative initiatives, are there plans to expand some of the policy people or plans to come back with a supplemental to at least make sure we get the Property Assessment and Taxation Act and a couple of these projects done in the next four years?

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I will take into consideration the list that the Member has provided, and I would like to educate myself a little further on what has been done and the improvements that need to be made. I do understand and I do see that the legislation that we do have, going forward, and the acts, that they are outdated. I would like to take a look at them and review them, as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

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Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess I'll be a little more blunt here. I really don't think that MACA currently is being funded properly to get all of its legislation in line, and I would really encourage the Minister to champion this. Let's make MACA one of the most productive legislative departments there is. To do that, you're going to have to fight at the financial management board and fight in this House to bring forward and get the policy work and really push to get this legislative agenda moving. I think everyone who works at MACA knows that there have been requests to get the Property Assessment and Taxation Act going for years and years, so I guess I would just like to hear the Minister, whether she is willing to make that fight. Let's get some more Municipal and Community Affairs legislation done in the next four years.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I know that changing legislation, reviewing legislation requires a lot of manpower, a lot of consultation, involving the stakeholders that these would involve, and that they would be of effect. Going forward, I would have to look at it strategically because it is a lot of work and looking at engaging with our stakeholders, as well, throughout the territory and the effects and the changes that we are looking to update. Going forward, I would like to say that I would like to review what has been done and look at the acts that we currently have within my department. We have already identified four of them, four of them all together. It seems like it's a little at a time, but we're making progress. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Are there any further questions under the directorate? Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. With respect to the Office of the Fire Marshal, how many staff is there that actually does plan review? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Would that be under public safety? That's the next section. You're ahead of us. Did you have questions under the directorate? Yes? No? Okay. Are there any further questions under the directorate? If there are no further questions under the directorate, turn to page 329, Municipal and Community Affairs, directorate, operations expenditure summary, 2020-2021 Main Estimates, $3,942,000. Does committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you. We are now moving to the first activity starting on page 332, with information pages up to 335. Questions? Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. The question was: how many staff does the Office of the Fire Marshal have who do plan review? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Presently, we have one staff. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. There is always a concern about timing, that from the time you file the plans to receiving a response doesn't fit in with some of the projects. It takes a little too long. Is there any appetite to increase the number of staff there? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Presently, the Fire Prevention Act is under review, so once that review is done, we'd be able to determine the amount of staff to support the Fire Prevention Act. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. I've got some concern is that there are modular units that come into the Northwest Territories, whether they're camps or whether they're residential trailers. I know that we operate under Part 9 of the National Building Code. If you've got a modular unit coming out of Alberta, it's under the Alberta Part 10. There's a little bit of a difference there. I'm just wondering, with one staff in that office, and I understand there's regional staff as well, assistant fire marshals, I'm wondering if that's sufficient staff to monitor those types of buildings coming into the territories. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. This concern has been brought up quite a bit throughout, looking at the infrastructure that we are building within the communities and in respect to modular homes, as well. Once the Fire Prevention Act is passed and we've determined and it's finalized, I would like to look at the staffing for that position. Knowing that we do have assistant fire marshals within the district offices, I would also like to really emphasize on the support that we would have at headquarters. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. With respect to plan review, what aspects of the plans does the Office of the Fire Marshall look at? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Looking at the aspects for what the Fire Marshall would hold, I was going to refer this question over to Mr. Schauerte, just so he can elaborate on it because I know we don't have a building act, and I don't want to get those two confused. I want to be very clear. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Mr. Schauerte.

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Schauerte

Thank you, Madam Chair. Under the Fire Prevention Act, we adopt the component of the National Building Code that deals with the threat of fire, fire and the threat of fire. It really is that component of the National Building Code that the plan review office reviews for compliance with respect to the architectural drawings and the building plans that come before the plan review office. The complexity of some of the buildings that come forward and some of the drawings that we get contribute to the plan review process. Largely, the better the plan review documents that come before us, the easier it is for the plan review officer to review them and approve them and approve the project.

As the Minister has pointed out, the Fire Prevention Act is a priority for the department for the review during the 19^th Assembly and, of course, the plan review function is a critical component to that. There's been considerable interest, not only within this House, but with community governments and the NWT Association of Communities to look at building standards, which is a view to expand a little bit the role of what plan review would look like. Really, as part of our legislative agenda, to review the Fire Prevention Act, this gives us, the department, the opportunity to look at all these functions to determine how best serving the building industry relative to the National Building Code and improving projects.

A lot of the questions that are being asked around building standards are really tied back to that discussion around the Fire Prevention Act and the work that we can do there. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Mr. Schauerte. Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. Under infrastructure, I think it is, we have gas. We have the gas inspections, and we have the boilers. Is your department looking at maybe bringing those together with the gas inspections and possibly even plumbing?. Right now, we have no plumbing inspections required in the NWT except for Yellowknife, I think. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. We did speak about the building code and looking back to the Northwest Territories, and having the functions under one act. I'm going to have Ms. Eleanor Young elaborate on that a little bit further. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

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Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. The issue the Member is raising are issues that have been raised as part of phase one of the Fire Prevention Act work through engagement with stakeholders. The fact that we've got regulatory function sitting in two or three departments with regard to construction industry in the North. We had started down the path of getting ready for a phase two engagement specific to that latter part of the Fire Prevention Act around building plan review and building inspections. Unfortunately, the 911 legislation sidetracked some of that work for a year or two. We're now getting back to it. In the interest of much of the conversation around a broader building act, what we intend to do is do a discussion paper to finish the work on the Fire Prevention Act, but also gather information on whether the Fire Prevention Act is the right tool to fix many of these issues or whether it is broader building legislation or whether it's some sort of harmonization of the processes we currently have.

We expect that that process will lead us to a recommendation in terms of the legislative fix. Whether it's under Fire Prevention Act or whether we take on a second act with a building standards act. We hope to have that decision, I think our goal is within this year so that we can finish whatever the work is in the remainder of this Assembly. Many of these issues are why we stopped and slowed down that work on the Fire Prevention Act because we realized there were much bigger discussions and decisions that had to be made about where we go in terms of all of these different regulatory authorities. Where they get housed would fall out of that final decision about legislation. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess if we have an all-encompassing act and regulations -- I'm thinking about the smaller communities where they kind of get left out. If somebody's doing a project and you're waiting two or three weeks for an inspection, that's a problem. I am assuming that as you're doing this review, that's in the back of your mind, as well. Is that correct? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. That is correct. I do run into a lot of comments and a lot of conversation that surround that exact conversation that, when constructing infrastructure, that we should just be operating under one act instead of several -- not several, but we just have so many different compartments. It kind of gets complicated for smaller communities. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

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Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just one quick question with respect to page 334, ground ambulance and highway rescue. It's always an issue in Hay River. I understand the community has never really been fully funded for providing that service. If there's an accident, we pretty well go out there. I just want to confirm that that's the case, and I suspect that the department's in consultation with Hay River on that issue? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. We were actually just recently in Hay River. We met as a Cabinet there, and the exact concern was brought up. We are working with the City of Hay River. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Nunakput.

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Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just in regards to fire safety in the community of Tuktoyaktuk. We have a pumper that's 30 years old. It's hit that timeline for 30 years in regards to being effective and not being able to use it now. We had to use it in a fire two weeks ago, had no choice because the other new fire truck, it broke down. Is there any way, does the Minister have any extraordinary funding for something of that kind of an emergency? The community is of 1,000 people, and the newest truck that we do have is an F-550 with an air-port attack foam truck. Is there any way to see if we could get extraordinary funding for the community of Tuktoyaktuk to get a fire truck as soon as possible for the community's safety? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Unfortunately, to the Member, we don't have extra money to buy a vehicle, like a fire truck; I don't know what the proper term is, but to buy a fire truck. It could be identified in their capital plan, in their asset management going forward, and we can help and assist them to budget for this as they go forward in looking at the need to replace the fire truck and what did you say? The fire safety pump? Is that what it was? Can he clarify? Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Nunakput.

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Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you. We need a fire truck, Madam Chair. The community is at risk without a fire truck. The fire truck is 30 years old. It still could run, still pumps water, but there is no insurance. You can't use it. You're not supposed to use it; but we did use it. For the safety of the firefighters that are there, they're all volunteer, and there has to be a way, in regard to working with the community, to get something sooner rather than later, because the community is stretched to the limit already. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I will take that, as well, and if the Member could identify the community, I will work with the community to look at the need for their fire truck. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Nunakput.

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Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Minister. Now, I am looking at ground ambulance service for the Tuktoyaktuk Inuvik Highway. We don't have ambulance service. We have the RCMP in Tuktoyaktuk, and we put people in the back of a pick-up truck in a stretcher and bring them to the health centre. Thank God we haven't had any real accidents on that road yet. The safety concern, we did a study with CRA that did the study for the road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk that has an ambulance that is going back and forth being able to help out in the community, if needed, as well. We had buy-in from the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk in regard to providing a place for that ambulance, but why isn't there ambulance service put into the community of Tuktoyaktuk? There is ambulance service right across the territory at the government cost, not the local, in regard to providing that kind of service, too. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I hear the Member's comments, and I just would like to elaborate that the Tuktoyaktuk highway is fairly new. In looking at upgrades and looking at services that we need to provide, I would like to work with the community. I know that he had expressed, too, that there was already a study done with CRA, but I would like to look at that and visit that approach again. Looking at the services that are going to be provided, they will be accessing and using that highway quite a bit, so it is going to change the dynamic of the services in that community. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Nunakput.

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Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Chair. I really think that, for this coming year, in regard to planning and working with the community of Tuktoyaktuk and in regard to ambulance service is needed for safety and for the community and then the tourists, because people are getting hurt being trucked in. Like I said, RCMP is hauling them in the back of their trucks out of the kindness of their hearts, where there is no insurance for them. For anybody driving that truck, if something does happen to them, God forbid deceased, they could be liable. We have to start really thinking outside of the box in trying to service our people. I look forward to working with the Minister. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 676

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Minister.

Page 676

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I will be working with the Member going forward in regard to the fire truck and the road ambulance. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 676

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Nunakput.

Page 677

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just to add, too, because in the Mackenzie Delta, I have cousins all over, and I want to make sure that Inuvik, Aklavik, the ice road, Tsiigehtchic to Fort McPherson to Inuvik, there should be a vehicle that is just cruising down on the highway like how they do it from here to Behchoko, Yellowknife to Behchoko. You see that ambulance service. There should be something, at least two vehicles, either one based in Tuktoyaktuk and one based in Inuvik, driving the Aklavik ice road in the winter, and then, for the summer, driving from Inuvik to Tsiigehtchic to the border. The biggest thing is making sure that we are getting proper coverage and safety for the people in the Delta. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I see the concern brought up in the Nunakput and Mackenzie Delta region. I will be following up with the Member. As for the ambulance service delivered in Behchoko, we have worked with the community. Just looking and elaborating on that a little bit more, I will follow up with the Member just to make sure that I am clear on the messaging. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. I will move on to Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. I have some questions about the 911 program. I know that it's a new program, on page 333. It's been long needed, and I am really happy to see this line item. I am looking forward to seeing how this program grows. Like any new program, I think we expect that there's going to be some fine tuning; we're going to take some bruises, I think, as a department. I am hoping that it's going along well. I know that, when we were first briefed on this in November, we were told that we should expect to see some little issues, glitches, here and there. I just want to hear from the Minister how things are going there, and I did have a few questions about this program. Marsi cho.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. As of March 9^th, 911 has received an estimated total of 9,000 calls. Of those, 29 percent of them were police-related; 1 percent of the calls were fire-related; 4 percent were medical-related. The remaining 66 percent of the calls are classified as non-emergency, which can include prank calls, test calls, and other inquiries of a non-emergency nature. Since going live, as of March 9, 2020, 911 has had five French callers and two Cantonese callers, and there have been no official language calls as of to date. The French callers were supported by the 911 dispatchers who are bilingual. With the Cantonese calls, the dispatcher used translation services through CanTalk. All calls that required translations were within Yellowknife. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi, Madam Chair, and thank you for those stats. I think I would ask the Minister, too, to give this in writing to standing committee, please.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I will do that. I will provide the information to the Member. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. I'm just listening to the languages and stuff, how the breakdown went there. I would like to know, too, a breakdown of where the calls are coming from, the communities. I think that would be important, as well. Marsi cho.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I will provide the community context. All calls throughout the Northwest Territories will be within that written report to the committee. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. Thank you for the response. I would like to know, too, after hours, where are those calls routed to? That's to the Minister. Marsi cho.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. The service is available 24 hours a day, so I am not too sure if that clarifies your question. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you for the response. I'm aware that it's 24 hours, but where are the calls being taken?

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Sorry, I didn't hear you. The calls are from Yellowknife. The 911 office is located here in the city. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. You mentioned something quickly about official languages. I'm always wanting to be proactive and stuff. I remember we had a very serious incident way up in Sahtu where an elder witnessed something, and there was a big disconnect with the dispatcher for the RCMP. Unfortunately, somebody ended up deceased from that. If we have somebody with one of the official languages call in to 911, how is that call dealt with and how does that process work? When the person calls in, where is the call routed to and how is it dealt with? Marsi cho.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just going to start off, and I'm going to get Ms. Young to elaborate on the response. I was concerned very much, as well, with the official languages and to seeing that we do meet the needs of the Northwest Territories. When I went to go toward the location, it was actually that we didn't have very many, I want to say almost none, calls that were called in requesting an Indigenous language. Right now, we do work with CanTalk, that does provide that service, but we did run into situations where we just have a limited number of translators for each of, I want to say there are seven dialects in the Northwest Territories, who actually speak the language, who can respond. We had a hard time to find those translators in the Northwest Territories. Going forward, according to what we have, our response is very quick and very effective, very efficient, to where the responders on the phone are able to decrease and rate a call and that they are able to almost provide the assistance over the phone. I'll have Eleanor elaborate on it a little bit more. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

Page 677

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. The way that the translation system works, the call comes in live to the operators, who, as the Minister said, are in our call centre 24-7. If they recognize that it's not French or English, they immediately dial in this CanTalk service, which then identifies the language and connects with a translator. We have, as much as has been possible, provided them with names of translators in the Northwest Territories who speak the languages, so that CanTalk could actually connect them with those individuals.

Unfortunately, and I know this has been a conversation with Education, Culture and Employment, as well, we don't have enough translators in the Northwest Territories to be able to operate this as a sustainable service in the territories currently, although that is ideally a goal of all of us, to be able to, instead of using CanTalk, have that translation service provided here. This CanTalk service is an interim solution that connects us to translators as quickly as possible. I know that we haven't tested it yet, because we've not had an Indigenous call come in, but the goal is to be able to have the translation connected and working live with the client within 60 to 80 seconds. Unfortunately, I can't tell you whether that has happened on the ground, because we haven't had one to experience yet. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi, Madam Chair. Thank you to Ms. Young and the Minister for the response. I'm just looking through this, as well. It's always good, when you are doing a new program, you don't want to set it up to fail; you make sure it doesn't go by the wayside. I'm just wondering if the Minister could let me know if they feel like the staffing right now is adequate to keep this program running and if this will be adequate, this number here, this line item, to fund it; if $1.2 million will be enough moving forward. Marsi cho.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. This program rolling out is very new. I think we launched November of last year. We haven't been functioning for a year, yet. Going forward, I will be doing an assessment to see how our program is rolling out. Right now, we have I want to say seven staff and a relief. We have seven staff and a relief working at this call centre. As we go forward, we will be evaluating this program. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Page 677

Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you. Mahsi cho, Madam Chair. One last question: are those staff, the ones you've just mentioned, are they reflected on page 335 at all? Mahsi cho.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 677

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, they are reflected on the page. Thank you.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you. We will move on to the Member for Kam Lake.

Page 677

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I appreciate all the questions leading and opening up the subject of 911 from my colleague. You mentioned just now that you have seven staff working with the 911 program. Is seven staff considered fully staffed? Thank you.

Page 677

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Presently, that is considered fully staffed. I said we will be reviewing the program probably within the year, so we would be able to see the program functioning and coming out. There could be a possible request for changes and more staff. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Right now we sometimes have a lot of people off sick, especially when flu season hits, when staff is short, where do the calls get routed to? Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. When we are receiving these responses and we require more staff, we have the med staff who are available, as well. I just want to really elaborate that we ended up hiring the one relief so it would alleviate and try to take care of the amount of hours and stress because I was very mindful of it when I went in. This could almost be a 24-hour position because they do get calls in. The centre is quite busy, so I'm very mindful of it just looking at the program delivery going forward. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Just to confirm, calls are only answered in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, that's correct.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. What percent of emergency calls received in the Northwest Territories are going to 911? Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't have those numbers in front of me right now. I'd have to get back to the Member. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much. I would appreciate that, and I think that would go to the government operations committee, if possible. Thank you. My next question is: I'm wondering if the Minister could identify the significant growing pains they have experienced with 911 and how the department is addressing them. Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Since the program and the service has just been available to us since November, we have had I don't want to say staffing issues, but it's a very unique education that you need to fill these positions. There is just a limited number of people who come forward with this expertise. Looking at training, as well, I did emphasize that, as well, that we do have the centre available, and we would be open for training. It's very specific, and the level of training required is very different. That style of training is not available in the North, but I will have Ms. Young elaborate on the response. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

Page 678

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a couple of things to add to the Minister's comments in terms of what we've observed. Obviously, the question of staffing, the staffing was identified based on what we assumed would be typical call volumes, so we have to measure what we're actually receiving against the model that was used to predict the number of staff and see if we are adequately staffing. We have had things come up like staff requesting parental leave, which, of course, when you design a staff model, you're not anticipating somebody being away for a long period of time, so how to cover that kind of situation.

It was designed in a way to meet national accreditation standards, so there have been some growing pains in just how calls are received and communicated to dispatch centres in communities. We are working through those with a number of communities. In some cases, communities have hired some additional support; in other cases, we're working with the community to try to go through and iron out exactly what the issues are and resolve those. I am working quite closely, for example, with the City of Yellowknife on some issues that they have identified and trying to work through what's causing the issue and then what the resolution to that issue is. We will be doing a report every year within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year, so I am looking forward to seeing the first report and some of the numbers and the analysis about how many calls we're getting, how much time our staff are putting in to be able to really get a better handle on: is it the right amount of staff? Are we getting the right expertise? Are there any other issues coming up? Those are the initial things that we have noticed. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Earlier, you gave some fabulous stats to my colleague in regard to trends in calls, specific to how many were fire, ambulance, and police. I am wondering if you also track data in regard to what type of calls, specifically: are they domestic violence? Are they car accidents? Are they suicide-related? I'm wondering if you're tracking trends in data related to that type of information. Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, we are. It's a new program. It's a new rollout. There is a lot of information that is out there, but just looking to see what identifies this program and what comes with it, yes, we do identify those different types of calls. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am wondering what the Minister does with this data, and do they share it with Health and Social Services? Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. This data determines how we are going to roll out the program and what we need to improve. We do share the information with the department of health. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. You mentioned national accreditation, and I'm wondering if the department audits the calls that they have through 911 and, with the auditing, what specifically they look at. Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Looking at asking about an audit, the program has only existed since November. It hasn't been a year yet, but looking at the types of calls that we have determines the quality and the style of service that we are going to be providing. Going forward, auditing, the program has to be at least alive for a year for us to get those real numbers and those real stats. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

Page 678

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. With my final couple minutes here, I would like to switch subject matters, but still under public safety. We had a conversation with EIA in regard to the SPCA and the funding that was given through EIA to the SPCA. Last term, we saw MACA give funding to the SPCA. I am wondering where that piece of the puzzle fits within the GNWT. The SPCA is more than just a place for animals. It has a huge public safety component to it. I know that we have an expectation for community governments to handle that, but we are underfunding community governments. There is nowhere for people to take their pets in a lot of these communities to be spayed or to be vaccinated. One bad dog bite can turn into a hugely expensive medical travel bill. I am wondering where this fits within the GNWT. Thank you.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 678

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Right now, it has been brought up before, and even during the campaign, that we're looking at the SPCA and who is responsible for the animals. We need to look at and consult with the local communities and see what level of service is provided. Also, this is what the Premier had committed to, as well, too, so our department will be following up and trying to find solutions on how we are going to be working with animals in the SPCA within the communities. I just want to say that because there is no SPCA within the communities, but we need to have some kind of control and service provided at the community level. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 678

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

Page 678

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I will reiterate my colleague's comments that the NWT SPCA does do work in all of the communities. I think, more and more, we're realizing that animal health is just a part of human health, and if you see rabies transmit between species, it can have devastating effects. It's a huge public health thing. I'll just reiterate that. That is the aspect that I find most concerning about the gap.

I wanted to switch. I heard the Minister say that, currently, all calls are being answered in the NWT. My understanding is that there were some dispatch centres, and that may actually be community dispatch centres, or there was talk of us, I believe, hiring Alberta to take over phone calls if medical services can't. Can I just confirm whether that's happening?

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, the Member is correct. We do have Inuvik and Hay River, but these services were established before 911, and we work with them in conjunction, as well. Yes, we work with them. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Member, for your comment.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

Page 679

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I look forward to seeing this first 911 report. I know that there have been some growing pains, and there are a number of conversations. I was wondering if the report will have a comparison of dispatch times post-911 and pre-911.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Sorry, Minister, wait for your light.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just thinking, post-911 and pre-911, the program hasn't been around for a year, so I would really like to look at those stats after the year that the program has actually been launched to determine those numbers. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

Page 679

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. The concern I am wanting to address is that I know 911, due to the certification, adds some extra steps, which means, at times, when a person is calling 911, as opposed to the old number, the time is actually taking longer. I am wondering if dispatch times will be part of the report.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Looking at the response times that we have, don't quote me on it, but I think that we are in the seconds to be responding to calls that are coming through. Looking at where the Member is probably thinking that the time is kind of taking a while for us to respond is, I want to say, with the City of Yellowknife, because they do provide a service; we provide a service, but we are actually working together to improve and have one established service for the City of Yellowknife. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

Page 679

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

I appreciate that, and I know that there is a lot of work to do. It's with each dispatch. I think 911 is a great step, and I think that following these public service standards is great. Sometimes you're better off just calling the fire department directly if you need the fire department in Hay River. We need to eliminate that step. We need to encourage 911 to be always used. When we get the numbers, seeing how many calls are going to the old number, I would also like to see if we, in the report, will have numbers showing how long 911 calls are taking.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I hear the Member's comment, and we are still in transition, so I'm expecting the members of the public to be continuing to call the old numbers that were distributed in the past, but we are in transition. Going forward, I will provide the Member with the times of the calls that were received. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. I just want to remind the Members to say "thank you" at the end. We have a different sound guy, so he needs to know when you're done, for the microphones. Thank you. Member for Yellowknife North.

Page 679

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll remember to do that. I appreciate looking at the dispatch times, because I recognize people are going to continue to call the old numbers, and the goal is to eventually get everyone on 911 and make sure we are all having conversations about dispatch times. I look forward to those conversations. My next question is to consumer affairs. I, in time, would like to see a new Consumer Protection Act with a little more teeth, but can I get a sense of how many complaints the consumer affairs department deals with? Thank you.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm not familiar with the number of consumer affairs complaints that we have received, but I will look to my colleagues to see if they have additional information that I can provide for you right now. I'll have Ms. Young respond. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

Page 679

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. Surprisingly, the number of calls is actually quite small. In 2019, we had five complaints originate out of Yellowknife, two out of Hay River, and that has been typical. A lot of the emphasis has been on public education, but there have not been a lot of calls. I think part of that lends to what the Member is speaking of, about what we can do under the act. With us having a limited ability to do something, there may not be an impetus for people to call. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Yellowknife North.

Page 679

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I completely agree. I think, without the legislation having more teeth, you get fewer complaints. I was just curious whether it was being utilised and the extent, now. Sorry, I wanted to switch to the Office of the Fire Marshal. This is probably one of my largest, actually, areas of constituents' complaints, is coming out of the Fire Marshal. I'm very excited that we will be reviewing the act. I believe there is a bit of a cultural issue in the department, in not working with people, and there has been inflexibility. I even know that the GNWT itself has had some issues with that office. What is the Minister doing to deal with the number of complaints regarding the Office of the Fire Marshal?

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am aware that we do have some concerns in regard to the Office of the Fire Marshal, but then I just feel reluctant to answer the question because it is a human resources question. Going forward, we are very consistent with the number of complaints that we do deal with, and we do act on them, as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

Page 679

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. Sorry, I actually don't even know who the Fire Marshal is. I'm not speaking about the specific Fire Marshal; it's an office with procedures and policies in place, and people run into them. I know the Chamber has talked about appeal mechanisms. People have talked about adopting the Building Code to be more flexible for the realities on the ground. There are a number of ways we could amend the current policies and procedures under the Fire Marshal. I'm not speaking of the Fire Marshal as a person. I'm just wondering: has there been an increase in complaints stemming out of disputes around the Office of the Fire Marshal? Is that being dealt with? Can I just get a sense of where that's going?

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. My apologies to the Member. I misunderstood the question. There are concerns in regard to the Office of the Fire Marshal, and the concerns that are brought forward deal with buildings and standards and whatever. That is why we are working with the Fire Prevention Act to improve our services. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. I will now move on to Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Page 679

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. My questions are to do with emergency management. I'm aware that the department created an NWT emergency plan in 2018. Has that emergency plan been fully implemented at this point? Thank you.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, it has, and it is available. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Page 679

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to the Minister for that response. What would it take to activate this emergency plan now, if we required it in connection with the public health emergency? Thank you.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 679

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Looking at the emergency plan, because I do know that we have quite a concern happening right now and there's a lot of discussion happening in the Northwest Territories. I'm going to have Ms. Young elaborate on the emergency plan and what it would take to initiate it. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 679

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

Page 680

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't remember the specifics in the act, but it does refer to widespread things that impact public health and safety, and things of that nature. That is part of the live conversation happening every day right now between the Department of Health and Municipal and Community Affairs about which legislation is dealing with which aspects of the situation with the developing virus and which one offers the best tools to take steps, if steps are required, for further action than what is currently in place. That is part of the ongoing conversation. Sorry. I don't remember the specific wording in the act about when we actually activate a state of emergency, which is really what triggers our emergency measures organization to be fully up and operating. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Page 680

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for that response. The state of emergency is the activation tool. Once the state of emergency is declared, what kind of scope and reach does this plan have? Does it reach every NWT community? What kind of reach does it have, and scope? Thank you.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to be specific on the response because looking at a community level and the stakeholders that would be involved in the process, if there were to be any concerns in regard to initiating the emergency plan. I'm going to have Eleanor elaborate on the response. Thank you.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

Page 680

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, the act provides powers to declare a state of emergency in part or all of the territory, depending on the nature of what activities need to be undertaken. If it was for example related to travel or provision of goods and services across the territory, it could be the entire territory, but if it's dealing with a specific region, a wildfire, it could be within the region. The plan provides the flexibility to respond to the type of emergency that is in place. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Page 680

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for that response. What kind of resources would you need to activate the plan on a territory-wide basis?

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. The plan would involve, I would say, all levels. All levels would be involved, and there is consultation and involvement to make sure that the emergency and the safety of the people of the Northwest Territories, that it's a collaborative plan that involves stakeholders and people within the Northwest Territories, not only Municipal and Community Affairs. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife Centre

Page 680

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for that response. I was thinking more about financial resources. How does the department access financial resources for activating this plan? Thank you.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to let Ms. Young elaborate on the financial resources that are available to initiate the emergency plan. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

Page 680

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair, under the Emergency Measures Act, of course, the act provides authorities, and we have a territorial planning committee that would be overseeing this with all of the departments. If it got to a situation where we needed additional financial resources, there are provisions under our Financial Administration Act to seek emergency funding if it was necessary. We also have a disaster financial arrangement with Canada. Again, depending on the size and scope of the emergency, it's actually a sliding scale of reimbursement to get money back from Canada.

For example, with the wildfires from 2014, we've just recently finished our audit of that claim and are receiving partial reimbursement for our expenditures from the 2014 wildfires. Those were funded on an emergency basis for the GNWT, but we've been able to recover part of that funding from Canada. It's multi-layer. The same thing happens with the communities. If their resources are exceeded, they can come to the territorial government. When our resources are exceeded, we can go to Canada. That's the way the structure is set up. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Page 680

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just out of curiosity, what percentage of money is the department getting back that was spent in that 2014 fire season?

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Member, for your question. 2014, honestly, I'd have to get back to you on the amount that was returned back to the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Are there any further questions under public safety? If there's no further questions under public safety, please go to page 333, Municipal and Community Affairs, public safety, operations expenditure summary, 2020-2021 Main Estimates, $2,839,000. Does committee agree?

March 12th

Page 680

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, committee. We will now move to page 337, regional operations. Starting on page 336 with information items up to 340. Questions? Member for Yellowknife North.

March 12th

Page 680

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. Can someone tell me what the municipal funding gap currently is?

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. It's approximately $40 million a year. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

March 12th

Page 680

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. Can I just commit that with our mandate commitment of reducing the municipal funding gap by $5 million, that in three and a half years, it will be at $35 million a year approximately? Is that correct?

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, that is correct. I want to elaborate a little bit that we are trying to work with the municipalities, and trying to look for other sources of funding where they can look at that funding gap and find resources for their services. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Yellowknife North.

March 12th, 2020

Page 680

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate we should be working with our communities to find other sources. Get money from the feds is the slogan around here. I want to confirm: if it's approximately 40, and it's going to be approximately 35, and we know that the gap actually increases with inflation, and it increases with devaluing of assets, are we going to be spending more than $5 million in the life of this Assembly to reduce the municipal funding gap?

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to elaborate a little bit on the municipal gap. I had to get the briefings, and I had to understand where this municipal gap came from. I just want to really express that it wasn't just that it had happened one year, that $40 million. All the communities were cut. It was a number that was developed through a report, in a study that was done for the Northwest Territories. Since the report has been distributed, we have not cut back within our communities. The budgets have still stayed and remained the same. The communities have not been cut back as long as the announcement has been made. I am going to let Ms. Young elaborate on this topic. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

March 12th

Page 680

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. The point the Minister, the MLA is making is exactly what we saw in the last Assembly where despite an investment of $11 million, the gap did grow. Part of the plan, we have the mandate item as identified, but there is an opportunity each year to come forward through the forced growth process to deal with the inflationary increases, and that would be the intent so that you don't lose any pace with that $5 million. It would be the goal, so that the $5 million is a net deduction in the gap is our goal. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Yellowknife North.

March 12th

Page 680

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate that. That's exactly the answer I was looking for. I tried to ask this a couple of times, and I think that clarifies it. I'm very happy to hear that, which we will make a dent in it. Thank you, Madam Chair. No further questions.

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Are there any other questions under regional operations? Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 680

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. Is it reasonable to assume that that municipal funding gap will decrease over time considering the age of some of the infrastructure in the communities? Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 680

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 680

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is built into the calculations. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. I assume that the department is working with the communities to identify some areas where they can raise money. I'm just wondering if you have any idea what those areas may be. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Working with the communities, and I just want to mention land transfer, but it's a very difficult process for the communities to gain that responsibility. There's a lot of other situations that come along with it. In looking at the grant-in-lieu that we do have, in looking at the federal funding, as well, that we do support the communities and with their application process for them to receive additional funding. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just looking at community government funding and formula funding. Has the department reviewed the formula funding in the last while to confirm it's equitable and it works for all the communities? Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I will just revert this question over to Eleanor Young, Ms. Young. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

March 12th

Page 681

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. That was exactly the work that was done in 2014 was to go out and take a look at our funding formulas and ensure that they were fair and equitable across all communities. That work was what resulted in the funding gap numbers that we have been discussing now for the last few years. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just going over to recreation and the sports programming. I see we spend a few dollars in that. I'm just wondering if the money we're spending is actually providing any benefit or some benefit to supporting youth, and helping them keep in shape, and whatever else they have to do? Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Just to clarify, that would be under sports and recreation, so that is the last section of MACA. The sports and recreation is our last. We're on the fifth, and that's the seventh section. Did you have further questions on regional operations? Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Just to clarify, we're on regional operations?

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

We are on regional operations.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Page 339?

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Sorry. I thought you were asking about -- there's a whole section of sports and recreation. I will give you some time on the clock. Can you re-ask your question?

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. The funds that we're providing for recreation funding to children and youth and the programming, is the money we're spending, are we getting value, I guess, for those dollars? For me, recreation and sports are very important. I think it helps develop youth. I just want to make sure we're providing the funding and we're getting the value for what we are providing. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to just elaborate a little bit. The binder kind of seems a little bit confusing that these are regional operations. We do provide these programs at the community level. As you go forward into sport and recreation, that is funding that we provide for organizations to deliver sport and recreation. Anyways, I just wanted to list this off, that we have recreation funding. This is for the smaller communities. The Children and Youth Resiliency Program, regional youth sports events, the Youth Contribution Program, and the Youth Corps would be at the community level. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just going to go to the -- and hopefully, this is the right section -- senior citizens and disabled persons property tax relief. I see we have an increase from $847,000 up to $1,005,000. Can you just elaborate on that increase? Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Hay River. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. There was an increase there, and it was due to the amount of applications that we did receive for the seniors and disability tax relief program. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. To access that program, what is the age requirement?

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. The age requirement is 65. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. If there is a husband and wife, and one is 65 and the other is not, can they still access that program? Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would have to get back to the Member. I just want to be specific and clear that, if there is a husband and wife, and the property tax is under the husband's name or the wife's name or both, that makes a difference. If it's under just the one, then I would have to get clarification. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

March 12th

Page 681

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Chair. That question has come up before, and what happens is that one spouse has to sell the property to the other to access that. Myself, I don't think that's right. I look forward to your answer. Thank you.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I will return with comments for the Member for clarification. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Committee, we will take a break right now.

---SHORT RECESS

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

We are calling committee back to order, and we are on activity regional operations. We finished with Hay River South. Are there questions on regional operations? Member for Kam Lake.

March 12th

Page 681

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I am wondering, for the sports activities that are located under other contributions, can the Minister advise what percentage of that funding goes to planning versus the actual activities and events? Thank you.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just going to have Ms. Young respond. Thank you.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

March 12th

Page 681

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. All of the programs that you see there are actually contribution programs. The administration of those programs is done by our staff, which is funded up in the staff component. This is the actual dollars of the program that are delivered. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Kam Lake.

March 12th

Page 681

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. That's excellent news. I am wondering if the Minister can speak to the Children and Youth Resiliency Program that is outlined on page 338. Thank you.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 681

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Hi. Just a second. Thank you, Madam Chair. MACA provides $450,000 in annual contributions to community governments or other organizations to support programs that encourage physical literacy and resilience in children and youth. This program also supports GNWT objectives related to healthy communities and to poverty, mental health and addictions, and education. The Children and Youth Resiliency Program helps support and develop physical activity and mental health resilience amongst NWT children and youth. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 681

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Kam Lake.

March 12th

Page 681

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. How many communities currently take advantage or are included in that program? Thank you.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Twenty-nine is the number. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member.

March 12th

Page 682

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I heard the number 29. Why are the other four communities not involved in this program? Thank you.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. That is application-based. The other communities did not apply. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member.

March 12th

Page 682

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I am wondering if, because these are application-based programs, does MACA maintain a database of different applications that communities have put in that communities could potentially draw from so that they're not starting from scratch or trying to reinvent the wheel of a program that is working really well for another neighbouring community? Thank you.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. We do not share, but if the applicant would like to work towards a program, we are there to support and see them through the application. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member.

March 12th

Page 682

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Is the Minister willing to create access to this information or kind of a database, even on their website, of different programs that communities are putting together so that communities are able to work together to take advantage of this funding? A lot of times, there is a need for capacity to be able to, not only put these programs on, but also do the work for the grants that need to be done in order to get the funding. If we have that information readily available for programs that are working, it takes a lot of that work away from communities having to put that work in to get the money. Thank you.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to the Member for that suggestion. I would like to put that information together of what MACA has supported and look at interest throughout the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Are there any other questions under regional operations? Seeing no further questions, please look on page 337. Municipal and Community Affairs, regional operations, operations expenditure summary, 2020-2021 Main Estimates, $96,577,000. Does committee agree?

March 12th

Page 682

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, committee. We will now turn to Municipal and Community Affairs, School of Community Government, starting on page 341, with information items up to page 344. Questions? Questions on School of Community Government? Member for Kam Lake.

March 12th

Page 682

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. Frame Lake. What will be the role of the School of Community Government with regard to implementation of access to information and protection of privacy legislation at the municipal level? Thanks, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am going to revert this question over to Ms. Young. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

March 12th

Page 682

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. This hasn't been defined yet, because we actually have our first working group meeting with our stakeholder group in April, at the end of April. Part of the role of that working group is to map out what implementation of access to information will look like for community governments, including identifying training needs. Once that is identified, then we will be able to be clearer and more succinct about what exactly the school's role will be in terms of delivery of training to support this, but we do not have a definitive answer to that as of yet. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Frame Lake.

March 12th

Page 682

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. I take what the deputy minister said, and maybe my next question might be a little bit speculative. Presumably, though, the School of Community Government would have some role to play or LGANT, Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories, is going to have some role to play in making sure that there are training modules or seminars or workshops available so that staff are going to know how to do access to information in the future. If there are additional resources needed, that might come in the form of a supplementary appropriation. Does that seem like a logical approach? Thanks, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. The approach, we will have a collaborative approach, but ultimately, the decision lies with the Department of Justice. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Frame Lake.

March 12th

Page 682

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. Actually, it doesn't lie with the Department of Justice. Yes, the regulation will determine how it's going to roll out, but MACA needs to be there to support the communities. If that requires additional resources on MACA's part through the School of Community Government or whatever the other tools are, that's a MACA responsibility, and I think MACA should be prepared to stand up to the plate. As I understand it, they've already started that work. Thanks, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. My apologies to the Member. I did not answer the question correctly. I will revert this question over to Ms. Young. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Young.

March 12th

Page 682

Young

Thank you, Madam Chair. The only reason I'm cautious around this is the Department of Justice does have a role in training, as well. Without knowing how much of a role they will play in training on the community government side, I can't say whether additional resources will be needed to deliver training through the school or not. That's the only reason for my hesitation to say exactly what that might look like, but agreed, there will be training required. Just how and when it will be delivered, to be determined. Thanks for the clarification. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Ms. Young. Member for Frame Lake.

March 12th

Page 682

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. Can I get a commitment out of the Minister, I think we got it from previous Ministers, that whatever the plan is, it's going to be shared with standing committee so that standing committee can see what the proposed rollout is going to look like? Thanks, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I'm committed to providing the information to standing committee. Thank you.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Are there any further questions under School of Community Government? Seeing that there are no further questions under School of Community Government, please look to page 342, Municipal and Community Affairs, School of Community Government, operations expenditure summary, 2020-2021 Main Estimates, $2,933,000. Does committee agree?

March 12th

Page 682

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, committee. We will now turn to page 345, which is the sports, recreation, and youth activity. Questions. Any questions? Member for Yellowknife Centre.

March 12th

Page 682

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a question about funding from the department for the Arctic Winter Games. The money that was allocated to the games that didn't take place, how much of a surplus is that going to generate in the department? Thank you.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 682

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Sorry, I didn't hear the question, but it was to do with the Arctic Winter Games and how much money we generated due to the cancellation? Okay. We haven't determined those numbers yet, because we've just cancelled it; I think it was on Monday we made the official announcement. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 682

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Any questions? Member for Nunakput.

March 12th

Page 682

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Chair. On 348, in our communities, our volunteers, I think we should be doing a little bit more recognition in regard to that because we are burning out volunteers, and it's getting harder and harder to get volunteers. I think what we should be looking at with the department of sport and recreation is that we start doing a little bit more, like a feast in the community every year in regard to appreciation and stuff like that for volunteers. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 683

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 683

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to elaborate a little bit on the volunteer recognition. MACA does provide money to recognize volunteers. It's applied for through applications, and we only received eight last year. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 683

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Nunakput.

March 12th

Page 683

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Chair. I think I'm going to elaborate a little bit more on the volunteers that we do have, the recognition that they do get, or sometimes they don't. We have so many people who volunteer all the time in the communities. We used to have awards every year, something like that. Does the department still do stuff like that in recognition of that? Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 683

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

Page 683

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, that award recognition, it is advertised for community governments to put their name forward or to recognize volunteers within their community. They are encouraged to put forward an application, and money is provided to them. It's $1,000 per award. Thank you, Madam Chair.

March 12th

Page 683

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Nunakput.

March 12th

Page 683

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Chair. No. Just in regard to our sport and recreation, I think with all the athletes who did not go to the Arctic Winter Games, I was going to bring this up. Maybe the recreation department in each community that could take pictures of the athletes who were supposed to go, with their uniform, and they could make their book. Every time you went to the Arctic Winter Games, you got a book with just the pictures of the teams, and stuff like that, Team NWT; a little bit of pride, right? I think something like that should be done, instead of just saying, "Keep your jackets." All the hard work they put into it for the whole year; it's nobody's fault how this COVID-19 happened. It's just safety for the people. What we have to do is: when everything is over, maybe sometime, we could do something like that for the athletes and the coaches and all the staff who took part in this and make a little bit of a pride out of it, also. Thank you, Madam Chair. What are your thoughts?

March 12th

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. I was just asking my department how many athletes we had sent out for the Arctic Winter Games who were supposed to be going to Whitehorse. I do appreciate the Member's comment, and I will be looking at a celebration like that, a model like that. I'm open to further discussion from the other Members to recognize our athletes. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. Just to follow up a little bit more with my colleague from Yellowknife Centre. I have questions on a surplus. Since the games were cancelled, would any surpluses go back into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, or would they go back into the youth programs? Marsi cho.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Minister.

March 12th

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Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Madam Chair. The money that would be received back from the Arctic Winter Games would go back into the Lotteries Fund. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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Steve Norn Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. Nothing further.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Are there any further questions under sports, recreation, and youth? Seeing none, we will move to page 346, Municipal and Community Affairs, sports, recreation and youth, operations expenditure summary, 2020-2021 Main Estimates, $5,507,000. Does committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, committee. Turn now to department summary found on page 317. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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

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